How to Make the CR-Z Awesome (It's a K24!)

How to Make the CR-Z Awesome
By Aaron Gaghagen and Brian Gillespie
The CR-Z was supposed to be the modern version of the beloved CR-X. Did it look cool? Yep. Was it innovative? You betcha. Was it faster than the CR-X? Not really. Actually it was pretty much the same performance. But being as quick as a car from the 80s stock wasn't the hot ticket. Most enthusiasts were turned off by the higher curb weight and mystical hybrid system. We think the only thing stopping the CR-Z from being the true spiritual successor to the CR-X is the lack of a K series. We're going to fix that.
Like us? We’d Love Your Support!
Help Support VTEC Academy by hitting up our store for gear at vtec.academy/shop/ or help us by sharing (it’s free!) this post or others with other cool Honda people.
You can find killer deals on stuff we actually use here on our Amazon Page at www.amazon.com/shop/vtec.academy. Items you buy using the link will give us a small kickback and help us bring you more Honda and Acura projects!
You can also help support VTEC Academy by shopping for your Acuity Instruments parts using our link at acuityinstruments.com/?ref=vt...
Nothing but Hondas. That’s exactly what you’ll find at VTEC Academy. Because Soichiro Honda’s passion for motorsports and his company’s ability to express that in the machines they produce make a whole lot of sense. VTEC Academy is a place for Honda fans who feel the same way and who seek the most accurate technical information and commentary to continue that very legacy and make whatever Honda it is that they drive just a little bit better. And more fun.
The editors and contributors of VTEC Academy are some of the industry’s most experienced and trusted, which means the informative, unique perspectives you need are all right here. And, like you, we’re also obsessed with Hondas. So, subscribe to our channel and hit us up at vtecacademy.com or, if you’re into social media, you can get your daily dose of VTEC Academy on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. We’re always on the lookout for cool, fast Hondas.
DISCLAIMER:
VTEC Academy videos are for educational and entertainment purposes. We can not guarantee the modifications performed in the video are legal in your locality. Do not do any modifications to your vehicle that will void your warranty or in any way violate your local laws. We assume no liability for property damage or injury as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use the information provided at your own risk. It's on you, dog.

[@Streeter_NSX]

This exact CRZ was my mom’s daily driver for a very long time. It’s great seeing the current owner take care of it and turn it into an even better vehicle 🙌🏻 great video guys!

[@Kiloechonovember1]

Hey! Small world.

[@Streeter_NSX]

@@Kiloechonovember1very small world! Love what you’re doing with the car, it definitely went to the right home

[@bgee461]

Awesome! She took great care of the car

[@Mr.Thermistor7228]

Makes sense, there were so few made, there's not many to pick from trying to buy one lol

[@Thicolate]

What's the vin#😂

[@TheHamPimp]

As a guy who had a CRX as his first car, thank you for finally bringing honor to the CRX's successor.

[@joeracer302]

Original CRX is seriously one of the most fun FWD cars when set up for autox, just three wheeling every turn wheeeee

[@romeo032982]

I personally have a Stock CR-Z 6spd and it is just as peppy as the original CR-X this here is a swapped CR-Z which is more like a GSR swapped crx if anything I don’t know why people think that the CR-Z as released was properly released people complained that it didn’t have a K in it originally well the original CRX didn’t have a B series it was a couple years down the line before it got a B series Vtec engine if fans would have bought more of the crz it would still be made and eventually gotten a K series version but it didn’t work out that way for Honda and they didn’t continue the model sad really I will eventually do a K swap in it probably same as this

[@HeyitsFINI]

@@romeo032982 I don't think it was released wrong, I was looking into buying one to match my B18 Swapped 90' CRX Si. I just think had they released the GE8 Fit (which I bought instead of the CRZ for spacial reasons) and the CRZ with a K20 or K24, these cars would have sold even more like hot cakes! Haha they came with the engines they should have for small commuter cars. Everyone just wants to be pushin mad power! The aftermaket with the K is more vast aswell as I'm sure you know. The L15 in my Fit is still kicking, she's just slow as all!

[@asmongoldsmouth9839]

​@@romeo032982Anyone who is a true Honda fan knows it is all about the premium engines from Honda. When it came with a D series, you swapped it with a B series. When it came with an R series, swap it with a K series. The CR-Z came with a hybrid 1.5L. Considering it was a 2010+ car, it should have a bigger power plant than a 4th gen Civic. It isn't about the newer gen being an appearance update on an equal power to weight ratio. It is about getting a higher power to wgt ratio and cosmetic upgrades. Otherwise, just buy the original.

[@anydaynow01]

Yep same, I started with a D series, then I eventually B swapped it (with a Hasport kit 😄)! It was like night and day, man that B16 made it come to life!

[@asmongoldsmouth9839]

*I'm ancient. I remember 1st gen Civics.* ❤️ *But a CRX with a B18A was a phenomenal swap. Now, a CR-Z with a K24 is a phenomenal swap.* 😊

[@anydaynow01]

Yeah it would have been a different story if they really boosted the performance hybrid aspect combined with a bit bigger battery. Or better yet a K series in the front with an E-axle in the back!

[@itsJakobMan]

Got my CR-Z last summer. Been waiting for ANYONE to drop a video like this that isn't 10 years old by now. Thank god

[@1stGenCRXs]

Used prices on CRZs just shot up after the release of this video!

[@mastercricket7626]

Lol ikr 😢😅

[@sixpents]

Wait for broken battery pack days

[@kylewise3111]

​@@sixpents with them all being 13 years old already, I can't imagine there will be much of a wait lol

[@kobz808]

u aint lie 😂

[@jlewis8521]

Never gets old seeing a hasport motor mount, its like im a teenager again.

[@pudermcgavin4462]

Honda really missed it with this one! They got lots of hopes up and big time dropped the ball!

[@3milio0o95]

Honda hasn't only dropped the ball, they have lost it. They used to make great cars like the old NSX & s2000, then they decided to go hybrid.

[@yig1993]

Like the new prelude smh 🤦‍♀️

[@jessitzhaki7501]

People were disappointed in the CRZ because we expected light, nimble, small, and fun like the classic CRX What we got was heavy, small, prius competition. Not to mention, the classic CRX made better gas mileage.

[@KeebaAfrica]

No people were disappointed because they thought the engine was going to be K-series, hence why they put in the fn2 type R suspension and mounting points. Also CRZ is like 300 KGS lighter than prius.

[@jessitzhaki7501]

@KeebaAfrica Prius of its time was 300lbs heavier not 300kg. The prius competition wasn't what was wanted from a heritage car that made worse gas mileage than it's predecessor (CRX) and it's competition. Fail on all fronts

[@djditty8012]

AWESOME! I’m currently looking for a CR-Z and always had the idea of a K swap for it in the future.

[@KeebaAfrica]

You guys finally made another CR-Z video!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! @VTECAcademy My job is done. It may not be a J-series but i'm going to do the K-swap to one of my CR-Zs so this information from you guys is incredibly valuable and important to me. Thank you so much. I will have you guys listed when i reveal my K-swap at Honda day here in Cape Town.

[@jroseme]

Exactly what I was hoping to find! Been eyeballing these for a while.

[@JoSh-oo-Ah]

I've been a CRX fan, and what you're doing to the CRZ is a dream of mine! I've subscribed for sure!!!😊

[@VTECAcademy]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@MegaHomie4life]

Great video guys! Ever since the CRZ was introduced I’ve dreamed of owning a K swapped version. Keep the content coming!!

[@Chrisrkooz]

As a CRZ owner, it’s the perfect car, minus the low power. Thankfully, mines supercharged. I've got Tein suspension on mine as well and like you said - drives beautifully. Amazing around the corners. About the battery packs: 2011-2012 have NiMH batteries which are still doing great these days. Hell, Peter Perkins came up with a rejuvination procedure to restore the batteries a bit. He's also hacking the IMA system in order to manipulate the regen + assist for some very nice extra power. 2013+ uses Lithium batteries which many owners have been having battery life issues. Fun fact: some guy in Ohio has ~50 cr-z's. Sad fact: the factory option HPD supercharger has halted production as of very recently :( If only they made more CR-Z's. 35000 ever sold in the US.

[@Chrisrkooz]

Oh, and if the owner needs a new grill, I would suggest they buy from impex japan. I got mine new for like $120? cheaper than $400+ from dealerships in the US.

[@dcd5050]

Minus the low power, minus the horrible brakes, and minus the even more horrible rear suspension geometry, thw car looks good and has a cool I terror. Thats about it

[@atrem7942]

500sold in my country

[@jemje2007]

@@dcd5050exactly.

[@KeebaAfrica]

@@dcd5050 What are you talking about? Brakes are good for "stock CRZ" and the suspension is the same as the FN2 type R. The "geometry" isn't bad but suspension upgrades are simply just better on this car than stock. What about it's super good Steering ratio? Anyone from the CR-Z forum would look at this comment and wonder how much experience you might actually have around this car...

[@hondrta]

This is a great video. Can’t wait to see more of this car / build. Very very good video.

[@RishMedia]

Keep up the great videos and info, greatly appreciate all the knowledge!

[@Wallstreetavarice]

The CRX was godly. The CR-Z was forgotten while it was still on sale

[@iron-gamerstv]

Ohhhh let's goo! Great video and great knowledge. I love what you guys do.

[@TangibleExistence]

250whp+ tune with some goodies and this thing will be sick! Nice work VTA! Need one of these😉🙌

[@davidreed9046]

Oh man. Great job on the swap! I’ve always loved the look of the CR-Z. I have dreams to someday build my own. Hopefully it becomes more than just a dream.

[@lukewalker1051]

Runs very strong. Well done.

[@bobski3333]

Concentric A/C tubes like that actually act as a counter-flow heat exchanger, boosting performance. Any cooling capacity left over after leaving the cabin is used to further cool the incoming refrigerant. The outgoing refrigerant ends up hotter, resulting in a hotter condenser (the part in the front grille) which passes more heat away into the air going through it.

[@NickJames_PMAS]

Been waiting for this for a long time thank you!! Would love more info about what trans and shifter cables you used as well as how you got the AC compressor to fit.

[@dangbunz1034]

Great video, love the information shared. Super interesting and makes me want to buy a CR-Z!

[@twitchykun]

Rockin' that Max Boost! cap, what a legend

[@NYHeeb]

I'm a red Miata guy but made respect for the talent, planning , cleanliness of your swaps. I do like Honda stuff just can't do fwd.

[@m1klo13]

Lets go! Love the CRZ content

[@OldManFrank]

*I'm more of an American muscle, American V8 type of guy but, I appreciate people who modify cars and love watching people modify cars.*

[@mouachang874]

You should add 06 tsx front calipers and rotors. Plug and play. Requires 1/4 trimming on the dust sheild to clear caliper bracket.

[@dillon_r_hansen]

this was one of the first things I added to my SI. great budget upgrade.

[@TheDwightMamba]

Bosch quiet cast blanks with Hawk street pads are incredible. I have missed a few dozen deer in the last year alone.

[@mouachang874]

@@TheDwightMamba I run EBC pads in mine. Works great as well.

[@mercracing]

Always loved that car looks. Kswap on it makes me want to have one.

[@christophermiller1394]

Love this project!! Great video.

[@VTECAcademy]

Thank you!

[@Eddyb1e]

Awesome, this gives me something to think about as well as some hope to start a 2010 Insight project of my own.

[@acyklicflunky12eyeintheski10]

I loved thanks for what you do for us ,,only thing is you never talk about shifter box and cables config

[@byronwav]

yess ive been wanting to see someone do a kswap on a crz

[@LordHolley]

That looks like a fun build. That car has to be a blast to drive.

[@bgee461]

Thank you for another great video ❤

[@alomechanthasinh4079]

Yes!!! Love these type of videos

[@chitorush]

Nice job on it ,I have a 1984 crx 1.5

[@nbowling10trio]

Always thought the crz had allot of potential left on the table. Could've been great.. actually it is now approaching greatness😂. Sounds almost identical to my son's 05 Sentra ser spec v. ❤

[@carlosarellano4]

Damn so sick perfect wheels setup

[@e46m54nissansr20937]

I always thought the CRZ’s design was ahead of its time nice to see it get the engine it deserves

[@98022892]

That Vin Diesel part at the end was hilarious!

[@bimmermac]

The amount of Honda part swapping knowledge in this man's; pardon me, This Legend's brain is extraordinary.

[@hachirokami]

Bisimoto built a high horsepower turbo CR-Z while retaining the hybrid system, too.

[@BoostedEP3]

Look into the CRV and Element front sway bars. I have an 07 Element front sway bar on my awd ep3. It's basically flat and I wanna say it's about 30mm. I think some of the CRV bars are the same shape, just smaller diameter. A quick trip to the scrap yard and you'll be able to find something that works.

[@colecampagna6302]

Ep3 gang

[@Video_Crow]

Also, the SC models of Elements have thicker front sway bars - 25mm vs 21mm for non-SC models.

[@lucianwindgates]

Love the upgrade and the video! More Z's plzz

[@reyztec]

Currently working on my K24z7 swapped CRZ, it's also white and I used to have those pf01's lol

[@ShanerTheGrey]

The CRZ concept was AMAZING

[@simplemods9828]

Would love to see you guys make the J-Swap kit for the CR-Z.

[@zoeyb.9742]

That would be awesome but they'd have to mount it in the trunk 😂

[@yojerry8485]

I would love to buy this car. Amazing content.

[@lunisic]

More cr-z videos! Show the full build weve only waited 3 years

[@PANTYEATR1]

Wow, a physical, paper factory service manual! 👀 I'm all about FSMs, i own one for each of my vehicles💪

[@darkshad9]

Its been several years, but is this in AZ? I feel like one of the Brians has like 5 CRX's and a v6 swapped red wagon. If this is the same Brian, he helped me with some wiring on a B20 vtec swapped crx with shag carpet in it. Amazing work and I'll never forget it. Love the video either way guys! Keep up the good work!

[@gbresaleking]

I wanted a crx as my first car so bad and never got it , this car looks great especially with the K swap, maybe once im rich enough Ill get one

[@sebbichou1]

you guys are just building the perfect honda garage

[@smellylettuce]

I've always loved the crx and was excited when the crz was first announced. Sadly reality intervened and found the specs quite lacking. This gives me a little hope, but perhaps all I really want is a clean crx.

[@uptownsamcv]

I was fixing the A/C on a 1st generation Cadillac ATS sedan and it used a similar A/C hose where the high side line goes into the low side line.

[@BrendanEvan]

I’ve wanted a hot CRZ ever since they came out

[@1984mikyboy]

Always fun to see… but no one makes a rearwheeldrive? I like to see that greets M

[@michaelcjohnsonmj]

Great video

[@VTECAcademy]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@carlighttrends]

I owned a CRX back in the day, and this IS what Honda should have done with the CR-Z!

[@eppyz]

LHT performance in Florida has been doing these swaps in these Hondas for YEARS. Defiantly turns this Honda into a sleeper.

[@ExpressionCulture]

Id love more in depth detail on this swap, ive been building a crz project for the last 5 years in the UK with many videos ive made on youtube. Something ive always thought about doing.

[@braaaptechtv3549]

We definitely need a video on how to drop one of these in and get it running! always wanted to put one in my crz!

[@Mr.Thermistor7228]

There are a few guys that have extremely detailed videos and written forums about k swapping a cr-z. Even on KZbin I forget his name but he has close to 30 videos each like 20-30 minutes long on every single step you need to do to swap it

[@Mr.Thermistor7228]

His channel is A.Q performance, he's got all the videos you could want. He even has the whole process for swapping a Honda fit too. The crz and fit share a lot of similarities

[@glenc2353]

I just finished my k24a swap into my fg2 a few months ago. Runs great. Im constantly daydreaming about what to put another k24a into next. It was extremely easy to build, and im not a mechanic. This would be a great candidate. I live near hasport, and some other great shops for parts, so thats a plus. I wonder how much lighter a crz would be than my fg2.

[@fredfrederickson]

Great job! Would’ve been cool if you could’ve kept and/or upgraded the IMA system as well

[@thermionics]

Feels like you could use the conduit for the EV high-voltage wiring to move the battery to the trunk and clear a little under-hood space for a cold-air intake. (obviously you'd need to pull the EV wiring and run proper 12VDC color-coded wiring)

[@oxypillix]

What a sick upgrade to do. Lol. Love it.

[@miyoshifw27]

I bought mine 4 years ago 2010 AT with 165K kms on it around US$2 grand in JPN. No major issues except flimsy door handles which cost me around US$180 with installation at authorized Honda dealership. I've just got 2nd bi-yearly inspection (shaken in JPN) and yeah... everything is perfect for daily driving. It has 198K kms now. Love this car and also Mazda NC 2006 as other car Anyway no complain about the power or CVT trans because it's great for JPN roads

[@tuckerjones5899]

I love hatbacks my mom had a crx when I was a kid and I almost got a crz to do a k swap but instead got a Volvo c30 it’s an in-line 5 2.5t 6 speed it’s so fun

[@tseesinnep3r]

Sadly the cheapest one out of the 9 for sale in Australia is still $8750 USD, and some are over $11000USD. Would be nice to find one with a broken motor and box to start with.

[@ontec7139]

And if any are manual

[@BigCarKilla]

@@ontec7139they all are.

[@iceman763]

Now I want one! Lol. Seems like such a fun car!

[@DQNguyen91]

been waiting for this project. still have my k24z7 waiting to swap into my 2013 crz. need axles, tuner, and down pipe, but other than that it seems like its almost ready.

[@gambit_toys6554]

White looks good!

[@nolahahnshouse3389]

Why did you do this!! Now I want one!

[@sigmaprojects]

So glad these are getting k-swapped. I remember when new my wife was looking for a new fun car, she went to test drive the CR-Z, the dealer told her she couldn't test drive it because it's a "limited run vehicle." She ended up getting a Camaro instead and never looked back haha. The dealers didn't do the CRZ much favors in that regard.

[@intoxicode]

This is one conversion I've been wanting to do for years...

[@VANILLASKY92X]

Im in love w that car

[@TheEVGuy85]

Manual hybrids with vtec. Honda used to be epic! K24 with boost is even better! Cool video and project, makes me miss my Prelude Si.

[@jaker2542]

would be amazing to see links to any of these special mod parts and little things mentioned.

[@yig1993]

Like the prelude

[@veecordero9658]

This is my current car! I cant wait to kswap

[@PocketUau]

Sick car. Knowing it’s got electric functions, I’d love to see someone revisit it with a rear mounted single motor along with the front mounted engine. Would be a sick 400hp daily.

[@exin7778]

Wow you made that car quick

[@monkbyblood]

These are underrated. I want to see a CU2 bumper swap on a Crosstour with a k24 or k20c4 swap.

[@BradderzTekkerz]

Damnnnn this is a lovely build!!!! Where did you find the engine mounts?? Greatttt job man!!! This is nice!

[@VTECAcademy]

Hasport of course.

[@diamonddetails9445]

Awesomeness 😮

[@07BSPtC]

I really wanted one to do this. Would love to swap the type r turbo engine and an awd swap.

[@Zaudunyani]

the Honda-Tech shirt

[@akumaz78]

This practically my dream daily drive🥰 one day….

[@JDMluvDSMkila]

Great content, video looks super grainy though even at full resolution

[@JohnDoe-mm6xg]

Which transmission and cables did you use?

[@RossyAtk89]

Love the idea of modify the crz and my thoughts would be where to put LSD in this model to help reduce wheel spinning? Just another suggesting

[@Gigalisk]

No torque wrench for the motor mounts - just eyeing it?? Man you guys are such a fuckin fun channel to watch.

[@mouachang874]

What was the axles set up? Shifter cables and shift box?

[@apathee_dm]

Did you have to make any changes to the frame to allow the AC or alternator to fit?

[@roadsra1000]

would love to kswap my CRZ here in New Zealand. I don't think there are any here yet!

[@EJayNine]

Awesome

[@badboy643]

Nice swap and very clean

[@krishnapatel2863]

Yessssss❤❤❤

[@anthonycannon5349]

ASP made/makes a k swap header for the crz. FYI. It’s pricy but it works very well on mine.

[@VTECAcademy]

Oh yeah, forgot about that one. Big bucks, but there's one on eBay right now for cheaper. Such a nice part.