General CRX info please

[hunterhound]

I am looking for a CRX, mostly for commuting, and I would like to ensure that I am atleast in the low 40 mpg range. I believe I would be looking for the 88-91 HF version or perhaps the HBVX from 92-95. Am I correct in that analysis? My problem is that most of the CRX's I see listed dont actually specify the HF model, or if it does it appears to have an engine swap. What engine should the above models have to be original and ensure the higher fuel efficiency? I know that the 1.3L is better than the 1.5L in most situations and that manual is better than automatic, however my ignorance shines through when I see engines listed as B14 something something etc. Any advice on what to look for within the engine specs to satisfy my mpg requirement would be greatly appreciated, also am I even searching for the correct CRX model or will any other model suit my needs? I know I probably wont get any of the reported 50 mpg cars but I really would need it to be in the low 40's to justify the purchase. Thanks in advance to anyone with some helpful advice.

[hndacvcsi]

what you are looking for is indeed the 88-91 hf series crx. the motor is a mpfi 1.5 liter, or d15 as you may or may not read.

the issue is that a stock one is near impossible to find because they are coincidentally the lightest of the crx's as well. most people buy them to swap in a better motor than the more than slightly lacking d15.

however if you can find one in stock condition with a 5-speed and the stock
d15??(not sure on the last 2 digits), and then take a couple bucks and buy a few maintenence pieces(i.e. fuel filter, synthetic oil&filter, injector cleaner, new airbox&filter(intake optional), 50 mpg is very realistic as long as you have a light foot and most of the miles are highway driven at constant speeds.

[anassa]

Welcome to SHO, and I hope we could be of help to you, anyhow, some info for you:

40's MPG are not a problem for CRX's, or Civics for that matter but yes, you do need the correct model (and the correct engine)

First the 1984-1987 Honda CRX DX/HF should both give you low 40mpg without much problem. The HF's are labeled "HF" while the DX isn't labeled at all. These where carb engines.

Engine list with car:

EV1: 1.3 liter engine that i think only came in the '84 crx/civic - probably has potential to be the most fuel efficient, but people are also trying to get 60 + mpg with the 1.5 Liter engines, so its not to big a deal.

EW1: 1.5 liter engine, '84 & '85 CRX DX, Civic (there was no HF/DX only Civic and Civic Si).

EW3: 1.5 liter engine, '85 CRX Si, Civic Si. - the 85-87 CRX/Civic Si are both Fuel Injected but I am also quite sure that they should get low 40's or high 30's depending on how you drive. My suggestion would be to go with the Si just because it is fuel injected and it is fun to drive while getting the "hybrid" gas mileage.

D15a2: 1.5 liter engine '86 '87 CRX DX, Civic.

D15A3: 1.5 liter engine '86 '87 CRX Si, Civic Si.

Thats pretty much it for those years, 1984-1987 are the first years of production for the 1st generation CRX and 3rd Generation Civic. The only real downside currently is that it is harder to come by parts for these cars, but if you happen to get one i would be more then happy to help you get parts (if it needs it ever needs it that is).

Second the 1988 - 1991 2nd generation CRX. These are very commonly used to modify and make "fast". If your main goal is MPG DO NOT get one that has a swapped engine. The B16 is a higher compression engine that will need 91 oct fuel, If the engine is stamped "B" anything it has been swapped and will not get you in the MPG area that you are looking for. In the US the CRX came stock with only D series (2nd gen that is).

MPG's wise the HF should have no problem with

Again if the CRX is not labeled it is probably a DX. The HF are labeled "HF" and the Si's are labeled "Si". The stock engines for the 2nd gen CRX's are as follow:

D15b2: 1.5 liter engine, '88 - '91 CRX DX, Civic- DPFI engine (Dual Point Fuel Injection). I am not quite sure what the MPG's of the 2nd gen DX's are but they should be high 30's or low 40's depending on the driver. If you end up getting this you could covert to MPFI (Multi Point Fuel Injection) and go with a HF ECU - you will need to make sure that it doesn't run to lean though.

D15b6: 1.5 liter engine, '88-'91 CRX HF - MPFI engine, mid 40's shouldn't be hard.

D16a6: 1.6 liter engine, '88-'91 CRX Si, Civic Si, MPFI. This is a fun car but again it may not get you into the MPG range you want, but it should be able to get you high 30's depending on driver.


I hope I haven't forgotten anything, the most important factor is obviously the driver. If possible look for a completely stock CRX (or civic if you go that route) and look for rust! Also where are you located? I may know someone who is trying to get rid of CRX/Civic that will get you in the MPG range that you are looking for.


Good luck.

[hunterhound]

Wow!!!! Information overload, I had no idea this was going to be that complex. Let me see if I can make this easier for me: The 88-91 HF with the d series 1.5 is the best for economy but may be hard to come by. The 1.3 L may get me killed getting up to speed on the interstate so I think I'll search for a 1.5L. Will any 1.5L d series motor in either a CRX (HF,DX,SI) or Civic get me in the 40 mpg range? How can I tell if a car actually has the proper motor in it, i.e. where can I look to check if it is original or have the person that is selling it look if they do not know? I live in Gainesville Florida by the way and would appreciate any advice/help I can get. Should I get close on finding something is anyone willing to communicate on a personal (either phone/email) rather than forum means? Also, should I try to narrow down the range of years I should search for, say 84-91 or even more narrow? This has been alot help guys, but it sure is alot of information to wrap my mind around so fast.

[hndacvcsi]

this is what you need to know. you want an 88-91 rex with the d15b6(thanks anassa), this motor/car setup already gets 40's and with some replacement parts like i suggested your problem will be solved. i also live in florida so i know why you want one as well.

[hunterhound]

Can a 95 Civic 2dr coupe actually get 40 mpg? I have found one nearby that is in good shape but I am a bit skeptical of the stated mpg of the owner. After looking at the CRX, even though this is the model I would really prefer, I need a means of placing my two small children in the vehicle for short trips periodically in a pinch. This vehicle is only going to be used to make my 60 mile work commute but occassionaly I have to pick up those little suckers from school, etc. Unless anyone has found of a way to mount a small bench type seat with a seatbelt in the back of the CRX I may have to settle for the plain Civic 2 dr styles, sacrifice a little of the gas economy and looks to compensate for a little more room for rear seating.

[Tenacious Z]

there is a JDM rear seat that can be installed into the back of a CRX. Not necessarily a cheap upgrade though.

[drummingpariah]

The rear seat setup generally goes for around $200 (a week's worth of gas savings over most other cars?). However, the CRX isn't known for being the safest vehicle in collisions. If you have children, I would suggest an EG civic (92-95). You'll break 40mpg if you drive consistently, but 50mpg will probably be out of your range. In a properly tuned CRX HF, 50mpg is realistic.

There are projects specifically dedicated to getting the best mpg possible. Check this one out for example:
http://www.*******************/TJFor...x-project.html

replace the **** with tuner-junction

[hndacvcsi]

Originally Posted by hunterhound

Can a 95 Civic 2dr coupe actually get 40 mpg? I have found one nearby that is in good shape but I am a bit skeptical of the stated mpg of the owner. After looking at the CRX, even though this is the model I would really prefer, I need a means of placing my two small children in the vehicle for short trips periodically in a pinch. This vehicle is only going to be used to make my 60 mile work commute but occassionaly I have to pick up those little suckers from school, etc. Unless anyone has found of a way to mount a small bench type seat with a seatbelt in the back of the CRX I may have to settle for the plain Civic 2 dr styles, sacrifice a little of the gas economy and looks to compensate for a little more room for rear seating.

If you need a means of transporting passengers then the crx is kind of unrealistic. the rear seat is ok but it will not be sufficient for a small child. i would say go with the 2d coupe. its alot safer than a crx, and if you keep a light foot, 40mpg's is quite possible.

find out if its a dx, or ex though, and we will have a better answer. the dx would be easier on gas because its lighter(no moonroof) and has all manual options saving some weight as well.

remember that gas mileage is not just motor work and a car, its also weight, tires and wheels(proper inflation), and regular maintenence. also a ? is your driving done on I95?

[hunterhound]

After some further research, I am now pretty locked in on getting a 92-95 Civic HB, either the VX or the CX version. That should guarantee my mileage requirement and give me some room to jam a child in the rear in a pinch. 90 percent of my driving is interstate driving/open road 60-70 mph. If anyone knows of a HB available in Florida, throw it at me. I think I may post a want ad on one of the forums here. Do you guys think that sounds like a more reasonable solution?

[hndacvcsi]

Cars For Sale: Car Details - AutoTrader.com

[drummingpariah]

91' honda hatchback civic(red) 5-SPEED-OBO

Find out why the headlights were replaced though. That could be suspect. I like the EF hatch more than the EG because it's a simpler car overall (and more similar to a CRX, what can I say, I'm biased).

[hndacvcsi]

Originally Posted by drummingpariah

91' honda hatchback civic(red) 5-SPEED-OBO

Find out why the headlights were replaced though. That could be suspect. I like the EF hatch more than the EG because it's a simpler car overall (and more similar to a CRX, what can I say, I'm biased).

that bitch is clean for sure. i agree on the suspect lights, and i also know what u mean by bias. i miss my rex already i wanna sell the coupe and get another si rex

[jordan_myers]

The FS Thread is for sales, keep your spam the hell out of other threads, especially since your no0b ass doesn't even have the appropriate post count...I'm an asshole I know this and I'm proud of it...But I am not one to give no0bs a hard time just to do it, I generally help the no0bs when no one else will and treat them decent..You however are just the definition of a grade-A no0b, and have done nothing constructive since signing up for this site; you have only tried to sell you damn car that no one wants and act like a damn third grader, do us all a favor and leave.

[njn63]

Originally Posted by MR. 87 HONDA

GOT A 1987 CRX SI ALL STOCK I GET 55 MPG IN FAIR CONDITION AND RELIABLE LOOKING TO GETT 2500 !!

No you don't. I average around 48 with a bone stock 91 HF, there is no way you're pulling 55 out of a stock Si.