RE: Honda Integra Type R (DC2): PH Heroes

[TameRacingDriver]

Bradley1500 said:

I have also owned a Clio Sport 182 and have driven two friends’ cars. This will be an unpopular view: but I thought the car was awful. The engine was flat with similar traits at low RPM to the VTEC engines, but with no top-end spark. It also felt coarse and made a horrible racket when revved out. The driving position was crap, with the seat too high and too close to the steering wheel, and the wheel itself at a strange angle and too big.

Unpopular, maybe, but as you will see from a few posts up, I agree 100% with your findings. The Clio engine has much the same characteristics as a VTEC, its just poorer in every way.

People bang on about the torque of the Clio, on paper, its slightly better; actually, in this case, we are also comparing a 2.0-litre engine from the Clio with a 1.8, compare it with the K20 and the difference is wiped out, even on paper. The difference, is barely anything to write home about, and combined with the taller gearing, offers no advantages whatsoever; both cars would get dry humped by a diesel if they were found in the wrong gear.

If the Reno fans were talking about a linear 2.0-litre lump, similar to what I understand the likes of the Peugeot 306 GTI-6 engine to be like, with no obvious kick at any revs, just seamless power from top to bottom, then they may have a point, but it really is just a mass produced VTEC knock-off that doesn't really match up in any way. They can't even give you a nice gear change either...

Everyone has a different opinion and it would be boring if we all liked the same thing, but in all honesty, I fail to see how someone could love the Clio yet dislike a DC2 when they both share a somewhat similar driving experience, but the Honda does it better in pretty much every single area, and often cite things such as lack of torque as a criticism, which is amusing when the Clios are every bit as gutless off cam. But then, I've never really "got" the love for the Clio on here. Its a decent hot hatch, nothing more, the ITR on the other hand, is a legend, and rightly so. It's one of the few FWD cars I'd ever consider owning again.

[topless360]

I have just got home after collected a DC2 today. I've driven all sorts, but this is something special. There is just something about JDM cars from that era that is hard to replicate.

The DC2 feels raw considering its under the radar looks. The steering is full of feedback, the throttle is instant, and I do mean instant. It makes for a car that is well and truly adjustable at any point during a corner, something which is lacking from so many modern cars.

I've only had a 60 mile gentle drive home, but it feels so alive all the time. Really looking forward to exploring the car further.

[alfie2244]

topless360 said:

I have just got home after collected a DC2 today. I've driven all sorts, but this is something special. There is just something about JDM cars from that era that is hard to replicate.

The DC2 feels raw considering its under the radar looks. The steering is full of feedback, the throttle is instant, and I do mean instant. It makes for a car that is well and truly adjustable at any point during a corner, something which is lacking from so many modern cars.

I've only had a 60 mile gentle drive home, but it feels so alive all the time. Really looking forward to exploring the car further.

Good man.....get it on track

[Supateg]

shavermcspud said:

I have very fond memories of this car and in some way pine for another one, although rose tinted glasses may play a part in that, I sometimes wonder if it would be as good as I remember or feel as quick considering the car I drive now has nearly four times the Horsepower

I would say yes, integra's are drivers cars

[1781cc]

I had one of these in the early 2000s, great car with sweet handling and balance, I wanted a supra at the time but didn't have the cash, once I bought it I fell in love straight away.

When looking for a donor to become a track car I looked at these again but the tuning potential wasn't there (aside from a hit and miss supercharger)

[jayemdoubleu]

I had a Del Sol with a B16 engine in it. It was a bit wobbly, but it was quirkly and likeable. Not to mention really well screwed together; I never heard anything squeak or rattle. It had a decent stainless exhaust too, and with the targa roof off, the VTEC sounded brilliant. Properly mechanical and metallic, it was an analogue powertrain. Sorely missed.

[chrismc1977]

Well that's mine. UK. stock. 55k. Always preferred the UK looks & actually find it quite aesthetic. Clean & cherished examples always look good!

Got to agree with the earlier comments compared to Clio 182.

The ITR is SO much better by comparison. Better in just about every way I can think of in fact. The Renault strikes me more as a 'shopping car given a big engine' (no offence intended). Naff seating position, big steering wheel, rubbish gear change, unspectacular motor. All criticisms you can't level at the ITR

The ITR by comparison is highly developed/lightened/braced etc. Those Japanese guys certainly knew what they were doing

The only way a B18 VTEC feels really limp off VTEC (assuming this to be the 'laggy' term earlier used) is if the ignition timing is a bit retarded or valve clearances set incorrectly.

Both are key to a happy B-series along with regular swaps of Mobil 1.

Mine is a keeper. Just about to swap out the RE010's for some AD08's & then a rebush is on the cards.

Love it!

[is1]

Haven't we been here before?:
https://www.pistonheads.com/features/ph-features-h...

So the Integra DC2 is getting a second feature on PH Heroes.
Fair enough, love mine, black UKDM with JDM 98 manifold and exhaust. 122K miles, fit as a fiddle and still razor sharp.
Prefer it to a couple of my previous (and much heralded) steeds, Evo VI TME and Clio 182 Trophy.
Very special cars these but require commitment. You get out what you put in.

[garylythgoe]

Had mine for ~9 years.

Exquisite car, I adored it. Even more so after a refresh of the suspension components.

If it wasn't for getting a bit tired of the image, I'd probably still have it.

Gone but not forgotten.

[DerbyDan]

The Integra's replacement is actually a Phase1 Clio 172 - despite being lowered (on Eibach sportline & Cup dampers) The Clio feels far less planted compared to the Integra... but in terms of straight line pace they feel similar... only that when you try to apply all of the little Clio's 172 horses you really have to hang on to combat torque steer - this actually makes the Clio feel like the more wild/challenging drive - but to be honest, by contrast the Integra is in a different league.

[paulmnz]

Very special car, bought mine at 59,000mile and now it has 139,000. from a time that 'Type-R' was an engineering exercise, not a marketing one.

I'm lucky enough to own a number of 'hero' cars - the Integra is the real deal - the balance, the noise, the chassis, the feel of the controls, the engine, the gearbox, the LSD. The harder you drive it, the more rewarding it is.

Granted it looks... ahem... awkward... but perhaps classic 90's japanesse.

I only wish honda could have made the S2000 the RWD DC2 I had hoped it would be - that would have been perfect!

[dannyDC2]

garylythgoe said:

Had mine for ~9 years.

Exquisite car, I adored it. Even more so after a refresh of the suspension components.

If it wasn't for getting a bit tired of the image, I'd probably still have it.

Gone but not forgotten.

I've still got your old front bumper that Pete bought... It hit the gravel last weekend at Rockingham though

[flyingbywire]

Miss mine greatly blah blah blah. Only sold it because someone left a note under the wiper saying they wanted it and I couldn't resist.

That being said I did start to get a bit embarrassed driving it around town as the image was not the best. I think a GT86/BRZ is an acceptable modern equivalent but unfortunately I would never buy one as they just do not cut it 0-60 and you would constantly have humble diesels outpacing you at the lights. Admittedly the wrong attitude to have but alas still seems to be how masculinity is gauged!

[zorba_the_greek]

After being driven in my friends i just had to have one. The sound of the Vtec and the way it went round corners sold it to me.

Soon after i sold my Leon Cupra R 225 and bought one. Now owned my black 99 DC2 UK spec since 2008.

Its stock apart from discs & pads. Have done a number of track days and a few Ring trips.

Such a rewarding car to drive. Very mechanical. Great sounding engine and seating position is perfect. Also surprisingly practical with a huge boot.

Last few years it been a 2nd car and only used really on sunny weekends. Feels special to me every time i get in it. Its rare you see another on the road.

Agreed against todays hot hatches it lacks power etc... but still puts a smile on my face.

[vz-r_dave]

Its very telling with the number of comments from people who have owned both the Clio and Teg that the Teg is in another league. More interesting that those who own the Clio and have never owned a DC2 call out the Clio as the better car..... Torque blah blah.

I miss mine still the best car I have ever driven.

[Alpinestars]

vz-r_dave said:

Its very telling with the number of comments from people who have owned both the Clio and Teg that the Teg is in another league. More interesting that those who own the Clio and have never owned a DC2 call out the Clio as the better car..... Torque blah blah.

I miss mine still the best car I have ever driven.

I've had a Teg now for some 7 or 8 years, and I'm a total car nut, but still think it's one of the most engaging cars I've ever driven. Wouldn't be without one.

I also owned a 197 Clio. Kept it for about a week or two and sold it. Nowhere near as good a car as the Teg, and would go as far as to say, it was very very average.

[rallycross]

vz-r_dave said:

Its very telling with the number of comments from people who have owned both the Clio and Teg that the Teg is in another league. More interesting that those who own the Clio and have never owned a DC2 call out the Clio as the better car..... Torque blah blah.

.

I would agree having owned Integra's on and off for about 12 years and was able to compare them daily against other great cars that I owned at the same time (including things like M3 E30, Racing Puma, EVO RS, Clio Williams, Clio 182, Cooper S Works, Corrado VR6, 944 turbo etc) the Integra had a special feel, the engineers got everything so

There is something very special about the Integra, not much good as a daily/only car but a wonderful car to take for a blast or take on track. Unless you've driven one a fair bit and had a chance to see what it can do you wont know its true ability.

Some old photos of some of mine (the best ones were the standard non modified examples).

[TameRacingDriver]

I kept my 2 Clios (a Phase 1 172 and a 182) for less time than I kept my 1 Integra. I wish I had one as my other car. It was just ace.

R586GGR where are you? (I suspect scrapped not long after I sold her )

[havoc]

TameRacingDriver said:

R586GGR where are you? (I suspect scrapped not long after I sold her )

1998 / UKDM hubs and wheels on a 1996-model car - nice mod!

[TameRacingDriver]

No mate the car is a 1998 import, they were standard items.