002 | Why This Stock 1991 Honda CRX Si Is a Rare Time Capsule
About this episode
Mike shares his passion for his pristine, all-stock 1991 Honda CRX SI, a rare time capsule from the golden era of Hondas. The conversation covers the car's history, its simple yet reliable design, and the challenges of finding an unmodified example today. Mike discusses maintenance, insurance, and the joy of showing the car at events like JCCS and Radwood. The episode also touches on the nostalgia and unique driving experience of this classic hot hatch, emphasizing its value as a cherished collector's item.
On today’s episode of Cool Cars with Chris, we’re stepping back in time with Mike and his incredibly clean, all-original 1991 Honda CRX Si — no mods, no swaps, no neon, just pure 90s Honda greatness.
Mike takes us through what makes this CRX special, how rare it is to find one unmodified, and why he chose this car over newer, flashier models — including a GTR he once owned (!).
We also dig into the golden era of Honda, the challenge of keeping this beauty mint, where he shows it off, and even touch on California’s wild exhaust laws. If you're a fan of old-school Hondas, JDM culture, or just clean, classic cars, this is one for the books.
Make sure to check out the new website: coolcarswithchris.com for episodes, videos, and social links.
Thanks for listening and don’t forget to hit that follow or subscribe button!
00:00 – Intro: A pristine 1991 Honda CRX Si
00:52 – Meet Mike and the CRX Si
01:25 – Why a stock CRX is so rare
02:24 – The definition of “Si” and trim levels
03:22 – Competing hot hatches of the 90s
04:05 – Mike’s personal connection to the CRX
04:55 – Mike’s collection of 80s and 90s Hondas
05:12 – Why unmodified Hondas are special
06:00 – How Mike found this car
07:06 – Mileage and reliability
07:46 – Engine specs and performance
08:34 – Driving experience and freeway vibes
09:06 – Parts availability and insurance
10:25 – Buying story: Temecula pickup memory
12:02 – When and where Mike drives it
12:24 – Paint job: matching factory Real Red
13:41 – The car’s flaws (or lack thereof)
14:09 – The one thing Mike wishes it had
15:07 – Driving without power steering
16:21 – Longest drive Mike’s done with it
17:24 – Oil type and gas usage
18:15 – Reactions at car meets and shows
19:11 – This car belongs in a museum
20:01 – Reproduction window sticker
21:05 – People’s reactions and Cars & Coffee details
22:51 – Rarest cars at Cars & Coffee
23:39 – Why Mike prefers classic Hondas over supercars
25:04 – Stock Miatas and Monster Miatas
26:20 – CARB states and exhaust law talk
27:30 – Street legal issues and ticket stories
28:52 – Chris's old exhaust and VQ engines
29:03 – Manual transmission & 5-speed details
30:17 – What “Si” means today
31:03 – The appeal of fuel injection back in the day
31:16 – Final thoughts: nostalgia and value of old cars
32:09 – Let's go for a ride!
32:29 – Recap: A ride down memory lane
33:10 – Wrap up and thank you
33:32 – Website, socials, and closing message
#HondaCRX #CRXSi #1991HondaCRX #StockNotModded #ClassicHonda #JDMClassic #TimeCapsuleCar #90sHonda #GoldenEraHonda #UnmodifiedCRX #CleanCarCulture #HondaHeritage #CoolCarsWithChris #JDMIcons #VintageHonda #PreservedNotRestored #CRXLove #CarsAndCoffee #OldSchoolHonda #RareJDMFind
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