I have been considering getting an older Honda for a while and now that ive been saving up I was wondering if I could have any suggestions on what year/model anyone (that knows about them) thinks would be good for me to start with.

Basically I have been an enthusiast for years and have a good understanding of mechanics but physically can only do basic stuff. I really want to get my hands dirty and I know an older EK Civic would be a good canvas to go with.

I should probably stay away from older Preludes and CR-X's since I have heard that unless they are in at least decent shape that they are one problem after another (supposedly) but I always thought CR-X was one of the best Honda's ever.

I am considering an EF but would really love an EG cause I love the hatches.

What do you think?

 

G3 Integra. 94

 

Personally, I love how the 99/00 coupes look. If you are short on money, get an EX model. If you want a little more power or want the few extra benefits that an Si (also known as EM1) has, and you have the funds, go for it. As for hatchbacks, I like the 92-95 models. They should all be easy to work on, they're old Hondas lol.

 

+1

RS sub-model, to get the lightest 3rd gen Integra. 94 or 95 to save the most cash for the mods that will follow.

 

thanks for your replies. I would love an Integra, just around CT they are either automatic, rican'd out with chrome and big rims, or been molested to the point of no return and I want none of the above. EM1 would be the way to go too.

I work for Honda so I see older Civics come in all the time and I figured I would go with a Civic instead since I have such easy access to parts/tools here but if the right one appeared I would not think twice.

All great examples guys, thanks.

 

lol, Rican'd out. I know what you mean.

 

I hear what you're saying, but my vote is for a G3 Integra as well (coupe). Whatever road you go down make sure it ends in VTEC and an ITR or 4.7 FD hydraulic transmission.

 

My first car was a 94 integra rs. It's been brought back from the dead at least 3 times, all worth it. My second car is a 91 crx si. It seriously handles like a go kart, so fun. If i could afford insurance on it, i would way better prefer that as my DD instead of the integra, but would still prefer the integra for some weekend high rpms cruising fun.


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D@mn... now you've got me looking on CL at 94 & 95 Integras and I've already got 2 Del Sol projects.

 

Civic wagon

 

Also stray away from 2000+ model years. Hondas quality took a **** after the late 90s, i hear about tons of warranty work on 2000+ over early 90s models. Those that know eric the car guy, he discusses this in one of his videos


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94+ integra FTW!! Great cars to build and theyre in abundance. But if youre getting a civic I would go for an em1 if it were me personally.

 

I mean honestly, almost anything from the 90's with an H badge on it is workable. I have actually been thinking about it... and I think I want to go with an 06-07 Si. I know that an 8th gen is a different experience than owning like a 96 Civic hatch but for me personally, I need a reliable car that I can drive daily and still look somewhat professional.

I love EM1's and GSR's but these people are ******* crazy, they want $5k for a ******* 98 DX with 200k on the motor and 350k on the body and different color panels and 20' chrome rims... get that **** outta here. I dont need someone elses problem right now ya know? I think down the road I would ideally like to get a hatch or a CR-X and make that my track project while I comfortably enjoy my K series.

(on a side note, the Honda dealership I work at is strictly Economy Honda, we sell about 3 (new) Si's a year and all of our CR-Z's come with the CVT and they dont sell for ****, also 1 out of every 100 Accord/Civic comes 5/6 speed but 90% are all CVT/Auto)

But anyway, it really is the age old tuning dilemma, do I buy older (pay cash) and make monthly payments to the engine bay/drivetrain? or buy newer (finance) and enjoy the out of the box power for a while until I can make some nice upgrades.

K series alone is worth it I think and lets keep in mind that I currently drive a supercharged 96 Buick Park Ave so I am just eagerly awaiting some H power and handling. Thanks for all your help guys.

 

Am a big fan of any EF... I have 2, a 91 Crx Si and 90 Civic Wagon. Love them both, they're easy to build.

 

I love my 2000 EK hatch, and it's always been easy to work on.

Crx is probably my favorite Honda though. With a Honda that old, there are more issues though, (even if you are swapped). Such as water leaks and suspension problems ect..

my vote is get an 6th gen Hatch or 6th gen EX coupe..

 

Anything 90's with a B-series in it.

 

Agreed, All are Dohc, and have a very strong bottem end

 

92-95 civics are great starters

 

UPDATE: While at work today, a customer just bought our last 2012 Civic Si Coupe... was looking to trade in her red 91 CR-X Si with like 150k... woman is in her 40's, whole family has manual Honda's and I have all the service records, lady was up on her **** and babied this car. She wants $2k for it... I am currently scrambling to see this car and hopefully write a check... it certainly isnt an FD2 but hey, how the hell can I pass this up? I figure I get this cash and down the road, I can get an 8th gen Si or who knows. But for now, i am hoping like hell that this car is fresh and it works out.

So now the question at hand will be... what motor to choose. hmmm.

 

Whatever you want? Wagovan, Odyssey, Civic, Accord. Etc.

 

I say EM1 also...but I'm biased.

 

If its an unmolested '91 CRX SI, it hurts a little to think of it getting swapped as a first time project. They were (are) great cars as is.

But if I had to, I'd say B20-VTEC or K: https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-crx-ef-civic-1988-1991-3/crx-k-swap-walkthrough-1853644/