CRX RS-T: The Rally Sport Turbo CRX Honda Never Built -

A Factory-Style Rally Special, Reimagined

The Honda CRX has long been an icon of lightweight performance, revered for its nimble handling, low curb weight, and tuner-friendly platform. While many builds focus on drag racing, circuit performance, or street tuning, we are taking a different approach—creating a (mostly) period-correct, factory-inspired rally special that could have rolled off Honda’s production line in the early ’90s.

Introducing the CRX RS-T (Rally Sport Turbo)—a rally-ready, turbocharged evolution of the CRX, built with Honda factory parts, era-correct components, and minimal aftermarket influence. This isn’t a modernized CRX stuffed with the latest Honda tech; it’s a what-if scenario, an alternate history where Honda developed a limited-run turbocharged CRX specifically for rally and all-terrain performance.

The CRX Chassis that will be built into the CRX RS-T. In the spot that it sat for 14 years after the motor caught fire.

The Philosophy Behind the Build

Many rally-inspired builds rely on extensive custom fabrication, aftermarket components, and modern technology. The CRX RS-T, however, is being built with a different mindset:

✅ Period-Correct Authenticity – Using real CRX and late ’80s/early ’90s Honda parts where possible.

✅ Factory-Level Execution – This car should feel like a real Honda special edition.

✅ Turbocharged Performance – A proper D16 ZC SOHC turbo setup, making around 300 HP.

✅ Rally-Bred Versatility – Ready for gravel rally, hill climbs, rallycross, and tarmac sprints.

✅ Weight Reduction with Purpose – Keeping it lightweight but true to realistic Honda rally cars.

The Powertrain: Turbocharged D-Series with Honda DNA

While many CRX builds go for naturally aspirated high-revving setups, the RS-T embraces turbocharged power—but in a way that feels like Honda could have actually done it in back in the day.

Engine: D16 ZC SOHC (Non-VTEC), keeping it authentic.
Turbo Setup: A balanced system designed for approximately 300HP, with an OEM-style fitment.
Boost Control: Adjustable for different driving conditions.
Transmission: Strengthened gearbox, close-ratio gearing, and a limited-slip differential (LSD) for better traction on all surfaces.

The Chassis: Dialed for Gravel & Tarmac

The CRX RS-T isn’t a street car pretending to be a rally car—it’s built with real rally philosophy in mind.

Suspension: Rally-optimized with slightly raised ride height and progressive-rate springs.
Chassis Reinforcement: A basic roll cage for safety, along with OEM-style bracing and chassis reinforcement.
Brakes: An OEM+ big brake kit for better stopping power.
Wheels & Tires: Multiple setups—gravel-spec rally tires on lightweight wheels, and sticky road rubber for tarmac.

An AI generated image of what the completed project could look like with subtle aero upgrades.

Interior: Stripped Down & Purpose-Built

Since the RS-T is a true rally car, the interior will be function-first:

Grey-Painted Interior – Lightweight, clean, and motorsport-focused.
Fixed Racing Seats & Harnesses – Secure, race-ready seating.
Straight Bolt-In Extended Shifter – Less failure points, built for reliability.
Quick-Release Steering Wheel – Proper car control plus removeable for easy access.
Factory Dash with Additional Gauges – Boost, oil temp, and other essentials.
Sheet Metal Door Cards – Lightweight, durable, and period-correct.

Exterior & Livery: Period-Correct Rally Heritage

A major part of making the RS-T feel factory-built is nailing the exterior aesthetics and livery design.

OEM CRX exterior with additional bolt on aero upgrades
Retro Rally Livery – A striking and eye-catching livery inspired by vintage rally vehicles.
RS-T Badging – Custom-designed factory-style badging, like a real Honda special edition.
Underbody Protection – Skid plates for real rally capability.

What’s Next?

The CRX RS-T build is just getting started, but the direction is clear—a period-correct turbocharged CRX rally special that Honda could have built.

✅ Finalizing the livery design – How will the retro rally graphics come to life?

✅ Refining the suspension tuning – Getting the ride height, dampers, and handling balance dialed in.

✅ Dialing in the turbo setup – Ensuring it delivers 300HP with factory-level drivability.

✅ Weight-saving & final race prep – Making strategic decisions for performance without compromising authenticity.

This is more than just a CRX with rally parts—it’s a Honda RS-T, built the way Honda might have done it.

Stay tuned for build updates, behind-the-scenes looks, and test runs as we bring the CRX RS-T to life!

The CRX after being dragged out of the woods, and given a much needed bath.

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🔥 The CRX RS-T is coming. And it’s going to be everything Honda rally fans never knew they needed. 🔥