What is the best first car for a young, aspiring automobile enthusiast? Whether you are a newly-licensed driver or a car enthusiast parent looking for vehicle for your son or daughter, it’s a tough question to answer.
Non-enthusiasts will likely suggest something that’s slow and durable, as those types of cars will provide less temptation for shenanigans while standing up to the abuse that an inexperienced driver will bring.
You’ll also want a car that’s cheap and easy to repair, because in the likely event the car gets into a fender bender, the easier it is to get back on the road the better. Reliability should also be considered as well, as no one likes getting stranded in a strange place.
But if you see cars as being more than just transportation, or want to encourage a young enthusiast to embrace the car hobby, the decision becomes even more difficult. Many of the recommended vehicles for young drivers aren’t particularly fun or interesting.
On the other hand, regardless of budget I think we can all agree that handing a new driver the keys to an expensive, powerful sportscar is not a good idea. Not only will it be difficult and dangerous for them to handle the power, it also skips many steps on the automotive pathway that most of us climbed and learned with.
So what’s a good enthusiast car for a new driver? The Honda CR-X is a very worthy candidate. They’re relatively inexpensive, fuel efficient, reliable, easy to drive and also easy to work on. On top of all that, the CR-X is quite fun to drive – even in stock form.
It’s also a great car for learning and growing with. If so inclined, a CR-X owner can fit a wealth of upgrades to take the Honda far beyond its economy car roots – everything from aftermarket suspension and body parts to complete engine swaps. An entire generation of auto enthusiasts grew up cutting their teeth on cars like the CR-X, and Southern California’s Jesse Temores is one of them.
Spoon Mania
In high school, the CR-X was one of the first cars Jesse got his hands on, and he fell in love. But rather than moving on to more exotic machinery like many former Honda owners have, he’s stuck with the little Civic derivative.
The car you see here is one that represents a lifetime of love for the CR-X – a love that’s now being passed down to younger generations of the Temores family.
This yellow machine is known as KILLR-B thanks to its distinct body color and the engine that powers it. It’s also one the nicest and most well-rounded CR-X builds on the streets of SoCal.
Over the years, Jesse has transformed the CR-X from a stock commuter into a tasteful and functional street build that’s every bit as home on the track as it is on LA freeways, and his kids have been watching and learning the whole time.
For starters, the car has been restored in many areas – a trend we’ve been seeing a lot more on ’80s and ’90s Hondas as they age. The side mouldings, weather-strips and headlights were among the parts replaced with brand new OEM components.
Under the hood sits a naturally aspirated B18C5 Type R engine, which is a swap route CR-X owners have been taking for years. Only Jesse’s setup is a bit more exotic than your typical CR-X re-power… Not only was the drivetrain sourced directly from Spoon Sports in Japan, but the swap was also done to pass inspection at California’s strict smog stations.
Along with that, the engine bay has also seen a complete wire tuck and detailing to follow a look that’s become so common on Southern California’s top Honda builds.
Something To Grow With
As you’ve probably gathered by now, Jesse went for a heavy Spoon theme for the car. Not only was the engine handled by Spoon, but the radiator, oil cooler, brakes and tower bars are also among the parts sourced from the legendary Japanese Honda specialist.
The flat black-colored 16-inch SW388 wheels are also immediately recognizable as Spoon parts, and they’re mounted on a full Type R 5-lug hub conversion. The tires are grippy Yokohama Advan A048s.
As for the exterior of the CR-X, Jesse has gone with a simple JDM-inspired look. There’s a European market rear bumper, Xenon lips front and rear for a period look, and the lower section of the body has been coated in flat black for some additional contrast.
Further adding to the JDM touch is a full glass moon roof with bronzed JDM glass all around to truly excite the legit Honda geeks out there.
As you can tell by now, there is no area of the car Jesse hasn’t addressed, and the interior is no exception. The floor pan has been customized, there’s a Cusco roll bar and the seats are Spoon buckets mounted on custom rails. Oh yeah, and the whole thing has been converted to right-hand drive with certification from the California Highway Patrol.
Other Spoon touches include the steering wheel and shift knob, while many of the interior panels themselves have been replaced by European market parts.
It all adds up to one of the most complete CR-X builds on American shores. The Spoon theme is so well executed that Spoon Sports itself certified the car at the recent Eibach Honda meet.
Aside from the welding and the actual paint job, Jesse did all the work on the Honda himself, and he’s learned a ton over the course of the build.
Perhaps best of all, Jesse didn’t do all this for himself. He actually plans to give the KILLR-B CR-X to his middle son, who is 19. He’s already built a Mugen-themed CR-X for his oldest son, and plans to build a J’s Racing CR-X for his youngest son who is 13 right now.
Only after that has happened is when Jesse says he’ll finally build a CR-X for himself. At the moment he’s imaging a full sleeper build in silver with a K20A swap under the hood. We have no doubt it will be incredibly well done.
For the Temores boys it’s truly, as they say, a family affair.
Mike Garrett
Instagram: japanifornia_media
mike@speedhunters.com
Photos by Louis Yio
Cutting Room Floor
OFFICIAL SPEEDHUNTERS SUPPLIERS
Is there an advantage to the RHD conversion or is that just to go for the jdm look?
JakeMacKay No real advantage, though some right handed people say they prefer being able to shift while leaving their dominant hand on the wheel. I imagine something like that would come down to personal preference, while dealing with a RHD car on the street would be a pain.
JakeMacKay No real advantage, though some right handed people say they prefer being able to shift while leaving their dominant hand on the wheel. I imagine something like that would come down to personal preference, while dealing with a RHD car on the street would be a pain.
I drive a 1990 civic hatch. I love it to death. Fun car, especially when I'm doing 60 in a tight corner and its not rolling. That double wishbone is something else. Gonna try my hand at chip tuning soon with this car. In the long run gonna put in a b20 vtec, fully built hydro tranny with lsd, upgrade the brakes and suspension, get some, SOME, jdm accessories and pieces, and some Mugen MR5s. and the EF community is fantastic.
I drive a 1990 civic hatch. I love it to death. Fun car, especially when I'm doing 60 in a tight corner and its not rolling. That double wishbone is something else. Gonna try my hand at chip tuning soon with this car. In the long run gonna put in a b20 vtec, fully built hydro tranny with lsd, upgrade the brakes and suspension, get some, SOME, jdm accessories and pieces, and some Mugen MR5s. and the EF community is fantastic.
Nice ef8. Clean, in obnoxious build. Hope to do an ef hatch one day.
Nice ef8. Clean, in obnoxious build. Hope to do an ef hatch one day.
Any father who builds cars like this for his children, is one amazing dad in my opinion. Looks like something you would see on BMI/Hot Version with Dori Dori at the wheel.
Reminds me of when my dad had his Superformance MK3 Cobra.. It wore a #93 in honor of my birth year.
Loving the recent Honda material, some next level shit
Really good build. Doesn't look like any aspect of the car was overlooked.
Now that's parenting done right!
DinoSawr no kidding, from the Personal non-smoker box to the kevlar center arm rest, sheesh....well done indeed.
cant stop looking at it
JakeMacKay
You have a better view on curvy roads. In left curves you can see better the incoming traffic, cause there is no A-Pillar in the view.
For a week I could drove a RHD car here in Germany, after a short time you get used to it too drive it on the streets.
https://youtu.be/kKkUa4tjf9M?t=2m53s
@MyLifeAsLouis Louis! Louis.
Dmac10 You say "some" now but that will soon change. You and I both know this. Don't deny the JDM. Embrace the JDM. Be the JDM. JDM is love. JDM is life.
I admit I'm in awe of this CR-X. Perfect mods done in a way to maximize performance with minimal outlay.
The RHD conversion is a tad much but if he's that keen, absolute kudos then.
Well done mate, have fun in those canyons!
This is a Honda done right! I have been waiting to see someone feature this car since the Ebiach Meet.
Does anyone know if his clutch cylinder is aftermarket or who makes it?
What
do you do to keep a car this clean. this car is around 25 years old, and it
looks as if it's just rolling out of factory, unbelievably clean
Thank God there are that kind of people around. Very mint CR-X.
So jealous! He really deserves a "World's Greatest Dad"" mug.
Mugen, Spoon and J's Racing. A true Honda family!
SALUTE!!
The CRX is too fast for a novice driver.
Low weight, zero safety, relatively strong engines.
The CRX is too fast for a novice driver.
Low weight, zero safety, relatively strong engines.
JakeMacKay The only problem I incountered was making left hand turns. Other then that I would prefer it. One other bonus is having your freinds do the gear changes if they are up to it, makes for some fun.
Damn. I wish i had a hatchback like that. All the more desire to get my own garage..
MatsNorway I'm gonna go ahead and agree with you lol.
Ok why the hell would you convert it to RHD? But to each his own..the rest is impeccable
If you ever drove a stock CRX, or a little tuned CRX, you would know that it's not for beginner drivers!
Btw, great car, great photo, great article! It was about time SPeedhunters wrote something about CRX.
If you ever drove a stock CRX, or a little tuned CRX, you would know that it's not for beginner drivers!
Btw, great car, great photo, great article! It was about time SPeedhunters wrote something about CRX.
I love CRXs. My current car is an 91 Si. I had a B16A3 in it but it recently blew its head on me. I'm currently doing a GSR B17A1 swap on it. This gives me so much inspiration. As a 19 year old myself with a small budget I'd have to say this kind of build is a bit out of reach, but the fact that Speedhunters has been putting out so much Honda content of late makes me real keen to start my project. My dream would be to build a Mugen inspired Rex but the parts add up quickly. Any advice for a rookie car builder?
@Dom I feel like theyre BSing and imported a CRX from Japan and are just trying to say they did all the conversions when the real conversion was swapping all the VIN plates.
@Dom I feel like theyre BSing and imported a CRX from Japan and are just trying to say they did all the conversions when the real conversion was swapping all the VIN plates.
Broswick Advice? Save up for a Prelude.
Speedhunters has changed, not one person bitching about the harness mounting
I'm not a big fan of cars that really, really, really wish they were RWD. Jk. I'm a huge hatch fan. CRXs are also alot less common. The amount of built Preludes and Integras you see here in Vancouver is ridiculous. So I'll just stick with an Integra engine for now.
Broswick Really? Awesome! Preludes are usually much less common than CR-X's. And yes, they really REALLY should have been rwd.
Other than 240s, preludes are THE car most young people buy. We've got loads of them. It's really very rare for me to come across another CRX driver. But yeah they should have been RWD like the CRX should have been as well. Or at least AWD due to the short wheelbase.
Broswick "preludes are THE car most young people buy" Having a hard time buying this one.
Broswick Step one, remove the body kit.
internetracer check out these racers
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dQw4w9WgXcQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Just make sure you make the other CR-X's your articles too! We want to see them.
And the Spoon certification says it all 
This Killer-B is a GREAT example of how things should be done, clean, thight and with Original parts
Matt Burgess I was thinking about the bolted in cage, does that count?
20 years ago now I had an EF Civic and I loved it to death, so much fun in such a small package and it never gave me any problems. I was naive then and didn't know what all the various labels on it meant. I kick myself now when I think of them: HKS, Mugen, Work...sigh. I traded it in on a Ford that proceeded to drain my bank account just keeping it on the road.
Now my kids are getting to the point where they're interested in cars, and I plan to build them something they can use at the local club to learn car control. This article is great inspiration, thanks SH and thanks Jesse.
Hard time buying what? That it's a common car? It's the enthusiasts car for kids who's daddies don't buy them new cars. And yeah. The guy who had it before I did kind of botched a few things. The body kit being number two after a bad engine.
Broswick My only tip for you. Never sell it, even if you are tempted to. I have a 92 hatch (not a crx I know) I have owned for 18 years now and STILL love the car.
That engine bay is like looking through the gates of automotive heaven! Hahahaha! I love it!
Broswick You said "preludes are THE car most young people buy". Its safe to say this isnt true. I cant even remember the last time I saw a Prelude.
Longchampe When the build looks too good...
Dear Jesse, can I call you 'Dad'?
Do you live in the Greater Vancouver area? Maybe it's just a BC thing but they're so common here. It's boring how common they are. It's the reason I wouldn't buy one. Go to any high school or import night car meet and the most common cars you will see are 240s and Preludes/Integras. Most are stock with rims and a stereo but they're everywhere. It's the want to be F&F car.
I almost prefer the straight hatches. My '90 hatch was awesome. I'd love to get another but one project at a time right?
Smiggins Broswick Step one is cut a hole in the box.
Smiggins Broswick Step one is cut a hole in the box.
Then put a short shift stick in that box?
Then put a short shift stick in that box?
Then put a short shift stick in that box?
EE8 - my past dream car...wonderful piece
EE8 - my past dream car...wonderful piece
Smiggins Broswick I wouldn't say the Prelude is THE car to buy for young drivers but it's kind of common. Out of the 20-30 kids that drove to school when I was in high school, 3 of them had Preludes. I also specifically remember my mom calling me stupid for wanting one when I got my license at 15.
@Josip I beg to differ. My first car was a CRX with a freshly rebuilt D16 ZC with some head work, I learned to drive standard driving it home after buying it and learned to drive in general by immediately getting a pizza delivery job. Yeah I may have spun it out a couple times, maybe bounced off a few curbs, but fuck, that's how you learn. I honestly can't think of many cars that would have been better for me to buy.
Hell, I wouldn't say it's the car to buy. Just that they are extremely popular with flat brim wearing, sticker bombing wannabes. Almost as common as fart canned 240s with absolutely bone-stock engines, other than a stupid short ram intake and a Japanese sun flag rattle-canned on the valve cover. But that's just me. An enthusiast is an enthusiast, all are welcome to the club right?
Great story, I like to see old skool cars in the hands of passionate people, in this case a family who take care of them. Great stuff.
Smiggins Matt Burgess
Hell yeah, if it's bitching it counts!
Smiggins Broswick
Yep, a body kit delete mod is definitely in order. Then just drop it, go USDM stock with correct panel gaps. Get it a single color (in spite of what I'm assuming is a carbon hood). Unless it was a hood from the big boy$$$, it's just a fiberglass hood with 1-2 layers of carbon fiber over it. Nothing to show off.
You've got plenty of reference online. CRX builds are plentiful.
When in doubt, think clean OEM.
Broswick think he means the airbox.
@Jimmi I'd agree with you. If you can't start off with a FWD econobox...then driving is probably not your strong suit. A moped might be a better starting point.
Very clean good work!
Very clean good work!
Very clean good work!
Wow! Amazing work, and clearly the result of full commitment to his CR-X love. Would love to see the other family builds as they come together!
Wow! Amazing work, and clearly the result of full commitment to his CR-X love. Would love to see the other family builds as they come together!
holy... The things Beautiful! What a father - that kid is going to get so much of its chosen sexual preference.
My dad gave me a Vauxhall (it didn't have brakes... Or a rear window) a standard Mini metro (again, no brakes but with all windows and its own life form as the interior seemed to be made of Agar Jelly) .... I feel massively cheated.
TarmacTerrorist lol
Smiggins Broswick in Socal its at least 100+ civics per single Prelude. You do see em on the road but you gotta keep an eye out
So happy to see a CRX featured!
I'll take living in the socal scene over having plenty of preludes in rainy vancouver any day.
It would probably be more expensive to go back to stock than find a good kit. CRXs are very rare here and finding one at a junkyard isn't happening. And I think he was referring to a Lonely Island song with the hole in box thing.
Larry Chen Smiggins Broswick You sick sick man.
Fucking tidy.
I love it.
Counted on the hour long commute home from work. 8 Preludes, 3 driven by elderly people, 9 Integras, and 0 CRXs. Safe to say there are tons of them up here. Also saw a wrecked Hellcat in the ditch today. :'(
needs more stickers. just kidding they suck. especially the ones on the back TRUE JDM ENTHUSIAST!!!!!!!! Everything else is pretty nice.
Broswick
ONLY 5th gen.
Just try finding a modified 3rd gen, which is the one closest in age to your CRX. Odds are good it will be mine or one of the four others I know of between Vancouver Island and Hope.
Broswick
ONLY 5th gen.
Just try finding a modified 3rd gen, which is the one closest in age to your CRX. Odds are good it will be mine or one of the four others I know of between Vancouver Island and Hope.
nice, i can eat on a engine bay! very cleaaan
nice, i can eat on a engine bay! very cleaaan
The wheels used by spoon, were regamaster which were made in Russia
The wheels used by spoon, were regamaster which were made in Russia
Heavens, sooo many good ideas, and then you get to that pointless RHD conversion and the completely ridiculous way, the seat belt harness is mounted... The shoulder part should be mounted at an angle to the seats - at least 45 degrees. Not just go straight down. That's asking yourself for serious injury in the event of an accident
TarmacTerrorist any further ideas now for little blue?
@g23 honda Thanks captain obvious
@Preludacris You got me there. It's probably an even split between 4th and 5ths though. Can't remember the last time I saw a 2nd or 3rd. Don't think I've ever seen a 1st, which is my personal favorite.
@Preludacris You got me there. It's probably an even split between 4th and 5ths though. Can't remember the last time I saw a 2nd or 3rd. Don't think I've ever seen a 1st, which is my personal favorite.
TarmacTerrorist My dad didn't give me a car but I worked in a pizzeria during weekends and bought an Alfa Romeo before I got my license. There's always that route
I'm a little too old for that now haha, my point was: my dad sucked at giving cars
I'm a little too old for that now haha, my point was: my dad sucked at giving cars
Oh like you wouldn't believe! I was reading this and thinking "I wonder if it's too late to get a refund on that sofa...." Although to be fair they had a little more actual car to start with then I have haha.
The crx above I think is the only spoon endorsed one I've actually seen not Just heard rumours of. Unreal. I wonder if this dude knows where I can get a dog box kit from.......
Also, there is an insane amount of hate for this little car of awesomeness... Guess brilliance has always bred hate in others. Sad really.
Just under twenty years too old infact!
Just under twenty years too old infact!
The only Honda my dad could ever give me is the two-stroke in his lawnmower.
I put Mugen stickers on it.
Yossarian Can only be 15 (or maybe 20) degrees below horizontal here or no certification.
@Dom Wasn't obvious to me, we aren't all wheel geeks. The article said they were Spoon so I figured they were.
Pancakes
Depends I guess. When I bought my harness (QSP - FIA approved), the instructions stated that the recommended angle is no more than 15 degrees and maximum is 45 degrees. Anything above that is risking injury. The same guidelines can be found in the FIA appendix J - the safety requirements for race and rally cars.
Anyway, having no rear seats there's really no excuse for such a stupid way to mount the harness as in this CRX
Pancakes
Depends I guess. When I bought my harness (QSP - FIA approved), the instructions stated that the recommended angle is no more than 15 degrees and maximum is 45 degrees. Anything above that is risking injury. The same guidelines can be found in the FIA appendix J - the safety requirements for race and rally cars.
Anyway, having no rear seats there's really no excuse for such a stupid way to mount the harness as in this CRX
Very inspiring build, i have to agree with others though, really stupid way of mounting harnesses.
Other than that, please sir can i have some more?
Very inspiring build, i have to agree with others though, really stupid way of mounting harnesses.
Other than that, please sir can i have some more?
Looks like I spoke too soon...should have included a "yet"
Smiggins - Nothing hugely wrong with a bolt in cage as long as it meets a safety standard, has sufficient spreader plate and isn't a polished Alumin(i)um show-cage.
Slappy_Pistons Kinda like when I put TRD stickers on my mom's old Camry when she gave it to me as my first car.
Broswick Pretty sure I saw you on the highway today, front bumperless. Too bad I was in a work truck, not in my Prelude lol.
Broswick Pretty sure I saw you on the highway today, front bumperless. Too bad I was in a work truck, not in my Prelude lol.
Ha! Yup that was me. So funny. Just got her back on the road on Monday.
Broswick First I thought, "hey, haven't seen a CRX in a while," then the paint color and big wheels looked familiar. Looking good man. I personally would love to see stock taillights on there, but I know they can't be too easy to find.
Other than the body kit, the tail lights are next on the find oem parts list. But I'm pretty concerned about my tires rubbing on my body right now. Can't find anywhere that rents fender rollers in the lower mainland.
Other than the body kit, the tail lights are next on the find oem parts list. But I'm pretty concerned about my tires rubbing on my body right now. Can't find anywhere that rents fender rollers in the lower mainland.
Broswick Craigslist? My friend rented one that he found on there.
well turns out jesse might have slipped up in las vagas one time, bam turns out im his son so hes got about 18 years of child support or at least one mad honda
LouisYio Slappy_Pistons Excellent
Awesome car. Bet its a lot of fun.
the car was very good
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