Young Version — August 1999

Like JUN's EK, this Top Fuel CR-X has been making a big impact in America. At a glance, there are already several changes from last year, so let's start with those. Up front, it now has an aluminum front lip and air deflector. Even a small lip like this improves front traction in third and fourth gear. The air deflector increases airflow to the radiator and also emphasizes the car's Spartan look. And what's sticking out at the rear? A wheelie bar. It's becoming a trend in U.S. front-wheel-drive drag racing. It was originally used on rear-wheel-drive cars to stop the front end lifting, but people started fitting them to FWD cars around last year. They have helped cars break through the 10-second barrier. In other words, VTEC-turbo cars have entered the 9-second era. The bar works from launch through second gear. As for the engine, the biggest change is a switch from a T04R to a GT3040 turbo…

…This makes the car easier to drive and lets it run consistent times. But the wheelie bar works better than expected, reliably putting power down, so they're talking about returning to 600 horsepower. They also revised the ignition and added an American MSD ignition-upgrade system. Another major change is using more factory parts: throttle body, starter motor, and drag shifter are from an Integra, while the surge tank is from an EK. The CR-X is now putting down consistent times, and the 9-second range is close!