I recently purchased a 1991 CRX DX with the hope that I might be able to upgrade it with the usual wants (high-peformance air filter, exhaust, wider tires, suspension, etc.). I'm relatively new to the upgrade scene, and I'm still contemplating what both myself and the car are capable of. The dream would be to add a new engine, but I'd like to be a little more realistic on both automotive experience and funding here...

I purchased this CRX about four months ago, and it wasn't in the best of shape externally, and it suffered a couple of structural dilemmas, one among several being damaged tie rods, which have since then been resolved.

The car is in good working order. Engine feels smooth despite the high-miles, the transmission (standard) is a little rough, but I'll ask for advice on that in the future.

My wish to upgrade it in the near future however is still there. I'd certianly be a while before I start (a year or so), but I'd like to get some advice and basis on where to start and what to avoid. The first thing I'd like to start with is either a K&N Flat Panel or, with hope, luck, and a little extra cash, an AEM Cold Air Intake. Using the more advanced option as the basis, I have a couple of questions:

I recently looked into picking up a flat panel, I looked over at NAPA Auto Parts, which carries them (I have yet to locate a performance parts shop near my area), and they told me that a K&N doesn't exist for the 1.5L. Given the minuscule amount of options available for the D15B2 (D15B1? I hope not...), I believe them. So my first question is, are there actually any K&N or AEM upgrades available for the 1.5L? Or am I just chasing a mirage?

Second, this engine has over 196,000 miles on it. Despite my opinion that it feels reasonably healthy, it's very well possible I'm delusional and there might be more wear and damage to the engine than I think. I don't know the full history of the car, so I don't know exactly what its been through, but I know the previous owner did ride it hard and put it away wet. So with these high miles, would it be safe or practical to mount high-peformance parts on the engine? Or should I give up now or only continue only by doing a full transplant to a low-mileage and more venerable power plant?

I'd appreciate any help and advice. I hope I provided enough information, if not, please let me know. Like I said, I'm still new and still researching the overall field. I'm looking forward to learning whatever I can about what I got.

 

I bought my '90 CRX DX in July of '06 as a daily driver for $500. It had 215,000 miles on it then, and I'm up to 255,000 miles now. What started as a gas saver has turned into a fun project car. I learned about H-T at some point and soon started reading archived material and FAQs long before I became a member. There is alot a good information in here but you have to filter out alot of stuff to.
Since I bought my CRX I have added several things for convenience, performance, and to just upgrade things. Performance wise the best upgrade is to do the DPFI to MPFI swap. I have also installed the K&N filter in the stock airbox, also I header, cat and exhaust. I also changed plugs, wires, vacuum hoses, battery cables, valve cover gaskets, and general tune up parts.
Other upgrades include an EDM back seat, JDM armrest, electric windows and locks, wheels and tires, KYB AGX shocks and Drop-Zone springs, a SIR spoiler, OEM splashguards, and other stuff I can't think of at the moment.
The car has never let me down and I try to have everything ready when I change something so I won't be without it, but I do have a Z71 pickup as a backup vehicle, which alot of people on here don't have and when something goes wrong, they cry for help on H-T and they may or may not get their answer.
Your milage should not be a problem unless previous owners failed to change the oil and really neglected the maintenance. I have also picked up a JDM D15B VTEC engine an CRX SI transmission that I have been working on for later down the road when my motor goes or I just get ready to put it in. Don't rush into to much right away. Try to learn first.

 

Yea don"t rush into it...Ive had my original CRX DX since I graduated in 2006..We bought the car for 1000, and it has been garage kept and every thing changed, he had changed at the honda dealership...I have done nothin but change the oil, added AR Estrella 333 rims and tires, and lowered it 2"... It has 226,000 miles on it and runs and idles great...I was intersted in hearin bout the DPFI to MPFI swap and was thinkin bout it... Ive been lookin at swaping the motor but Its still all original with orig. motor and trans. and all the interear in flawless....I just don't want to change till I have to....So taking time is a big part of it... Ive actually just started the prosses of makin it all white since it is white...Ive just started painting the trim and mirrors and door handles.....Ive just bout a new set of rims and painted them....I woild not do a big motor swap withj gas goin up..try to stay small..I was planing on din that...Im not the fastes CRX in town but I am the cleanest in looks wise...well hope this helps and hope to hear on the updates keep them posted onyour progress and Ill dothe same....

 

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What he said.

I just picked up a 91 CRX Si and I thought about doing a b series swap but then after thinking hard about it for a few days I thought "What's the point?"

I am not good at racing. I love to cruise. I like for my cars to look good. So keeping the Si stock was the best decision I could have made

Come time to swap engines out of necessity I will be selecting the best/newest possible d-series gas saver to swap into it.

Speaking of swaps, what is the newest d-series you can swap into a crx with little or no modification if fuel efficiency is the goal?

 

IMO, i would simply bring the car up to date, do all the little stuff, like take your wheels off and go through susp. parts check for wear. change fluids,inspect belts, test battery and all that good stuff .this is aslo a good way to get familiar with your car

save more moneyand eventually do a swap of your choice