I am new to Hondas, but not new to cars. Looking at buyng an 89 CRX with a blown (as in blown up) motor. I am told replacement motors are relatively inexpensive. My son and I would like to build this into a sometimes track car.

What do I need to look for in the car? Is rust a problem in any specific area? I believe this has always been a Southern car. Assuming we will be replacing the engine, are there any other weak points or problem areas that we need to pay particular attention to. Thanks in advance for your help and thoughts.

 

They tend to rust in the rear quarters and into the rockers. That and the rear bumper support area.
What do you mean by "blown", how did the engine fail?

 

I have not seen the car yet, but I understand that there is a rod through the block.