I have a '91 CRX automatic with the stock motor in it.. It was not running when I bought it and I had to replace the headgasket and have the head prepped and such... blah blah it's running now and needs some minor stuff like a CV boot, etc.

My question is I would like to make it a nice daily driver with good gas mileage, passing power but no forced induction needed or racing involved, preferably with AC.

It has the D15B2 engine with 202k on the odo, and it needs an A/C line, condensor and possibly compressor to get the A/C back working. I work as a Honda tech for a dealership, so the labor part is in the bag as I have access to all the tools and lifts and such I would need.

My question is, what is the smartest and most cost effective way to proceed with this car? The engine is a little tired after 200k of miles, but I wouldn't be suprised to get another 100k out of it easily. For a daily driven car that is good running and simple, what would you guys recommend I swap in?

I would actually prefer to keep the automatic transmission if possible, so any swap would need to be compatible with the auto tranny... (if there are any..)

Just looking for advice from experienced folks and what their .02 on doing is... I don't want to spend over a grand on the whole project including A/C. Thanks in advance!

 

Maybe a d15b vtec swap.

 

Any D series will bolt right in...The only issues will be the wiring if you want a Vtec D series.

 

Intake and exhaust will increase power a tiny bit and wont affect your mileage much. Also if you were to rebuild your motor it would help a little too.

 

I think:

Rebuild the head (gaskets, seals, valves, guides, keepers)
Main seals, belts, tensioner
Flush/refill the trans, maybe add a cheap trans cooler, or replace the radiator altogether (I believe the trans fluid is cooled by the radiator isn't it?)
New O2 sensor, new spark plugs, valve lash adjustment

 

make it mpfi first

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by TREBLE &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">make it mpfi first</TD></TR></TABLE>

^If you want to mod the car much, this is the route to go.^

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by TREBLE &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">make it mpfi first</TD></TR></TABLE>

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by njn63 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

^If you want to mod the car much, this is the route to go.^</TD></TR></TABLE>

Absolutely........then boost it......

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Dramier &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Iwhat is the smartest and most cost effective way to proceed with this car?</TD></TR></TABLE>
Leaving it alone and just driving it.

If it runs good, let it be and just enjoy the mileage.

 

Okay, I have definitely gotten some great replies here...

I think what I'm going to do is continue driving it on the stock 1.5L unil it coughs up a major issue or dies completely.

I've already installed a head gasket, distributor, plugs, wires and cam pulley.. In the meantime I'll wait for a good block to come in at the dealership and go from there.

Most likely block will be a D series, but I also might be able to get my hands on a 2.4L from a CR-V.. (I forget the series...)

Do you guys think it would be worthwhile to mess with a CR-V block? I'm not looking for performance at this time, just options in the event that a 200k+ mile stock motor gives out. I might play with the car someday and build some horsepower, but at this point in time I just want a good DD.

Thanks again.

 

the best way to keep and old 200k engine alive is to try and kill it. i swear! the harder you beat on it the more it will refuse to give up.

 

SOHC ZC w/ 5speed swap. A days work.

Easiest, cheapest, 120hp.

/thread.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by abnaasefmb &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">the best way to keep and old 200k engine alive is to try and kill it. i swear! the harder you beat on it the more it will refuse to give up.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Truer words have never been spoken...

In 1996, I got a brand spanking new 1997 S-10 truck stepside with the 2.2L.... babied the crap out of it... at 14k the engine started knocking and blew.

After spending half the bill split with GM, I dogged the **** out of it. It ran perfectly all the way up until I sold it.

So yes, I know -exactly- what you mean... lol....