Any Integra DC5 Owners?

[AJQS]

Been keeping my eye on Integras for a while, whilst I'd rather a JDM DC2, you can't escape how utterly molested most of them are, and compared to DC5s how the prices seem very steep. The DC5s almost all seem to be very original too, which is what I'd rather. Now my experience so far has shown me that Double wishbone suspension is preferable for the roads I drive, and the DC5 goes against that grain - but nobody has ever says it handles badly? How does it compare with more sedate modern Hondas? I've played with a 2001 diesel Civic and a 2006 diesel Civic, and whilst the latter is friggin rapid it does not inspire confidence in corners! In contrast all the double wishboned older Civics, all of which were mild mannered 1.6s were all brilliant in the corners.

Bottom line - will the DC5 disappoint?

 

[srichards]

You'd have to drive one on crap roads. What sort of rear suspension has it got?

 

[gatecrasher3]

In terms of handling the DC5 is extremely good in standard form, in fact what it lacks in speed it makes up for in handling and braking. That said they are far from slow but the K20 engine needs to be revved to get the best from it.

As an import they are slightly more powerful than the K20 that comes in the Civic Type R and have the addition of a shorter ratio box and LSD which gives a lot more grip out of the bends.

Bottom line, if you are looking for assurances that they handle well. They do. All I would recommend is a set of front camber bolts, rear adjustable camber arms and a full geometry setup to get the most from the chassis. Country roads will be a treat!

 

[mj4456]

What he said above, correct geometry will make a big difference, approx 20 bhp more than the ep3 and the slip diff helps put them horses on the tarmac, you should not be disappointed if you get a good one.

 

[AJQS]

You'd have to drive one on crap roads. What sort of rear suspension has it got?

Not going to be able to do that in a city test drive!

Rear is the same as the previous more or less, the damn camber arm has been moved so you can't adjust it with shims!

In terms of handling the DC5 is extremely good in standard form, in fact what it lacks in speed it makes up for in handling and braking. That said they are far from slow but the K20 engine needs to be revved to get the best from it.

As an import they are slightly more powerful than the K20 that comes in the Civic Type R and have the addition of a shorter ratio box and LSD which gives a lot more grip out of the bends.

Bottom line, if you are looking for assurances that they handle well. They do. All I would recommend is a set of front camber bolts, rear adjustable camber arms and a full geometry setup to get the most from the chassis. Country roads will be a treat!

Stock alignments appear to be terrible, there's surprisingly many on the internet to look at!

Going to keep my eye out for any local ones to see if I can have a play. Will be along wait, I've only ever seen one.

 

[testbloke]

They are both brilliant drivers cars, for me the older official uk ones were more hardcore and driver focused, I assume many agree with me and hence the prices are climbing rapidly.
These are different animals to the stock civics you have driven. Harsh and noisy for normal driving but like petrol head crystal meth ins twisty back road.
The +20 Bhp for import cars is purely ecu (I was test development engineer for these ecu), a couple of ecu tweaks on a uk model will bring the ponies back. For this, the only people I would recommend are hondata.
As the integra prices are rising another consideration is a late civic type r with lsd, not as hard core but still huge fun and easier to live with as a daily driver. I reckon these are going to be sought after cars in the future

 

[gatecrasher3]

I believe that the cams and pistons are also different in the JDM K20 along the compression ratio.

As well as the LSD the flywheel is lightened in comparison the UK models.

Certainly agree that Hondata with either the K100 or Kpro is the way to go should you wish to change the map at some point in the future.

 

[Matt-P]

This thread is making me very nostalgic, I used to have a DC2, car no 00035. Liked it so much that I instantly regretted it when I'd sold it and had to go buy another!

I can't speak highly enough of them and still wish circumstances allowed me to own one.

 

[gatecrasher3]

A friend of mine has also owned DC2's and I have to agree they are a lovely car to drive. Lovely grunt from the B18 and they just feel so low and planted.