f20c swap into CRX
Posted by Mad Scientist on March 6, 2008
Let’s all just face it, the f20c is a beautiful thing in an ugly car. Sure, the s2000 outperforms everything else in its price range (and lots outside its price range) but the fact remains that I simply wouldn’t own one. So I started digging around for information on how to take the good part (f20c) and put it into a chassis that deserves it. At first, I was planning to put it into an s30 body so I wouldn’t have to smog it. Then I started talking crazy-talk about getting another CRX as a daily driver, and one thing led to another until I was sourcing a salvage s2000.
Here I sit, with my plans written out in far greater detail than I’ve put down here, but the general is is:
Fit the motor using this technique:
And use the spare Datsun s30 rear end out of Josh’s 260z like so:
And finally, start stuffing the motor in there:
If all goes even slightly resembling the plan, I’ll have a 240hp 1-ton rwd CRX with a full 5-lug conversion and 16×7.5 wheels all around (I’ll probably take stock rear s2000 wheels with the +65 offset for both the front and rear). I’m really looking forward to this project, so wish me luck and encouragement. If you happen to come across any forum threads or information that could be of assistance, please add them as a comment.
Here’s what I have so far:
http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=3680909
If you’re interested in following the build, visit this page:
March 7, 2008 at 11:36 pm
so is it final? is this the project that your working on next? damn . . can’t wait to see it! you going announce it on SHO and make a project thread? oh boy this will be interesting.
March 8, 2008 at 1:22 pm
Sounds great, I can not wait to see it in action (the project)…Man what a great idea (a rear-wheel drive f20 in a REX). You should be real excited (I know I am)….
March 10, 2008 at 10:29 am
Depending on which shell I source out first (CRX, 240z/260z, or GSXR) I’ll let that be the decision-maker on my next project. Personally, I’m kind of gunning for the CRX but craigslist is lacking anything that I’m especially interested in at the moment. I also need to sell the truck (so I have driveway space to park in).
This is not a short-term project. I’d likely gut the CRX, toss a d16/d15 in it, and drive it for a few months while I source parts for the swap. With some parts, I could start measuring and making solid plans.
There are several rear ends I could choose from, from the AE86 (cheap, easy to get ahold of, easy to install, but craptastical suspension setup) to the Miata (I hadn’t even considered this until HondaTwinCam suggested it on hybrids.jp). Thanks for the support, guys. I’m more excited about this than I’ve been about any other project I’ve gone for, and I really don’t see a reason to change where it’s going.
Also, I plan to finally register on HomemadeTurbo and quit lurking there. Previously, I didn’t have a real reason to post there, but weiRtech gave me a real reason to join up. I thought his project died (since I originally found it on vwVortex, and it wasn’t updated), but his real thread is updated fairly regularly on HMT HERE. I’m very excited to find out what he’s done, how he’s done it, and what he’s planning for the steering rack. I’ve been considering taking a Miata front end and putting both steering and suspension into the CRX along with the rear end. There’s no shortage of aftermarket for the Miata, and it’s set up almost the same as a CRX, only RWD. That makes it the most logical choice as a donor car.
Basically, I’ll be taking a Miata, slapping an f20c into it, and throwing a CRX skin on top of that. If all goes well, I’ll be able to stay under 2,000lbs and a sweet-ass stock-looking daily driver.
I also found some 4-lug rims that are lightweight 15×9, built for racing (so I don’t have to worry about them tearing themselves apart as much). My life becomes much, much easier at this point. I’ll just need some strong lugs and ZG overfenders.
No, I won’t do a widebody kit. ZGs are much more tasteful, especially if left satin black (on a satin white car) with rivet points exposed. This will definitely look like a mean little CRX, but I’m trying to keep it looking un-riced (the hood could be problematic, but I haven’t taken measurements yet).
April 1, 2008 at 10:38 am
i have the rear s2k subframe, well pretty much a whole s2k the rear end is gone though
April 1, 2008 at 10:39 am
crx 2.0 lol happy april fools
April 19, 2008 at 3:26 pm
Wow… I believe this is the first time I have seen the words “ugly car” ever used to describe an S2000.
Wow.
- Tim