Starting with a disclaimer.... This is my first post to this board, so please forgive any ignorance.
Currently own a '91 CRX(DX) mostly stock (minor mods include K&N Filtercharger, HKS Sport exhaust, Enkei rims & audio). Car was purchased new in 12/91 and has been a GEM! As a daily driver, its racked up 215K with no major problems aside from a broken timing belt due to stupidity (reccommended change interval is 90K; I stretched it to 111K). Luckily, no major eng. damage.
Now my question.... With the high milage engine, I've got a couple options. Aftermarket goodies for the CRX are plentiful so an engine swap might be considered (thought I understand the DX is not the prefered model trim for tuning). Other consideration is a start-over with a newer Civic Coupe (99-01). Some of the literature that I've found makes reference to a 1999-2000 Civic Si which sounds intriguing, but I find nothing in the factory lit on this model. Is this a JDM model? If so, using what engine? I'm leaning towards the later option, but would appreciate any useful input.
Thanks in advance!

 

It depends on what you're looking to get out of your car. If you're more into performance and being fast at a low budget, then stay with your CRX and get an engine swap. Any CRX is a good platform for modding. They all turn out the same with mods. Hella fast!
Now if you just want a newer car with a great engine to start with then I would go with the 99-00 Si. It already has a B16 from the factory, and you can improve on that engine a lot. Basically it just boils down to what you want your car to be. Fast or really fast.

 

Welcome Hopefully you'll learn a LOT from the non-ignorant people around here

Glad to hear your car is a *GEM*, wish I could say the same for mine But anyways here we go...

IF you are looking for performance, stay away from any of the NEW Civics (01+) as those are a waste of time to try and modify...

The Civic Si (99-00) is the one that says "VTEC" on the side... is has the B16a2, it's a 1.6L 16v DOHC equipped with variable valve timing, or "VTEC" (actually stands for Variable timing and electronic lift control or something like that) It is a US model, just not as common as the rest of the Civic Coupes. It's really not a bad car, it has a decent interior, it's pretty quiet, has decent power for a 4banger honda... and it has a warranty, and less miles. Reliabilty is ALWAYS a plus!

Now, as far as the DX goes, it depends.....

IS it auto? or 5 speed? If it's an auto, a little more time will be needed (as well as $$$) to change over some wiring and change it to a manual. If it's a 5 speed, then the only changes really needed are 4 wires for the MPFi swap (muli-point fuel injection... the DX is stock with dual point)

The SOHC VTEC, ZC, B18a/b, and B16a are the most common swaps.
D16z6, D16y7/8 - 127hp
ZC - 130-137hp (debatable)
B18a/b - 130-140hp (depends on the year)
B16a - 160hp

So really, how much power do you want? More? 180? 190? How reliable must this be? Will it be daily driven? Do you ever plan on forced induction?

Well that's a start I guess