CRX HF vs Civic VX HB

[hunterhound]

In a perfect world of stock vs stock, all original equipment as close as possible, who wins the battle of fuel economy, the CRX HF or Civic VX HB? Or, is it a wash between the two? I'm toying with idea of doing a swap of HB or CRX back to its factory engine and wanted some forum advise on which model may be the easiest to find, perform the swap, find factory parts, and last but not least, the most mpg possible. It's so hard to find one of these babies with original equipment so I thought I could buy one that has a swap with some other d series motor, put the original factory spec motor back in it and then sell the other motor to compensate for the cost of the reversal. Any comments or concerns about this transaction would be greatly appreciated. I am by no means a mechanical guru and would probably have someone else do the swap, but I want to ensure that I am getting the correct model and engine for the job. I also thought of getting some of the other models, such as a DX hatch or CRX, and then put the more fuel efficient HF or VX engine in that shell being as the weight doesn't seem that different, or am I making a mistake here by assuming that? Anything concerns or issues I may be overlooking would be greatly appreciated, so let the debate begin and I'll just sit back and absorb the abundance of information I often see from the forum users!

[drummingpariah]

Well, depending on where you are, they're not hard to find stock. Here in Nor Cal, it's pretty easy to find 'em stock (or modified, EF's are all over the place). I think the HF and VX will get comparable mileage (around 40-45mpg on average) but the CRX HF will have a little more pep because it's lighter. Generally speaking, going all-out mpg isn't a great idea. You'll end up spending five minutes getting up to speed on the highway, and struggle up hills every time they come.

My suggestion would be to get a newer, more efficient motor (say, d16y7?) and toss that in an HF shell. That will give you reasonable power, great mileage (around 40-50mpg depending on variables), and be relatively inexpensive to pull off.

In the end, remember that a $2000 car that gets 45mpg beats a $5000 car that gets 48mpg. It'll take a long time to make up that difference, no matter what gas prices do.

[hampsterpower]

If I remember correctly the CRX HF had the best rated MPG ever in the US: 53 hwy. I know when I had my CRX DX I clocked a tank at 55MPG over hilly terrain.
Good luck finding yours, I wish I still had mine.

[drummingpariah]

I've got a stock DX that I could stand to part with for something that's already MPFI. You'd have to pick it up in Cali, though. No rust (seriously, none, it's a pristine body), dented fenders and hood (no real accidents, just someone driving around on my lawn who didn't see the rex parked by the curb), and a stock motor.

[MR. 87 HONDA]

GOT AN 87 CRX SI IN FAIR CONDITION RUNS STONG ALL STOCK I GET 56MPG .

[anassa]

Originally Posted by MR. 87 HONDA

GOT AN 87 CRX SI IN FAIR CONDITION RUNS STONG ALL STOCK I GET 56MPG .

-rep


this guy is a dumbass..you CANNOT get 56mpg with your si... not possible unless you always drive downhill @70 or so and are in 5th gear..... good god....


anyone feel like flaming? he also bumped my WTB thread from a year ago in the WTB section..

bastard dosn't contribute shit, bumps old threads and and tries to sell stuff....

[trev0006]

56mpg

[jordan_myers]

I rated my DX (before the B18a swap came along) at 45mpg highway and like 39mpg on paved back roads (they have the best twisties)...And I drive erratically (I can justify this as I've completed the three-day Acura training sessions at MID OHIO Raceway and am currently saving up in order to get my licensing)...It also had power coming up hills to an extent (I could leave it in fifth gear and go up damn near any hill, there was one though that had three hairpin turns and I could only get it up to 40mph going up this one in fifth)...So to conclude my rambling, I would go for the DX as it is a great commuter with 45mpg and enough power to get around...The only downfall is the whole two seat thing, so if you are in need of more room then the hatch back would be the better bet.