My 91 crx slow build - step by step

[99civicB20v]

Well, It's crazy to think I bought this car almost a year ago. For a 22 year old car, It's in good shape, with only a few dings here and there and a rusted sunroof panel. It's been sitting in front of the house just waiting for me to do something with it. Between being very indecisive, and my 99 coupe which is an ongoing big budget project, I hadn't made up my mind what to do with it, and hadn't set aside any funds for the CRX either.

Well I finally decided to get some fuel economy out of this car, so I began stripping out the interior. I hope to get some great gas mileage out of her while still keeping that sporty feel I've grown to love.

And now, a few pictures:

The day I bought it



Stripped the back half of the interior



OEM Honda rear wiper delete, my son helped out





OEM Honda antenna delete



Finally got the dash out



I know It's not the most fuel efficient motor, but it was soooo cheap I had to pick it up. D16Y8 from a 97 EX




I've got a few plans for this car, including lexan rear windows, custom fiberglass parts, and a full underbody from the front splitter to the rear diffuser, plus a few "racecar" type mods to keep it fun. Hope you guys enjoy the build!

[California98Civic]

Subscribed.

[HydroJim]

This looks like it will be a pretty good compromise between efficiency and sportiness. I'll definitely be watching this one.

[3n3rgystar]

That's a nice looking car, I love stripped out cars, easy to clean out with a garden hose and a shop vac.

[99civicB20v]

Originally Posted by California98Civic

Subscribed.

Thanks. Just as a general notice, there might be some time between updates due to my other project and working a bunch of overtime to pay for it. But stay tuned! I've got plenty of work ahead of me.

Originally Posted by HydroJim

This looks like it will be a pretty good compromise between efficiency and sportiness. I'll definitely be watching this one.

That is the plan. Sort of a "best of both worlds" build.

Originally Posted by 3n3rgystar

That's a nice looking car, I love stripped out cars, easy to clean out with a garden hose and a shop vac.

Lol. I actually thought about that, but I do plan on removing the seam sealer for stitch welding and the thought of water collecting between the body panels isn't very appealing.

Here's a picture for you guys to see the inspiration for the appearance of my build (with a few aero tweaks of course). I plan on painting it a popular Honda color, Vogue Silver Metallic (otherwise known as VSM)

[HydroJim]

Maybe someday, you'll convince yourself to throw a boat tail on that CRX and see what kind of MPG you can get. For now though, it'll be one good looking eco-sleeper

[99civicB20v]

Originally Posted by HydroJim

Maybe someday, you'll convince yourself to throw a boat tail on that CRX and see what kind of MPG you can get. For now though, it'll be one good looking eco-sleeper

Haha... The way I've got it designed in my head using the stock CRX body lines, plus the few aero mods I have in mind, it will be kind of a snub-nose boat tail. Lol. I couldn't come up with any other way to word that.

[ron]

My son in law used acetone to melt the foam out of the unibody worth about 40lbs

[02ws6]

Seems as if we are going for about the same thing with the same kind of car.. lol.

When you put that 1.6 in there you'd be suprised how helpful a simple vacuum gauge can be. That along with a long gear ratio transmission and you'll be right in the money..

I personally want a mostly stock appearing car with a makeshift bellypan (from a truckbed liner found on the side of the road) and a nose cone similar to the link below. Something that can be removed with painters tape so I don't look ridiculous all the time.. lol.

Modified Honda CRX HF Scores 118 MPG in Fuel Economy Run

Keep up the good work..

[99civicB20v]

Wow... That's crazy. Looks like he had stock body panels and glass.

And the D16Y8 is more of a temporary setup until I can free up some cash from my coupe project. I want to try to replicate this setup, with a much lighter car I should see some great results...

http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...rbo-11881.html

Originally Posted by ron

My son in law used acetone to melt the foam out of the unibody worth about 40lbs

I wouldn't mind trying this, but I'd be worried about rust after the acetone treatment. How long ago was this done? Any noticeable issues with it so far?