My first Integra DC2 'VTEC' experience !!

RX7 · Post by **RX7** » Mon Aug 25, 2008 6:08 pm

Have been looking at possible alternatives for the RX7 as I've had it 4 years in nov and looking for something a bit more practical, a bit cheaper to run but still fun. I'm always am towards japanese cars especially imports as without the salt on the roads they come over in mint condition and virtually rust free !!

Anyway I'd always liked the Honda Integra Type R (DC2 version) and saw one advertised in Norfolk so Em and I headed over there to have a look and sit in it etc.

We got there (I wont mention where because its not a registered trader on the forum) and had a good look around the car and the garage it was in. It sat alongside a white Type R, couple of Evos, EK9 Civic Type R, Porsche Carrera, a TVR of some sort and what can only be described as a beast.....it was a Ford GT40 replica (the 1960 version) that had just been built with a Rasch engine from the US....I was drooling like mad. Sadly I didnt have the 120k pennies to buy it.

Anyway we looked at the DC2 whilst asking a load of questions and the next minute I found myself nodding when I was asked if I'd like to test drive it. The seller drove the car out of the garage (they had to move the GT40 replica and I was hoping they would start it up but sadly not) and we headed down some country roads while the engine warmed up a bit then he let it loose !! My word I've never been down some country roads where a car hasnt rolled, jump, bump etc before and was mightily impressed by how it handled for a fwd'er, there was enough (not loads) of torque low down but if kept in VTEC it sang. But most importantly how jaw dropping and pure petrolhead porn the sound of a VTEC engine is !! Before I knew it I was given the keys to have a go, I couldnt get over how easy it was to drive and how well the chassis coped with our bumpy country lanes despite being pushed hard (yes I was pushing it more than I do my RX7). I just felt so confident with it and it was barking like a dog to be driven harder !!!

Overall I was thoroughly impressed with the Honda and it is definitely on my list of cars to own, whether it is the next one or not is still to be decided but it is the distinct favourite. Guess those of you who have owned one can agree.
Anyone wanna buy an FD ?!!!?

The funniest thing about the day was Emma saying to me that she hoped the next car wouldnt have everyone looking like crazy at the car and her sat in it and she wanted a nice subtle colour. When we got to the place she practically fell in love with a yellow Evo 5 and a red Evo 6 Tommi Mac.....the 2 brightest and gaudiest colours you could get !!!!!!

George @ DCY · Post by **George @ DCY** » Mon Aug 25, 2008 6:57 pm

The DC2's are fantasic cars, better Imported spec than in the UK. 1998 onwards versions were better. We have 2 in stock at the moment. What year was the one you drove?

RobCallow · Post by **RobCallow** » Mon Aug 25, 2008 6:59 pm

Loved My DC2 one of the best cars I have ever driven would have another one any day. 8) 8)

Were you looking at a UK model or the JDM version

Pic for you

RX7 · Post by **RX7** » Mon Aug 25, 2008 7:09 pm

Very nice Rob, it was the JDM version. I like the eagle eye style of front lights over the UK round one.

George it was a 1997 model, I understand the 98s came with better brakes, different rear bumper and a bit more power.

Do like the uber rare yellow jdm one !

Post by **Ben** » Mon Aug 25, 2008 7:50 pm

:-D nice - are we all going honda then

...

Bart · Post by **Bart** » Tue Aug 26, 2008 5:55 am

murano3 wrote::-D nice - are we all going honda then ...

well alot are going VW so why not go to honda

Post by **Ben** » Tue Aug 26, 2008 6:17 am

lol - for about the 6th time this year I've been promised delivery of my golf - apparently this weekend .. I could be in both camps

.

I'm hankering for a new car presently!.

Mr Windscreen · Post by **Mr Windscreen** » Tue Aug 26, 2008 8:57 pm

Welcome to the world of V-TEC :-D :-D

Simmie · Post by **Simmie** » Tue Aug 26, 2008 9:26 pm

JDM is best , however unless your driving down some windy lane or revving the guts out of it the ITR is 'boring'...... think its the lack of the turbo

had one for years and I cannot get excited about them , just a reliable motor unlike some jap cars I own

a good 'second' car or runabout

alexb · Post by **alexb** » Tue Aug 26, 2008 11:20 pm

Simmie wrote:unless you driving down some windy lane or revving the guts out of it the ITR is 'boring'...
...just a reliable motor ...

In my opinion they are exactly the characteristics that make the 'real' Type R Hondas such a good engine/chassis combo - you can drive it round town easily or get stuck in traffic and not have to worry about it overheating, and the same day take it to the track and thrash the tits off it knowing it'll soak it all up and get you home after. The same can't really be said for an RX-7. Gareth knows I'm not dissing his car in particular, my RX was just the same.

Also the twin turbos only really get going once the second turbo is on boost at >4.5k rpm so not exactly instant low-down power either - it's only 600 rpm later than that I'm in VTEC

Anyway, horses for courses. I'm not going back to FI any time soon

Cheers,
Alex