The Drag Cartel CRX Build

This build started with a chassis that carries significant history for our company. Long before Drag Cartel became what it is today, the CRX chassis served as company owner Jeremy Lookofsky's first race car. Bringing it back to life as a modern K-series powered machine was an opportunity to honor that history while demonstrating just how far Honda performance has come.
 
The concept behind this project was simple: build a car using the parts we keep on our shelves, and sell on an everyday basis. Nearly every major component comes directly from our catalog or from longtime industry partners who have supported us throughout the years. The result is a purpose-built CRX that represents not only Drag Cartel products, but also the relationships we've built within the Honda performance community.

 As many Honda enthusiasts know, fitting a K-series engine into a CRX is far from straightforward. Hood clearance is always one of the biggest challenges. To keep the engine package low enough, we started with a K20 block and mounted it using Hasport engine mounts in their lower mounting position. However, we didn't want to sacrifice displacement and torque simply for packaging.
 
To solve that problem, we equipped the engine with a Crower 92mm stroker crankshaft, bringing displacement to approximately 2.35 liters. The combination delivers the compact dimensions of a K20 while providing torque characteristics similar to the larger displacement K24 engine.
 
Naturally, the engine is loaded with Drag Cartel components throughout. The cylinder head features our Elite CNC port work paired with Drag Cartel Elite Endurance camshafts. Supporting components include our full timing kit, modified S2000 oil pump, and billet oil pan, making this build a true representation of the Drag Cartel product lineup.
 
The exhaust system features a Myers Competition header paired with a Pracworks carbon fiber intake manifold, creating an efficient package designed to maximize airflow and performance throughout the RPM range.
 
Power is transferred through a Pfitzner Performance Gearbox (PPG) 6-speed sequential transmission, providing fast gear changes and race-proven durability. The engine installation was completed by Eman at NA Performance, whose attention to detail helped bring the project together exactly as envisioned.
 

Engine management is handled by a Haltech Elite ECU, with all wiring and calibration performed by Turbo Joe. His expertise ensured that the car not only performs at a high level but remains reliable and consistent. On the dyno, this naturally aspirated K-series produced 300 wheel horsepower on 100 octane gasoline.
 
The chassis is supported by a collection of premium components from some of the industry's most respected manufacturers. A K-Tuned traction bar and coilover system provide the foundation for suspension and handling, while cooling is handled by a SpeedFactory Racing tucked radiator with a TracTuff filler neck. The car rides on refinished Mugen RNR wheels, expertly restored by Willywerx, and wrapped in Yokohama Advan A052 tires. Stopping power comes from a Wilwood brake package that was actually developed using this very car as the platform for a new brake kit now offered by Wilwood.
 
This build would not have been possible without the support of our friends throughout the industry. Multiple companies and individuals contributed parts, expertise, and support to help make this vision a reality. The finished product is more than just another CRX build, it's a showcase of collaboration, innovation, and the shared passion that continues to drive the Honda performance community forward.
 
The Drag Cartel CRX stands as a rolling representation of our philosophy: proven components, thoughtful engineering, and a commitment to building cars that perform as well as they look. Most importantly, it serves as a reminder of where we started and how far we've come.