14 replies to this topic

[llcwalsh]

Hey guys. Did I make a mistake buying this carbed model? The overwhelming info online points to the SI being the far superior ride. Please calm me down:)

By the way. Nice to find this place.

[niccer]

Hey guys. Did I make a mistake buying this carbed model? The overwhelming info online points to the SI being the far superior ride. Please calm me down:)

By the way. Nice to find this place.

 

I think it depends entirely on the condition of the car and what you want to do with it.

 

Start of with some details and pictures so we can get an idea of what shape the car's in.  How does it run? 

[llcwalsh]

Its in good daily driver shape. It runs very well and all seems to function as it should. The driver rear wheel well needs some love due to a minor collision and there's some cracks in the plastic but overall very good. I intend to drive it sparingly for kicks, maybe auto cross it, and keep it around to show my little guys how to wrench a bit.

It's a bit anemic but runs strong.

I should mention I also have an RX7 and 300zx for style and speed points. The only problems with those cars is weight. The CRX is very light in comparison. I like the idea of a street legal go cart.

I'll take some pics tomorrow. Thanks for weighing in.

[niccer]

I bought an '86 DX in semi rough shape initially, which never ran right and smoked quite a bit.  Instead of cutting my losses with the car and buying an Si, I went the hard way and swapped it to fuel injection.  I don't suggest going that route if at all possible.  The car will never be fast without some serious work, even if you got an Si, so you might be okay with the sluggishness of what you have.  

 

Other than the drivetrain, all of the other stuff is interchangeable, so you can get all the same aftermarket parts. 

 

Have you checked the chassis for rust?

[CRXer87hf]

I owned two HFs prior to owning my SI.  The HFs have even less power than the DX, and I still had a blast with them.  Weather you own an SI or a DX, it will always be a 'momentum' car, and by that I mean that in order to be fast, you need to focus on maintaining your speed through corners rather than relying on power between corners.  Since your car is running well, do a few suspension mods and maybe a set of stickier tires, and have fun in the twisties.  

[llcwalsh]

This is indeed sage advice. I'll focus on making it handle. RPR offered some components which I'll be looking at eagerly in the spring. I've always wanted a street legal go cart. This is as copse as you can get.

[letank]

Some parts are gone, so junkyard trip may be needed, but even the junkyard are getting less and less donors. If you are not in Calif, then you should not worry too much.

 

Make sure to use the recommended spark plugs, not some from a cross reference chart, so use ND or NGK

 

Getting some good shocks is a nice kick for the fun factor even with 75hp.

 

Check the big rubber hose from under , at the intake manifold, if leaky not good for power.

 

EDIT: get yourself a club, the ignition switch is notorious for being unlocked with anything... it is a pain to wait for the local PD to either find your car or decide about finding a replacement.

[PuddleSkipper]

Are you looking to turn it into an SI? or are you looking to swapping it?

[llcwalsh]

Are you looking to turn it into an SI? or are you looking to swapping it?

Not sure. Mostly looking to add a little power. It's pretty tame. I've heard the carb to FI swap is both money and time consuming.

[sedanman]

of course it's money and time consuming we drive cars from 1984

Thats the point of it

Billy.

[PuddleSkipper]

The reason I asked is that I have a bunch of SI stuff you can have for free, just pay the shipping. If I get the dimensions and weight figured out I could let you know and you could print a shipping label and scan it/email it to me and that way we don't have to exchange money. You would have to get an SI cam at the very least, maybe the head too. I may have an SI harness for you as well........I will have to dig around though.

[llcwalsh]

Dude, that's super generous. For sure I'll take what you have lying around. Happy to pay shipping.

[PuddleSkipper]

Np, I don't mind helping a fellow enthusiast It's stuff I can't use anyway and it's taking up space which means no one is enjoying them. Is it a Civic or a CRX? I'll need to know for the wire harness. You'll also need an ECU or just go aftermarket like Megasquirt which means you can turbo and tune it. I'll head up to my shop tomorrow and see what I can round up tomorrow, but I should be able to get you most of the way there. Just please post an update from time to time and if you end up not using the parts just pass them on to someone here.

[llcwalsh]

Hey dude. I sold the car today. Thanks for the offer with the parts but I no longer need them.

[clay.showalter.5]

Ok I just picked up a 87 civic si, I am looking for some exterior trim parts. Any good sources or websites. Thanks


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