CRX SI (1985) B16A2 Swap Bolt In?

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da_coder

New Member
Ok so I have been all around the web to various forums, and usually I see people swapping 2nd gen CRX's with B16's or B18's or even diesels.

I cannot seem to find any CRX first gen SI swaps. Also I tried the search function on this forum, and it just said: "error keywords too common, nothing found, etc." After adding commas, it showed just a bunch of random unrelated forum posts...

My question here isn't "how do i swap it out?" It is very simply: besides beating in a dent, and re-wiring ECU's or harnesses, does everything work the same? In the second gen CRX, a B16A2 swap requires the removal of an AC fan?

Also I am still unsure of how the transmission's and axles/hubs will fit together, I hear a dust plate must be removed.

I need AC to work in my CRX, but I would like 160 bhp :D

Also what is the best method of acquiring a B16a2 and what ever other parts are needed?

I know that Hasport has some CRX mounts, but do they work for first gen's?

Thanks in advance to helping! Sorry for not being able to find any posts on this subject. I'm sure there must be some.
 
It can be done, but it's not like the 2nd gen at all where it basically bolts in with a mount kit.
The 1st gen is nothing like the 2nd gen in terms of mounts or wiring at all.

maybe this will help you a little bit:
https://hondaswap.com/threads/1st-gen-crx-faqs.29108/

also, redpepperracing.com is the place for 1st gen crx info.

I did read those FAQ's but it fails to comment on the CRX SI, only the carburetor variant.
Also it doesnt tell me specifics on engines to choose, or if a B16A2 would fit...
Checking out redpepperracing.com now! brb
They have 3 posts in engine swaps, so I made an account, and im still waiting on their verification email.
UPDATE
Yeah so the site is slow, very little users, and now the admins have to accept or decline my account... Isn't there anyone in here who has experience with this? I think that me being able to post on that site may take a while...
 
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I've physically seen B-Series in a mid 80's CRX so I know it's possible. Mounting the motor/trans and the wiring seem to be the big hurdles. Cut and re-weld the shift linkage. If your chassis has MPFI, that should make wiring a little easier.

It's rare to see those CRX's. Not many swap motors in them either. I'd wait to get on that site and see what is all entailed.
 
you need a mount kit from Hasport:
http://hasport.com/store/index.php/mounts/civic/af/afb1.html
(scroll down to the bottom of the page on that link and in the lower right you will find installation instructions)

you will need to swap out your front knuckles/hubs for ones from an 86-89 Integra
you will need to purchase/make custom axles (available from Hasport)
you will need a rear mount bracket for the transmission
you will need a modified shift linkage
you will need to do a lot of wiring - for one thing, the B16 uses an electronic ignition advance, controlled by the ECU, where these 1st gen crx's had a vacuum ignition advance distributor and no wiring exists for the electronic advance - wiring for other ECU functions for the later cars along with knock sensor, O2 sensor and VTEC will also need to be addressed - you will find that the wiring pinouts at the ECU are slightly different from the later cars
 
you need a mount kit from Hasport:
http://hasport.com/store/index.php/mounts/civic/af/afb1.html
(scroll down to the bottom of the page on that link and in the lower right you will find installation instructions)

you will need to swap out your front knuckles/hubs for ones from an 86-89 Integra
you will need to purchase/make custom axles (available from Hasport)
you will need a rear mount bracket for the transmission
you will need a modified shift linkage
you will need to do a lot of wiring - for one thing, the B16 uses an electronic ignition advance, controlled by the ECU, where these 1st gen crx's had a vacuum ignition advance distributor and no wiring exists for the electronic advance - wiring for other ECU functions for the later cars along with knock sensor, O2 sensor and VTEC will also need to be addressed - you will find that the wiring pinouts at the ECU are slightly different from the later cars

Ah thanks man, redpepperracing still hasnt allowed me to post... :/
And i get to keep all my fans / accessories?
Also i will update this post if i have success on swapping it.
 
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