I have half of one Campbell x 2.
Exactly the same engine as in both of my cars. I suppose the characteristics of the engine may be different in an Integra that is a lot heavier than an Elise, but on the road I use 2,4, & 6 gears from take off as there is power and torque to spare.
tut
Honda Integra Type R new shape (DC5)
Steve,SteveBanks wrote:My mate had an original '98 model and I used to drive it quite a lot. If my shed budget increased, it would be top of the list for the reasons you stated - practical (compared to an elise), docile and economical when you want and good fun on the back roads. I think the engine is comparable to the toyota (Exige) but the lack of torque is more noticeable due to the excess weight. I think the 2nd cam kicked in around 4k but I remember driving it up the Cairn 'O Mount and it was hard work - my mate always moaned about heading over there because he couldn't keep up with the Elise so we swapped cars to prove the point. He was right, I just couldn't keep it in 2nd cam and it just wasn't any fun.
Great handling for a front wheel drive with really controllable lift-off oversteer but I didn't like the way you had to fight with the steering wheel on bumpy back roads when trying to put the power down. Really noticeable after jumping straight out of the Elise. I think you can compare the difference between the 2 models to the difference between S1 and S2 elises. The first is more hardcore and lighter, the 2nd is more refined with extra power but heavier. Bear in mind I haven't driven a DC5 though so as Si says, best person to speak to is ScottF.
Great summary and brilliant real-world observation...thanks. I believe the Integra v-tec cam kicks in more like 5800 rpm, but an ECU remap can bring this in nearer 4500rpm...obviously depends on the ECU in place from factory, but am aware of this being done on some Elise conversions.
Since I have had a cherished S1 for best part of 8 years and 70k miles, I am used to fighting the wheel here and there
so it could well be that an Integra feels like an old friend. That said, I have never been disappointed by the S2 Elise but just never saw justification enough to change.206Nm of torque is 160lbft near as dammit. That's reasonably respectable in a 1.2 tonne car I guess, but a little short of standard S1 Elise ratios. Of course raw bhp per tonne is what we should really be comparing, which is 188 for the Integra and 157 for a standard S1, but 196 for my current breathed on variant. Hmmm.....
I just find myself trying to balance excitement with practicality with optional decent fuel consumption on m-way runs, and the Integra is ticking all the boxes at present...but of course a test drive will be the real proof!!
Campbell
http://www.rathmhor.com | Coaching, training, consultancy
tee hee, I thought you'd been quiet and am glad you popped up with some inputtut wrote:I have half of one Campbell x 2.
Exactly the same engine as in both of my cars. I suppose the characteristics of the engine may be different in an Integra that is a lot heavier than an Elise, but on the road I use 2,4, & 6 gears from take off as there is power and torque to spare.
tut
when I saw the 220bhp power output figure I did immediatley think...hm, that must be what His Tutness has in his car(s) cos I know you spoke very highly of the JDM engine spec!!
http://www.rathmhor.com | Coaching, training, consultancy
I sold my 2000 X DC2 (the older model) last year when I changed to the VXT, but would happily have another one. I've owned a few of the top rated FWD cars (Corrado VR6, Puma 1.7) but the Integra is definitely the most fun. The LSD makes a big difference to the grip levels in the dry, despite relatively narrow tyres (195/55/15s) the front end grip is incredible.
It's not a motorway cruiser (80mph at about 4500rpm) and the DC2 at least has no soundproofing (not sure about the DC5). VTEC on the DC2 cuts in a 5800rpm and redlines at 8400rpm, so a slightly wider powerband than the Toyota engine in the later Elises/Exiges. I always got mpg figures in the 30s fairly easily. My biggest concern prior to buying it was the lack of torque (I was changing from a 2.9 VR6 Corrado) but it was never a problem, it's not as if the engine is reluctant to give up its performance and it does do a good impression of an F1 engine
Practicality wise I was always very happy with my Integra, the boot was huge and would surprise most people (I think the DC5 boot is a bit smaller though), easily big enough to swallow my fencing bag which takes some doing! The seats are still the best of any car I've encountered, but then they fit my build perfectly, some of my less fit friends were less keen
I've been round Knockhill in Corbie's DC5 and was impressed, seems plenty quick enough and a bit torquier than my old car, but also slightly heavier as well. Make sure you do your research before considering Dicksons though, if you search hard enough you'll understand. Oh, and you might want to check out the DC5 forums here: http://www.itr-dc5.com/forum/index.php
Jamie
It's not a motorway cruiser (80mph at about 4500rpm) and the DC2 at least has no soundproofing (not sure about the DC5). VTEC on the DC2 cuts in a 5800rpm and redlines at 8400rpm, so a slightly wider powerband than the Toyota engine in the later Elises/Exiges. I always got mpg figures in the 30s fairly easily. My biggest concern prior to buying it was the lack of torque (I was changing from a 2.9 VR6 Corrado) but it was never a problem, it's not as if the engine is reluctant to give up its performance and it does do a good impression of an F1 engine
Practicality wise I was always very happy with my Integra, the boot was huge and would surprise most people (I think the DC5 boot is a bit smaller though), easily big enough to swallow my fencing bag which takes some doing! The seats are still the best of any car I've encountered, but then they fit my build perfectly, some of my less fit friends were less keen
I've been round Knockhill in Corbie's DC5 and was impressed, seems plenty quick enough and a bit torquier than my old car, but also slightly heavier as well. Make sure you do your research before considering Dicksons though, if you search hard enough you'll understand. Oh, and you might want to check out the DC5 forums here: http://www.itr-dc5.com/forum/index.php
Jamie
2005 Chrome Orange Lotus Exige S2
Hi Campbell,
Before I bought the Clio Spurt I drove down to Ayr to view the previous version of the Integra. Unfortunately it had been sold on the phone as I drove down otherwise I would have bought it instead. I've borrowed a work colleagues DC5 and prior to that his Accord Type R (quite similar actually) and I thought it was great. Loads of grip, and Elise like feedback. You do need to rev it though to get the most from it. What I really liked about it was how well set up the peddles are, dead easy to heel and toe
Recently chopped the Clio in and seriously considered one as a local garage had one on the forecourt but common sense got the better of me.
Cheers
Kelvin.
Before I bought the Clio Spurt I drove down to Ayr to view the previous version of the Integra. Unfortunately it had been sold on the phone as I drove down otherwise I would have bought it instead. I've borrowed a work colleagues DC5 and prior to that his Accord Type R (quite similar actually) and I thought it was great. Loads of grip, and Elise like feedback. You do need to rev it though to get the most from it. What I really liked about it was how well set up the peddles are, dead easy to heel and toe
Recently chopped the Clio in and seriously considered one as a local garage had one on the forecourt but common sense got the better of me.
Cheers
Kelvin.
Sent you a mail Campbell.
YES IM STILL ALIVE!
YES IM STILL ALIVE!
Manifold - Clothing for the Road & Track
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http://www.manifoldonline.co.uk
chortle!Gareth wrote:I'll put you off Campbell...I would quite like one.
great to know we see eye to eye on the odd thing
http://www.rathmhor.com | Coaching, training, consultancy
I do have concerns about high revving gearbox for mway cruising certainly. I don't venture much about 70, so I guess it's still nudging 4k rpm at that level. Need to research.Digital wrote: It's not a motorway cruiser (80mph at about 4500rpm) and the DC2 at least has no soundproofing (not sure about the DC5).
...
Make sure you do your research before considering Dicksons though, if you search hard enough you'll understand. Oh, and you might want to check out the DC5 forums here: http://www.itr-dc5.com/forum/index.php
Jamie
As for Dicksons...drop me a PM with some hints please
Have started browing forums and will certainly check out the above.
cheers
Campbell
http://www.rathmhor.com | Coaching, training, consultancy
Kelvin,Kelvin wrote:Hi Campbell,
Before I bought the Clio Spurt I drove down to Ayr to view the previous version of the Integra. Unfortunately it had been sold on the phone as I drove down otherwise I would have bought it instead. I've borrowed a work colleagues DC5 and prior to that his Accord Type R (quite similar actually) and I thought it was great. Loads of grip, and Elise like feedback. You do need to rev it though to get the most from it. What I really liked about it was how well set up the peddles are, dead easy to heel and toe
Recently chopped the Clio in and seriously considered one as a local garage had one on the forecourt but common sense got the better of me.
Cheers
Kelvin.
Great to hear from you. I am not the least bit surprised that you looked seriously at one of these! Grateful for your feedback. I have a similar challenge to the one you had when you ended up with the Clio...need a credible commuter car so that the missus can keep the family wagon for the sproglets troop transport while off on maternity leave.
As for chopping in the Clio...what did you change to?
Campbell
http://www.rathmhor.com | Coaching, training, consultancy
Campbell, for a probably slightly biased opinion, feel free to wander around http://type-r-scotland.com/forum/index.php
Oh nothing exciting. I needed something big, practical, comfortable (I'm 40 next month ) with lots of toys and relatively cheap given the high mileage I do so bought this:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8041702@N08/472229138/
It does have every toy imaginable (previous owner ticked every option box it seems) even the dynamic re-route you round the traffic chaos ahead Sat Nav appears to work quite well. Unbelievably cheap too, 8 months old and 7000 miles for £11,500 for a car that listed at £25,000. This was from Motorpoint.
A shame you might have to sell the Elise though. If it's just a commuter car buy something cheap and cheerful and keep the Elise.
Cheers
Kelvin.
) with lots of toys and relatively cheap given the high mileage I do so bought this:http://www.flickr.com/photos/8041702@N08/472229138/
It does have every toy imaginable (previous owner ticked every option box it seems) even the dynamic re-route you round the traffic chaos ahead Sat Nav appears to work quite well. Unbelievably cheap too, 8 months old and 7000 miles for £11,500 for a car that listed at £25,000. This was from Motorpoint.
A shame you might have to sell the Elise though. If it's just a commuter car buy something cheap and cheerful and keep the Elise.
Cheers
Kelvin.
campbell wrote: Kelvin,
As for chopping in the Clio...what did you change to?
Campbell