Editorial
Feature contributors
- Feature member :: importcustomx
- Writer:: jfrolang // Pics:: importcustomx
- Editor :: SETI20
["...it wouldn't even start"]
Growing pains
Many of us
have a magnetic attraction to the CRX and cars in general. For Jimmy, his attraction began in High School.Hanging out with older guys, working on cars and talking smack, Hondas seemed to shine more than the others out there. The addiction started with a Prelude.
This car received a lot of attention, and a lot of the growing pains, where we learn the right and wrong ways to modify a car. This was followed up with a pair of hatches and an EP3, and even a truck thrown in for good measure.
This was however only the buildup to his true destiny...
Fate, destiny, or just good luck?
While browsing
craigslist, an ad showed a CRX for sale nearby, it called out to Jimmy with loud desire.Upon seeing it in person, it wouldn't start or even try to, and it seemed as though this was a deal not to be.
That is, until he sat in it.
The cozy interior of the CRX wrapped around him like a warm embrace, and this relationship had a spark.
The seats, the gearbox, the condition of the rear panels, the mirrors and even the smell made Jimmy realize he had found his fate. With some haggling and a tow truck, he brought her home.
Grand ambitions
This is when
the true journey begins.After reviewing every inch of his new ride, Jimmy had his work cut out for him.
Repairs began with a replacement fuel tank and radiator, ball joints and bushings. Those good intentions that started with making it a reliable DD, soon blossomed into grand ambitions of improving every aspect of his newfound obsession, and it only grew deeper when he got it running.
Trips to the parts store turned into calls to tuner shops and credit card swipes, and delivery trucks started dropping off boxes of parts. Any necessary repair turned into a potential to upgrade.
["a place of quiet comfort"]
The bucket list
I smell...skunks! Meooww!
To track or not to track...
Jimmy's CRX soon had
a new intake, header and exhaust to find some horses, and this pasture corralled some other goodies.The interior was treated to a new steering wheel, Mugen shift knob and gauges. Audible entertainment was upgraded with a Pioneer head unit and Infinity speakers, to go along with Hx wheels and a 35 shot of nitrous.
The tired running gear was quickly replaced with new brakes and a new suspension setup courtesy of Skunk2, so a little track time seemed in order.
Oil leaks halted this idea before it got started though. Unable to pass tech, Jimmy could only watch from the sidelines until repairs were made. Beginning with the oil pan and gasket, the oil seals were replaced bottom to top ending with the valve cover gasket.
The leaks were finally gone, unfortunately so was the race season.
Tearing it up for next year
Plans for next season include
tearing up the asphalt at the track, additional brake upgrades, body work, wire tuck, some kind of engine swap and probably more.For now this CRX is driven daily, modified on the weekends, and loved 24/7.
It even provides a place of quiet comfort to escape the pressures of life. The destination is still a ways off, but what better way to get there than a CRX?
Ride on.
Engine::
- D15B2
- eBay Air intake
- eBay race header with re welded welds because they broke
- eBay test pipe
- Pacesetter exhaust
- 35 Shot of nitrous (currently inactive)
- New radiator with OEM Honda hoses
Body and cosmetics::
- Extraspecial bondo
- Aftermarket rust
- White semi matte enamel with semi matte clear Paint job on the front fenders and front bumper
Interior::
- eBay steering wheel
- 91 Si Doors
- Mugen shift knob
- GloShift gauges
- Pioneer stereo
- Infinity speakers all around
- OEM Honda pedals
- Super clean!
Brakes::
- 90 Integra rear disc swap
- GoodRidge stainless braided brake lines
- Autozone rotors in the rear
- EBC pads rear
Suspension::
- Skunk2 Pro-C coilovers
- Skunk2 rear lower control arms
- Skunk2 rear lower tie bar
- Skunk2 rear strut bar
- Skunk2 front upper control arms
- Ingalls rear camber adjustment arms
- Refinished trailing arms with black Energy suspension bushings
- OEM Honda compensator arms
- EBC pads rear
- New Lower ball joints
- Energy Suspension front sway bar bushings
- New tie rod ends
- Civic Hx Wheels
20(~ish) questions
Owner::
Jim "importcustomx" Maher
Hometown::
Massachusetts
Grassroots::
Massachusetts
Best driving road location (may be track instead)::
River road in west newbury,ma
Paid-for pastime::
Printing/design/promotional items
Paying-for pastime::
my crx - motorcycle/skate/snow/surf/paint ball/ i have a lot
Worst wrenching injury::
destroyed fingers
Total time in project::
since november of 07
First car::
89 honda prelude type-s
First ticket::
speeding in my prelude...85 in a 50
Would never buy::
Saab, they are garbage. Or a focus.
Automotive inspiration::
The Fast and The Furious. I know it's ricey, but I need nawz!
Best automotive invention since the round wheel::
Anything skunk2. Really i think the honda MPFI is pretty damn great. And i-VTEC..that is an amazing operation.
Favorite part on the car::
Well, suspension obviously. I love the way the rear shocks sit on the lca and trailing arms.
Game time::
96-97
Would give up what, to buy parts::
I have given up sleep, girlfriends. I gave up my brand new truck so i could have more money to finish this car. Theoretically i gave up 2 of my fingers (which i got back and are somewhat functional) with a chainsaw accident that resulted in me getting a few grand.
Bottle, force feed or gravity (boost, nitrous or NA)::
Give me the boost!
How much would you spend on wheels::
That depends really, on rarity etc. I probably wouldn't spend more than 800 just on the wheels without rubber. And that includes 5 wheels too. I don't buy just 4.
Best car movie::
The Fast and The Furious, and Gone in 60 seconds.
Best car song::
ZZ top: La grange and Low rider.
What's on your key chain::
My key, a door lock unlock, a mini leatherman
Favorite time of the day::
dusk
Most undervalued tool::
number 12mm brake line wrench (flare nut wrench?)
Do you get up early to work on your car (includes washing)::
People go to sleep when they have a crx?
Do you understand how a Limited slip diff works::
I believe I have a good idea and I love the fact that it balances out power so its a happy little car.
Zip-tie or duct tape::
This car currently has no zip ties or duct tape. I made it a point to make it classy and eventually showroom quality again.
Afterword
The CRXCommunity thanks our March member, importcustomx::
There aren't that many people out there with the vision and dedication that Jim brings to his projects. In what others might have passed up as a lost cause. Jim lovingly brought home to his family, and breath life in to again. His pet project (well, one of several actually) has come such a long way. It`s impossible to tell that it had one foot in the grave at a point.
Jim also made the T-Shirts that we`ve been awarding our previous and future members with. Thanks for that Jim! Pick yourself out a nice one! I`m sure you know your size. ;) Or, we`ll send you a sticker instead.
We'd also like to thank the wicked dudes over at wickedinnovation in supporting the CRX community features, and volunteering great give aways!