Well, I'm pretty new to the civic generation under 5th gen, so I need some help. I am considering buying either a CRX or a regular hatch for a project car. The car is primarily going to be used as an auto-x car. I know there is a lot of stuff available for the 92+ civics, but what kind of aftermarket is available for the 92- hatch and CRX? What engines can be put in these civics without "too much" hassle. I am thinking about getting a B16, but how difficult is that to put into the 92- civics? Any more difficult than swapping into a 92+? Thanks guys.

 

with the exception of the H series any of the other common swaps are pretty routine except you have to buy mount kits and linkage to make them fit in the 4th gens. WE don't get as much cosmetic support as the 5th gens but peformance wise its all about the same. I would suggest getting a rex I don't have one but when I find a clean one I will try and get. The rex guys in here will tell you how much fun they are. If your planning to do a swap you should be able to find a non running rex or hatch for cheap. www.thepartstrader.com is a nice place to look. Good luck on your search...........

 

One of the best guys in Auto-X has a '89 Civic Si Hatchback. I don't know much about him but maybe someone does.

 

are you sure you want to swap the engine so quick?? lots of companies make nice dampers, bars, etc etc.. i'd go for a crx over a hatch because of the low center of gravity. might be a few pounds lighter too

 

I've owned both, an 89 DX hatch and an 89 Si CRX....I definately prefer the CRX. It's drivability was tons better. Plus CRX's are, for the most part, less common (compared to hatches atleast).

There is a wealth of aftermarket items for hte 88-91's. Just ask for what you need and I'm sure someone here can point you in the right direction.

As far as swaps, Im a ZC guy. Easy to install (plug and play unless you have a DX then you have to do the DPFI to MPFI wiring). I've heard from alot of the b16er's that they wish they would had forked out the extra $$ for the b18. Of course that's just an opinion. To each their own!!

 

Well duh you would choose CRX over you Hatch, your CRX was Si, what springs did you have on both? what struts/suspension? there answer those questions i have a 91 Hatch Si and i can take a 90 degree turn going 45 and only squeel my tires just a little bit, and like no flex in the chassis. Person before i got this Auto X'ed this car and said it could take turns like no other, all his friends said so too. so definently the Si will be better only cuz the struts/suspension are better in si.....

 

Suspension on both cars was/is stock. Even w/out the engine differences between a DX and an Si, I'd still take a CRX...I've driven a stock CRX HF....I'd take it over a hatchback Si...Just don't think hatches drive very well. So you can stick your duh where the sun don't shine!!! :fawk:

 

I Quote from 4thgenhatch "One of the best guys in Auto-X has a '89 Civic Si Hatchback" so thats why CRX's are better right?

 

one of the best guys, yea. but the THE best guy.

 

This guy. Look up "CivicSiRacer" and ask him about it. I know he made a post about riding along with this guy once but it must have gotten deleted.

As for CRXs having lower center of gravity that is wrong, CRX and Civic should be exactly the same, how is the weight of the CRX lower than a Hatch. It's not. CRXs are also super front heavy. Hatch has more weigh but it's in the back and gives it better balance.

I can take 90* turns in my car at 65mph+ so 45 is not a big deal.

Also for handling DXs (CRX or Hatch shouldn't matter) actually have stiffer chassis because ALL Sis came with sunroofs which adds weight right on top of the car (higher center of gravity) and also makes their bodys less stiff.