89 crx HF cam swap question
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 300
Likes: 0
From: Midlothian, Va, USA
Re: 89 crx HF cam swap question
Hey man. Welcome. Just a heads up. These questions have been asked many times before. I do not want you to get the wrong idea about this site, and not come back because responses have you discouraged. People are willing to help, but you have to do a little research before they help you. You'll get flamed for asking questions like this.
That being said. Check out d-series.org as well. There is a lot of information both here and there about all the d-series mods you could think of.
THAT being said, the HF was a high fuel economy engine. Designed for getting most bang for your buck. You will spend a lot of time and money trying to mod it, and in my opinion it is not worth it. And yes, I can say this because I have done it. I put a vtec head on my non-vtec block, then did cam, pistons, I/H/E and I got 155 to the wheels after tuning. That's about the most you can get out of an NA setup. You CAN do more, but you will spend a lot of time researching and money doing.
I don't know what your experience is, but start slow, read up in the FAQs here and on d-series.org. Learn about your motor and similar setups people have.
IF YOU DON'T WANT MY OPINION READ HERE:
Yes, I believe you can swap the camshaft, you'll have to read up on it. Yes, you can do head swaps. There are plenty of how to's. Check the FAQ section.
That being said. Check out d-series.org as well. There is a lot of information both here and there about all the d-series mods you could think of.
THAT being said, the HF was a high fuel economy engine. Designed for getting most bang for your buck. You will spend a lot of time and money trying to mod it, and in my opinion it is not worth it. And yes, I can say this because I have done it. I put a vtec head on my non-vtec block, then did cam, pistons, I/H/E and I got 155 to the wheels after tuning. That's about the most you can get out of an NA setup. You CAN do more, but you will spend a lot of time researching and money doing.
I don't know what your experience is, but start slow, read up in the FAQs here and on d-series.org. Learn about your motor and similar setups people have.
IF YOU DON'T WANT MY OPINION READ HERE:
Yes, I believe you can swap the camshaft, you'll have to read up on it. Yes, you can do head swaps. There are plenty of how to's. Check the FAQ section.
Re: 89 crx HF cam swap question
"DEPintheCurve" pretty much summed up my thoughts.
The simple answers...
It does appear that if you use an 88-95 non VTEC camshaft it would work BUT I believe the lobes are smaller because it uses 16valves (gets more air with double the valves so not as much lift needed). With that said if you successfully install one into an 8 valve head it might be a downgrade not an upgrade in terms of performance.
A complete head swap would be preferable and I've read that it's doable without changing pistons BUT I personally would swap to the correct matching 16valve pistons if you go that route. I've done it myself on my own newer 8valve engine. The loss in MPGs is totally worth the extra passing power on the freeway as far as I'm concerned. Don't forget that the transmission is also worth swapping out.
Happy Monday.
The simple answers...
It does appear that if you use an 88-95 non VTEC camshaft it would work BUT I believe the lobes are smaller because it uses 16valves (gets more air with double the valves so not as much lift needed). With that said if you successfully install one into an 8 valve head it might be a downgrade not an upgrade in terms of performance.
A complete head swap would be preferable and I've read that it's doable without changing pistons BUT I personally would swap to the correct matching 16valve pistons if you go that route. I've done it myself on my own newer 8valve engine. The loss in MPGs is totally worth the extra passing power on the freeway as far as I'm concerned. Don't forget that the transmission is also worth swapping out.
Happy Monday.
Thread Starter
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Re: 89 crx HF cam swap question
Thanks for the heads up guys! I'll surch on it..my skill level if fairly high..I'm a body tech..and build oval track race cars but 1st honda build...sounds like a full D16 swap may be the way to go? My goal, quick street car on a budgit..solid bottom end, injects, TB, port,valve job and a little boost. Would like to go b18 but a lot more$$+ time it seems..thanks for all the help/advise!!
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 300
Likes: 0
From: Midlothian, Va, USA
Re: 89 crx HF cam swap question
Thanks for the heads up guys! I'll surch on it..my skill level if fairly high..I'm a body tech..and build oval track race cars but 1st honda build...sounds like a full D16 swap may be the way to go? My goal, quick street car on a budgit..solid bottom end, injects, TB, port,valve job and a little boost. Would like to go b18 but a lot more$$+ time it seems..thanks for all the help/advise!!
Where are you located? I'm assuming NC/SC. I am in Camp Lejeune NC.
Thread Starter
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Re: 89 crx HF cam swap question
Yeah man. I would swap the HF motor out. You could probably get a decent dollar for it on craigslist or something, especially if it is complete. A few people here and there are always looking to replace their original HF motor when it goes.
Where are you located? I'm assuming NC/SC. I am in Camp Lejeune NC.
Where are you located? I'm assuming NC/SC. I am in Camp Lejeune NC.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
panaphobic
Honda CRX / EF Civic (1988 - 1991)
10
Jul 3, 2007 02:44 PM