CRX - What to do first?

[Ryland]

HF wheels are steel but just over 12 pounds instead of over 15 pounds for stock wheels, VX wheels are around 11 pounds, same with HX wheels (I think), those wheels will all let you go with narrower tires.
change your tranny oil, every two years, I suspect it has been nearly 20 years on that car.

[alohaspirit]

Originally Posted by Christ

Why change technique with speed? It doesn't matter what your vehicle speed is... the engine speed will be at idle while you're in neutral (unless you turn the engine off, in which case it doesn't matter if you're in neutral or clutching).

The problem with clutching for extended periods is that the clutch release bearing doesn't have a cooling mechanism. It will heat up, and eventually, it will fail. Best bet, regardless of speed, is just to pop the gear selector into neutral. (I don't even use the clutch pedal to take the selector out of gear... just pull it out while you're letting off the gas pedal, and it will slide right out.)

I do clutch-in coast in short bumper to bumper driving but you make a good point

One that I was considering

Also the belt has been changed a year ago as well as transmission fluid

But all will be inspected once I start my rounds

[Christ]

Originally Posted by alohaspirit

I do clutch-in coast in short bumper to bumper driving but you make a good point

One that I was considering

Also the belt has been changed a year ago as well as transmission fluid

But all will be inspected once I start my rounds

Well, first things first... when you do your tune up, try replacing your oil with something lighter than spec... Mobil 1 makes a good synthetic that lasts long enough to make it cost-effective, at $22 per 5 qt bottle. Use the largest filter you can come up with that fits... an FL-1A might fit, I'm not sure. You'll have to ask around on some Honda forums, or maybe even in here. Use the largest filter you can get, for higher capacity and better oil cooling, and longer change intervals. If you get the 0w30 oil, it performs on the same standard as 5w30 oils.

Change your plugs and wires, just for the sake of doing it, even if they're not bad... you won't need to change them again for god-knows-how-long.

Check that your wheel bearings are moving as freely as possible, and all suspension components are operating as they should.

Being an Si - you have power steering, most likely... this can be removed, if you can't find a manual rack to use (I have one), then you can just loop the lines together. You'll have a slightly different steering ratio using a manual rack.

If your tires need to be replaced, 155 R13 tires on '84 Si wheels are just about the lightest option. If this isn't light enough, you can use load "E" trailer tires... they're steel wheels, 5.30x12" They also have a 4x100 bolt pattern on the 4 lug wheels. (I use Honda wheels on my trailer... ) I don't necessarily recommend the trailer tire thing unless you're staying in the city and not going much over 45... but I've never tried it, so I can't say if it's safe. I can't imagine why not, since they're rated higher than passenger tires are, but meh, someone will have something to say about it.

Please, check to make sure your headlights are properly aligned. After doing so, close up all the holes around the hood and above the bumper. You can fill in about 80% of the bumper grille even in HOT weather using the stock engine, if your cooling system is completely operational.

Check/clean/replace ALL ALL ALL ALL ALL ALL ALL ALL ALL ALL ALL ALL THE GROUNDS on the car... not just the one by the battery, not just the one on the head cover, ALL OF THEM. You can usually get another 1-2 MPG by doing this, as you lessen the electrical load on the engine (alternator) by cleaning up the flow path of electrons. You can also upgrade the primary grounds with high-conductive wire and lugs. (You can get wire from stereo shops, you can make lugs from soft copper tubing.)

If you don't use the sunroof, you can remove the glass and replace it with aluminum or fiberglass, etc... this will save you a good deal of weight, and keep the interior cooler during the summer.

[Christ]

Before you go spending a boat load of money on the engine that's in it, consider getting yourself a D15Z1 or a D16Y8 head and any other D15 block if you know how to build engines or can learn.

If you take the latter option, you'll still need the ECU/wiring setup for the Z1, but it's a cheaper way (sometimes) of getting that engine together.

[alohaspirit]

thanks for the info, good stuff

ill try to maintain it but if something happens along the way

theres always the ev route

[aerohead]

I can only speak for the 1st-gen CRX.I did a nose overfascia with integral grille-bock,front wheel-well gap-fillers,rocker panel extensions,under-body cleanup,full rear wheel skirts,over-hatch bi-wing spoiler integrated into a 12-inch boattail with full underside,and Moonies.------------ The "kit" added 8.6-mpg at a constant 55-mph,pushing mpg from 52,to 60.6 mpg ave.The cars personal best was 75.8 mpg between Cloudcroft,N.M. and Denton ,TX.Top speed increased from 93-mph to 100 mph ( close to sea-level ).

[alohaspirit]

cool stuff

got a link to your thread or pictures?

id love to see the nose and boat tail




also

its not really worth $300 when you can go to the store and copy it for $20

but hows the aero on this?

[aerohead]

Originally Posted by alohaspirit

cool stuff

got a link to your thread or pictures?

id love to see the nose and boat tail




also

its not really worth $300 when you can go to the store and copy it for $20

but hows the aero on this?

Alohaspirit,I'm gonna try and link some pics from my photo album in the archive.Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - Ecomodder.com Fuel Economy Forum 155-1991-after visit-rocky-mountain-institute-itworks-aero.html------------------ http://ecomodder.com/forum/member-ae...ml------------ Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - EcoModder.com - aerohead's Album: Other vehicles 1 - Picture

[alohaspirit]

the first link didnt quite work but the other two did

but that is EXACTLY what I was looking for

awesomeness

[aerohead]

Here's another try at the photo link------------------------------------------- Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - EcoModder.com - aerohead's Album: Other vehicles 1 - Picture