November 2008 Featured CRX

Cone Carving Road Warrior

Ah, what a sight to behold, a CRX and its driver in perfect harmony, at home slicing through the cones at a local autocross event. So is the life of Chris (Lowflyin') and his rex, together for almost three years now.

Humble Beginnings

Starting in February 2006, with the help of a friend, Chris made the trip cross country to pick up his black beauty from Florida. Upon arriving back safe and sound in Oklahoma, a proper inspection was in order. What he found was the B16A2 engine with an unfortunately poor wiring job by the previous owner. How bad you might ask? One new feature post-swap was windshield wiper activation when revving into the VTEC range! LOL

After owning the car for a few months, Chris's desire to put the car through its paces at the local track was increasing. He made the wise choice of subjecting the car to a series of maintenance procedures before rocketing onto the track. The parts list read like a how-to of ensuring engine health. New oil and water pumps, rear seal, clutch, axles, belts, and an assortment of gaskets - most of these parts genuine Honda - gave Chris the confidence to hit the track.

Finally in March of 2007 the car and track met at last. Chris ran his car in two intense 15 minute sessions. Enjoying the fruits of his labor, Chris naturally went out for a third session of fun. What his car was about to tell him would make any CRX enthusiast shiver. About at the middle of his third run, it was made clear the little B16A monster had developed an appetite for oil. The oil pump starved and the number four rod bearing was toasted! Luckily Chris was able to ease the car the 30 miles home, rod knocking all the way...

A Change of Heart

His new mission clear, Chris sourced another B16A block and began reassembling the engine to be back in business. While rebuilding, Chris happened to come across what would be his true next power plant - the swanky B16B from none other than the Civic Type-R! The price was reasonable and his mind was made up, so Chris sold his entire B16A setup, from engine and trans, to axles and ECU, and the “B” spec powertrain was purchased and then installed!

All the while, new Progress suspension parts went in, and the interior was stripped down to dash, wheel, and door cards. Some nice Sparco America racing seats came out of a Porsche and into Chris's rex. To top it off a few JDM and EDM parts were added to the mix and Chris officially had the current reincarnation of his ride completed in February of 2008.

Race Days

Since the swap, the car has performed wonderfully at many autocross weekends, seven days at the Hallett Motor Racing Circuit, and even an outing this year to the Solo Nationals in Topeka, Kansas! LowFlyin's experience with his rex adds to more than seven hours of track time and over 750 miles at the Hallett course. Quite a start.

In parting, Chris would like to explain one choice that some have questioned him on. It seems that some would say that a larger GSR or Type-R B-series engine would have been the choice for them. Chris explains that the original vision for the car was for it to compete in the Honda Challenge, which carries weight penalties for swapped engines. At that time, the penalty for the 1.6L was less than those engines. Since then, the B16B's penalty was raised to match the GSR, but Chris is still happy. He wouldn't trade the screaming song of 9000 RPM down the front straight for anything else. :)

Chris looks forward to the 2009 season, and still plans on getting the CRX to spec and running in the Honda Challenge Series. We wish him the best of luck!