RE: Spoon Honda Civic Type R: Time for Tea
Discussion
Does anyone else find it properly sad we're unlikely to see engines like this in road cars ever again? 
I remember my first drive in a EP3 Civic Type-R, the rest of the car including the handling was a bit "meh" in comparison to other hot hatches but the powertrain was the standout feature. If you could combine the engine and gearbox from a CTR with the chassis of a Focus...
There really is something to be said for wringing every last rev out of a scalpel sharp NA engine-give me that over 50bhp more from a dull turbo premature ejaculation delivery any day.
I remember my first drive in a EP3 Civic Type-R, the rest of the car including the handling was a bit "meh" in comparison to other hot hatches but the powertrain was the standout feature. If you could combine the engine and gearbox from a CTR with the chassis of a Focus...
There really is something to be said for wringing every last rev out of a scalpel sharp NA engine-give me that over 50bhp more from a dull turbo premature ejaculation delivery any day.
PorkFan said:
Gives me motivation to complete my own 900kg 260bhp Honda project. Albeit mine being an EG shaped civic with Integra R suspension, brakes, steering rack etc and a mildly fettled DC5 engine.
Always loved a quick VTEC, makes my 996 turbo seem boring in comparison
Update or do a build thread please. Always loved a quick VTEC, makes my 996 turbo seem boring in comparison
itcaptainslow said:
Does anyone else find it properly sad we're unlikely to see engines like this in road cars ever again?
I remember my first drive in a EP3 Civic Type-R, the rest of the car including the handling was a bit "meh" in comparison to other hot hatches but the powertrain was the standout feature. If you could combine the engine and gearbox from a CTR with the chassis of a Focus...
Yeah, it is rather depressing, though at least Lexus are still making N/A V8s that sing. I think they're the last... I remember my first drive in a EP3 Civic Type-R, the rest of the car including the handling was a bit "meh" in comparison to other hot hatches but the powertrain was the standout feature. If you could combine the engine and gearbox from a CTR with the chassis of a Focus...
I loved my EP3; the factory geometry/tracking is shockingly bad. Get these set up for fast road, with relatively little effort, and it makes a world of difference. The JDM rear ARB is a simple mod and also works wonders.
My brother owns mine now, with big brakes, plated diff, Individual throttle bodies and 258bhp; it's an awesome track tool.
itcaptainslow said:
Does anyone else find it properly sad we're unlikely to see engines like this in road cars ever again?
I remember my first drive in a EP3 Civic Type-R, the rest of the car including the handling was a bit "meh" in comparison to other hot hatches but the powertrain was the standout feature. If you could combine the engine and gearbox from a CTR with the chassis of a Focus...
There really is something to be said for wringing every last rev out of a scalpel sharp NA engine-give me that over 50bhp more from a dull turbo premature ejaculation delivery any day.
Absolutely agree - it's very sad. It makes me even more sad when people disagree (when talking about bland turbo 4s or electric cars) with arguments like "this is future, deal with it" - a sad showing from large parts of humanity these days!! I remember my first drive in a EP3 Civic Type-R, the rest of the car including the handling was a bit "meh" in comparison to other hot hatches but the powertrain was the standout feature. If you could combine the engine and gearbox from a CTR with the chassis of a Focus...
There really is something to be said for wringing every last rev out of a scalpel sharp NA engine-give me that over 50bhp more from a dull turbo premature ejaculation delivery any day.
There was a great 10-15 year period of hot hatches, and now they're gone, replaced with tat like the new type R, and that bloody focus; great everyday cars, easy cars to live with that require no compromise (god help us if we have to compromise or wait these days!!), but boring cars.
I really wish that manufacturers would take their current old-civic/clio/saxo sized cars, and make hot hatches with them. Why do we have to buy a small estate sized car to get the "sporty" one?! Why can't I buy an Up or a Panda with 150bhp and 800kgs?
Great little video - always wanted one, but never found the moment.. So much regret!!
itcaptainslow said:
Honda still do make VTEC's that have a powerband like a binary switch and scream up to their redline-it's just they're mounted on two wheels.
I like to think there's some fastidious engineers in Japan wishing they could adapt their V4 bike engine and put it in one of their Kei cars.
The first generation VTEC VFR800 was supposed to have a noticeable kick as it switched over to the VTEC cam profile. It was a point of contention for those who preferred the linear power delivery of the VFR800i and VFR750 that preceded it, both noted for being strong engines with linear delivery. I like to think there's some fastidious engineers in Japan wishing they could adapt their V4 bike engine and put it in one of their Kei cars.
The rest of Honda's range is all stunning enough in terms of engineering prowess. Silky smooth inline 4's with ballistic redlines, V4's of varying sizes, a flat six, twins etc etc. All great stuff.
The CB500 and the CB600F I passed my test on were great engines. I can still remember the torquey slug of power in the CB500, which felt packed with grunt and yet revved so freely. The CB600F was even better. If you've only driven cars before than the first inline 4 600cc bike you ride will blow you away. Silky smooth, even throttle response, and what seemed like a never ending cascade of revs. I remember gunning up the bank from Winlaton Mill as we followed the instructor back to the office. Sitting on a 600cc commuter bike, full throttle in third gear and having the f
king time of my life.
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