I've got my eye on a 1990 crx si and I'm always alarmed when I'm thinking about buying a modified car. This is my first Honda, and I was wondering if someone could tell me if they think it's a safe choice, with in mind that the engine has 150k miles on it, and the ASKING price is $2500
Here is the list of mods:
New:
B18A1 engine swap
Type r pistons
Battery (obviously no big deal)
Oem battery tray (again, no biggy)
Wipers (still nothing big)
Back brakes (eh)
Oem coolant reservoir (would be pretty obvious if there's something wrong with it)
Skunk2 Exhaust (not a fan of fart cans, but oh well)
Extra cold air intake

 

Obviously someone got sick of fixing it so they are now selling it.
Anything to do with a different motor swap usually indicate "I am sick and tired of messing with this car"

 

I see your point, but at the same time, it could be a simpler indication of "The original engine isn't very impressive, I'd like something with a better kick" which is understandable with a crx

 

A b18A1 in a crx with type R pistons selling for 2500 smells fishy here.

 

Agreed. Something is wrong with that car. Find out what that something is.

 

Not even gonna bother then. I'll just look for a different crx that hasn't been so heavily modified.

Thanks for the input, guys

 

when i was looking for my car i wanted everything untouched. i remember passing on potencial buys if the car has so much as a aftermarket shiftknob

 

I probably wouldn't go as far as the shiftknob, however I will focus more on completely unmodified while I could spare a thought towards one that is VERY lightly modified if options are scarce.

 

If it was the stock B18A1 I would have said go for it, but a lot of times people do not know what they are doing and putting in type R pistons without modifying anything else is just asking for trouble down the road especially if you are not mechanically inclined or do not have the tools to fix the car.

 

 

the decision to buy modified or not depends on the individual. personally, i don't mind buying someone elses project, then tearing it down and rebuilding. that way i get the swap parts and all that for the same price i would have paid for a stock car. crappy thing is you spend some of that money on broken clips, proper hardware, etc... that people usually break and ziptie when 'modifying'. it depends on your comfort level and skills.

 

well said

 

Fair point to everyone. I'll definitely be leaving this one alone