hey guys im new hear and i just turned 15. here pretty soon im gonna be getting my first car to build. I am for sure doing a engine swap no matter what car i get. but i would like to have you experts help me in what car i should get. a 88-91 CRX, or a 92-95 Civic hatch. i dont care what model since i will swap the engine. but i wanna know which one would be a better first car and could be made faster for less money. and what are the best qaulities of the two like which one handels batter and things. thanx very much in helping me out and soon you will have another honda lover. (no rice here!)

 

an 88 - 91 CRX is cool to have for a first car but since i have a 92 Hatchback im probally gunna point u in that direction (biased lol)...

The model you want all depends on if you want Powersteering and Air Conditioning....

The SI model hatchback is the most equipped one (Also the heaviest) The DX is similar but does not have a sunroof....the Cx and Vx don't have Power Steering or AC (Lightest models)

If you want good handling your best bet is to get some type of coilovers with springs (I have tokico 5 way adjustables and they are great) Shop around you will find good parts at the right prices since you will have the time to shop...

Id say that the 92 - 95 Hatchbacks are the easier one to swap a new motor into..MOST (not all) motors will fit perfectly into the EG chasis..You will have to do some minor things if you were to get a H22A motor out of a Prelude.

A little of advice - Get your car and get used to it before you start modding it..The more you getused to your car the more safe you will be when you get a faster motor..This helps you and all the other people on the road safe!!

Good luck

 

the DX dosent have power steering also, correct?

 

the dx had power steering if you wanted it.


[Modified by black2kcivic, 1:16 PM 10/27/2002]

 

which of the CRX models have power steering?

 

why would you want power steering? its heavy and in a crx its not going to make that much difference.

Work the guns dont get power steering.

 

really it wont make that much of a difference? just wondering how much does it weigh?

 

only automatic HF's came with power steering(EFs). I have a 90 civic si without power steering and its not a problem over 3 mph. under 3 mph like backing up or manuevering your car in a parking lot space can be difficult. i am 15 too. you just turned 15? leave! so i can still be the youngest H-T regular...jm. i am going to sell my civic soon for an EG. i just got it july 1, 2002 and i want a more solid car. i would go with 92-95 Civic(EG) vs. 88-91(EF). just my .2

 

Yes, both the DX and Si had power assisted steering. For the original poster: to get some good information on specs and options check the November '01 issue of Sport Compact Car.

 

thanks guys. does any one else have an opinion that has owned BOTH cars so they can say the ups and downs of each. thanks

 

i have a cx and it has AC...

 

i own a 95 civic dx hatch..and NO power steering..all my friends make fun of me, but one of my friends doenst..he has a 92 ex with no power steering..he shares the same opinions. one of my other friends said it wont shake at high speeds. once you get used to no power steering..its not that big of a deal..plus it does take some muscle! :D and chicks dig guys with huge biscepts!

 

Maybe I can help you!
my 89 dx
pro's= parts are very easy to find @ junkyards, go-kart like handeling, aftermarket parts are abundent and it's light.
cons= prone to rust, very dated looks, difficult to work on w/b16, car cant be lowered too much without a bumpy ride(less travel that EG)sqeeks and rattles(very noisey)
my 93 dx
pro's= alot of aftermarket parts, awesome suspention setup, can be lowered a bit without the bumpy ride, newer looks better(IMO)very quiet, more options for swaps, eisier to do swap, very spacious engine bay as well as interior and ride and feel are much improved
cons= **** to rust, part @ junkyards are not easy to come by, parts are typicaly more expensive and very prone to THEFT!!

of coarse this is only my opinion!!!!

 

thanx alot that helped me out. im thinking of going with the CRX because of its light weight and cheaper to buy parts.... and personally i kinda like the looks of it . but one question which of the b16's should i get? sir-1 or Sir-2? BTW do these engines come with a power steering rack? thanks a bunch guys

 

hello? any1? b16 a1 or a2? iknow the a2 i can get the shorter final drive. does that help ALOT or not to much. also j/w how hard is it to but a GS-R motor in a CRX?


[Modified by cryptic, 12:13 AM 10/30/2002]