New CRX HF owner

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Old Jan 5, 2008 | 07:07 PM
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Default New CRX HF owner

Hello everyone, here's a quick introduction to let you know who the new guy is that will be asking lots of questions.

I was putting 4,000 miles per month on my Comanche, which only got 20-21mpg. The wear-and-tear was adding up as well and after the truck spit out an axle shaft -with the tire attached- while I was going down the highway, I had to find a little commuter to keep me mobile.

On 1-3-08 I bought a 1988 Honda CRX HF. I saw it on Craigslist in the morning, checked it out, and bought it that night. It has 226,000 miles (and still purrs like a Honda), a new battery, almost-new tires, and a surprisingly clean interior. I paid $500 for it and drove it home. Yesterday I did the tax/tag/title bit and insured it, then swung by the parts store for the basics: Fluids, Filters, Haynes manual. I also put it on a rack at a mechanics shop to check out the underneath- it's going to need a new CV and new brakes pretty soon.

Last night I got to take it out on the highway for the first time and was pleasantly surprised that it would cruise along so nicely. Had to use 4th to go over the Skyway Bridge, but it stayed at 70. Today I filled it up before making a round-trip to school and back, a 140-mile commute I make nearly every day. I filled it again afterwards and figured out that it got 42.77 MPG. I only wish I'd found this car a year ago!

Pictures tomorrow.
I won't be swapping engines or doing racing modifications, but you can follow along and chuckle as I try just about everything to get as much mileage from this little old car as possible.




Modified by RiskEverything at 8:02 PM 1/7/2008
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Old Jan 5, 2008 | 07:32 PM
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pics please!
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Old Jan 5, 2008 | 07:34 PM
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Default Re: New CRX HF owner (RiskEverything)

Congrats on the find! Glad to see that you will be taking full advantage of the car and keeping it stock. Welcome to Honda-tech.

for you!
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Old Jan 5, 2008 | 07:50 PM
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Default Re: New CRX HF owner (RiskEverything)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by RiskEverything &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I won't be swapping engines or doing racing modifications, but you can follow along and chuckle as I try just about everything to get as much mileage from this little old car as possible.</TD></TR></TABLE>

There is one engine swap you might consider: a D15Z1 from a 1992-1995 Civic VX. Think of this engine as basically an updated version of yor stock D15B6. Like the D15B6, it was specifically designed for fuel economy. And with such improvements as OBDI electronics, lean-burn technology, and VTEC-E (a form of VTEC designed to maximize economy rather than performance), it is probably worth at least a few more MPG than what you are now getting. And to spice things up a little more, it has 30 more HP and 7 more ft-lb torque. Yes, your car will still be no race car. But it is a worthwhile upgrade if you want a newer motor with a little more MPG and HP. You can also probably get one REALLY cheap (or even free) from someone swapping one out of their VX to drop in a B-series.

By the way, I am doing this swap myself on a 1989 Civic STD HB. So it will be interesting how things work on this car. But you should get even better results on your lighter and more aerodynamic HF.
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Old Jan 7, 2008 | 05:49 PM
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Default Re: New CRX HF owner (StorminMatt)

Pictures!


As you can see, the interior isn't in bad condition at all. The tops of the door panels are a little nicked up, but that's about the worst of it.

Just had the driver's CV axle replaced, and will be re-doing the brakes after my next paycheck. They're really worn thin! I've made a "fix list" and a "wish list" and will be going down them pretty slowly.

StorminMatt- thanks for the engine information! I'll put some feelers out in the tuner crowd and see if anyone has a D15Z1 they're tripping over. What else would be required for the swap (transmission, wiring, computer, radiator, etc.)? Otherwise, I'm just going to leave the drivetrain alone, keep up on the maintenance, and see how long it lasts.

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Old Jan 7, 2008 | 05:54 PM
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Default Re: New CRX HF owner (RiskEverything)

Man reminds me ALOT of my old HF...sniff sniff... I sure miss that thing.

Looks like a great find for 500 bucks...looks like your check engine light is on! Fix that and you might be able to push some more MPG out of her. Good luck!
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Old Jan 7, 2008 | 06:00 PM
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Default Re: New CRX HF owner (harmonator84)

You gotta love getting 40+ MPG!

Looks pretty damn good for $500 too.
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Old Jan 7, 2008 | 06:03 PM
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Default Re: New CRX HF owner (RiskEverything)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by RiskEverything &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">StorminMatt- thanks for the engine information! I'll put some feelers out in the tuner crowd and see if anyone has a D15Z1 they're tripping over. What else would be required for the swap (transmission, wiring, computer, radiator, etc.)? Otherwise, I'm just going to leave the drivetrain alone, keep up on the maintenance, and see how long it lasts.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I would just keep the transmission you have. Not only is gearing pretty similar to the VX transmission. But if you wanted to use the VX transmission, you would have to shell out BIG bucks for the hydraulic mounts. Not worth it. Just one thing to consider. Since you have a 1988 transmission (unless it has been swapped out), you have a different input spline from the 1989-1995 transmissions. So you will either have to bolt your HF flywheel onto the D15Z1 and use the stock clutch OR use a 1986-1989 Accord disk with the VX clutch and flywheel. Bolting your HF flywheel might be better since it will allow you to buy a new clutch (should you ever need it) as a kit rather than having to piece things together. And since we are talking about low HP here, the smaller size of the 1988 clutch will not be a problem whatsoever.

Otherwise, just get the complete engine WITH ECU and five wire oxygen sensor. You might also want to get the EGR control box. But from what I have heard, the HF EGR control box actually works just fine. You will have to do an OBDI conversion to get the motor in. And this will differ a little from your typical OBDI conversion for a GSR or B16A in the sense that you will need one more wire for the oxygen sensor AND you will need to wire up the EGR control and lift sensor. But the EGR wires are already there on an HF. So it's just a matter of soldering them onto the OBDI plugs. You will, however, probably have to add the pins and wires in the proper place on the OBDI ECU plugs you get, as it is unlikely that the plugs will come out of a VX. On the other hand, it's not like the EGR wires have to be added in the car (as they will on my Civic STD), since the HF already has EGR stock.
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Old Jan 7, 2008 | 06:06 PM
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Default Re: New CRX HF owner (StorminMatt)

Nice, I want an HF!
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Old Jan 7, 2008 | 06:11 PM
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Default Re: New CRX HF owner (crx2nr822)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by crx2nr822 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Nice, I want an HF! </TD></TR></TABLE>

It's kind of interesting how interest in high fuel economy is becoming more widespread as gas gets ever more expensive. But it suppose it's inevitable.
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Old Jan 7, 2008 | 06:20 PM
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Default Re: New CRX HF owner (StorminMatt)

its quarter panel reminds me of a cow

EDIT: i like it, im not trying to be mean
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Old Jan 7, 2008 | 06:35 PM
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Default Re: New CRX HF owner (StorminMatt)

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

It's kind of interesting how interest in high fuel economy is becoming more widespread as gas gets ever more expensive. But it suppose it's inevitable.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Well not for the gas aspect, more of the weight aspect
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Old Jan 7, 2008 | 06:44 PM
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Congrats.

I bought a 1991 polar HF myself a few months ago. But i paid $2,300 for it because it was in incredible shape. It even had the original owner's manual and papers from the original owner. And you know how they say all cars are driven by an old lady. Well, this one really was. The seats are in like new condition which is crazy.

And i did calculate that i am getting about 40-42 miles per gallon which is great considering gas costs. You really do save money.
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Old Jan 7, 2008 | 06:48 PM
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Default Re: New CRX HF owner (crx2nr822)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by crx2nr822 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Well not for the gas aspect, more of the weight aspect </TD></TR></TABLE>

Don't overlook the 1988 DX. These cars are quite unloved. So this means that, compared to an HF, they are MUCH more common. Yes, they weigh about 100 pounds more than a 1988 HF. But unlike, say, the SI, this weight difference results completely from stuff that can be swapped out for lighter stuff. You could swap the lighter seats, flimsier bumper supports, smaller brakes, smaller gas tank, etc into the DX and have a car that is just as light. Or, if you upgrade this stuff on the HF, it will be just as heavy.
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Old Jan 7, 2008 | 07:00 PM
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Good find..I also have a HF 91 tho...but my gas mileage wasn't as great as yours. Got 38-40mpg until I upgraded the motor to a D16z6(92-95 Civic SI/EX). Still get 35mpg.
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Old Jan 7, 2008 | 07:17 PM
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Default Re: New CRX HF owner (harmonator84)

The ECU blinks a code for the EGR system. A new valve for that is like $125 so I'm just going to leave it be. It's probably been like that for the past 100k miles anyhow...

I'd like to eventually lay down some sound-deadening material, new carpet, new seats, and install a decent stereo system (something less than $500). That would go a long way to making my commute more enjoyable. Doing that would add some weight, but I don't think it'll be enough to really effect the mileage.

I've also been reading up on body-work and thinking about painting the car myself. I've been considering going two-tone: white to the body-line just below the windows and blue the rest of the way down. Although... the factory color is pretty nice and getting it shot the same color wouldn't be too expensive. For now, a coat of wax should at least keep it from rusting!
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Old Jan 7, 2008 | 07:33 PM
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Default Re: New CRX HF owner (StorminMatt)

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

Don't overlook the 1988 DX. These cars are quite unloved. So this means that, compared to an HF, they are MUCH more common. Yes, they weigh about 100 pounds more than a 1988 HF. But unlike, say, the SI, this weight difference results completely from stuff that can be swapped out for lighter stuff. You could swap the lighter seats, flimsier bumper supports, smaller brakes, smaller gas tank, etc into the DX and have a car that is just as light. Or, if you upgrade this stuff on the HF, it will be just as heavy.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I dont have good luck with 88 dx's; see sig Both were totalled in accidents that weren't my fault.....so I'm worried about getting another one in case its a curse or something
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Old Jan 7, 2008 | 07:49 PM
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Default Re: New CRX HF owner (RiskEverything)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by RiskEverything &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">The ECU blinks a code for the EGR system. A new valve for that is like $125 so I'm just going to leave it be. It's probably been like that for the past 100k miles anyhow...</TD></TR></TABLE>

Although the engine is not going to be hurt by this, your gas mileage certainly is. And with gas as expensive as it is, it would probably be VERY worthwhile to look into this problem. If you don't have $125 to replace the valve at this time, check out a jankyard. If you can find an HF at a local Pick-And-Pull type of place, you can probably replace the EGR for next to nothing.
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Old Jan 7, 2008 | 08:06 PM
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Default Re: New CRX HF owner (StorminMatt)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by RiskEverything &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">The ECU blinks a code for the EGR system. A new valve for that is like $125 so I'm just going to leave it be. It's probably been like that for the past 100k miles anyhow...

I'd like to eventually lay down some sound-deadening material, new carpet, new seats, and install a decent stereo system (something less than $500). That would go a long way to making my commute more enjoyable. Doing that would add some weight, but I don't think it'll be enough to really effect the mileage.

I've also been reading up on body-work and thinking about painting the car myself. I've been considering going two-tone: white to the body-line just below the windows and blue the rest of the way down. Although... the factory color is pretty nice and getting it shot the same color wouldn't be too expensive. For now, a coat of wax should at least keep it from rusting!</TD></TR></TABLE>

LOL!!! thats funny,most of us try to chip up all the sound deadening material and your gonna add more. my bro bought one just like yours last year for 1000$. only had 176,000 miles. a little pricey but hes gonna do a swap so the mpfi being already there was a +. his egr has been doing the same thing since he got it,i think most of them do that.also i heard of some ef owners adding aftermarket intakes and getting better gas milage also.

looks good and good luck,welcome to tha honda community. once you cross over theres no going back
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Old Jan 7, 2008 | 11:33 PM
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<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 4g hatch &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">also i heard of some ef owners adding aftermarket intakes and getting better gas milage also. </TD></TR></TABLE>

I've DEFINITELY noticed improved fuel economy with intakes on more performance-oriented engines. But I'm not sure about more economy-oriened engines. Iguess I will find out. Anyway, I'm not sure how best to connect an intake to an HF throttle body, as, like theVX, the HF throttle body is MUCH smaller than even a typical D-series throttle body.
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Old Jan 8, 2008 | 11:22 AM
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Nice pick up! I too have an 88 CRX HF, but it's in NOWHERE NEAR as good condition as yours. The body on mine is totally jacked up, needs 3 fenders, new roof (branch fell on it), and a few other things. However, the gas mileage is GREAT! On long highway trips, I average over 50mpg. However, my HF isn't like most HF's. It's actually got a D15B2 motor w/ MPFI conversion, Z6 intake manifold, PM6 ECU, HF exhaust, and HF tranny. Sure, it's a bastard car, but it's MY bastard car! Much love for a fellow HFer! ;-)
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Old Jan 8, 2008 | 11:35 AM
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<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by PiKapp504 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Nice pick up! I too have an 88 CRX HF, but it's in NOWHERE NEAR as good condition as yours. The body on mine is totally jacked up, needs 3 fenders, new roof (branch fell on it), and a few other things. However, the gas mileage is GREAT! On long highway trips, I average over 50mpg. However, my HF isn't like most HF's. It's actually got a D15B2 motor w/ MPFI conversion, Z6 intake manifold, PM6 ECU, HF exhaust, and HF tranny. Sure, it's a bastard car, but it's MY bastard car! Much love for a fellow HFer! ;-)</TD></TR></TABLE>

An HF is already MPFI. You can't do the MPFI conversion.......
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Old Jan 8, 2008 | 07:45 PM
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<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by PiKapp504 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Nice pick up! I too have an 88 CRX HF, but it's in NOWHERE NEAR as good condition as yours. The body on mine is totally jacked up, needs 3 fenders, new roof (branch fell on it), and a few other things. However, the gas mileage is GREAT! On long highway trips, I average over 50mpg. However, my HF isn't like most HF's. It's actually got a D15B2 motor w/ MPFI conversion, Z6 intake manifold, PM6 ECU, HF exhaust, and HF tranny. Sure, it's a bastard car, but it's MY bastard car! Much love for a fellow HFer! ;-)</TD></TR></TABLE>

3 fenders?? Cars somes with 2 fenders. DX are the only ones that need a MPFI conversion. SI/HF are already MPFI
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Old Jan 8, 2008 | 07:49 PM
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Default Re: (killa rex)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by killa rex &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">DX are the only ones that need a MPFI conversion. SI/HF are already MPFI</TD></TR></TABLE>

Since the D15B2 is a DX motor (originally DPFI), I'm going to assume that the MPFI conversion was done to the motor, and not the car itself.
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Old Jan 9, 2008 | 01:59 PM
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sweet my first car was an 89 hf same blue color mine was a $100 but it had a hole in the block! haha, i see your in bradenton, im neaar by i live in sarasota.
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