Honda Integra DC5 Milano Red
Discussion
Sold my E92 M3 recently, which I instantly regretted. Awesome car but one flawed by its weight. I fancy a Lotus now because of the weight thing with the E92. But could be a while before I get into one, if I even do.
Started out Monday morning with a cup of coffee wondering what short term hot hatch I could be entertained with for a few months while I sit on the Lotus idea. The Clio 172 was at the top of my list, but Ive driven many over the years and they are all shagged and not really that good. Clio 197 or Clio 200, again not that good (sue me...), maybe an FN2. Then decided to look into Integras. The DC5 is a car Ive always wanted since being 17 (I am almost 30 now) but never bought because its maybe a little odd... I dont know why I am saying this now but thats how I felt at the time
Looked online at a few which had s
t history or had forum members admitting they had crashed the car etc, posted a thread in the Honda section and designforlife cropped up saying he could be persuaded to sell his.
So I did. I think its fair to say James has looked after this thing incredibly well. Paint is perfect due to a recent respray
What a car though, not driven anything this much fun for years. Steering is sublime. The DC5 reminds me of my old Megane 275 except for the K20 engine which is far more interesting. Wish I'd tried one sooner. Does not drive like a 16 year old car at all.
Plans for it... not sure yet but depends on how long I keep it. I want to bring some exterior trim up to scratch (faded trim but nothing a bit of heat and trim sealant wont fix), full machine polish and ceramic sealant, and I would like to replace the plastic shift arm mechanism with a metal one as there is play in the shift mechanism. Just bought the K tuned billeted arm actually. Also want to install some braided lines, refurb the brembos, see if i can bring the brakes into this decade.
First wash today...
Front and rear window machine polished and applied Gtechniq G1 up front, Rain Racer on the rear.
DSCF7014 by Michael Goodwin, on Flickr
DSCF7019 by Michael Goodwin, on Flickr
DSCF7021 by Michael Goodwin, on Flickr
Cleaned up the steering wheel which looked like it had the bad aids. I use Dodo Juice Supernatural Leather Cleaner for steering wheels...
DSCF7001 by Michael Goodwin, on Flickr
DSCF7004 by Michael Goodwin, on Flickr
DSCF7005 by Michael Goodwin, on Flickr
DSCF7007 by Michael Goodwin, on Flickr
DSCF7012 by Michael Goodwin, on Flickr
And for the rest of the car just worked on some polish residue on trim and in crevices, applied ceramic sealant to the number plate surround.
DSCF6983 by Michael Goodwin, on Flickr
DSCF6994 by Michael Goodwin, on Flickr
Started out Monday morning with a cup of coffee wondering what short term hot hatch I could be entertained with for a few months while I sit on the Lotus idea. The Clio 172 was at the top of my list, but Ive driven many over the years and they are all shagged and not really that good. Clio 197 or Clio 200, again not that good (sue me...), maybe an FN2. Then decided to look into Integras. The DC5 is a car Ive always wanted since being 17 (I am almost 30 now) but never bought because its maybe a little odd... I dont know why I am saying this now but thats how I felt at the time
Looked online at a few which had s
t history or had forum members admitting they had crashed the car etc, posted a thread in the Honda section and designforlife cropped up saying he could be persuaded to sell his.So I did. I think its fair to say James has looked after this thing incredibly well. Paint is perfect due to a recent respray
What a car though, not driven anything this much fun for years. Steering is sublime. The DC5 reminds me of my old Megane 275 except for the K20 engine which is far more interesting. Wish I'd tried one sooner. Does not drive like a 16 year old car at all.
Plans for it... not sure yet but depends on how long I keep it. I want to bring some exterior trim up to scratch (faded trim but nothing a bit of heat and trim sealant wont fix), full machine polish and ceramic sealant, and I would like to replace the plastic shift arm mechanism with a metal one as there is play in the shift mechanism. Just bought the K tuned billeted arm actually. Also want to install some braided lines, refurb the brembos, see if i can bring the brakes into this decade.
First wash today...
Front and rear window machine polished and applied Gtechniq G1 up front, Rain Racer on the rear.
DSCF7014 by Michael Goodwin, on FlickrDSCF7019 by Michael Goodwin, on FlickrDSCF7021 by Michael Goodwin, on FlickrCleaned up the steering wheel which looked like it had the bad aids. I use Dodo Juice Supernatural Leather Cleaner for steering wheels...
DSCF7001 by Michael Goodwin, on FlickrDSCF7004 by Michael Goodwin, on FlickrDSCF7005 by Michael Goodwin, on FlickrDSCF7007 by Michael Goodwin, on FlickrDSCF7012 by Michael Goodwin, on FlickrAnd for the rest of the car just worked on some polish residue on trim and in crevices, applied ceramic sealant to the number plate surround.
DSCF6983 by Michael Goodwin, on FlickrDSCF6994 by Michael Goodwin, on FlickrEdited by MikeGoodwin on Sunday 21st October 17:57
That looks great! I am a similar age to you and nearly had a dc5 about 10 years ago. Insurance was daft and I went for a EP3 instead (that I hated)
The age of them puts me off getting one now but yours looks very tidy.
I am currently debating between a dc5 or meg sport like you had.
Enjoy the DC5 but don’t leave the lotus to long they are good fun!
The age of them puts me off getting one now but yours looks very tidy.
I am currently debating between a dc5 or meg sport like you had.
Enjoy the DC5 but don’t leave the lotus to long they are good fun!
Gorgeous car; regretted selling mine years back
Have always thought of getting another, but the small seats put me on off as I’d have to change them out...
Brakes are good, but need better discs and pads. Mtec C hook & EBC Yellowstuff/Ferodo DS2500 would be my choice with HEL braided lines & Motul 5.1 fluid etc
Are you thinking of doing anything to the suspension & breathing etc?
Have always thought of getting another, but the small seats put me on off as I’d have to change them out...
Brakes are good, but need better discs and pads. Mtec C hook & EBC Yellowstuff/Ferodo DS2500 would be my choice with HEL braided lines & Motul 5.1 fluid etc
Are you thinking of doing anything to the suspension & breathing etc?
keo said:
That looks great! I am a similar age to you and nearly had a dc5 about 10 years ago. Insurance was daft and I went for a EP3 instead (that I hated)
The age of them puts me off getting one now but yours looks very tidy.
I am currently debating between a dc5 or meg sport like you had.
Enjoy the DC5 but don’t leave the lotus to long they are good fun!
Cheers I prefer this to the Megane if I'm honest but they both come with an LSD so they do drive in a similar manner.The age of them puts me off getting one now but yours looks very tidy.
I am currently debating between a dc5 or meg sport like you had.
Enjoy the DC5 but don’t leave the lotus to long they are good fun!
d_a_n1979 said:
Gorgeous car; regretted selling mine years back
Have always thought of getting another, but the small seats put me on off as I’d have to change them out...
Brakes are good, but need better discs and pads. Mtec C hook & EBC Yellowstuff/Ferodo DS2500 would be my choice with HEL braided lines & Motul 5.1 fluid etc
Are you thinking of doing anything to the suspension & breathing etc?
I'll look at those brakes thanks. I will leave the suspension alone as it seems to handle quite well. If I do anything it'll be a set of ohlins with a setup at TDI or Centre Gravity. It has a tegiwa intake at the moment. I'll probably leave it as is.Have always thought of getting another, but the small seats put me on off as I’d have to change them out...
Brakes are good, but need better discs and pads. Mtec C hook & EBC Yellowstuff/Ferodo DS2500 would be my choice with HEL braided lines & Motul 5.1 fluid etc
Are you thinking of doing anything to the suspension & breathing etc?
d_a_n1979 said:
Not sure where you are in the country; but I couldn't recommend Stevie @ Grinspeed highly enough and wouldn't take my cars anywhere else
He's a box and suspension/fast-rad set up guru and knows these cars like the back of his hand
Stevie set my Forester up. Great guy and set-up he has. Always plenty Type R,s there. Will be taking the Golf down for a tweak once the weather picks up. He's a box and suspension/fast-rad set up guru and knows these cars like the back of his hand
OP, very nice car you got there.
Fixed an annoying buzzing noise that intake created at 3 or 4k rpm this evening. I thought I could live with it but after an hour of driving in traffic it made my piss boil. Figured it had to be the metal heat shield below the intake so I just removed it. Job jobbed it's fine now.
Tightened up the door bolt thing as it was clicking when you opened the door up. So that's fixed.
Looking forward to having the clutch replaced it'll either be Dream Automotive or TGM in Fleet. Also going to have the clutch cylinders regreased and ill grease up all the shift mechanisms and install the new shifter arm. Hoping it'll feel like new as currently it's like a bolt action rifle especially with the clutch needing to be replaced.
Fantastic motor.
Tightened up the door bolt thing as it was clicking when you opened the door up. So that's fixed.
Looking forward to having the clutch replaced it'll either be Dream Automotive or TGM in Fleet. Also going to have the clutch cylinders regreased and ill grease up all the shift mechanisms and install the new shifter arm. Hoping it'll feel like new as currently it's like a bolt action rifle especially with the clutch needing to be replaced.
Fantastic motor.
THAT'S NICE!!!
I've currently got a Milano Red Civic Type R which I bought on a bit of a whim and now think I should have bought one sooner.
I've got an Altezza coming over from Japan at the moment, once that's all dealt with I think the next toy will have to be a pre facelift milano red DC5
I've currently got a Milano Red Civic Type R which I bought on a bit of a whim and now think I should have bought one sooner.
I've got an Altezza coming over from Japan at the moment, once that's all dealt with I think the next toy will have to be a pre facelift milano red DC5
Very nice and unmolested version!
Interesting you say about the weight issue with the BMW. The reason I bought mine was that I effectively wanted a 4 seat Elise and this is the closest car I could find!
You say about the brakes needing bringing up to date, this is something I've never found an issue.
Aside for the ones that were fitted when I bought mine in from Japan, make sure you are using OE pads, as I have found using aftermarket versions don't work so well, no matter what brand they are. As for the originals, they never had any markings or I would have stock piled a load of them as they were possibly the best brake / pad combination I have ever used on a car!
Of course a brake line and fluid change is always essential, especially on these as the bleed nipples tend to seize on the front calipers which means an off car rebuild.
These are a sorely underrated car (the DC2 always get the limelight) and are ageing incredibly well. Also, they are a complete an antidote to electronic laden modern machinery.
Enjoy!
Interesting you say about the weight issue with the BMW. The reason I bought mine was that I effectively wanted a 4 seat Elise and this is the closest car I could find!
You say about the brakes needing bringing up to date, this is something I've never found an issue.
Aside for the ones that were fitted when I bought mine in from Japan, make sure you are using OE pads, as I have found using aftermarket versions don't work so well, no matter what brand they are. As for the originals, they never had any markings or I would have stock piled a load of them as they were possibly the best brake / pad combination I have ever used on a car!
Of course a brake line and fluid change is always essential, especially on these as the bleed nipples tend to seize on the front calipers which means an off car rebuild.
These are a sorely underrated car (the DC2 always get the limelight) and are ageing incredibly well. Also, they are a complete an antidote to electronic laden modern machinery.
Enjoy!
TegTypeR said:
Very nice and unmolested version!
Interesting you say about the weight issue with the BMW. The reason I bought mine was that I effectively wanted a 4 seat Elise and this is the closest car I could find!
You say about the brakes needing bringing up to date, this is something I've never found an issue.
Aside for the ones that were fitted when I bought mine in from Japan, make sure you are using OE pads, as I have found using aftermarket versions don't work so well, no matter what brand they are. As for the originals, they never had any markings or I would have stock piled a load of them as they were possibly the best brake / pad combination I have ever used on a car!
Of course a brake line and fluid change is always essential, especially on these as the bleed nipples tend to seize on the front calipers which means an off car rebuild.
These are a sorely underrated car (the DC2 always get the limelight) and are ageing incredibly well. Also, they are a complete an antidote to electronic laden modern machinery.
Enjoy!
Really?!?! have you tried more modern brake compounds? PBS are used on Civic Cup cars and still have a much better cold bite than OE with a lot higher braking margin with temp increase. The oem brembo pads are actually borderline scary! Sorry OP don't want to turn this into a pad debateInteresting you say about the weight issue with the BMW. The reason I bought mine was that I effectively wanted a 4 seat Elise and this is the closest car I could find!
You say about the brakes needing bringing up to date, this is something I've never found an issue.
Aside for the ones that were fitted when I bought mine in from Japan, make sure you are using OE pads, as I have found using aftermarket versions don't work so well, no matter what brand they are. As for the originals, they never had any markings or I would have stock piled a load of them as they were possibly the best brake / pad combination I have ever used on a car!
Of course a brake line and fluid change is always essential, especially on these as the bleed nipples tend to seize on the front calipers which means an off car rebuild.
These are a sorely underrated car (the DC2 always get the limelight) and are ageing incredibly well. Also, they are a complete an antidote to electronic laden modern machinery.
Enjoy!
Ollie-DC5 said:
Really?!?! have you tried more modern brake compounds? PBS are used on Civic Cup cars and still have a much better cold bite than OE with a lot higher braking margin with temp increase. The oem brembo pads are actually borderline scary! Sorry OP don't want to turn this into a pad debate
Always open to new ideas. If you've got details, please post. Is there a larger amount of dust and deposit? Had one aftermarket set that you'd need to wash the car after every short run because of the muck they used to produce, despite braking performance being less! Personally I've never had any issues with the OE product, even on track days.Yes, sorry to OP, didn't want to hijack the thread.
Don't worry about Hijacking, its interesting for me to read so please continue.
RE Brakes. I think they just need bleeding to be honest as they feel spongy, like theres a balloon somewhere along the brake line, with some work they do grab ok, i just dont feel they could stop me on a dime like say my old Megane RS or M3 but I think thats just the spongy feel.
Adding to the list I want to fit braided lines now, change the fluid and pressure bleed the system. I would also like to refurb the paint on the calipers so i am thinking I might rebuild the calipers while Im at it and I may as well add in new brake disks as the pain around the hub has rusted and looks unsightly. Its my 2nd car so I can afford to have it jacked up for a month or 2 while I get them right. The clutch must come first though.
At a minimum I will bleed the system and change the fluid asap. Might wait till better weather next year to do a full refurb on the brake system.
I will speak to TGM about suspension setups, but was not aware they were adjustable.
I must admit the weight of the car and how simple it all is is a breath of fresh air. I loved dragging the M3's V8 out to 8k after years of driving turbo fart boxes, and somehow the K20 feels even better than the S65 does. It just feels relentless.
RE Brakes. I think they just need bleeding to be honest as they feel spongy, like theres a balloon somewhere along the brake line, with some work they do grab ok, i just dont feel they could stop me on a dime like say my old Megane RS or M3 but I think thats just the spongy feel.
Adding to the list I want to fit braided lines now, change the fluid and pressure bleed the system. I would also like to refurb the paint on the calipers so i am thinking I might rebuild the calipers while Im at it and I may as well add in new brake disks as the pain around the hub has rusted and looks unsightly. Its my 2nd car so I can afford to have it jacked up for a month or 2 while I get them right. The clutch must come first though.
At a minimum I will bleed the system and change the fluid asap. Might wait till better weather next year to do a full refurb on the brake system.
I will speak to TGM about suspension setups, but was not aware they were adjustable.
I must admit the weight of the car and how simple it all is is a breath of fresh air. I loved dragging the M3's V8 out to 8k after years of driving turbo fart boxes, and somehow the K20 feels even better than the S65 does. It just feels relentless.
Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff