Bolts & Washers
Walter Franco's 1989 CRX Si
Propulsion
Franco and his Pops kicked the transplanted -and later blown-up-B16 to the curb and replaced it with a Spoon Sports balanced and blueprinted Integra Type R plant, cradled in the engine bay by urethane-filled stock mounts. The B18C5 retains most of its factory bottom-end parts and geometry, save for ARP rod bolts and a Nuformz block guard.
A B16A head, prepped by Intec Racing with Spoon cams and sprockets, Supertech Performance valves, and titanium springs and retainers, replaces the original and crushes a Spoon two-piece head gasket that's 0.45mm thinner than standard. To promote better respiration, Franco opted for an Akimoto intake with Tangken filter, GReddy MX exhaust, and a test pipe instead of a cat. Additionally, he had the head's ports milled to match the B16 manifold and B18 header.
In action, the chambers in the B18 hybrid receive spark from NGK plugs linked to Magnecor wires and charged by an MSD 6A ignition system with Blaster 3 coil. Managing fuel are an A'PEXi V-AFC controller and B&M pressure regulator, while a Spoon ECU governs the mix of ignition and fuel.
A Fluidyne radiator and Spoon thermostat help keep operating temps nominal, and an aluminum crank pulley reduces wear and tear on the crank. Finally, the drivetrain is upgraded with a five-speed JDM YS1 gearbox, spun by the Mueller 9IB lightened flywheel and ACT clutch.
Stance
Franco runs Tein Super Street coil-overs to adjust ride height and damping on the hatchback, and an Ingall's camber kit to dial in the correct alignment settings. Keeping the ED9 stiff are a Backyard Special front strut bar and a set of Energy Suspension polyurethane bushings.
Resistance
Genuine Honda fluid flows through the brake system, compelling Endless rotors and pads to rub together and slow the Rex.
Rims & Rubber
Exotic Work Ewing 15x7-inch rollers, weighing 16.5 pounds each and clad in Nankang EX500 205/50-15 tires, spin in each wheel well.
Fashion
Outside: Sprayed in PPG factory silver with a green pearl, the CRX is dressed in a JDM EF8 front-end conversion, VIS JDM-style carbon-fiber hood, and Vision CF mirrors. Under the hood Franco color-matched the valve cover, had the VTEC solenoid polished, and installed Spoon reservoir covers, a Vision CF plug wire cover, and Lexus GS300 H.I.D. front lamps.
Inside: Bride Zeta III seats, the Nardi steering wheel, SRR quick-release driver's harness, and Blaze aluminum gas pedal replace the O.E. offerings. Franco also took the time to bolt in an Autopower four-point roll cage and re-upholster the door panels in the same material as the Bride seats.
I.C.E.
An Alpine receiver/MP3 player sends signal to the Power Acoustic 300-watt amp, which in turn juices Kenwood 5.5-inch mids, Boston Acoustic tweets and a Pioneer 10-inch sub.