Now that the first-generation Honda CRX is over 20 years old it’s getting extremely difficult to find one in decent shape. Finding a clean rust-free example is nearly impossible especially in the Midwest. So I had to fly out to the sunny California where the situation is slightly better to do some CRX shopping.

What I ended up with is a clean, rust-free 1987 CRX Si. There is no rust underbody and the black paint was a fresh coat. Inside, it had new carpet and newly upholstered seats. The car had 270,000 original miles and there were massive oil leaks all over the motor. But that’s no problem because I’m about to swap the motor with a 1.6 twin-cam D16a1 from the first-gen Acura Integra.

Delivered fresh from California

The interior was stripped for some cleaning. There were thick settlement of 20-year-old dust in every nooks and cranny. All the padding under the carpet was to be removed for weight reduction. The trunk was pretty nasty but there was no rust underneath the padding. Although, the sunroof drain pipes that runs along the c-pillar down to the rear wheel wells were separated. Causing the water to collect in the inner wheel well corner. This eventually develops into exterior rust. Where? That’s right! The rear wheel well. This is the infamous Honda plague and I think the sunroof drain is the cause. Luckily, mine didn’t make it that far.

Under the hood

Interior stripped

Browntop from eBay that I didn’t use

Luckily, after a long hard search, I finally found a donor 87 Integra in perfectly running condition – 1987 LS, 175,000 miles.

Integra Exterior

Integra Engine Bay

Let the swap begin! (Week 1)