CRXFi Build Thread (Geo Metro XFi drivetrain in Honda CRX)

[RobertSmalls]

0.3ft^2=43in^2. But yes, about the size of a mirror.

[MetroMPG]

I count a difference of 43.2 square inches (1 sq ft = 12 in * 12 in = 144 sq in * .3 = 43.2 sq in)

Buuuut... that list doesn't say "HF" on the 1st gen stats. It might be better than indicated.

I'd still go for the smaller, lighter one, personally. You can fix the Cd (and have fun doing it).

[Christ]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

I count a difference of 43.2 square inches (1 sq ft = 12 in * 12 in = 144 sq in * .3 = 43.2 sq in)

Buuuut... that list doesn't say "HF" on the 1st gen stats. It might be better than indicated.

I'd still go for the smaller, lighter one, personally. You can fix the Cd (and have fun doing it).

Buy it.

I had a 3 1st gen CRX's. I'd rather have them.

The handling issues aren't really issues at all, the McPherson setup is fine for extreme use with a set of decent coil overs and some lowering, which isn't really all that hard to do.

Hell, you can lower the front of the car up to 2 inches or so just by turning a couple nuts!

Check out RedPepperRacing.org for all the info you could ever use on the 1st gen CRX.

[Wonderboy]

Thanks for the advice and the help with dem maths. Topher: Are there any typical sneaky issues to look for with these cars akin to the pervasive front control arm mount rust problem on geo metros? Keep in mind that I'm not concerned with issues pertaining to the motor+trans in this situation.

[Christ]

Originally Posted by Wonderboy

Thanks for the advice and the help with dem maths. Topher: Are there any typical sneaky issues to look for with these cars akin to the pervasive front control arm mount rust problem on geo metros? Keep in mind that I'm not concerned with issues pertaining to the motor+trans in this situation.

A Honda's a Honda's a Honda, when it comes to rot.

Check the rockers, floor pans, and rear wheel arch areas mostly. Check that someone hasn't bondoed the crap out of those areas and smoothed it out.

*EDITED section out because it applies to another generation of Honda*

There are no structural rust issues, though. Check inside the rear hatch area for breakthrough, as well. That'll be caused by sunroof drains, if it has one, but check anyway.

[Gasoline Fumes]

Originally Posted by Christ

There are no structural rust issues, though.

I seem to remember reading over at RPR that the panhard rod mount has rust issues. Yet on my 1984 Civic Wagon, that's the only spot that didn't rot out on me. And I've seen a 1st gen CRX that had the trailing arm area of the floor rot through and break. So even though they don't rot out as badly or as often as the Metros, I wouldn't skip a careful inspection of any critical areas.

[Christ]

Not really structural, though.

They do rot, and it's something to look for, but it's not usually a deal breaker, as it won't make the car "unsafe" to ever operate again. The repair panel for it is very easy to line up, and you can actually repair the area with some sheet metal and fender washers, if you're really cheap.

It just keeps the rear end from swaying back and forth under the chassis by a few inches each side.

I'd still inspect it like crazy, if even just to get a better deal (if there was such a thing) on it. It's an old NY car... it's bound to have rot somewhere.

[some_other_dave]

The 1st-gen CRXes make very good race cars because of their light weight. So the "more primitive" suspension shouldn't deter you.

Then again, I really like my 2nd-gen 'Rex...

-soD

[Wonderboy]

Someone managed to buy it up before me apparently DURING that big snowstorm that just came through the area. Oh well, back to hawking CL.

[Wonderboy]

It's official! I just got back from picking up a 1988 CRX HF shell with no interior and one seat for $250. I'll start a new thread about the genesis of my CRXFi. The only thing that could've made this purchase more ideal is if the windshield weren't cracked Got a nice pair of axles for an additional $15 as well. Very exciting. I'll post pictures later, perverts.