I just picked up a low kilometers 88 Sedan. ive been flipping these cars for cash for years and now I am in love with them. This one needs a clutch and Im interested in putting some nicer then stock parts into this one.

I was wondering what my best bet for a new clutch and maybe a new flywheel would be.

The motor is going to stay basically stock. I was going to pick up the 421 header off ebay and do a CAI for it. Im planning on taking it out to the track next summer and playing around with some Autocross.

All your input is appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

auto x with a header cai clutch and flywheel should be fun!... in a DPFI!... FAIL!

 

Yeah, well I haven't done autocross before. So I think dumping a whole bunch of money into something I haven't tried would be a little foolish. But at the same time its not like the upgrades would suddenly stop.

Way to be a douchebag. Anyone else?

 

the f1 racing stage one clutches are nice, i was rockin one when i had my 4spd tranny. but i had to change the disc when i swapped to my si trans, which was replaced with a stock disc, but i kept the pressure plate. any ways the f1 is a little bit stiffer than stock, but isn't too stiff or grabby that you can't daily the car as well. and the clutches affordable too, under 100 bux

 

You should look to see if modifying the flywheel or anything else boosts you into a different auto-x class. You don't want to be versing Vipers.

 

Mmm interesting thing to think about. I only mentioned that as something I was thinkign of trying out, Im really mainly just looking for some mild street performance from a motor that is low clicks enough that Im willing to drop some money into.

 

Ive also noticed that There is a separate clutch for 88 and 89-91. I wondered if anyone could shed some light on that?

 

i think that the spline count for the input shaft is different on 88s vs 89-91

 

since youre new to crx's and sounds to be hondas, you really should start clicking thru interesting threads in the FAQ at the top of the forum.

specifically for noobs is the differences threads. your answers will be found there, as well as to questions you dont have yet....
https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-crx-ef-civic-1988-1991-3/%5Bfaq%5D-differences-crxs-650219/

to be more direct tho, your 88 has a lot of initial year differences. the clutch disc is smaller than other years, so the flywheel is different. moreover, the number of splines to your tranny is different and unique to 88 civics/crx.

now, as for "upgrading" things. i really dont suggest you bother getting some aftermarket clutch kit that simply makes the car less driveable... heck it was one of the first mods i did to my car too, something i regretted eventually. it will serve no purpose, no performance enhancement. just a stiffer clutch thats more annoying to drive, especially for a stock motor.

what i do recommend tho, is going to clutchcityonline.com and buying an OEM exedy clutch and flywheel kit for your 88, and getting the 88+ package. this will give you a larger clutch disc that matches the odd spline of your 88 tranny (assuming you still have the original 88 tranny) and a new, very slightly lighter flywheel (the same civic flywheel that fits got a bit lighter in later years after 92, it still fits and is the OEM replacement now) form 18 to 16lbs. i will vouch for their customer service, and i will vouch for the slight improved throttle response of the lighter OEM flywheel that i did on my current, 88 crx si.

good luck, and really, as a noob, do some reading before asking questions if youre really serious about wanting to learn more. ppl dont like noob questions....

 

Thanks you for you awsome answer.

I have done a LOT of reading. And to be honest. I had to ask. I do lots of mechanical work in general. But trying to read forums on modifiying these cars its overwhelming to sift through all the engine codes and tranny codes people throw around. It was a simple question and you answered it perfectly. I appreciate it. Ill keep on the learning

Also, is the flywheel in that kit special? Or would any 90-91 flywheel from the wrecker fit and allow the larger clutch to be used? I ask because that kit is $200, while just a new 90-91 clutch is only $79...

 

you can use a 90+ flywheel from wherever. but i strongly advise you to get a used one resurfaced properly.

its not quite special, it is a bit lighter than the 90-91 flywheels as i mentioned. like i said, its not a big difference. and its fresh and new....

if you contact clutchcity and tell them to send you the upgraded 88+ clutch disc and plate WITHOUT the flywheel, they can do that. in fact thats exactly what i did.