88 crx Hf - **VTi** swap

[88hf]

Does the master cylinder need to be replaced to change to the dx brakes?

[Christ]

Originally Posted by 88hf

Does the master cylinder need to be replaced to change to the dx brakes?

Nope. You can even use Integra brakes with your stock M/C, unless you go with rear discs or GSR brakes, then you'll want the larger M/C.

DX brakes are like 9" or so, and the calipers are fairly small. One of the first things I did with my '88 Civic 4D was to rebuild the master cylinder with a 1" piston and remove the booster, instead opting for manual brakes without vacuum assist. A larger M/C makes the brake pedal seem harder, and it takes less travel to do the same work.


The M/C upgrade isn't something that most people would want initially, until they actually got larger calipers, which aren't really necessary in most cases.

[88hf]

So everything will bolt up with the dx knuckles? What about si? basically I'll need knuckles, calipers and pads for both sides. I have lower and upper ball joints and tie rod ends for the hf... will these be different for the larger setup?

[88hf]

What is the difference between the 90-93 integra knuckles and the crx dx knuckles? Price isn't that different. They also have reman hf calipers with pads for $100.

[Christ]

Originally Posted by 88hf

So everything will bolt up with the dx knuckles? What about si? basically I'll need knuckles, calipers and pads for both sides. I have lower and upper ball joints and tie rod ends for the hf... will these be different for the larger setup?

DX/Si knuckles are the same, for all intents and purposes. If you use either, you'll also need to use the axles from the same type, HF axles are smaller.

If you want to retain the use of HF axles, which are smaller and lighter, you may still be able to use the DX brakes, but you will need rotor, caliper and bracket for each side from a DX/Si.

EX knuckles are very attractive options if you intend to use bigger brakes, the EX of the 4th gen has the largest brakes, rear discs, and a bigger master cylinder than any other 4th gen/2nd gen CRX model.

I'd have to go back and look through my brakes list to find all the swappable parts that you can use from different vehicles to build a hybrid brake system, but if you really wanted, you could have like 13" front brakes, 11.5" rear brakes, and a set of dual pot front and rear calipers, all with basically bolt-on components.

The ball joints and tie rods are spec'd from 84-like 99, I believe. They're all the same for that generation, though.

[88hf]

Hmm, well using different axles might be a problem because I wanted to use the hf transmission. Unless I could custom build the axles to work with the other knuckles and hf tranny.

[88hf]

looks like I could use hf tranny, Si axles, DA(integra) knuckles / brakes... is this correct? Source: What axels/hubs/knuckles to use for SI motor in HF? - Honda-Tech

[Christ]

All the D-series cable transmissions use the same inner stubs.

Yes, that combination will work fine for you. You may want to upgrade your M/C if you're going to use DA brakes, though. Some don't mind the extra pedal travel. I hate it.

[dmac101]

have a wiring question for you guys on jdm engines. i notice you have the same engine I am putting into my car. you have a 3-wire erg and a 3-wire irc on yours? when I recieved mine the cable was cut up and I have no way to trace them out. if you could tell me the pin numbers off your original jdm harness I would appreciate it. Icu has orange, blue/black and yellow/black
ERG has yellow/black , white/black , green/black thanks

[88hf]

hey dmac... sorry, been away from this for a while. If you still need it I can go out and look. Don't understand what you mean about "pin numbers" though. I need a more specific question. Do you need to know where they go back to ecu, which is power and the like? "Pin numbers" has me confused.

I have to wait to finish this project until I have the mula for the brakes/ axles. Already got the da knuckles, and replacement linkage. Keep looking at my sad little rex hoping she'll breathe to life again soon.

Just picked up another project as well. A 93 Sentra SE-R (wiring issues) I press the brake and the cluster lights up, turn on the overhead light and I get warning lights, cruise doesn't work. I think its just grounding/ power mix-ups though. Also, all four corners need brake calipers, pads, and wheel bearings. This will be my in between to school so I can work on the the rexs. Seems to be getting mileage in the 40's on the interstate, unless the needle starts tanking soon.

Just started school again, been out for years, and there is a commute involved 3 days a week. But.... I'll get back into it. I love working on these cars.