The gearbox is essential when you're playing the game of speed. Without it, you lose. That's why Signal picked a Civic Type R transmission for the close gears, reputable performance, and drivability that only it can deliver. Gone is the stock differential; it now plays host to a Cusco limited-slip. Power grip comes in the form of an Exedy clutch, a brand known for its light pedal pressure but strong engagement.
Inspecting the suspension, Signal hasn't done anything different. The setup, although as easy to put together as a Lego play set, is arranged in such a way to maintain a perfect weight to balance ratio with a set of Sustec Pro coilovers from Tanabe. Tanabe also provided front end chassis stiffening with a Sustec strut bar. The wheels are a true example of form and function, yet when I look at them I can't help but feel just a tad jealous. Volk TE-37 drag wheels and GTPs? Yes, I am jealous. And then you have Project M Type NS brake pads and stainless steel brake lines... Yes, I'm still jealous.
If you take a peek inside, you'll see the typical Signal-style getup-it's clean, gutless, and just begs to be driven. Gone is any remnant of a standard CRX interior, as it's all been replaced with custom gizmos and gadgets like the Omori and Auto Meter gauge meters, Rays Engineering steering wheel, Signal Auto shift knob, and a lone Bride seat. The entire rear floorboard has been completely replaced with carbon fiber, as well. It's small and uncomfortable to sit in-I know, I got to sit in it once. And let me tell you that someone who's six feet tall shouldn't be sitting in, much less trying to steer, a car that was built around Tsuneaki Mankumo (the driver) who's only 5 feet 6 inches tall. Your knees don't do much when they're shoved up in your face.
Watching this car run is a blast. When it's fired up, it sounds very groovy making little "whop-whop" sounds until it gets up to the line. Then it's just a full on "whaaaaa..." after that. Yes, it's very cool. So tune in, and if you can find the signal, listen closely-the frequency is now 11, but it should drop to a 10 sooner than you think.
Fast Facts
Owner/Driver: Signal Auto/Tsuneaki Mankumo
Location: Osaka, Japan
Car: '89 Honda CRX
Daily Grind: Building and driving some of the finest cars ever built in Japan
Under the Hood: 1.6L B16A stroked to 1.8L, Toda Racing VTEC Killer camshafts, custom one-ring pistons, piston rings, valve springs, fuel rail, individual throttle bodies, cylinder sleeves, metal head gasket, and cam gears; Signal Auto crank pulley, valve cover, oil cap, cylinder head work, header, and exhaust system; Crower retainers, RC Engineering 370cc injectors, Nismo fuel pressure regulator, Bosch fuel pump, MSD ignition, NGK spark plugs, Nology spark plug wires, Civic Type R transmission, Cusco LSD unit, Exedy clutch
Stiff Stuff: Tanabe Sustec Pro coilovers and strut brace
Rollers: Volk Racing TE-37 drag wheels with M&H 22x9.5x13 drag slicks, Volk Racing GTP wheels with Nitto 555R 205/40/17 tires
Stoppers: Project M Type NS brake pads and stainless steel lines
Outside: Custom body kit with fiberglass fenders, hood, rear gate, front bumper, side skirts, and rear bumper; paint by Signal Body Pro, carbon-fiber headlight covers, graphics by Signal Auto Pro
Bride seat, Omori and Auto Meter gauges, Rays Engineering steering wheel, Signal Auto shifter
Props: Nitto Tires, Toda Racing, Tanabe, Rays Engineering, Exedy, Project M, Bride, Kuroyama Tuning, Teramura Racing, High Performance Engineering Ihara, The Man Spirit, Signal Race Team (Jiro Adachi, Jon Kuroyama, James Nagahashi, Kenichi Mori, Yumi Mano, and Kousuke Kida), Gregg Vandermark-thanks for everyone's support!