Late '80s and Early '90s Hondas Hang Out in Japan
As if we aren't already endlessly envious of Japan's car scene, this trio of Honda classics makes us even more jealous.
Wicked Trio
We oftentimes find ourselves more than a little jealous of our friends over in Japan. After all, those guys get all the cool cars while we fight over the scraps. Well, for the most part, anyway. But we recently found ourselves stricken with a bad case of envy fever after checking out this trio of wicked classic Hondas featured over at Super Street.
Photos: Super Street
Envious Builds
Of course, the fact that all three of these builds are what you might call retro only makes that envy grow even more. Yes, these are the builders that we personally look to for inspiration, and these three cars have plenty of that going for them.
Photos: Super Street
>>Join the conversation about this trio of awesome Hondas right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!
First-Gen Masterpiece
The first of these three amazing machines is a 1984 CR-X built by Ballade Sports. The owner, Hoshi Kaoru, has long been smitten with the first-gen CRX and wanted one for himself. Needless to say, the result of that desire is one of the nicest first-gens we've seen in some time.
Photos: Super Street
>>Join the conversation about this trio of awesome Hondas right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!
Swapped
The blue beauty has ditched its original 1.5-liter mill in favor of a B18C-R. The new engine has been treated to a Skunk2 header and Osaka JDM exhaust system. An Integra DA6 YS1 transmission lies behind it, stuffed with an Exedy clutch, Toda flywheel, and 4.785:1 final drive.
Photos: Super Street
>>Join the conversation about this trio of awesome Hondas right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!
Stop and Go
Handling has been improved thanks to a Honda Twin Cam's torsion bar, Osaka JDM dampers, pillowball upper mounts, and lateral rod and camber kits in the front and rear. That works well in tandem with NSX front calipers with Dixel rotors and Seido pads that help slow this lightweight Honda down in a hurry.
Photos: Super Street
>>Join the conversation about this trio of awesome Hondas right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!
Nice Body
Next up in our dreamy trio is this 1990 CR-X SiR owned by Osaka's Harada Yuji. It sports a fantastic authentic Mugen Pro. 2 body kit that fits the car as if it came from the factory that way. That kit incorporates wraparound turn signals and mesh inserts in the rear bumper opening, which nicely match the Mugen-style carbon fiber wing.
Photos: Super Street
>>Join the conversation about this trio of awesome Hondas right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!
Keeping It (Mostly) Stock
Reworked 16x8" MR5 wheels nicely contrast the car's body while Recaro SR3 seats fit the owner's body. But you won't find many mods under the hood. Just a mostly stock B16A, which has been treated only to a Fujitsu header and exhaust for better sound.
Photos: Super Street
>>Join the conversation about this trio of awesome Hondas right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!
Civic SiR
Rounding out this amazing trio of Hondas is this killer 1989 Honda Civic SiR owned by a fella named "Max." Obviously, its racy look makes it the most extreme looking of the group. Underneath the unique livery resides a pair of Osaka JDM wide fenders, which make room for Enkei RPF1 wheels.
Photos: Super Street
>>Join the conversation about this trio of awesome Hondas right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!
Notable Upgrades
Some other notable goodies here include a full Zeal suspension setup, Zero Fighter rear wing, and Osaka JDM aero mirrors. The original 1.6 was replaced by an ITR that sends power through a Y1 transmission. An aftermarket header and Zero Fighter Racing ECU extension are the only performance mods, however.
Photos: Super Street
>>Join the conversation about this trio of awesome Hondas right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!
Forever In Style
Trends obviously come and go in the world of Honda, but these three timeless creations are sure to never go out of style. And that's obviously why we love them so much. Now, excuse us while we book our next flight to the Land of the Rising Sun for a little automotive-themed holiday.
Photos: Super Street
>>Join the conversation about this trio of awesome Hondas right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!
For help with your maintenance and repair projects, please visit our How-to section in the forum.