The first-gen (1984–1987) CRX was a very different beast than the more common 2nd-gen (1988–1991) CRX. There were more engines to choose from, each one less stimulating than the last. With more current generations of Hondas, this isn’t a problem. It simply means that you swap in another motor and create a ”hybrid” CRX. As the CRX model was refined, a new generation emerged in 1988 and nearly everything engine/drivetrain-related changed. Anyone behind that missed much of the tuner movement, and information became scarce because the more lucrative second-gen CRX was so easy to attain. There is hope for those who own a first-gen, though! You can update your whole platform to the newer generation, allowing b-series swaps, updated brake systems, and all SORTS of other goodies. Just putting in a d16a6 from a second-gen CRX Si will net you between 25%-50% more power!
You’re probably chomping at the bit to get your hands greasy, but there is quite a lot of work to be done.
Physical Fitment
As far as fitting the engine in goes, you’re going to have to start with new motor mounts. You can purchase motor mounts from hasport for your particular engine, you may also need to take a big heavy hammer to some parts of the engine bay (this depends on the specific mounts and motor you’re using, there is no catch-all explanation for what to smash up).
Carburetor to Fuel Injection
Since the first-gen CRX was the end of carbureted Civics, you’re going to have to cross over to fuel injection. The most difficult part of this is included with your new motor in the form of a fuel rail and injectors. You’ll need new engine management and wiring, so make sure wherever you source the engine from sends you a full body wiring harness. The easiest way about this is to get everything from headlights to tail lights, and the clip-on engine wires that come with the particular engine. A 2nd gen CRX Si is considered the industry standard for this, and that’s what I suggest. A d16a6 wiring harness will fit any d-series or b-series obd0 fuel-injected Honda motor out there. The only thing lacking is a wire for vtec, but that’s a relatively simple addition if you decide to install a vtec-equipped motor.
Assuming your EW motor was carbed, you’ll also need to install a fuel pump and pressurized fuel lines to get fuel to your new injectors. While it’s possible to run a dual-carb setup on a modern d-series motor, that’s well beyond the scope of this article and I’ll have no part of that. I like carbs on my motorcycle, not on my car. An inline pump and new pressurized fuel lines should do the trick nicely, if used with stock injectors.
After you’ve installed the motor, you’ll have to go through the laborious process of installing your wiring harness. A cable snake is a great tool to own or rent for this process, but you can get by with some string and a metal coat-hanger.
Now that you’re armed with information, you’re going to need to get some parts together. Here’s a basic list that you can fill in the blanks for:
- Engine
- Block (d16a6 is suggested, but any d-series will do)
- Head (d16a6 or d16zc is suggested)
- Transmission
- MANUAL transmission for a manual chassis
- axles should correspond to the motor you’re using
- Shift Linkage (you’ll have to fabricate this or order from hasport)
- ECU (should match the engine head you’re using)
- Wiring Harness
- should include a map sensor for the ecu you’re using
- Motor Mounts
- Fuel chain
- pump
- pressurized lines
- fuel rail
- injectors
The crew over at redpepperracing is dedicated to all the first-gen types, and can be a huge help when trying to catch up to the more recent generation and beyond. A walkthrough specific to mashing a b16 into a 1st-gen CRX is up on fondahonda’s site. b16 swap also contains useful information for your swap needs. Corey’s swap site also holds a lot of good first-gen info.
I'd stick with a d-series, simply because you won't need motor mounts and you only need to buy ONE camshaft. For a track car, a vtec head is silly, so I'd look around for a d16a6 (an obd0 sohc from 88-91 Civic Si's and CRX Si's). Transmission will depend entirely upon what kind of racing your doing, but AutoX won't matter very much. Personally, my preference is toward the old DX 4speed manuals. They require less shifting and are simpler to rebuild than 5speeds, and the clutch is cable-driven, rather than hydraulic.
I know it's not what you want to hear, but you'll want to save up at LEAST 2 grand for the swap. It's worthwhile to invest in a rebuild for any used motor you get, just so you know it inside and out and know exactly where it's been since the last rebuild. While you're in there, the d16a6 would benefit from a thinner metal head gasket to raise the compression, as well as new head studs (ARP has a good reputation). The timing belt and coolant pump are worth replacing at the same time, too. While you're in there, balancing the rotating assembly will let you safely rev the engine higher and free up a small amount of power.
Your tire choice and suspension setup will make more of a difference than which engine you choose. Stiffen the rear to manage understeer and get the widest wheels allowed in your class.
That sounds good man, thanks a ton. I've never looked into the a6 but I will give it a good look over. I still have to determine the tires and what not. But right now I'm just focusing on the engine, and getting that old beast running again! And great article on the 1g, I'm definitely subscribing to your feed.
hello love the article quick question maybe stupid , but i currently have a 1987 crx dx project on the go , basiclly just body and paintwork is done atm , what i have tho is a d16 zc motor (a entier 1991 honda civic actually with a d16 zc) and going to swap in , what i need to know is my dx currently has no ecu as far as i can tell , is it possible i can keep my dash wired as is and run the engine harness to a ecu? i will more then likely be acquireing a 87 integra wiring harness because of comparibility to motor and car but if i can use the engine harness from the civic that would be much simpler , thanks
You've got a fair amount of work to convert over from carb to EFI. The carb wiring harness pretty much just gives electricity to the starter motor, hooks up to the alternator, and powers the distributor. You'll want to transplant the d16zc engine along with everything it's hooked up to into your CRX. I'm pretty sure you need to swap your wheel hubs, so you may as well upgrade to the stronger knuckles and brakes from the Civic as well. You'll need to take the whole wiring harness from the Civic as well, along with the ECU. Just find a good place to mount the ECU and splice the power wire for it so it turns on when you turn the key to ACC.
Let me know how this turns out, Chris.
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