best way to mod a crx, for the least money

either it be an engine swap or simply some aftermarket parts, wats the best way to go when modding a crk on a limited budget, any advice would be appreciated (btw this is for a 91' crx, i dont really know that much info about it)

Do you know if its an Si, Dx, or HF? If its a DX or HF, then the most cost effective performance gain you can do is to invest in a new engine. Read the FAQ thread about what engines are compatable with your car, I dont feel like naming them all right now. I will name a couple though...
ZC 130HP (dohc non-vtec) From a 88-91 civic/crx Si from Japan ~$525
D16A6 or D16Y8 126HP (sohc vtec) From 92-00 civic EX ~$550
B16A 160HP (dohc vtec) From 88-91 civic SiR from Japan ~$1800

alright i belive it is a si, 1990 i just noticed, i dont kno if that makes much of a diff. so you say an engine swap would be best for the si or vise versa? im not shure the rest of the specs cause the ad is kindof vauge.

if ur already rockin an si id say cheapest power and upgradability would be a turbo kit by far. properly tuned at 7psi should be more than enough to kick sum ass on the street.

If you want to go turbo, mileage is a consideration. A high-mileage will not last very long under boost. Also, be prepared to spend as least $2500 for the kit. It may seem expensive, but excepting nitrous or a swap, turbo is your best bang for the buck.

or you could build the turbo kit for under 700....my kit ran just around 650

SOHC VTEC, make it light as hell too.. Strip everything you don't need. If you want to boost it, you can do that too. (the cheap way if you want)

Probably the best way for the least money.

how mush does an engine swap for a crx normally cost?

That depends on what engine you want. Realistic engine swaps for a CRX can range anywhere from free (if someone is trying to get rid of a recently-swapped d-series) to $5000+ for a B18C5. Generally, the more power you want, the more it's going to cost. Read Rice-Rocketeer's sticky at the top of the 92+ Civic forum for more info.

cool thanks

alright i belive it is a si, 1990 i just noticed, i dont kno if that makes much of a diff. so you say an engine swap would be best for the si or vise versa? im not shure the rest of the specs cause the ad is kindof vauge.


Yeah it does. The si(sport injected) model comes with a d16a6 which has 108hp. Top of the line crx with mpfi. Engine has many bolt on mods but as eveyone says turbo is the best. Id go to a junkyard, a good one and you can piece together a great turbo kit for under $500.00 with no intercooler.

Under $500? You could probably throw some kind of kit together, but as far as reliability and performance goes, I wouldn't expect much. You get what you pay for.

Where is the cheapest place to get a dohc zc, sorry don't mean to thread jack but my headgasket is going and i dont feel like replacing it when a zc would only be a few hundred more. I also need the tranny ecu, and si hubs knuckles and axles.

give import auto salvage in nc a call... www.importautosalvage.com a buddy of mine got his whole b16 swap for just under 1200 there.

Hmotorsonline has the longblock for $525, but I would think you could find a complete swap for about the same price. Check eBay, or go to local performance shops; they might have recently swapped d-series motors for sale.