January 10'-11' Build Off '87 CRX HF budget build

[texan_idiot25]

Finally decided to make a build off thread since I will be doing some work to the little car to improve it's looks and handling. There's nothing that can be done to help with power, short of a motor swap, and I quite like getting 41mpg while thrashing around on the little thing so the 60hp HF motor stays. :p


Read this thread on how I aquired the car for $200, and the initial troubles. (http://www.xmodsource.com/forum/showthread.php?t=19050)

The CRX HF was Honda's super light weight fuel economy master. EPA rated 40 city, 50 freeway it gets Prius equivalent fuel mileage, while being a riot to drive. And, probably the most amazing bit about all this to some, is it does this with a Carburetor!

I bought this initially to save on gas money so that I could spend more on the truck. The car has already paid itself off in fuel savings in about 3 weeks, and the little car uses as much gas in a month as the truck uses in a week! Mind you, I do work at Domino's as a driver, so, many many many many miles each week, easily over $100 a week in gas for the Chevy. :bigwink:

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs617.snc3/32465_399219223578_669203578_4354151_7480892_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs617.snc3/32465_399219753578_669203578_4354173_182175_n.jpg

And this is how we currently sit. In a few upcoming weeks I'll repair all the busted plastic body work, and paint it white.. Partially to help keep the little car cool because it has no AC, partially to get rid of this blue paint which is in poor shape (though, I do love the color), and partially to practice painting since I will shoot the paint on the CST10 myself as well. Also, it will up the value of the car a good bit should I sell it in the future.

Total costs involved from purchase to street legal? $370! :lol:

[texan_idiot25]

1st upgrade is in the handling department:

Finally got around to hunting down a rear sway bar for the CRX HF, as it leans worse than I do after too many drinks. :uhoh: In order to save weight and achieve it's 1700 lbs curb weight, the CRX goes with out any sort of rear sway bar, so how better to improve on handling?

I was suggested to look for a 93-00 Civic rear sway bar. Funny thing... None of them that I could get under came with them. :lol: There were Integras and a few 'ludes, but all had a wildly different rear sway bar than I was expecting, and most were too wide for the CRX. My goal was to mount the bar on the rear axle, and the end links onto the "frame rails" protruding out from the floor pan. I kept running from import to import, finding nothing suitable. Most had some hilariously shaped bar to snake around suspension and exaust, and most just bolted right to the control arms, no end links to really speak of. No good, padre.

Then I ran across a Dodge Caravan, stacked up on top of a Jeep... OH JOY! Chrysler still used a dead-beam rear axle in their vans, just like our cars. I measure up the frame mounts, and they are PERFECT! Exactly 3' 4" end to end apart, just like the Rex's frame rails.

http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2007/10/14/067056.1-lg.jpg
Not all of the vans had them, but the Chrysler version always did and the "sport version" of the Dodge Caravan had them I noticed.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e321/texan_idiot25/Photo0519.jpg
2 bolts in each frame mount, and the two each axle bracket. I think I used a 16mm socket, though it really needed something like a 15mm. But, no bolts even attempted to round. Bring an extension for the passenger side bracket, or use a 14mm socket to unbolt the rear most exhaust hanger and just push it out of the way to swing a ratchet. Keep all of the frame bolts for later.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs547.ash1/31965_401795268578_669203578_4417291_3987418_n.jpg

Your prices will vary, but I've been going to this yard for years and he let me go off with it for $25 bucks! I was expecting 50-75 to be honest.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e321/texan_idiot25/Photo0527.jpg
Dropped by Autozone to grab some 2.5" exhaust clamps, and nuts. Unfortunatly, the nuts I bought didn't fit the bolts despite having the proper thread according to the screw-in chart next to the bolts... Not the 1st time this has happened... Just goto home depot with the bolts, get washers and lock-nuts.

http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs659.snc3/32555_401816723578_669203578_4417538_8046985_n.jpg

Mock'd in place- holes marked.

Start with a pilot hole, and work your way up drill-bit size. I don't recall what the final size was.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e321/texan_idiot25/Photo0529.jpg

Found it easier to clamp the thing in place with a jack when threading the bolts. The end links are picky about moving around to different angles at 1st, also had to get creative to get around the exhaust :lol:

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs421.ash1/23354_401843333578_669203578_4418028_4886036_n.jpg

Bolt up, snug in place.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e321/texan_idiot25/Photo0531.jpg

Perfect fit!!

Now, I'm taking suggestions how to thread a nut into the frame rail, but I'm thinking of just drilling some access holes in the floor pan to get a socket on it for easy access. Right now I've just got them threaded in the holes, but I ran out of time on the project for today to go further.

The results? PERFECTION! The car doesn't seem to start rolling until about 40-50 mph, and slaloming it, it's much steadier. Only did a little bit of driving, so I can't say how the car will react to more situations, but it's very stable and roll-free in corners so far.

The sway bar was $25, each exhaust clamp was 3 bucks, and the bolts were about 3-4 bucks. So, for $35 bucks basically, the CRX is a vastly improved little monster. And, by the grace of the Gods of Speed, a perfect fit! I'm still impressed with how awesome it all worked out.

Total costs in the car? $400~

[BulletsRain]

Not a bar car at all for the price. Looking forward to seeing some progress. :nod:

[texan_idiot25]

Finally have gotten a good bit of driving in on some nice back roads. The little car is fantastic. It's much sharper, and you can really feel it "rotate" on it's center axis around a corner, instead of feeling it lean. Hell, it could lean enough to start bottoming out the compressed front shock if it hit a good enough bump..

The car has to be pretty poorly driven to get it to push in a corner, and it's stability is absolutly excellent now. Nuetral, not twitchy but not understeering off into a curb. Say you do get into a corner poorly, and over correct, the car smoothly returns back to center. One worry from pulling a bar from a heavier vehicle was that if it was too thick for the CRX, it would "snap" back to center, and be trouble. While thicker than even the Integra bars, the car is smooth to transition, and slaloms smoothly with out drama.

Biggest bang for the buck handling improvement? For $35, the best. And, unlike stiffer (or cut) springs and shocks, the CRX is a completely different machine with out killing any ride comfort.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e321/texan_idiot25/Photo0540.jpg

Junkyard engineering at it's finest. Once I put some new tires on the rear, it'll hit an auto-x session for some fun. Next week, fixing the broken plastic bits, and prep for the "$50 paint job".





I live in the outskirts of houston where there's miles of empty country roads to scoot around on. Thorough jackassery can be done with only my life at risk :nod:

[texan_idiot25]

And so this week's budget project begins:

http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs557.snc3/30457_403370223578_669203578_4464710_2369845_n.jpg

http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs557.snc3/30457_403388683578_669203578_4465304_7533069_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs537.snc3/30457_403388078578_669203578_4465289_5281164_n.jpg

Prep - n - prime should be done by wednesday, as well as the fender repairs. Paint this weekend.

[surgeon]

Looks like you are off to a decent start....Are you not going to take out the lights to paint it?

[texan_idiot25]

Why make it more work? Pay enough attention to taping, and no need to pull the lights out.

I also have to keep driving it all week.

[surgeon]

I figured to do the color swap right you'll need to get in all the little door jams and cracks....you know, so you don't get the maaco effect...

[texan_idiot25]

Nooks and Crannies have been handled, they're painted first before any of the main body panels. Door jams, meh, there's important stickers and **** in there.

[texan_idiot25]

So, yesterday VTEC kicked in, and...

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs537.snc3/30457_403686448578_669203578_4472639_6681801_n.jpg

[winner]

ouch, im guessing you hit the curb?

[texan_idiot25]

Nope, VTEC torque bent the trim. Crazy huh?

[surgeon]

http://static.summitracing.com/global/images/prod/large/clm-401130601-2_w.jpg

50 bucks a pop.... or find some cheap steelies on craigslist. To bad it isn't 5 lug, you could rock the Dodge 20" spares.....

[texan_idiot25]

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs015.snc4/34136_403927173578_669203578_4477714_3792238_n.jpg

I spy my little eye, a set of VX 13"s ;)

Guess how much I paid. (Facebook friends need not apply)

[Bananabrain]

Uhm, $30? lol

[supraboi97]

I'm gonna go ahead and guess you got them for free.

[texan_idiot25]

The benifits of trucks, and the kindness of people. One guy at RedPepperRacing needed to have an engine taken from a motor shop to his house, and I needed a set of 13"s. Along with that, he threw in stiffer DX springs and rear speaker mounts (****ty door speakers, no more!).

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs018.snc4/34286_404082693578_669203578_4481556_3665198_n.jpg

This morning:
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs033.snc4/33995_404083493578_669203578_4481568_3405351_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs055.ash2/36110_404251823578_669203578_4485202_6258280_n.jpg
It sees daylight again!

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs110.snc4/35857_404251653578_669203578_4485197_4627547_n.jpg
The front bumper is too far gone for my efforts. It's cracked, split, warped and generally thrashed in too many places. I'd need a lot of "bumper" bondo to fix it all. It will be replaced later on, should I get motivated.The unprimed sections are where filler was to be layed, which I've just finished. Sand and final priming tonight, and then ready for saturday!

[KITT222]

Maybe harness some Eco-modding skills and make your own front bumper, but more aero-dynamic for better fuel economy. Plus a chance to make it more 'yours.' So far you're looking pretty good with your budget car. Nice snag on those rims. How many rolls of blue-tape have you used on that thing since you started?

[texan_idiot25]

I'm growing tired of some of their self righteous attitudes. And, budget build doesn't mean go fiberglass a bumper.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs034.snc4/34057_404545268578_669203578_4492545_3071315_n.jpg

[surgeon]

Good werk so far. Kinda dig the primered look. Like a honda two-lane black top...

Going to leave the wheels as is, or paint em black? Steal on the 13s either way.

[texan_idiot25]

Contemplating the same two-tone of before. I'm not a big fan of the spoke design, but we'll see how it looks when on the other 3 corners. I mean, the one tire has grown on me a good but, so all 4 of them aught to win me over... :lol:

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs019.ash2/34311_404861983578_669203578_4500859_4670806_n.jpg

Wet sanding tomorrow, more coats. Lots of setbacks, and more $, but still shy of $120 total.

[texan_idiot25]

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs530.ash1/31128_387215793578_669203578_4056222_5997767_n.jpg


Ta-daaaaaaaah

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs034.snc4/34087_405098503578_669203578_4508393_186623_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs001.ash2/33389_405082428578_669203578_4508140_3602149_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs001.snc4/33422_405098388578_669203578_4508392_5063696_n.jpg

It will need a good bit of work later, but, I've gotta white nugget!

[Bananabrain]

Paint looks good. Now you just need to put the other three rims & tires on.

[surgeon]

looks good so far man, at least from what the pictures show....The one thing that is weird is that I am used to seeing the black trim on them...the whole white looks....odd.

Anyhow, my thoughts on the wheels...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v74/daveb91/GT3.jpg

If you painted them similar two tone as before you'd look kinda like this.

[texan_idiot25]

The trim line that goes around the lower portion will be red, later in the week. It's good, just needs a lot of wet sanding and love to bring the gloss up. I didn't really figure out the paint gun until the last coat (ran out of time), and think I may have gone too fast over most the car. However, paint thickness is good, so in a week once the paint hardens I can start to work on it. Only one run, and sticking paint. All I care about!

Much more comfortable to drive in the heat too.

[surgeon]

Like this without the black?

http://www.nextautos.com/files/wp-content/uploads/2007/12/87civic_crx2.jpg

If you're worried about the head you could always invest in some window tint....my old civic had no AC and it was never to bad, save the occasional hour and a half of stop and go traffic.

[texan_idiot25]

Tint doesn't matter when you're driving all day in sub-freeway speeds. The dark color was terrible. Trust meh. Even just having the roof in primer made the car a good bit better.

http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/4954/003ylp.jpg

[texan_idiot25]

VX wheels are mounted. Only thing left on the to-do list is new front shocks (replace the one I've essentially killed, and they're due to be changed anyways), and tires all around.



http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e321/texan_idiot25/Photo0621.jpg
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e321/texan_idiot25/Photo0623.jpg
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e321/texan_idiot25/Photo0622.jpg

The style of the wheels have grown on me now that all 4 are on.

[surgeon]

They don't look bad....I am curious to see how the red trim plays out.

[winner]

Tint doesn't matter when you're driving all day in sub-freeway speeds. The dark color was terrible. Trust meh. Even just having the roof in primer made the car a good bit better.

http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/4954/003ylp.jpg

thats a really sexy shot, lol i was'nt expecting it to turn out that nice but wow

[texan_idiot25]

They don't look bad....I am curious to see how the red trim plays out.

I think it will look best with the grilles done in black-

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e321/texan_idiot25/redline_blackgrille.jpg
I dig it, clean and simple. A bit cheery, but the 1st gen CRX is already a quirky looking little car. I'd be very happy with this, and the paint buffed out. Maybe with in a week or two I'll have it all done.


The other two I did, grilles still white (I hate that the lower grille is not fully "open")
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e321/texan_idiot25/redline.jpg

And with the wheels black in center. I'm not actually favoring this over the 1st image with them the stock silver.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e321/texan_idiot25/redline_blackgrille_blackwheels.jpg

[XMDrifter]

i like the last picture more than the first, but black grilles FTW

[firebird999]

First is the best by far. But honestly, if you want to try something different, I think blue trim would look even better.

[Bananabrain]

I like the third picture better than the other one. All of the black looks good.

[xmodzracer]

black grille and black rims definitely

[texan_idiot25]

Shall see once the accent paint is on.

[Lucky7]

Black grill definitely. I like picture one.

[2jack3jack]

I'm not a big fan of the red trim, looks tacky to me. Its a alright car tho i'm still in shock you bought a honda

[texan_idiot25]

It's not going to be that bright red color that I ended up with on my 3 minute picture. More along the lines of: http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs533.snc3/30238_387980938578_669203578_4075919_3382040_n.jpg
A much darker, toned down color than the orange/red above. Minus the tacky **** all over.

The redline has always been there on my car, but someone painted over it.

[2jack3jack]

Now that doesnt look to bad, Besides the fart pipes and other junk on it.

[suicide_star]

Do this, plz..
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j265/rhodified/crx.jpg

[firebird999]

+1. Low is the way to go.

[texan_idiot25]

Lol, hell no. The car has barely enough suspension travel as is. The CST10's lowered suspension still has more travel than the CRX's stock... Don't need any more bottoming out.

New struts to replace these tired ones, my DIY a strut tower bar, and those (slightly) higher rate DX/Si springs in rear are the only things that will be done. It already handles quite well, and it rides nice and smooth, and I'll keep it that way.

[suicide_star]

Ship your wheels here and we'll powdercoat them lime green so you can look all JDM and stuff.

[texan_idiot25]

I have my own powdercoat gun, and unlike the CST10's wheels, these lilbitty 13"s will fit in the oven!

[texan_idiot25]

Grilles painted:

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs175.snc4/38100_410495568578_669203578_4641638_4196598_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs195.snc4/38064_410436288578_669203578_4640287_5694594_n.jpg

[texan_idiot25]

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e321/texan_idiot25/Photo0897.jpg

What could I possibly be carrying that weighs down a car so much? :p

[lol]

weedwhacker

[FloydfanYodaman]

i know i know...but i'd f'be cheating :)

[Blade.]

Possibly could be an engine block, Transmission, rims, metal, or some heavy object.

Hmm...:lol:

Tom.

[Osiris19]

My brother owns an '89 CRX that's beat to hell. Nice looking HF though, vie seen them on th road before.

[Bananabrain]

A turbo set up. :p lol

[texan_idiot25]

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e321/texan_idiot25/DSCN1963.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e321/texan_idiot25/DSCN1960.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e321/texan_idiot25/DSCN1961.jpg
:lol:

'87 Civic Si engine, the ground shattering 91 horse power EW4 motor. Complete drive train, axles, ecu, rad, exhaust manifold, all for $32. I don't have plans to swap it soon, actually bought it just for a spare motor since the CRX is at 252,000 miles. Too cheap to pass up.

That is, if I keep it. I'm moving to Austin TX this weekend. After rocketing the CRX around some of the beautiful driving roads, I realize the car's biggest downfall is a real killjoy-- the lack of power. While not dangerous, I hate having to kick down into 2nd gear to climb a hill at 40-50 mph on some of these roads. Normal traffic and roads is not a problem, but if I'm trying to get up hill on some of the twisty roads, it's slow and steady up hill.


http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e321/texan_idiot25/Photo0889.jpg
All dat tread roll

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e321/texan_idiot25/Photo0885.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e321/texan_idiot25/Photo0888-1.jpg

While it's a missile in the corners, it needs moar power. Don't have time for this Si swap either. So, found a gentleman on CraigsList who is looking for an older, original Civic or CRX. Mine is about as close as it gets to original. He's looking to trade a '90 Miata. 116 horse power, with all the same cornering abilities as the CRX, if not more. Also, the Man-ata has A/C, a first to the Texan stable.

The CRX has been a good car, but, mileage and long-term reliability are becoming concerns. I've dumped $400 into it the past weeks, way more than I ever bought the **** car for.

[TheB1GDude]

lol $32 for a complete engine... can't argue with that :)

Are you moving to Austin for school or with family or to get away from the family?

Probably a stupid question but would it go in the bed of the CST10? Personally I would say keep it, if you could trailer it to Austin then continue to use it for the round town driving I still see many benefits of the little guy.

[Bananabrain]

wow $32 for a motor. lol

Well I have dumped well over $1000 into my truck trying too fix the A/C, heating, engine temp, etc... But half of the stuf still doesn't work. lol

[Blade.]

WHOOO!!!!! I got closest on the guess!!!:lol: Actually, I got almost all of it right :roll_eye:

I'm good eh?:bigwink:

Nice looking engine, how many miles on the whole setup?

Tom.

[Osiris19]

How did you manage a motor for $32?

[texan_idiot25]

lol $32 for a complete engine... can't argue with that :)

Are you moving to Austin for school or with family or to get away from the family?

Probably a stupid question but would it go in the bed of the CST10? Personally I would say keep it, if you could trailer it to Austin then continue to use it for the round town driving I still see many benefits of the little guy.

School, and the city is amazing. It's the most beautiful part of TX I've ever seen, and the culture and music scene is unrivaled in the south, much less the rest of the US. Austin, the music capital of the world!

Yes, I need a city car for Austin, hence why I looked up that Miata owner. If I got rid of the CRX, it would be replaced by another fuel efficient but fun car. No ****box econo cars, like Tarcels or that non-sense. Maybe I'll collect the parts for the Si swap if this Miata deal falls through, and drop it in one day. All I need is a wiring harness, fuel sending unit, pump, and a return line to the tank. Wouldn't be fast, but would help it run up the steep climbs with less effort. I'll make a video in the coming week of the road that's less than a mile from me... It's mmmmmmmmmmmmazing.

The CRX actually would fit, I'd just have to remove the fender wells (they seemingly unbolt from the bed), and put the stock springs back in, but it'd work. The CST10 is staying in Houston for now, not enough parking for it and the CRX. CST10 is a weekend bruiser, comes out when it's time to play now. Had I not had a complete melt down of the CRX's ignition system last week, I was just about half way to it's overdrive trans swap, which would make it much more highway friendly for long trips.

wow $32 for a motor. lol

Well I have dumped well over $1000 into my truck trying too fix the A/C, heating, engine temp, etc... But half of the stuf still doesn't work. lol

I don't just throw parts at it to fix it, but the expensive bits failed. However, everything works as it should now.

How did you manage a motor for $32?
I'm good at hunting for deals. I bought this car originally for $200. A member on the CRX/Civic forum I'm on, that specializes with this generation is here on leave from the Air Force, and just pulled the motor to swap in a CRV B20 into his Civic hatch. He was just needing to get rid of it, since it was taking up space. He let it go for what ever I had in my pocket, $32.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e321/texan_idiot25/DSCN1968.jpg

[Songha]

Throw on some HIDs and give us a night shot!

[texan_idiot25]

Throw on some HIDs and give us a night shot!

HIDs in Halogen housings is for riceboys and *** holes.

[bondo]

HIDs in Halogen housings is for riceboys and *** holes.

and you're about 50/50 on both fronts....;)
you wanna be a REAL asshole,put the HID's in the brakelights..:lol:
I'M STOPPING!!!

[BulletsRain]

HIDs in Halogen housings is for riceboys and *** holes.

I must be an *** hole then... one who can see very well when driving at night. :nod:

[texan_idiot25]

Unless you have projectors, you're still causing other's problems regardless of how low you aim your halogen housings. They're not made to aim the bright light of the HID properly, unless you have them aimed so low they're useless for seeing. I save the CST10's spotlight-like highbeams for HID conversions.

you wanna be a REAL asshole,put the HID's in the brakelights..
I'M STOPPING!!!

HA!

In other news, got the little thing outta the car.
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e321/texan_idiot25/Photo0902.jpg

[Bananabrain]

It looks pretty big until you set it near the bike tire. lol

[texan_idiot25]

The whole thing is about 3 feet wide, 2 feet deep, and 2 and a half feet tall. That's an entire civic drivetrain, minus the drive shafts.

[texan_idiot25]

The CRX now has "big" brakes. :p The tiny stock solid disks weren't cutting it in Austin.
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e321/texan_idiot25/Photo09271.jpg

Our cars are great at a lot of things, but in my opinion, stopping isn't one of them. The TINY solid disks are adequate for city use, but on the highway and in the hills I find them sketchy and prone to shaking and fading when hot. After a week of driving in Austin, I knew it was time to upgrade.

It was mentioned here (http://www.redpepperracing.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=48831)that 88-91 Civic EF disk brakes bolt on, so I thought I'd give it a try. Many of the pro's included more available brake parts, larger diameter disk, bigger calipers, and most importantly for me- vented disks!

Off to the junkyard I go. I got 91 Civic sedan disks and calipers for a total of $55 bucks. Prices may range as high as 60-70 at regular price. I've made friends with the owner of this yard and he slices off a little discount for me. However, the regular price was $15/disk and $15/caliper at this yard, so keep that in mind when pricing around.

Parts needed
-EF front disks & Calipers (Save the caliper bolts too)
-Brake lines (If your current ones are in need of replacement. Stock CRX lines will bolt on)
-Pads (if your junkyard donor didn't have any, or are worn. Mine had lots of life left)
-10mm box wrench (for brake bleeding)
-14mm socket (brake line bolt)
-17mm socket (caliper bolts)


So, off go the wheels and off go the old parts! It's amazing how small these brakes really are. Take note of the size of the stock disk compared to the dust shield.
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e321/texan_idiot25/Photo0921-1.jpg
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e321/texan_idiot25/Photo0926-1.jpg

The screws that hold the disks on are a *****. All of mine were stripped, and thank Jesus-H-Tap-Dancing-Christ for the el-cheapo striped screw remover I had. May have destroyed it in the process, but it managed to dig out all screws with little issue.
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e321/texan_idiot25/Photo0923-1.jpg

When removing the old caliper, leave the brake line attached and just set it behind the strut on top of the axle. This saves a bit of trouble for later when it comes time to bleed the brakes.


Now that everything is off, lets compare-
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e321/texan_idiot25/Photo0919.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e321/texan_idiot25/Photo0920.jpg

Pretty much an inch bigger, and a good bit thicker due to the vented design. The calipers are also larger with more pad surface.

Mock everything together. Give the disk a and brake pads a good bath of brake cleaner before assembling. It's OK that the rotor rubs and makes a slight scraping sound on the caliper. The surface rust is causing it. Surface rust is not an issue, but I would make sure to ask how long the car has been in the yard before taking the disk. A good yard inventories, and will know. This car wasn't here a month ago when I was there, so I was OK with it. It wouldn't hurt to carry a set of measuring calipers either to check rotor thickness. I didn't think of this, but there's no concerning wear marks or lips in the rotor, so it seems to be a-ok.
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e321/texan_idiot25/Photo0931.jpg
Also, notice how the dust shield is totally behind the disk! Big difference in size.

Time to check for clearances between the disk and dust shield. I found it easiest to put a tire iron on a lug and spin it. The sound of the shield hitting is a much higher pitched scrapping sound. The dust shield should clear fine, but if it's bent it may scrub.
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e321/texan_idiot25/Photo0930.jpg

Now that everything is good, go ahead and transfer the brake line to the new caliper. The brake line bolts will interchange between the two, one had stubborn crush washers that didn't let the old bolt slide out of the brake line, so I went a head and stuck it into the EF caliper. Same thread, no length problems, no leaks. Good for me.

Now, bleed the brake (http://www.wikihow.com/Bleed-Brakes) and double check all of your bolts. Hit everything down again with brake cleaner and put on the wheels.

HX wheels JUST clear the caliper.
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e321/texan_idiot25/Photo0918.jpg

Rinse and repeat for the next side. I would also recomend following the bedding in (http://www.import-car.com/Article/40440/tech_tip_brake_burnishing_procedures_for_new_brake _pads_or_shoes.aspx)process like you would for new brakes to clean off the surface rust from the rotors. After this, my rotors were completely clean of rust, and looked just as good as the disks that came off.


http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e321/texan_idiot25/Photo0933.jpg

And there you have it! Bigger brakes and calipers for under $100 bucks. Hawks HPS pads seem to be the general recommendation for a good set of pads around here. The CRX stops with much less drama than before, and most importantly is fade free after a series of 60+ mph panic stops.

[XMDrifter]

is painting the calipers on your to do list?

[Bananabrain]

Nice, should make stopping alot better.

[texan_idiot25]

is painting the calipers on your to do list?

They were painted no-rice black.

[XMDrifter]

They were painted no-rice black.

ah, good. black is always classy

[FinalGear]

Keep it up....:)

[2jack3jack]

They were painted no-rice black.

W8 I painted my calipers red, my camaro is now a ricer :p. Anyways Great little gas saver you got there. I just hope you don't forget about your truck that would upset me lol.

[texan_idiot25]

W8 I painted my calipers red, my camaro is now a ricer . Anyways Great little gas saver you got there. I just hope you don't forget about your truck that would upset me lol.

Painting these red would be like saying "HAY EVERYWON, LOOK AT MY STOCK CIVIC CALIPERS YAWL!" :lol:

May actually sell the car in a few days, get me something RWD again. The truck is the weekend toy at the moment. Nothing cheap left to do on it, cab swap, paint, and overdrive trans are up next, and all cost $$$ and time. Maybe next summer.

[2jack3jack]

Lol the overdrive tranny shouldn't cost to much, were im from they are around 500$$. Ya i'm sorry but you bought the crx I had to double take lol I bet your truck was ****ed.

[texan_idiot25]

I could easily throw in a junkyard 700R4 for rather cheap, but their not terribly strong stock, and I'd need to do more work to the truck to get it to fit.

Part of the cost is I'm looking for the slightly harder to find 200R4, and will rebuild it to eliminate it's weaker internals. It's the exact same size as the TH350 that's in the CST10 now, and will just be a bolt-in swap. Roughly $1,000, and then I'll be able to use it as a DD much more often again. The non-OD TH350 winds the motor up way too high for it to be a real long distance cruiser, as I found out on my Dallas trip. 500 miles with ~50 gallons of fuel.



HOWEVER, the saga of the CRX may end soon. Might be selling it and gettin' me a Miata. HAY BOYS! The CRX's 50 horse power is a complete kill joy in Austin, it handles great but the fun has to stop everytime I go uphill. That, and I'm tired of no A/C. Found a buyer with a good offer, and once everything is said and done I'll laydown the details.

[bondo]

I could easily throw in a junkyard 700R4 for rather cheap, but their not terribly strong stock.

wait...whut?
700R4's are one of the best GM trans out there.
by no means are they bulletproof but you'de be hard pressed to shred one with anything less then 450 ponies.

FWIW, mine are purdier....;)
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f3/SadistikGraffix/yodas/DSCN1825.jpg
who says calipers have to be red??

[texan_idiot25]

They do fine in third gens. Trucks can tear them up rather quickly behind a healthy 350, dat weight.

That, and I'd have to drill new holes for the xmember, shorten the driveshaft, **** **** ****. Get a useless 1st gear too. The 200R4's 1-3 gears are close to the TH400 if I recall right.

Either route I go, it's getting beefed up some.

[Bananabrain]

My truck has a 700R4 Tranny in it, works like a charm & that overdrive sure is nice for the highway. :D

Bondo those brakes sure is purdy. :p

[texan_idiot25]

My truck has a 700R4 Tranny in it, works like a charm & that overdrive sure is nice for the highway. :D

Bondo those brakes sure is purdy. :p

TBI 350s don't have 360 ft lb of torque. :nod:

[2jack3jack]

Your only putting out 360 ft lb of torque? I would think more. But anyways so is the deal final yet?

[texan_idiot25]

Fairly stock 350, mild cam and headers. Stock ratings were 260hp and 360ft lb of torque.

Deal is just about final. Waiting for the CRX buyer to come pick it up, basically.

[2jack3jack]

flat tops or dish? what is the comp ratio? and also awesome glad to hear the deal is going through

[texan_idiot25]

Google the specs for a stock truck 350 (block numbers put it to just before the power drop in the mid 70s), and ignore any cam specs or mention of exhaust manifolds. It's pretty simple to figure it out when I say- "stock 350 with a mild cam and headers" as to what it has.

[2jack3jack]

Chill man just asking a question, and I thought you were running a 350 out of a 1969 camaro.

[texan_idiot25]

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e321/texan_idiot25/Photo0947.jpg

Today I sold the CRX. I'll be honest to say that the little beater **** box grew onto me over the past 3 months, and sold me on the fun to drive small car. It's honestly one of the best (none sports car) cars I've ever driven, mixing together an almost unbeatable combination of economy and driving joy. It's only foibles were it's age, and it's model for where I now live. The HF is just not the car for hill country. It's a perfect city car as I've learned this month, living in Austin. It's a perfect car for flat lands and running along the highway at 80mph (at 3100 rpm!) while still managing 36 mpg! But, when the elevation changes I'm left either gasping for more power, or wishing for more brakes. And, at 252,000 miles, I'm looking for something that's a little easier to work on for years to come.

Beyond that, tight and unassisted steering communicates everything to your hands, and is hardly a nuisance at low speeds. It's high up on my list of "good". After driving a few Miatas, as well as my new one I still almost prefer the cable clutch. The shifter is a bit long, but it matched the rather slow revving HF engine. And, most shockingly in all, the HF proved what Honda is capable of. I never gave it much thought, but the HF is a nice little torque machine for a 4 banger. Honda's intent with the 8 valve motor was to create a car that could hum around all day under 2000-3000 rpm, and after driving a few 4 banger cars, I almost miss it. It's nice putting it in third (4th gear for normal 5spds) and just putting the pedal down and letting it run on up at a rather solid pace. Rarely needed to shift! Being ridiculously light, it handled superbly, and that is what WILL eventually bring me back to these cars. Even the lowly HF was a total joy on the back roads after I threw on that sway bar. And, truly, this car is what converted me from the CAMAROS RULE ALL state of mind to appreciating a truly good handling car. Not always the most capable car, but leagues better than anything in it's price range, class, hell, anything from Honda since then. And ****, that hatch could carry an unholy amount of stuff, like an entire Si drivetrain! Probably what I'll miss most compared to the new car.

So, I'll be back some day. It will be fuel injected next time, I just can't live with a CVCC car being my DD. It's more of a practicality thing in the end, and wanting more than what the little guy can provide for me right now.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e321/texan_idiot25/Photo0948.jpg

The new owner is a highly eccentric Austinite who defines the "Keep Austin Weird" motto. He can even shift with his feet! But, the CRX was one of his dream cars, and I let it goto him even though another person gave me a bit higher offer. It went so someone who would love it, rather than just use it.

The replacement cheap fun to drive and fuel efficient car is a clean '90 Miata. Don't knock it, it's cute as hell but proves to be one of the best little sports cars ever produced.
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs188.ash2/45155_426764358578_669203578_5066246_3757263_n.jpg
HAY BOYS[/I]
:ghey:

[supraboi97]

Honestly I actually like that miata they are fun little cars. But can you drive it comfortably? For some reason I kind of thought you were tall and it wouldn't be easy lol im not sure why.

[texan_idiot25]

I'm about 6' 1", but even with the top up it's not too bad. Would kinda like the pedals further back, but it's pretty comfortable. Top down, no problems. Windshield is a hair low, but no worse than the CST10 (very up right windshield, also blocks traffic lights sometimes).

It's a tiny car, even compared to the CRX. It seems a lot shorter, especially with the top down. The ride is a bit harsher too, but way better seats.

I can't wait to see how big it is compared to the CST10 :lol: Got it for a *****in' deal, and should prove to be much more reliable than the CRX. Plus insurance is cheaper too.

[DRFTKO]

If you don't mind me asking, how much did you get out of the CRX? How much are you getting the Miata for?

[texan_idiot25]

Bought the CRX essentially for $200. Including registration, and all the parts I put into it, I had about $700 (total) into it I think. The ignition system melt down from a few weeks ago was a big budget buster. However, I put it on craigslist looking for a straight trade, and just put a high price in the box to see if anyone would bite. Sold it at that price, $1500, to a young dude who's always wanted a CRX. An eccentric charactor who puts the weird in "Keep Austin Weird", but a cool guy and I'm glad it's going to someone who's going to really like it. The Miata I got for $1700, a liiiiiitle high, but the cheapest one for it's condition in Houston, San Antonio, or Austin. He originally wanted $2500, so I think I did well in the end.

Basically, CRX went for a roughly $800 profit, and I only spent $200 additionally to get the Miata. With insurance being much cheaper, the small change in fuel mileage (the CRX was only getting 35 here in hill country) is totally negligible. Should it prove to be reliable, by next summer the CST10 will get lots of lovin' if I can keep my hands off from playing with this one.

[DRFTKO]

It sounds like both you and the (now) owner of the CRX both came out on this! At least the new owner is someone that you know will take good care of it and not abuse it as other's would.

[texan_idiot25]

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs294.snc4/41026_427361003578_669203578_5075769_4101551_n.jpg

And the saga of the CRX ends.

[surgeon]

Tex, hard top. Hard top.

http://www.supratrucks.com/pictures/hardtop%20miata%200042.jpg

It'll improve your AC and heats ability to do their jobs and you will look less hetero challenged, which will be helpful in austin.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploads12/Miata1207283097.jpg

[texan_idiot25]

Tex, hard top. Hard top.

http://www.supratrucks.com/pictures/hardtop%20miata%200042.jpg

It'll improve your AC and heats ability to do their jobs and you will look less hetero challenged, which will be helpful in austin.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploads12/Miata1207283097.jpg

I'd love to get a hard top, but they're pricey. And I'm comfortable with the top down on my Man-iata. :ghey:

[surgeon]

While back I talked my grandmother into getting a miata vs a motorcycle, we found a hardtop for her for 500 bucks....which isn't to bad for all the heating it provides in the winter.

edit: And you had to realize I was going to try to steal a man card from you for that. lol

[TheB1GDude]

Wow.... that sure is one mantastic little ride you got yourself right there....

[texan_idiot25]

While back I talked my grandmother into getting a miata vs a motorcycle, we found a hardtop for her for 500 bucks....which isn't to bad for all the heating it provides in the winter.
A/C needs to be recharged and leak tested, but it's fall so I'm not too worried about it. The CST10 didn't have a heater the last 2 winters I used it (only had it fixed for a month or two w/ barsleak), so anything is better than before. More worried about shocks, brakes, and engine tune up **** 1st. Car has enough bounce to make it one of the hairiest cars I've ever driven in a fast corner. Way more fun than the CRX though, it's pretty eager to go fast in corners.

Wow.... that sure is one mantastic little ride you got yourself right there....

Maybe one day I'll have it as manly as a rice Mustang. One day...

[suicide_star]

So...LS1 Miata??? ZOOM-ZOOM. Looks clean and will probably be a significantly more reliable car than the CRX; however, even though it's blue and doesn't have a Twilight sticker on the back, you're still going to have guys looking over to see who that chick with the curly hair is sitting in the driver's seat.

[Bananabrain]

Man nice miata, those things are a dime a dozen were I live. I thought about picking one up just for something with really good gas milage. But only things for sale were I live are convertables, no hard tops. I know that they didn't make alot of hard top Miata's back in the late 80's & 90's. I've checked & havn't seen much.

I thought It would be cool to get one & do a V8 Swap & throw a sb 350 in it. I have seen it done a few times & I think there are few were I live that are like that.

[texan_idiot25]

So...LS1 Miata??? ZOOM-ZOOM. Looks clean and will probably be a significantly more reliable car than the CRX; however, even though it's blue and doesn't have a Twilight sticker on the back, you're still going to have guys looking over to see who that chick with the curly hair is sitting in the driver's seat.
LS1 Miata, fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck yeah!

Eventually, I think black wheels will make it a bit less cute.

[surgeon]

Eventually, I think black wheels will make it a bit less cute.

Heck yeah, I was going to suggest that. Maybe even do some rice things like tinting the taillights black, so when it is parked, it does present the question of gender. That could be a dudes car. A can of rustoleum sating black spray will do wonders.

Also, this would be a great autocross car.

[texan_idiot25]

Heck yeah, I was going to suggest that. Maybe even do some rice things like tinting the taillights black, so when it is parked, it does present the question of gender. That could be a dudes car. A can of rustoleum sating black spray will do wonders.

Also, this would be a great autocross car.

The most I'd do is repaint the rear panel (between the headlights) black, and find some wheels that are black. As judging by the Chevy, I like black wheels. :lol:

http://i619.photobucket.com/albums/tt273/greenpathphil/Miata003.jpg

I'll just get a custom license plate to end any confusion:

[STR8 MAN]

[GearHeadV8]

http://ll.speedhunters.com/u/f/eagames/NFS/speedhunters.com/Images/Mikehayes/3zoom/013.jpg

^^^ that would be sick to take some ideas from andd!!

In honer of your shark firebird back in the day
http://www.stangbangers.com/MazdaMiata_GreatWhiteSharkGrilleTeeth.jpg