CRX - What to do first?

[alohaspirit]

Got a crx from a friend today. Almost 300k miles but it was mine for $500

Its my first crx as well as my first Honda. (So feel free to give me any tips)

Its a 5 speed although the Si makes me want to GO!

(which is why i like autos... as they keep me )

My friend said he gets 37-40 mpg with it.


The main thing I need to fix is rust.

The drivers door is sagging and one of the hatch hinges are gone.



So what would you experts do?

[Daox]

#1 on my list would be damage control and maintenance. Check to make sure your brakes aren't hanging up, run some fuel injector/carb cleaner through it, check spark plugs and distributor cap condition. Basically, check all the easy/common things. I'd also address the rust issue as soon as you can, its not going to get any better on its own.

After you know your car is solid, then I'd start with the mods. Probably throw a grill block on it first and get a mpguino!

[SVOboy]

I want another one

[QuickLTD]

I have wanted one since they first came out. What was it 84-85? I agree the first thing is check the tune up or just go do one. It's good for the brain... This way you know you are starting off from square one and other improvement or changes you make will have legitimate results. As long at the rest of the mechanicals are up to daily driving I would say start with locating a straight used fender.

Dean

[i_am_socket]

Speed tape? check
Rust? check
Missing parts? check
Multiple colors? check

The good part is you could probably leave it parked with the doors unlocked, windows down, and keys in the ignition and it'd still be there when you came back ;-) If I had the time and resources I'd love a car like that.

[alohaspirit]

Yeah I left it unlocked all night.
Just threw a club on it and disconnected the battery.
(plus I think there might be an electrical drain somewhere)

It runs pretty well



Heres my list:
Cleanup/Fix Rust (will take a while)
Rear Wiper Delete
Smaller Side Mirrors
Wheel Covers
MPGuino
Wheel Skirts
Grill Block

[botsapper]

Had Hondas for mega-miles. The first thing to do on hi-odometer Hondas: Timing belt replacement. Belt failure is the worse news because there is zero clearance for the valves to clear the pistons when it catastrophically fails. The next is clutch inspection, maintenance and/or replacement. Go down ALL the list of maintenance recommendations and your Honda will keep on ticking. The first one I had, that I sold to a buddy is still running and should be +500K by now.
Then eco-mod it to your heart's desire, brah.

[alohaspirit]

I think its a given that I have to get it running well.


I want the scoops on aero mods and driving technique.

Ive actually been doing a lot of coasting.
Clutch In at low speeds
Neutral in higher speeds
Redline up the hill (j/k)


I think we covered aero too, but feel free to chime in.

[Daox]

Bellypan

[Christ]

Originally Posted by alohaspirit

I think its a given that I have to get it running well.


I want the scoops on aero mods and driving technique.

Ive actually been doing a lot of coasting.
Clutch In at low speeds
Neutral in higher speeds
Redline up the hill (j/k)


I think we covered aero too, but feel free to chime in.

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.)