I am looking around for a decent autocross car to mess with. Anyone out there using a 1st generation model for this? I see so many for less than $2k and the parts seem to be cheap and plentiful.

What other model years should I look out for in my search? Keep in mind I don't have much $ and I'll probably start out in Stock class.

Thanks.

 

Yeah, first gen integra ['86-89] or first gen CRX Si's ['85-87] normally do very well on the club level. Go for it.

 

Thanks for that. I'm glad to see this side of the forum is a little less, er, nutty.

Do you happen to know where I can find a FAQ on these cars (or other Honda's for that matter)? I'm trying to get some basic info on the 1st gen Integras:

-Any trouble spots to look for while shopping?

-What are the basics of the engine (size, hp, etc.)?

- Are most Civic parts (of the same vintage) interchageable?

Thanks again.

 

Actually, most integra parts will swap over to a civic, but I haven't heard of many people going the other way. For simplicity, let's just say the integra got better factory considerations.

Trouble spots to look for [rust and such] are under the rear bumper, in the floor areas and fender lips.

You can be pretty sure that any car you find in good condition is going to have some very soft suspension bushings though, so between bushings and tires, I would say those would be your first considerations for competition prep.

Another good thing is that all the integras are fuel injected, if you don't like to tune much. Only the Si's were fuel injected in the civic family. The integra had DOHC non-VTEC 1.6's, and the civics all had 1.5's of some configuration [CVCC carb'd, or non-CVCC MPFI]. There's plenty of hop-ups for either though, just remember that the civics and CRXs are lighter also.

 

Thanks!

What model/year of Civic would you recommend? I know the Hatch is probably the lightest. I'd like to stick with FI, what years did this start?

Again, if there is some FAQ around I promise to stop with the newbie questions

-Erik

 

you may prefer the 1st gen crx (started '84 maybe?) for an autox beater. Its the lightest, the cheapest, and has the most autox potential (imo). The civic si HB and integra are also both very capable chassis (pl. sp?)

also, if you eventually want to move into the harder classes, the suspension responds well to carefully selected upgrades. You can also upgrade the civic/crx engine to the integra one or to a 1st-gen B16, with a little work. I have seen a few very successful cars with this setup, including my roommate's pre-saab-phase car.

Being a worn and weary veteran of the used car market, my advice is to hold out for the best car you can afford--don't make any compromises.

I think you're making an excellent choice, good luck.

:thumbup:

 

Hi,

Sorry to revive this thread...but, do you STS guys think I would be outclassed ina second generation Integra? I am seeing alot of these cars in my search. I can hardly find some of the other cars that were mentioned here (Civic HB's, etc.) that haven't been mod'd to death.

Can someone give me the short story on this car compared to the 1st gen.. I'm going to guess I'm in for a heavier car. What else would hinder me?

Thanks alot for your time,

Erik

 

It is a heavier car, but you upgrade to a B series engine stock, and start getting more and more suspension upgrade options. Both can be competative, it's mainly just about how nastalgic you want to get [and how little you want to register on the scales ].

 

The car of choice in STS as of late is the Civic Si EG model (not sure about the year...92'?). It's not the lightest hatch allowed for STS but it is by far the most powerful. (National STS winners were in Civic Si hatches)

As far as I know, swapping a B-series engine into a civic/crx kicks you well out of STS into Street Mod... feel free to correct me on this.

I'm running a G3 GSR in STS and I already have a big weight handicap compared to some of the other STS cars.

Shingo

 

So how is there "more suspension options" with the 2nd Gen cars?

If you can't tell, I'm being super indecisive about what I want to do. I think I want a Stock class beater to keep it simple. This dictates that I stick with oem springs, bushings, etc..

Then I think I will want to upgrade everything while I'm going through hassle of rebuilding the suspension. This will then plop me in STS or some other class. It would probably leave me with a more entertaining car to drive than the Stock class set up. I would then just concentrate on getting my skills up to speed.

BTW, I'm trying to do all this with $5k

Any further input is appreciated,

Erik