Quote Originally Posted by StraightSix
I would leave the engine and tranmsission stock for the time being. I'm not sure that I would gut the car either.

Here's what I would do, if I were in your shoes. I would find a decent 1989 Civic Si or CRX Si and leave it alone. Then, I would go through the car and replace anything that is worn out or broken. I would flush the brake fluid and replace with Motul 600 or an equivalent. Replace the brake pads with a good street/autocross compound, something like the Carbotech AX6.
Once that stuff is done, I'd start learning how to really drive. Leave the wheel size stock, and get some stickier tires and go stock class autocrossing and start doing HPDEs. HPDE is high performance driving education or track days. By stickier tires, I mean something along the lines of Falken Azenis RT-615s or Bridgestone Potenza RE-01 (I think thats the new Bridgestone).

Once you have a little experience, then you can start with the chassis, brakes, and suspension upgrades. At that point, you'll have a better understanding, hopefully, of the autocross rule book, as well as, knowledge of how the car will handle on track. Then you can start throwing the really good go-fast bits at the car.

My car is a couple of oe parts short of being a Si. The only mods worth really mentioning are the e-bay header and 15" wheels and tires. Suspension is bone stock, except for the Mugen rear trailing arm bushings.

The last time we all went to the mountains Jeff, or JFRO, had a hard time keeping up with me. He was in his boosted b swapped CRX, there's a thread in here about the car.

**The best car you will ever make is the driver mod**
There is no need to start swapping out parts. what you will learn from autocross is that its not about how much power you have, its how it handles and how u drive. keep that motor in there and learn ur car.

Brake pads are very important on these cars. they are known for having brake fad. I would use a hawk HP+ for street/autox and hawk blue for trackdays. Also, use ATE super blue fluid.

If you are interested in getting into motorsports, the SCCA is the way to go. The Atlanta region SCCA is a great organization and one of the largest in the nation. Check out www.soloatlanta.com for more information.

The tires he is talking about is a Bridgestone RE-01R. They are AMAZING tires. Faster than the falken and last longer. The new toyo just came out so I cant say to much about it yet but once we test I will let ya know. But I can tell you that the Bridgestone is the best street/autox tire EVER made. PERIOD

When you start doing suspension, talk to the STS guys...im one. There is a base setup that all the top national cars use and can be tuned EXACTLY to ur liking.

The last thing he said is the most important thing and I cant stress that enough. A car is only as fast as his driver. Become comforable with the car before you start doing stuff and learn ur driving style. The best money you will spend racing is on imporving urself. read the speed secret books. they are awesome

...Anytime you need some help or want to find some info out about autox, trackdays, driving, setup, or what ever just send me a PM and ill be more than happy to help.