I have a '90 CRX and just put an engine in it. It is a B18C5 block and crank, with all GSR (B18C) internals and head on it. B16A1 computer, and transmission (needed a cable trans). It is running stock CRX fuel pump, lines etc. I changed the exhaust to a more open muffler with 2 1/4 pipe from cat back with the cat punched out.
Now the thing is : I got this in and running, no codes etc., but I went up against my friends stock 97 Lude and sat almost side by side with him in 1st and 2nd, him pulling a little in each gear away from me, but when we into third he started to leave me behind.
What the HELL. I'm at 170 hp with the engine and he's at 200 HP, but I'm 1000 lbs lighter then him. Something is so wrong here. I know this swap and I know that the car should be running well into the low 14's. So what is wrong here.
I don't understand at all. the V-tec is kicking in and there seems to be no real problem, but I'm slow as hell here? I am going to be doing a compression test later today to see if that's ok, but I still think that I should be doing better then that, considering that the Lude is at best ( and I mean AT BEST) a 15.0 car.

Please help me or give me any suggestions possible. I would really appricate it and would be very greatfull.

Thankx..............

 

WHo rebuilt it? Do you really have 170 hp or are you just assuming? Compression test, then dyno it, sure vtec is kicking in?

 

yes, it does feel like v-tec is kicking in, and sounds like it too. Well a B18C5 is what, 190-195? and a B18C is 160-170 right, so I am just guessing but, that should be right....... I hope

 

Ok I am going to start from where you should leave off, meaning you obviously plan on Compression checking the motor and what not, so assuming the motor is in good running condition and you aren't losing HP to bad compression, bad valve seals, or anything like that, here are your problems.

Stock CRX Fuel pump = Needs to go
B16 ECU = Get a GSR, yes the B16 will work but it's not running that GSR as good as a ECU designed for a 1.8 liter.
Hollowed out cat = Losing too much back pressure through the hollowed out cat, no need to gut the cat, you aren't pushing enough HP

And last but not least your B16 tranny is geared shorter then his Prelude tranny, SO while you will be punchy off the line, because of your gears and light car, he still has more torque with longer gears, add in the fact you are probably running lean because of your fuel pump, running a little off because of the B16 ECU, and the fact you gutted your cat and you could easily lose to a Prelude.