Leon Casino's CRX Duo
In this age of over-consumption, some people simply can't get enough. Call it simple greed, or perhaps a lack of self-control, but we see it almost everyday. For some people, the craving is based on food, for others it might be alcohol, but for Leon Casino of Los Angeles, his obsession revolves around the '88-'91 CRX. With a history of building cars over the past 20 years, his experience is unsurpassed, and his eye for detail is second to none. Leon's Mugen-themed, '91 JDM CRX is well known, so when word got out that Leon would be starting a new CRX project, rumors started to fly that he might be selling off the legendary RHD. With far too much time and energy (not to mention, sentimental value) invested in his EF project, Leon decided to keep his JDM project and use an '89 USDM chassis to build the ultimate street car.
It's no secret that Mugen and Spoon Sports of Japan have some of the most competitive, awe-inspiring race cars in the world. The quality and functionality offered by both companies' product lines are drooled over by the masses. Having built a Mugen-themed showstopper previously, Leon changed directions and decided to use the Spoon parts catalog as the basis for his latest offering. After going down his checklist and sourcing the hardware, the gloves went on and the dirty work began. But before any of the newly acquired bolt-ons could be installed, the chassis needed a little love. Narrowing down a project's color choice is never easy, and Leon's CRX was no different. After finally deciding on the right hue, a JDM front end was installed and the paint booth was quickly occupied. In order to add an extremely aggressive stance, the factory JDM fenders were cut, and custom flares were attached to the trimmed arches. Zenon side skirts were painted flat black and bolted to the body, as was a Password:JDM front lip and an optional OEM rear wing. Lightweight carbon-fiber Vision Type DC mirrors replace the blocky stockers, while in the rear a black Golden Eagle diffuser was added just above the Circuit Hero towhook.
To capitalize on the aggressive look of the custom fender flares, Leon knew that lightweight flat black wheels would fit the bill perfectly. And so 16-inch Spoon SW388s shod in Falken Azenis rubber were the obvious choice for the green machine. Due to a lack of low-offset options from the Spoon camp, a custom set of billet spacers push the front wheels out a full inch. Handling duties were a top priority to this CRX fanatic, and a call was made to Preston of Function and Form for a set of its now-famous coilovers, adjustable camber kit, and rear lower control arms. A complete Energy Suspension bushing kit updates the almost 20-year-old factory rubber, and the Place Racing front crossmember offers a level of rigidity that the OEM version never could. Leaving no stone unturned, Leon also compiled a list of brake components to improve the CRX's stopping power. Spoon calipers mated to 11.1-inch rotors help fill the gap behind the ultra-wide positioning of the Spoon wheels up front and are backed by a rear-disc conversion.
With the suspension and exterior completed, it was time to tackle the power equation. Out came the factory SOHC engine and in went a new heart. Borrowing parts from its sibling, Leon outfitted his B16A with an ITR intake manifold, cams, and exhaust manifold. Toda cam gears and the company's belt make sure the timing is just right, and an SX regulator and Golden Eagle rail keep tabs on the fuel. Spoon spark plug wires sit neatly under a Spoon kevlar cover, highlighted by a retina-burning yellow filter that screams Spoon when the hood is popped. At the opposite side of the engine bay, a custom-built catch can with Orme Brothers custom lines takes care of the excess, as the Koyo aluminum radiator cools temps and adds a bit of shine in one fell swoop.