What's goin on? Ive been reading the forums for a while now and finally decided to join up.

I am the owner of a VW Corrado and I just bought a 1990 CRX, which is the 2nd Honda I've owned (previous: 1990 Civic HB). The CRX isnt an Si. It comes with the standard 1.5L motor. I really dont care about the motor because I wont be driving it until another motor gets swapped into it. Now to the question...

I want to know EVERYTHING that is involved with swapping a b16a or b18c into the CRX. First of all Ive heard that the b18 may be a slight problem because the oilpan is lower than the b16 and the CRX's hood wont close properly with the b18 in there. I'm going from what Ive heard. I want to know which motor would be better to swap into the CRX and why. The other thing I want to know is which parts do I need. I know I need the motor, ecu, special motor mounts, and tranny, but do I need to change the subframes off the CRX when I put the b16 or b18 in?

If you guys could get back to me with some info I would greatly appreciate it.

For the record, here is my car as of now...and pics of the CRX will be up some other time...Peace

 

Not that this has anything to do with the topic but nice car

 

Hey man whats up

Well you got yourself a crx good for you! Well I think I can answer just about anything you asked. here we go.

First question I have is... What model crx is it (dx,hf etc...) if it not a Si or Hf you are going to have to change the engine harness from Dual port to multi port, Meaning if you have dual port (it will say dual port on top of the intake manifold) you currently have two injectors, not four. You will need the resistor box out of an si, hf, integra (dc1 89-90), also you will need injector clips that should come with the b-series swap. ok as far as a motor, the differnce between the B16 and B18c, isn't that major of a difference (if any). The only problems I have run into is using a DC 4-1 header for an 99-00si, sit extemely low, but then again it also depends on the mount kit you are using. Either way you can fit either motor in without any major problems.

Now as far as mount kits are concerned, everyone has his/her favorite. Now in my experience I would use only HCP mount kits, because of the quality and placement of the motor. and they are cheap! I've had problems with using HAsport kits rear mounts. (and i have never had a problem with hood clearance with HCP, right now we are putting a B20 vtec turbo set up in an 88 crx, and haven't had any problems.

As far as what you will need: B-whatever motor, tranny (cable) and matching ECU (pr3, pw0), Shift linkage ( HAsport, place or "best" Jdm SIR), 90 integra axles, intermediate shaft, and rear engine/tranny bracket. and I highly recommend Place recing X-member, or something like it (but not needed)

As far as what motor to choose, it is up to you. from my point of view, using a B18c, is not worth the money. A b16a is an economical way to go, but i will tell you now you will prob end up having regrets. I would suggest (for best bang for the buck) going for a Ls/vtec or b20/vtec set up. As long as you don't want to run crazy cams, you can do either one for $500-$1000 more that just a B16 swap.
We just built LS/vtec motor that made 176 WHP on hondata (not a huge number but not bad for what was in it) We used gen 1 b16a pistons (higher compression in B18a, also alows bigger cam), stock B16a head, with ITR Cams, and ITR manifold, Dc 4-1 header, and AEM intake.
See if you buy a complete b16 swap, you have the B16 pistons already, just buy any LS shortblock and slap the pistons in and your set. But so you know with motor is prob upward of a 11.4+ compression, make sure you have the motor tuned by a professional.

Hey man if you have any other questions let me know!

Peace

 

Thanks for the information man.

The CRX I bought is a 1990 DX 5 spd w/ 120,000+ miles. Got it for $500 and I used to own a Honda before I got my VW so I kinda want a Honda to shut up the VW owners who talk so much **** about Hondas in general.


Furthermore, I see what you said about an LS-VTEC conversion but I really don't want to get into a big mess with this car, as I've done with my VW. I recently swapped a VR6 into my Corrado and sold my supercharged G60 motor with all the goodies I had on it. Anyway, one of my best friends had his '97 GS Integra stolen and to add to the bad luck, his brother's H22a 92 hatchback got stolen a week earlier. His integra was turbo'd (Rev Hard stage 2 running @ 12psi) and he had put a Type R head on it soon thereafter but the car only ran good for one day. I don't know what the problem was when the head was swapped on but he told me the VTEC was f'ing up and didn't run good at all besides the first day. I'll tell you this though, when his car had the regular LS motor in it with the rev hard kit and all the other **** he had...that car ran strong as hell. One of the fastest Hondas I've seen in the streets so far.

Basically, what I want is a reliable daily driver with some power. I like hybrids and am planning to do this swap (for the CRX) in the late Spring. How much do you think everything will cost me more/less for the swap (just motor and parts)?

Once again, thanks for the input...Peace

 

TTT...anybody got some more input? Thanks.

 

Definately stick with a factory built Honda motor then. Go with a USDM/JDM B18C GSR if you want good torque and high revving with VTEC. One of those motors mated to a close ratio cable tranny would make a nice setup in your CRX.

 

A remus i know this is of the subject, but i just picked up a red 1990 g60 for $500. (bad fuel pump)I couldnt pass up the deal, i guess ill be e-mailing you for some questions i have since you know a great deal about the corrado. ill also be glad to help you regarding any set up you might be considering for your honda

 

A lot of the answers could be had here:

http://www.hasport.com/Tech/Hasport%20Tech.htm

Pete