87 CRX SI General Questions

[AceMcguyver]

Maybe some newbie questions but I'm looking for any answers. I have an 87 CRX SI with a sun/moon roof that has a pretty good body, only a couple of small rust spots. The car had been stripped to make a racer out of so there are a lot of little parts missing. It needs an engine, everything above the block is gone. I also have a D16A6 engine complete with wiring harness and ECU to put in it. I know it won't bolt in because the transmission is different so I need a transmission and clutch which I think I might have for $100. I have $600 in the car now and another $100 for the trans. I also have a 91 HF for some parts like the exhaust system and such. I'm not looking to rice it out, I want to go back to stock best I can and drive it daily for mileage or have a running car to sell.

1st question, is the car worth fixing up?

2nd question, related to the 1st, are there any advantages to a FI 1st gen over a 2nd gen?

3rd question, the plastic bra and plastic door panels are cracked and brittle. Is there a cheap way to replace or fix them other than new aftermarket, junkyard or fiberglass repair?

I'm a little dissapointed with the car and the apparent lack of parts available, I've got the knowledge to repair but don't want to get into it unless I'm pretty certain of getting some of my investment back either in driving or selling.

 

[Celerity]

1st question, is the car worth fixing up?

2nd question, related to the 1st, are there any advantages to a FI 1st gen over a 2nd gen?

3rd question, the plastic bra and plastic door panels are cracked and brittle. Is there a cheap way to replace or fix them other than new aftermarket, junkyard or fiberglass repair?

I'm a little dissapointed with the car and the apparent lack of parts available, I've got the knowledge to repair but don't want to get into it unless I'm pretty certain of getting some of my investment back either in driving or selling.

1st answer: Yes. These cars rock. There is an organization of fans to these generations. Red Pepper Racing Best website in the world for this car. I have an 87 Si too, and it's restored (Search my posts) The motor swap you want to do isn't worth the effort. I have a head and intake I can sell you. There are plenty of parts and mods available. the D16 swap is one of those swaps that aren't worth it. But, you can take the 89 DOHC front motormount (driver's side) and make it work.

The body is a problem, I agree. But hey, you knew it was going to be tough when you bought a 20 year old japanese car

If you're in the NE US then you're in the hotseat for help. I'm in CT. Lemme know where you are.

 

[AceMcguyver]

Unfortunately I'm in Texas, and it would probabaly cost to much to ship the head down here, plus I haven't exhausted the junkyards yet. I agree about the swap, I saw the How to on Red Pepper Racing and you're right it's not worth it. Besides, the D15A3 is almost as powerful as the D16A6 and will probabaly get better mileage. Just out of curosity what would you need for the head and cam?

I did find out last night that PVC cement melts the plastic used in the bra and fenders so that might be a good option to use in repairing them as it melts and bonds the plastic together. That and a scab patch using some scrap plastic.

 

[Celerity]

The new fenders are like $80, the nose can be found for less. Unpainted,yes but hey

Anyway, I do trades. Lemme know what other kinds of things you're into (electronics, robotics, optics, R/C, etc) and we can work out some yankee peddler trade. I am, after all, a yankee.

If you apply this PVC you'll still need body filler. Eating it up with chemicals is no solution at all.