1986 Honda CRX Si from North America - Comments

I own an 87 CRX si 313k and going strong. Timing belt I change every 70k. I highly recommend adjusting the valves at about every 60-70k keeps HP high and fuel consumption low. You can do it yourself all you need is a feeler gauge a flat head screwdriver a 10mm box wrench and a set of specs. I do all my own mechanical work and buy the parts exclusively on line. For example I can do all four wheels drums rotors pads and shoes for under $100. Or I just did a clutch job (her third) for about $80. Everything is so small and light I love to work on it. I can carry the 5 speed transmission with one hand.

I had a rubber timing belt pulled out of my '94 Accord at 100K, still looked brand new. As long as you buy OEM Honda parts, you should be OK. When you start substituting them with China parts from Advance Auto or Autozone, you're asking for trouble.

As for the interference engines, my guess would be that they were only in the Si models. But they are not at all disadvantageous because they have higher compression, more power and better fuel economy. The Japanese knew what they were doing - designing an economical and affordable vehicle that was bulletproof, so long as scheduled maintenance was performed. Unfortunately, post 2000, Honda seems to have traded reliability in favor of more chintzy luxury features.

Does anyone know what year they started putting the vtec in the CRX?

The question on vtec in a crx, first crx with vtec was in the 1989 CRX SiR, only available in Japan, if you want to call a Del Sol a CRX, then the first US model would be the Del Sol in 1993.

The biggest mistake Honda ever made was stopping production of the CRX. I have a 1988 with 200000 miles and I still get 50 mpg at a speed of 60 mph. To me I see no reason for a hybrid. Once a hybrid goes over 30-35 mph, the electric motor shuts off. At this point the Hybrid is pulling dead weight.

That's all well and good if you could drive at 60 everywhere.

I just bought a '86' CRX. It has a Vtec emblem on the back. I figured this is a mod for humor.

It has around 260k and a well rusted rear end. I spent $500 on it and it requires a lot of work. The idea was to save on gas money and I'm afraid I'll end up putting more into the CRX to get it Nice than I would save on Gas using it. $$New Muffler, $$Redo Break Line, $$suspension.

Currently the rear sway bar is a tie down. I thought this was funny, but after inspecting it, I think it's actually really good work. I'd like to get rid of it and put in a stock sway bar, but I have yet to find one. I'm pretty newb at mechanics. Hopefully I will be able to save and get it rolling again. I drive a 60 mile commute 5 days a week. I'll have to do the math.