One of my friends might be picking up an 86 CRX for cheap. I have been looking into swaps, but it seems that most are for the 88 and up models. He isn't looking for a CRX/ITR hybrid. Just a good engine with decent power. I'm thinking along the lines of a ZC. Any info on the what is needed and difficulty of swap would be appreciated. This is in Alabama as well so emissions do not apply.

 

ANYTHING is possible $$$

The most common swaps are b16 swaps, b18a (LS/VTEC), B18c1 (gsr engine), b18c5 (ITR motor, beautiful but oh so expensive), and finally CR-VTEC.....it all depends on what you are looking for...b16 is cheap, reliable, and has been done so many times that alot of info is out there on it, b18c's provide relatively cheap power, b20 is a torque monster....

There is also the h22, but because of its weight, it doesnt go well with CRX's (especially first gens).......

 

What is the stock engines code? ie: d16, d15?
If its a stock d-series motor, the sohc vtec (will bolt in with no problems using the stock crx tranny. But wiring it up to run is another thing.......GOOD LUCK, and hopefully someone else can answer this question better than me .

 

86 CRX is not a D series engine. Here are your options:

If it's carbed, it's gonna be abitch to convert it to fuel injection, so get a brown top zc, and some side draft mikuni or weber carbs to throw on there.

If its injected, you have several options:
First, the 86-97 integra motor bolts in with the integra mounts, wiring is the same and all. Use the teg ecu as well.
Second, get a brown top ZC, throw it in there, bolts up to the mounts, trans, etc..
Third, HASport makes a mount kit to put a B series motor in there. Cheapest route would be a B16.

HTH