Honda CRX Restoration

Popular for its light weight, nimble handling, and fuel efficiently, the Honda CRX brought a breath of fresh air to the compact market in the 1980s.  It helped originate the aftermarket auto scene with its simple yet efficient construction and wide availability of parts.  It provided a perfect fusion of sporty sub-compact style, economical cost, and most importantly – the thrill of driving.  The 1988 Honda CRX marked the beginning of the second and final generation of the car.  It received many accolades, including Car and Driver’s 10 Best List for 1988 and MotorTrend’s Import Car of the Year award.  The Honda CRX truly captures the spirit of Honda in the 1980s and early 1990s.

My goal is to find, restore, and enjoy an original CRX.  I’m happy to share my experiences here as this project progresses.

My Build

Chassis

  • Front bulkhead – repaired crumpled structure on passenger side
  • Rear quarter panels – removed and replaced with OEM factory replacement panels
  • Rear panel – repaired rear panel rust
  • Paint – Honda Flint Black Metallic, NH-526M, by Heritage Collision of Carlisle

Engine

  • B16A JDM (SiR I) complete engine swap from a 1990 Civic SiR with ~75,000 km
  • OEM thermostat
  • OEM alternator
  • OEM radiator
  • Skunk2 radiator hoses
  • Skunk2 radiator cap

Transmission

  • Y1 transmission
  • KaaZ 1.5-way clutch-type LSD, professionally installed by Gearspeed
  • Bearing, seal & carbon synchro kit, professionally installed by Gearspeed
  • Exedy stage 1 clutch

Intake, Fuel & Exhaust

  • OEM intake manifold – original with B16A swap
  • OEM fuel rail – original with B16A swap
  • OEM fuel injectors – replaced
  • OEM air delivery system – modified to fit B16A intake manifold
  • K&N air filter
  • MangaFlow catalytic converter, CARB-compliant
  • HKS catback exhaust system

Suspension

  • Skunk2 Alpha Pro-S II coilovers
  • Skunk2 billet rear lower control arms
  • MOOG front lower control arms
  • MOOG front sway bar links

Interior

  • Original OEM interior
  • Honda C1000 series radio
  • Alpine S-S50 front speakers
  • Alpine SPE-6000 rear speakers

Latest Updates

  • Radiator, Fuel Delivery, Shifter
    2021 is going to be the year this car gets finished. Well, I guess project cars are never really finished. Nevertheless, I spent the weekend installing some Skunk2 components and replaced the radiator.
  • Transmission Repair & Suspension Upgrade at Agile Automotive Performance
    Agile Automotive Performance helped diagnose the issues in the transmission. The transmission was rebuild by GearSpeed and reinstalled by Agile along with new suspension components.
  • Transmission Repair at Agile Automotive
    I decided to repair or replace the Y1 cable transmission. After searching for a reputable transmission shop, I found Agile Automotive in Maryland. They are helping to coordinate rebuilding the Y1 transmission.
  • Reassembling the Roof, Doors, Rear, and Interior
    The CRX was back from the paint shop and ready for be reassembled. I spent two weeks putting the roof, hatch, rear bumper, doors, and interior back together with (mostly) labeled and documented parts.
  • Paint
    It’s finally happening!  It’s been almost 3 years since I purchased the CRX from South Carolina.  Now that the body was work completed, it’s time for a new coat of paint.  I was able to schedule time with Heritage Auto Collision in Carlisle, PA to have the CRX painted.  Dan and his team painted the entire chassis, fenders, engine bay, bumpers, and garnishes.  It took about a month to complete and it was definitely worth…