I did own a 2nd gen CRX 16V in the UK (that's the one with the non-VTEC DOHC engine) and while I'm not a big fan of FWD as I've stated here a lot, I'm occasionally toying with the idea of getting another.
Especially the would-be unicorn, aka the 1st gen - they pretty much all rusted away in the UK years ago, but I occasionally see them out here. I gather the aftermarket for those is pretty much non-existent, though.
I don't think I'd want an HF, as much as the fuel consumption appeals I think an Si would be what I'm after. Not sure I'd want one with an engine swap (although a 1st gen with the 1.6L DOHC would be nice - you could get that one in Europe but not here).
Oh, and given that I never took mine on the track - how's the room in there for a 5'11" driver wearing a crash hat?
It's a good thing that you're in the desert, as I haven't seen a rust free one around here in years.
At 5'11', you're probably fine, though an Si has slightly less headroom due to the sunroof.
As you mentioned, no twincams here, unless it's been swapped in.
I loved my 89 Civic Si more than any car that I've ever owned, but I also spent a lot of time with an '89 CRX DX back when it was new. It felt so light that I didn't really miss the extra few hp of the Si. It was one of the most fun, unmodified, skinny tired cars I've driven. If I could find a good DX, I'd buy it in a heartbeat.
Ive been driving a 90 DX for about 9 months. My first Jap car and first wrong wheel driver. When searching for a new car I look till I find something in the condition and price that appeals to me. I didnt want a front wheel drive. On a whim I drove this one. It has Koni yellows with Koni springs all round. It is stock excepting that. No rust and great paint. It even had factory steel wheels. Just tuesday night Brown delivered 15" wheels and tires for it. 
Fun to drive and Im getting 32-34 MPG. I do think it could use a bit more pep from the 1.5 litre 16v single cam. Maybe a mild turbo in the future 
I havent been on track with it and am only 5'-10" so cant answer to the brain bucket question.
In reply to porksboy:
You might want to tune that thing up. I get 35-38 out of my si... Driving fairly spirited.
Woody wrote:
I loved my 89 Civic Si more than any car that I've ever owned,
As someone who owns a '90 Civic si and wants a 911, I have to ask - "Seriously?"
steronz
New Reader
9/29/11 6:51 a.m.
You're right about the aftermarket support for the first gen. Standard procedure is to transfer the engine, suspension, and brakes from a 1st gen Integra over -- gets you 4 wheel disks, a (more) independent rear, and the 1.6L DOHC engine. Other than that, you're pretty much on your own. Plus you're guaranteed to be dealing with some level of vacuum hose nightmare.
Aside from a few quirks, the 2nd gen is an eager recipient for any part designed for an 88-00 Civic or 90-01 Integra. There's a few quirks about them that drove me nuts (I've owned 4):
Door mounted seatbelts on all 90-91 models and 89 Si models. They add weight, complexity, and they're just awful.
They leak -- sunroofs, taillight gaskets, hatch trim, ventilation intake. Finding one that doesn't stink like mold is tough, and fixing the leaks is an exercise in patience. I got to the point where I just learned to live without carpet and mopped up with a towel after it rained.
Finding seats that aren't destroyed is a challenge. Due to the door mounted seatbelts, no other Honda seats are a bolt-in replacement, and if you can sorta fit something, odds are it's going to put your head into the headliner.
If you really want an Si, try and find an 88. You won't get rear disks (90-91 Si only), but the pillar mounted seatbelts are worth it, and you can get rear disks from any 90-93 junkyard integra.
I've owned three first gens an 3 second gens.
The first gen CRX's, as you may know, have plastic front fenders and large plastic rocker covers. It's whats under those that matters. Make sure you know before you buy.
First gens have torsion bar front suspensions and beam rear axle. Theoretically not the best design, but in reality it works pretty well.
Non-si first gens have a carburetor while the si's have fuel injection. I can't remember if there was a 1st gen HF, but if there was, it may have also been fuel injected.
I've never measured, but I think the second gen cars might have a little more headroom.
My 1st gen 1987 CRX Si was one of those cars that looked rust free, but it was a Michigan car so of course it wasn't. Under the plastic, under the rear valence, under the quarter panels, the rockers, and under the spare tire. If I remember right the models had a propensity for breaking off suspension mounting points. I sold mine before it had a chance to do so.
The 85-87 Si was the only fuel injected model in the first generation. The 1985 Si models have 13" alloys specific to that MY, a smaller non-foam spoiler, recessed headlights, and I think were available in two-tone blue or red over silver paint schemes. The 86 and 87 Si have phone-dial 14s I hated but are probably more in retro-style now, flush-mounted headlights, had a big foam spoiler over the rear, and were solid colors. I always got 35-40 mpg, and I was very rev-happy.
BOY was that car a lot of fun. I'd happily jump at another, but actually rust-free models are starting to get expensive.
In reply to Woody:
Care to sell me your 911? 
steronz wrote:
If you really want an Si, try and find an 88. You won't get rear disks (90-91 Si only), but the pillar mounted seatbelts are worth it, and you can get rear disks from any 90-93 junkyard integra.
Anybody ever check to see if there were regular seatbelt mounting points in the pillar, hidden by trim? I know a lot of cars from that era (error?) of passive seatbelt laws just kept the mounts for other markets and gave us special trim to cover the holes and different doors to mount the seatbelts to.
I know my mom STOPPED wearing seatbelts when those monstrosities came out. The door mounted belts cut into her neck and were both a pain to slip under with the door open (as they were designed to be used) and a pain to click and unclick
steronz
New Reader
9/29/11 7:48 a.m.
mad_machine wrote:
Anybody ever check to see if there were regular seatbelt mounting points in the pillar, hidden by trim? I know a lot of cars from that era (error?) of passive seatbelt laws just kept the mounts for other markets and gave us special trim to cover the holes and different doors to mount the seatbelts to.
If I remember right, the pillar structure is the same, but the threaded nut wasn't welded on. In other words, the holes are there, the structure is sound, but you can't just bolt it up. The fix is tricky, because you're trying to weld a nut onto the inside of the hollow pillar. People have come up with creative ways to do it, though. Then you have to get seatbelts and pillar trim from Canada (typically).
My '90 Civic doesn't have a way to mount pillar mounted seat belts. And I would agree that they are worth having.
I may be selling my '88 CRX, so let me know if you might be interested.
bravenrace wrote:
In reply to Woody:
Care to sell me your 911?
Since you mention it, let's just say that I'm currently pondering the future of that particular car...
In reply to Woody:
I have a nice CRX si as partial trade if you're interested.
I'll trade my 90 CRX cream puff for your 911 straight up even. :D
porksboy wrote:
I'll trade my 90 CRX cream puff for your 911 straight up even. :D
Too bad about those damned seatbelts...
Woody wrote:
porksboy wrote:
I'll trade my 90 CRX cream puff for your 911 straight up even. :D
Too bad about those damned seatbelts...
Small price to pay for such a fun car. Mine has the reliability of a Honda, I'll take the German quirkiness off your hands. You can't loose! 
porksboy wrote:
Woody wrote:
porksboy wrote:
I'll trade my 90 CRX cream puff for your 911 straight up even. :D
Too bad about those damned seatbelts...
Small price to pay for such a fun car. Mine has the reliability of a Honda, I'll take the German quirkiness off your hands. You can't loose!
Can't lose, huh?
http://www.excellence-mag.com/resources/buyers-guide/211641324
porksboy wrote:
I'll trade my 90 CRX cream puff for your 911 straight up even. :D
HEY, BACK OFF! I HAVE FIRST DIBS!!!!
You're right about the aftermarket support for the first gen. Standard procedure is to transfer the engine, suspension, and brakes from a 1st gen Integra over -- gets you 4 wheel disks, a (more) independent rear, and the 1.6L DOHC engine. Other than that, you're pretty much on your own. Plus you're guaranteed to be dealing with some level of vacuum hose nightmare.
Say whaaaa??? There's still plenty of aftermarket stuff for 1Gs, though Koni stopped making struts for them a few years ago. You can go big-pimp style and get the Medieval-Pro Tein kit. Med-pro and Upgrade Motoring still sell T-bars, and I THINK GC still sells a rear coilover kit. Somebody still makes a big rear sway.
The rear brake swap adds weight and complication. Grabbing some HF drums for the rear is a better option. If it's good enough for endurance racing, it's good enough for the street.
The stock EW is a pretty tough little motor, but they are getting a little tricky to find. Transmissions are rock solid.
BIGGEST thing to look for IMHO is rusted panhard bar. Push the rear of the car side to side. If you look down and see a tire, that's a bad sign. Torsion bar mounts can rust out too, plus all the other trouble spots already listed. Fortunately 99% of the 1G rex/3G civics I've owned have been pretty rust free. The last one was from coastal florida and was a wreck.
I am also 5' 11" and have to squinch down in the seat with a helmet on...or throw caution to the wind and open the sunroof.
I meant to say I can't loose!
