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djphonics Project Log, 1988 CRX Si (lots of pics!).

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Old 10-27-2006, 11:02 PM
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Default djphonics Project Log, 1988 CRX Si, DOHC ZC (lots of pics!).

Ok, so I've been here for a while and I thought it was about time for me to make my own project log. I wanted to do this because I LOVE looking at everyone else's project threads. It gives me a lot of inspiration. I'm the type of person who will sit down and watch some **** like New Yankee Workshop on PBS because I love watching projects being completed, from beginning to end.

Anyway, I will start with a little background. I bought my CRX about 9 months ago for $2300. It had 129k and it is an '88 Si, Rio Red. The guy claims it only had 2 owners, but I will never really know. Such is the case with used cars. My plan is to transform the car into a respectable autocross/track day machine, but also to keep it looking nice and true to the original Honda designer's vision.

When I first bought the car, it was pretty clean, no rust (only a Texas and Oregon car ), but there were a few body issues, all on the front end of the car. I don't know what the exact sequence of events was, but somehow both front fenders are kinda tweaked in the area behind the corner lights. Also, the front bumper was pushed back about 1/4", and the hood has been repainted with some bullshit single stage paint. Sure, the color matches, but having no clear coat sucks. Anyway, here is the car as I bought it. On top of that, the front lip was missing . Note the bumper is pushed back:



Here is a quick peek under the hood as it still stands today (bone stock except the air-intake snorkle has been removed by me).



And a quick peek at the stock interior (pretty damn clean for a CRX!):




Here is a closeup of the fender damage. Both sides are like this. It's sorta hard to see in the picture, but in person, you can definitely see that the fenders are bent up a bit, and I just can't have that ****.



The first thing I did was replace the (bent) front bumper support and the front lip. I ordered both parts brand new from Majestic Honda for a very fair price. While replacing the bumper support, I took advantage of the fact that the HF model bumper support is MUCH lighter (and also a lot cheaper!) than the beefy Si piece. Sure it is not as impact resistant, but that's not the objective here. Light and fast is . After I got the new bumper support on, **** lined up just right :



I then found a set of Ri Red fenders from some dude on the internet. Everything was gravy, but apparently the ******* decided not to listen to ANY of my requests for packaging the fenders, and just threw them in a box. One of them came out fine, but the passenger's side sustained some light paint damge in the pointed corner (by the windshield), so I had to do some paint repair. Here is that fender as it stands now. It still needs some more wet sanding, color coats, and clear:



...And that brings me to where I am at as of now. I am ready to start upgrading this beast. My plan is as follows:

Stage 1: Suspension (and minor body work)
Stage 2: Engine Swap

Right now I am in Stage 1. I got these Enkei RFS-2 wheels for $200:



Then I ordered (from Ground Control), the full package of Koni Yellows, GC coilovers, and the GC tophats. With the HondaTech discount (apparently they still honor it ), the whole package was $999. A lot of money, but it should be a slight upgrade from the blown out stock suspension :



I also bought a full rear disc swap off of a '91 CRX Si. The swap came with the RTA's, LCA's, links, calipers, lines, master cylinder, and proportioning valve. Basically the whole enchillada. I took them apart and painted some of it. I used gloss black appliance epoxy on the RTA's and disc brake paint (from the auto parts store) on the hubs and calipers. Here is a pic of some of those parts:



I plan to buy some spherical bearings to install in the rear disc swap in place of the crappy trailing arm bushings, which always seem to get destroyed . I already removed the ones that were in the arms. It was quite easy to do with a regular hammer. If you're going to do this, just remember that the bushings are tapered, and that you need to pound them out from the back side of the trailing arm.


Well, that's all for now. There will be plenty of updates to come. Thanks for looking.




Modified by djphonics at 4:19 PM 11/9/2006
Old 10-28-2006, 12:30 AM
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Default Re: djphonics Project Log, 1988 CRX Si (lots of pics!). (djphonics)

Car looks real clean...but how do you plan on using Koni shocks for an '88 on '91 LCA's?

Or am I missing something here?
Old 10-28-2006, 12:47 AM
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more pics
Old 10-28-2006, 12:55 AM
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Default Re: djphonics Project Log, 1988 CRX Si (N1ghtM0nkey)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by N1ghtM0nkey &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Car looks real clean...but how do you plan on using Koni shocks for an '88 on '91 LCA's?

Or am I missing something here?</TD></TR></TABLE>

Those shocks are for '91 LCAs. Ground Control actually accidentally sent me those kind with my kit. I have both types of LCA, but I figured I would just run the '91s, since they will work with these shocks. Should work, right?

The '88 shocks have a bushing type fitting on the end, as opposed to the "fork" type connection as shown in my pic.
Old 10-28-2006, 04:44 AM
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Default Re: djphonics Project Log, 1988 CRX Si (djphonics)

gc/koni yellow Im SO happy with them on my crx

Looks good
Old 10-28-2006, 05:36 AM
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Default Re: djphonics Project Log, 1988 CRX Si (Autoworks)

Looks like a great start to a project. What class do you plan to run in AutoX?
Old 10-28-2006, 07:14 AM
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Default Re: djphonics Project Log, 1988 CRX Si (doitdub)

good progress so far...
Old 10-28-2006, 07:32 AM
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Default Re: djphonics Project Log, 1988 CRX Si (FernEF)

That looks like an awesome project dude. Keep up the good work, and progress pics!
Old 10-28-2006, 11:47 AM
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Default Re: djphonics Project Log, 1988 CRX Si (doitdub)

Thanks for the comments ya'll

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by doitdub &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Looks like a great start to a project. What class do you plan to run in AutoX?</TD></TR></TABLE>

Hmmm, I actually haven' put much though into this. I'm pretty much a n00b to the whole autocross thing, but I know it will be a lot fun. Got any suggestions?
Old 10-28-2006, 05:05 PM
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Default Re: djphonics Project Log, 1988 CRX Si (djphonics)

Well it all depends on what mods you do...that's why I asked. I have all stock engine with suspension mods and I'm in STS2. I'm a noob too,...but I can compete pretty well in this. My last swapped CRX with same suspension set-up...got my *** handed to me every race in SM2. I think once you mess with the brakes (ie. rear disc swap), you can't compete in STS2. Anyway, just something to keep in mind. I'd say do what you want for your car, but realize that Street Mod is a pretty tough class.
Old 10-28-2006, 06:53 PM
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Default Re: djphonics Project Log, 1988 CRX Si (doitdub)

Thats a sweet ride Bro! I picked up a 91 CRX Si that has an interior almost as clean as yours. I would post a pick but I can't figure out how.Im fixing to start hooking it up too. Keep up the good work bro!
Old 10-28-2006, 07:14 PM
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Default Re: djphonics Project Log, 1988 CRX Si (GElite)

looks like you got a pretty good deal, the rex looks great, goodluck man with your project
Old 10-28-2006, 10:01 PM
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wow AMAZING! wish i had money like that to work on my car, keep up the good work!
Old 10-28-2006, 10:07 PM
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Default Re: djphonics Project Log, 1988 CRX Si (Autoworks)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Autoworks &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">looks good
I want those tophats</TD></TR></TABLE>
x2
Old 10-29-2006, 07:31 AM
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Default Re: djphonics Project Log, 1988 CRX Si (lots of pics!). (djphonics)

Great job so far, keep the updates coming! This is all too reminiscent of the upgrades that I did to my '89 Rio Red before selling it.

Alex
Old 10-30-2006, 05:21 AM
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Nice to see another CRX owner in PDX! If you see a y-49 on ls mesh wheels thats me.

Nice car man, you scored on your interior. Mine is in horrible shape. Good luck with the car, keep us updated! Later.
Old 10-30-2006, 07:49 AM
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<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by stankin95CX &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Nice to see another CRX owner in PDX! If you see a y-49 on ls mesh wheels thats me.

Nice car man, you scored on your interior. Mine is in horrible shape. Good luck with the car, keep us updated! Later.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I was crusing down Highway 26 probably like 4-5 months ago and rolled by a hella clean Y-49, but I don't think it was on meshes. The driver looked over and we both gave a thumbs up. Was that you?
Old 10-30-2006, 07:57 AM
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Looks great!

It's always good to see another clean EF in the PDX.

You should definately come out to some autox events next season, there are only a few EFs that show up. We need more Hondas to come out!!

Check out the schedule at : http://www.oregonregionsolo2.com/

I run in the SM class because I'm swapped (and will be turbo next season). I get killed, but have a good time doing it! lol

If you want to be competative, you should probably start in STS2, but I don't know the brake restrictions, you might already be out of STS2 because of the rear brakes.

We should get all the Portland EFs together and do a shoot sometime!
Old 10-30-2006, 12:15 PM
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<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by EJ1 wilcox &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Looks great!

It's always good to see another clean EF in the PDX.

You should definately come out to some autox events next season, there are only a few EFs that show up. We need more Hondas to come out!!

Check out the schedule at : http://www.oregonregionsolo2.com/

I run in the SM class because I'm swapped (and will be turbo next season). I get killed, but have a good time doing it! lol

If you want to be competative, you should probably start in STS2, but I don't know the brake restrictions, you might already be out of STS2 because of the rear brakes.

We should get all the Portland EFs together and do a shoot sometime! </TD></TR></TABLE>

Sweet. Thanks for the info! I definitely hope to come out to these events next season.

That kinda sucks if the rear disks matter for the class. Honestly, I'm still going to change it over because:

A) I hate drum brakes
B) Disc brakes are soo easy to change pads/rotors
C) I hate drum brakes

Old 10-30-2006, 04:17 PM
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<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by djphonics &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Sweet. Thanks for the info! I definitely hope to come out to these events next season.

That kinda sucks if the rear disks matter for the class. Honestly, I'm still going to change it over because:

A) I hate drum brakes
B) Disc brakes are soo easy to change pads/rotors
C) I hate drum brakes

</TD></TR></TABLE>
Good call...I started out saying ok I can't do that, that , or that so I can stay in STS2 and stay somewhat competitive. My car is fun to drive but no where near as fast as I want. I think next season will be my last season in STS2 (this year was my first), because I need the speed. Just be aware of the mods that will put you where. If you're doing it though, go all out.
Old 10-30-2006, 06:28 PM
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I think it was, actually. If you were in that car I think I remember you. I always wave and give thumbs up to other CRX owners I see. If it was heading eastbound between murray and 217 I would say it was definatly me.

I've been wanting to get do some auto-X myself, I just got my KYB AGX struts in the mail and new front UCAs because my old balljoints are thrashed, so Im ready to auto-X next season.

Will they make me run in a different class other than stock motored cars because I have a sohc ZC? Its the same exact motor as the d16, just a different stamp. I hope not, either way I really want to get into it though.

I want to do a rear disc conversion myself but Ive done so many drum brake replacements now that its second nature to me. Ill probably keep my drums for awhile, there are lots of other things that need money on my car right now.
Old 10-30-2006, 08:46 PM
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<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by stankin95CX &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I think it was, actually. If you were in that car I think I remember you. I always wave and give thumbs up to other CRX owners I see. If it was heading eastbound between murray and 217 I would say it was definatly me.

I've been wanting to get do some auto-X myself, I just got my KYB AGX struts in the mail and new front UCAs because my old balljoints are thrashed, so Im ready to auto-X next season.

Will they make me run in a different class other than stock motored cars because I have a sohc ZC? Its the same exact motor as the d16, just a different stamp. I hope not, either way I really want to get into it though.

I want to do a rear disc conversion myself but Ive done so many drum brake replacements now that its second nature to me. Ill probably keep my drums for awhile, there are lots of other things that need money on my car right now. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Lol that must have been you because that's the exact location I was driving at (26 about 1 mile west of the 217 exit, heading east). From what I could tell, your car was hella clean .

I don't think the sohc ZC should be an issue, but **** ya never know until you find out.

Well, maybe I will run into you at an auto x event next year. I'll be sure to say whats up if I see your car around town too.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by EJ1 wilcox &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
We should get all the Portland EFs together and do a shoot sometime! </TD></TR></TABLE>

I'm down. That would be cool. I'm sure there's a couple other p-town EF peeps on here. Let me know if you are going to organize something like this.
Old 10-31-2006, 01:57 AM
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Thanks man, its appreciated. The body of my car is ok, the metal is pretty straight but at some point the front bumper, driver fender and rear bumper were all replaced so its all different shades of y-49 yellow. Other than that the exterior is in good condition other than the moldings on the doors, which from the looks of yours are in the same condition is mine. I wonder why the go bad before the rest of the molding. Oh well.

Yea, if you see me around say hi, ill do the same. Keep us updated on the project, and if you wanna sell your driver seat ever let me know, mine is thrashed! Do you have any idea where I could get a glovebox? Im missing mine lol. Talk at you later.

Old 10-31-2006, 08:20 AM
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<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by stankin95CX &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Thanks man, its appreciated. The body of my car is ok, the metal is pretty straight but at some point the front bumper, driver fender and rear bumper were all replaced so its all different shades of y-49 yellow. Other than that the exterior is in good condition other than the moldings on the doors, which from the looks of yours are in the same condition is mine. I wonder why the go bad before the rest of the molding. Oh well.

Yea, if you see me around say hi, ill do the same. Keep us updated on the project, and if you wanna sell your driver seat ever let me know, mine is thrashed! Do you have any idea where I could get a glovebox? Im missing mine lol. Talk at you later.

</TD></TR></TABLE>

Yeah, this is the case for many CRX's. It's hard to find a 20 year old car, and a reliable daily-driven one at that, which hasn't seen some kind of fender-bender. Like I said in my first post, my whole hood was obviously replaced at some point and it's painted with stupid single stage paint

As for the seat, I don't plan on selling it anytime soon . If I get some good racing seats at some point, I may actually sell the seats. Lots of stuff to do in the meantime. As for the glovebox, I guess just check junkyards, ebay, etc... or even http://www.nwstreetracing.com classifieds. I've found that on the rare occasion that I find an EF in portland junkyards, it's totally stripped of any useful parts. You might check Parts Adventure (they are somewhere in portland), but they are hella expensive from what I've heard.
Old 10-31-2006, 04:24 PM
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<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by stankin95CX &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Thanks man, its appreciated. The body of my car is ok, the metal is pretty straight but at some point the front bumper, driver fender and rear bumper were all replaced so its all different shades of y-49 yellow. Other than that the exterior is in good condition other than the moldings on the doors, which from the looks of yours are in the same condition is mine. I wonder why the go bad before the rest of the molding. Oh well.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Funny...my Y-49 has the same issue. Both doors and hood are different shade then the rest of the car. hmmm... we should swap body panels. haha.

About the SOHC ZC...if it's not a stock engine, you can't run in stock class or even STS2. You'll be in Street Mod. It's a tough class, but you'll have fun either way. It also depends on who's all out there. If you don't say anything, I'm sure you could get away with it. Until either a competitor gets pissed off that you're tearin em up and checks into it, or tech inspection knows their Hondas. Most don't. Either way it's not a huge deal until you get into Nationals or something up at that level. Most won't notice the rear discs either...especially if you just tell them it's a 90/91 that they came stock with. I'd just run in the class you're supposed to (they have rule books online)...better safe/having fun and losing than winning with that on your consience.


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