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
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?
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.
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.
designforlife said:
Looks familiar that!
Glad you're happy with it, and that it's going to continue getting fettled and looked after....many thousands of pounds and sweat and tears went into that car in the 2 years i had it.
I am currently car-less for the first time in 11 years, and it feels a bit weird!
Quite enjoying it at the moment mate Glad you're happy with it, and that it's going to continue getting fettled and looked after....many thousands of pounds and sweat and tears went into that car in the 2 years i had it.
I am currently car-less for the first time in 11 years, and it feels a bit weird!
glad it's come from another member that's looked after it properlyDropped in to TGM today to have the clutch replaced with an OEM unit and to have the geometry setup. Really really pleased with these guys, I will not take my car anywhere else now.
I bought the car with stock suspension which I always thought was a right bloody mess on back roads, on any road in fact. Loads of bump steer.I fitted some Bilstein B14s and other bits to it about a month ago but I've barely driven it due to the weather (and the alignment being so out). The handling even after they were just fitted was a big improvement with the bump steer on the stock suspension gone. After being setup today with a fairly standard 'fast road' geometry the car is excellent. New clutch and fluids has made the gearbox slick again and the handling is decent. Completely different car!
Some pics....
Christmas tree duties and looking very sorry for itself.
20181209_084742 by Michael Goodwin, on Flickr
Obligatory washed and on the driveway shot... (more of these to come). MX5 all clean as well.
20181209_145813 by Michael Goodwin, on Flickr
20181209_131004 by Michael Goodwin, on Flickr
20181209_131017 by Michael Goodwin, on Flickr
One from TGM, first time Ive ever seen another Milano Red DC5 other than my own.
2018-12-13_04-21-29 by Michael Goodwin, on Flickr
Hows this for a before fked up geometry setup:
2018-12-13_04-22-45 by Michael Goodwin, on Flickr
Plans now are just cosmetic and maintenance. James sold me it with 3 stone chips on the front bumper and I want to keep it that way (i know its not going to happen lol). Once the salty roads start it wont get driven much atall until next spring.
I bought the car with stock suspension which I always thought was a right bloody mess on back roads, on any road in fact. Loads of bump steer.I fitted some Bilstein B14s and other bits to it about a month ago but I've barely driven it due to the weather (and the alignment being so out). The handling even after they were just fitted was a big improvement with the bump steer on the stock suspension gone. After being setup today with a fairly standard 'fast road' geometry the car is excellent. New clutch and fluids has made the gearbox slick again and the handling is decent. Completely different car!
Some pics....
Christmas tree duties and looking very sorry for itself.
20181209_084742 by Michael Goodwin, on FlickrObligatory washed and on the driveway shot... (more of these to come). MX5 all clean as well.
20181209_145813 by Michael Goodwin, on Flickr20181209_131004 by Michael Goodwin, on Flickr20181209_131017 by Michael Goodwin, on FlickrOne from TGM, first time Ive ever seen another Milano Red DC5 other than my own.
2018-12-13_04-21-29 by Michael Goodwin, on FlickrHows this for a before f
ked up geometry setup:2018-12-13_04-22-45 by Michael Goodwin, on FlickrPlans now are just cosmetic and maintenance. James sold me it with 3 stone chips on the front bumper and I want to keep it that way (i know its not going to happen lol). Once the salty roads start it wont get driven much atall until next spring.
CornedBeef said:
Small world, the other DC5 at TGM is owned by a good friend of mine!
Give him a shout for me, had to rush off and didn't get a chance to speak to him. I know hes on ITR-DC5 but cant remember his username. Suggested a drive/pics, be good to chat to another owner as well.Been a while since I looked at this thread.
I have a new daily, the Fiat 500 with the 100hp fire engine (seen poking out of one of the photos) has gone and have a new Fiesta Ecobomb 140hp which is OK for a daily and has loads of gadgets and stuff, but transferring between a 16 year old DC5 and a new Fiesta really reminds me how st cars have got in the last decade its about as engaging as a toaster.
I barely touched the DC5 over winter but took every dry day I could to drive it and blow out the cobwebs. Nicer weathers here now so its getting a lot more use and what a car, I wish I'd of got one years back. Wife is used to the 'Im just popping to tesco' which is 1 minute away then returning an hour later to find my dinner is cold, I absolutely love it. Gets loads of attention still, all positive with people chatting to you about it.
Turns out I didnt like the FRSU settings that TGM setup maybe I am just old and miserable, but I always felt like I was contending with the diff when accelerating and never felt like the tyres had full contact with the road, it wasn't really satisfying to string corners together and the B14s had this odd bottoming out sensation when the road was undulating a lot at speed. So, I took the car to WIM for a more mild setup. about 0.50 negative camber and straight wheels. People go on cars being night and day after an alignment but this really works well for me, theres a lot less tram lining going on now to the point where its not noticeable unless its on some crappy b-road and the car feels like it grips about twice as well as it did. Very happy now, the B14s seem a good choice.
20190518_112420 by Michael Goodwin, on Flickr
DSCF0231 by Michael Goodwin, on Flickr
DSCF0226 by Michael Goodwin, on Flickr
20190517_184001 by Michael Goodwin, on Flickr
Cleaned up the interior a bit, fabric came up well. Ecobomb in the background
DSCF0177 by Michael Goodwin, on Flickr
I should really try sell this car as I want to go self employed and could do without a 2nd car for financial reasons to start out, but don't really want to. So unsure what I will do next. Its due a service so going into TGM at some point shortly, so will probably keep it a couple of months yet, I reckon a Lotus is still on the cards at some point, maybe a K20 Elise? We shall see. Happy with the Teg for now
I have a new daily, the Fiat 500 with the 100hp fire engine (seen poking out of one of the photos) has gone and have a new Fiesta Ecobomb 140hp which is OK for a daily and has loads of gadgets and stuff, but transferring between a 16 year old DC5 and a new Fiesta really reminds me how s
t cars have got in the last decade its about as engaging as a toaster. I barely touched the DC5 over winter but took every dry day I could to drive it and blow out the cobwebs. Nicer weathers here now so its getting a lot more use and what a car, I wish I'd of got one years back. Wife is used to the 'Im just popping to tesco' which is 1 minute away then returning an hour later to find my dinner is cold, I absolutely love it. Gets loads of attention still, all positive with people chatting to you about it.
Turns out I didnt like the FRSU settings that TGM setup maybe I am just old and miserable, but I always felt like I was contending with the diff when accelerating and never felt like the tyres had full contact with the road, it wasn't really satisfying to string corners together and the B14s had this odd bottoming out sensation when the road was undulating a lot at speed. So, I took the car to WIM for a more mild setup. about 0.50 negative camber and straight wheels. People go on cars being night and day after an alignment but this really works well for me, theres a lot less tram lining going on now to the point where its not noticeable unless its on some crappy b-road and the car feels like it grips about twice as well as it did. Very happy now, the B14s seem a good choice.
20190518_112420 by Michael Goodwin, on FlickrDSCF0231 by Michael Goodwin, on FlickrDSCF0226 by Michael Goodwin, on Flickr20190517_184001 by Michael Goodwin, on FlickrCleaned up the interior a bit, fabric came up well. Ecobomb in the background
DSCF0177 by Michael Goodwin, on FlickrI should really try sell this car as I want to go self employed and could do without a 2nd car for financial reasons to start out, but don't really want to. So unsure what I will do next. Its due a service so going into TGM at some point shortly, so will probably keep it a couple of months yet, I reckon a Lotus is still on the cards at some point, maybe a K20 Elise? We shall see. Happy with the Teg for now
Edited by MikeGoodwin on Saturday 18th May 15:28
Sold the DC5 recently so thats my petrol head career put on hold for a while while I am working on London, having two cars to myself and using neither seemed stupid and i'd sooner it wasn't sat about doing sweet FA. I think if anything ever replaces the DC5 it will be a K20 Elise S2 or Westfield but that will be a long time away and Ill have to clear out the garage
Had an oil service at TGM before it left me, cool shot with a DC2 I thought. TGM were nothing short of brilliant whenever I went down there.
2019-07-03_03-57-46 by Michael Goodwin, on Flickr
The DC5 was a brilliant car to own I just wish Id of got one sooner, much more engaging than my M3 ever was.
Had an oil service at TGM before it left me, cool shot with a DC2 I thought. TGM were nothing short of brilliant whenever I went down there.
2019-07-03_03-57-46 by Michael Goodwin, on FlickrThe DC5 was a brilliant car to own I just wish Id of got one sooner, much more engaging than my M3 ever was.
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