Information on the Jap Spec 1.5x & Si CRX

As a general rule when looking for Si parts try and find parts for a 88-91 European Spec CR-X 1.6i-16 or even an 88-89 Integra. The European 1.6i-16 has a D16A8 or D16A9 which is very similar to the ZC engine in the Si. An 88-89 Integra has a D16A1 which is similar but not exactly the same, however you will find a majority of parts are the same.

As a general rule when looking for 1.5x parts try and find parts for a 89-91 Civic Shuttle 1.5 16v or even the 4wd EX version. You will find a majority of parts on the 1.5x CR-X are the same. Failing that try Civic 1.5 dx/lsi 89-91. (DX is a 1.3 , LSi is a 1.5) 92 and onwards are only really the same engine block and a few other accessories. They are D15B's but only 89-91's had the same L3 tranny. Some shuttle models were also dual carb D15B engines.

But be warned a certain element of luck is needed in getting the right part. I can not guarantee that the parts i have listed are correct for you. I can guarantee you that these are the parts and specs that i used in maintaining my 89 JDM 1.5x and 88 JDM Si. There are some differences between the early 88 & 89 models from the 90-92 models. Front bonnet & bumper and rear bumper & tail lights are different on the 88 and 89 CR-Xs from the later years. If you are unsure about any information or even if the information you are looking for is not here please contact me and i will do my best to help you. You can e-mail me at Mark@cr-x.org

Dont buy aftermarket parts unless you are certain that they will fit. The biggest mistake people make is buying performance parts assuming that there the same as european spec models. An Si has differences from european and american spec CR-X's. Even strut braces have to be bought wisely because of clearance problems. (Models with ABS are an even bigger problem) Yet again please ask if you are unsure.

If you can contribute any other information, tips, tricks, or even part numbers it would be greatly appreciated.

Miscellaneous Information

CV Joints : 26 spline inner. The 23 spline CV joints are more common so don't be fooled.

Windscreen Wipers : 19" (48cm) on both sides. You can fit 20" on the drivers side and 22" on the passenger side at the expense of cleaning efficiency. I would advise spending the extra and buying wipers with a built on spoiler. Standard wipers tend to lift off the glass at speed. Champion VX48 blades work very well. Factory fit wiper blades were a lower profile then normal to stop them lifting with the air flow, these lower profile blades don’t seen to exist in Europe unfortunately.

Seat Belts : It has become clear that most CR-X's end up with seatbelts that wont wind back in. TK-8100r is the part number for the drivers side winder unit for an 89-91 civic. You can use the winder with the original crx belts. Dismantle the old winders to get the belt out. The new winders are different you can push the belt out of the spindle and remove the bar holding it in place, then feed the original crx belt through and slide the bar in to keep it in place. Make sure the spindle is not allowed to unwind when you pull the belt out because you cant wind them up again, trust me. Original winder is a gold metal colour, the civic type are painted black. European models have a plastic bag around them, I think its just to keep dust out.

Rear Wheel Bearings : Same as any CR-X/Civic European or Jap spec. Drum Brake models use the same bearing. Note: The bearing and hub are a complete unit.

Front Brake Pads : There are 2 types so your best to bring a pad with you or just trace around one on a sheet of paper to check the shape / size etc. 1.5x, Si, and SiR models all have different pads.

Rear Brake Pads : Any Honda Civic, CR-X, Integra, Accord, Prellude, with drum or disk brakes. There is only two types basically.

Headlight Bulbs : Yes thats right there different, jap spec. They look the same except there 2/3rds the size. There usually about £15 each if you can find them. There also shite. The lens is plastic and not glass like european models. If you can afford them get the glass european lights because they are much better and take standard H4 bulbs. (Pic of H4 vs Jap Bulbs) (Pic of Side Light Bulbs, Note there 5w not 3w)

Brake Fluid : The factory recommends DOT 4 specification. The higher the number the higher the boiling point. DOT 4 boils at about 260 degrees celsius. I've heard bad things about Dot 5 and Dot 5.1 clogging up master cylinders so i would'nt use them just in case.

Bleeding Brakes : Bleed in the following order, left rear, right front, right rear, and then left front. (RHD Cars Only).

Gearbox Oil : The factory recommends 10w40 non-synthetic in the manual gearbox. You can use 10w30 but dont use 5w30/40. (Ordinary Engine Oil)

Engine Oil : The factory recommends SAE 10w40 to 20w50 semi-synthetic. The lower the first number, the thinner the oil. The higher the last number, the better it will stand up to hot temperatures. I would strongly recommend you use fully synthetic oil. Oil doesn't just lubricate it also cools and seals the engine. I would strongly recommend you use good quality oil and change it within every 5000miles.

Coolant : Only use ethylene-glycol-based antifreeze. It is recommended that you don't go beyond 50/50 mixture of water and anti-freeze. Using a non glycol based anti-freeze kills honda water pumps for some reason. The wrong type of coolant will corrode the alloy engine block.

Clutch Cable : Same as any 89-91 Civic / Crx. I broke mine and got one out of a 1.3 civic. The cable was thinner but its worked fine so far.

Power Steering : The factory recommends Honda Power Steering Fluid only. To drain the oil remove the return pipe from the resoviour (bottom hose) and start the engine, after turning the wheel from lock to lock a few times all the fluid should have been pumped out of the system. (Don’t forget a bucket or it will be messy)

Radiator Cap Pressure : 13.5 to 18.0 PSi

Thermostat Temperature : 76 to 80 degrees Celsius.

Resetting the ECU : Fully warm up engine, Locate the fuse box under the bonnet, (Above drivers side wheel arch) and remove the fuses for the ECU and Hazard Warning for 2 Minutes. Refit fuses and start the engine, leave it at idle speed for 5 minutes. (Do not go near the throttle) The reason for leaving it at idle speed is to let the ECU calibrate itself to the sensor readings and program a default value for itself.

Ignition Timing : 16 degrees + or - 2 degrees at idle speed is the stock setting. (Red Mark on Crank Pulley, it also has a mark either side of it. The other mark off the left is the top dead centre mark). Turning the distributor clockwise retards the ignition, and turning it anti-clockwise advances the ignition. See the "How Do I" Section for more information.

Tyres : Standard are 185/60/14". 28psi all around should be fine. I run 29 front 27 rear.

Alloys : The offset must be 35-45 mm. Stock is 38mm. Stud Pattern is 4 x 100mm, centre bore 56mm. Just make sure you specify the car when buying. They are the same as a civic.

Petrol Filters : Honda say you should change them every 50,000 miles. On 1.5x models there is three, i havent managed to find part numbers for any of them. On Si models there are two in total. One is mounted on the fire wall and the other hangs off the petrol tank. The under bonnet filter is easily available.