Slight change of plans... from 2K Civic DX to 89 CRX DX

As my main goal was to build a track car, I've realized that my car isn't quite the best bast for achieving my ultimate goal.

A CRX which is 500lbs lighter will be much more beneficial of ANY engine, suspension and brake modifications.

My only dilemma now is... I was planning on putting the B18C in Civic... I could always put that same motor in the CRX... I'm not doing the work myself, but I'm just curious if the swap is possible, and if so, for how much more.

The B16A1 is about three times cheaper to swap into a 2nd gen CRX and would also leave me with a couple grand to spend on some Spoon wheels and good track rubber.

What do you think ? CRX with B18C or B16A ? Remember, the B16 makes 111ft-lbs near redline where as the B18C makes 129ft-lbs near redline as well. The 10hp difference is rather irrelevant, it's the torque that I'm more concerned about. Mid-range and top-end are very imporant. And I'm *assuming* that the B18C has much better mid-range, no?

 

Oh and yes... I'll need a tranny conversion kit for the B18C whereas the B16A1 will bolt in!

 

No, you will just need the cable tranny that comes with the B16A (or any cable B tranny) to use with the B18C.

 

Ok! What about ground clearance? My plan was to get the neuspeed-valved Koni Yellow's with Neuspeed Race... would it be too low for the oil pan? What about hood clearance? This for the B18C of course.

 

Here are the torque specs for the two engines:

B16A1: 111 lb-ft@7000rpm
B18C: 129 lb-ft@6200rpm

Redline is 8200rpm for both engines

As you can see, the B18C develops 18ft-lbs of torque more 800rpms sooner then the B16A's peak.

I'm thinking it's a better option, if money's not an issue. Am I right?

 

If you can afford it, most definitely go B18C! You are correct to assume that the B18C also has more torque in the low end and midrange than the B16A.


[Modified by StorminMatt, 3:04 AM 1/7/2003]