What is a CRX engine?
The CRX engine is the powerplant used in Honda’s CR-X/CR-X, a compact two-seat sport car produced from 1983 to 1991. Across its two generations, the CR-X relied on small inline-four engines ranging from about 1.3 to 1.6 liters, with a shift from carbureted to fuel-injected designs and, in some markets, a higher-performance DOHC VTEC option.
Historical overview
First generation (CR-X, 1983–1987)
The early CR-X models paired light, economical inline-four engines with a lightweight chassis. Most were carbureted or early-era fuel-injected designs, emphasizing efficiency and nimble handling in a small package.
Second generation (CR-X, 1988–1991)
The second generation grew slightly in size and refinement, adopting larger displacement engines and more advanced fuel delivery. In several markets, higher-performance trims offered more advanced, higher-output options and improved technology over the earlier cars.
Engine families and configurations
The CRX used a range of small Honda inline-four engines over its production run. The list below summarizes the typical configurations you’d encounter across model years and markets.
- 1.3 to 1.5-liter inline-four engines from Honda’s early D-series family, common on the earliest CR-X models. These engines prioritized light weight and efficiency.
- 1.6-liter inline-four engines in later CR-X variants, offering more power and refinement for performance-oriented trims.
- Variations in fuel delivery: some early units were carbureted, while later versions moved to electronic fuel injection for improved throttle response and emissions.
- In select markets, higher-performance CR-X trims used more advanced technologies such as double overhead camshafts (DOHC) and, in some regions, VTEC-variable valve timing to boost power output without sacrificing efficiency.
In short, the CRX engine family evolved from lightweight, modest-displacement units to more refined 1.6-liter powerplants, with some markets leveraging advanced valve timing to extract extra performance from a compact setup.
How a CRX engine works
At its core, a CRX engine is a compact inline-four four-stroke internal combustion engine. It converts fuel and air into power through a cycle of intake, compression, combustion, and exhaust. DOHC variants place two camshafts above the cylinders to control the timing of intake and exhaust valves, allowing higher revs and improved breathing. Where VTEC or similar systems appear, variable valve timing adjusts valve lift to balance efficiency at low RPM with power at higher RPMs.
Key technologies you might encounter
Common technologies across CR-X engines include inline-four configuration, DOHC cylinder heads on later or higher-performance variants, and, in some trims, VTEC-inspired variable valve timing for performance gains without a severe penalty to everyday drivability.
Maintenance and care considerations
Owners and restorers should pay attention to routine upkeep that keeps an aging CRX engine running smoothly. The following points highlight typical maintenance concerns for these engines.
Important maintenance practices
- Regular oil and filter changes with the correct viscosity for the engine’s age and market specification.
- Timing belt replacement on applicable D-series and early DOHC engines at factory-recommended intervals to avoid catastrophic engine damage.
- Coolant maintenance and radiator hoses check to prevent overheating in a small, highly-tuned powerplant.
- Valve clearance checks and adjustment where applicable, especially on DOHC or higher-compression variants.
- VTEC or variable-valve-system variants require attentive oil quality and possible revisions to seals and gaskets to prevent leaks.
Ultimately, maintenance for a CRX engine hinges on understanding the exact year and market specification, which determine whether the engine uses a belt-driven timing system, single or DOHC head, and whether it includes any variable-valve technology.
Summary
A CRX engine refers to the small, efficient inline-four powerplants that powered Honda’s CR-X/CR-X across its 1983–1991 production span. The engine lineup moved from lighter 1.3–1.5-liter units in the early cars to 1.6-liter DOHC configurations in later models, with some markets offering VTEC-enabled variants for added performance. Maintenance and parts availability depend on the specific engine code and model year, but the overarching theme is a compact, lightweight powertrain designed to maximize agility and efficiency in a small sports car.
Notes for readers
For enthusiasts seeking precise engine codes or performance figures, consult model-year documentation or Honda’s heritage resources for the exact market version of a specific CR-X. This article provides a broad, up-to-date overview of what a CRX engine generally encompassed across its two generations.
