1st week of DC2 ownership
Discussion
Going to take advantage of the stinking weather to write about my first week with the DC2.
Coming from a 10 yr old diesel astra (not my choice, honest) I have enjoyed entering the world of performance motoring! Even though I actually traded up to a slightly older car in the DC2 it feels so much newer. I suppose that is mainly down to it being well built and well looked after. I have found the performance below VTEC to be fine for around the town and the ride not overly stiff. When the opportunity arises to hit the VTEC zone my face lights up! I don't think I'll ever get tired of the VTEC kick but rather worryingly I do feel myself getting used to it already. In some ways though that is no bad thing as it will allow me to explore the handling a little more.
Everyone I have taken out in the car has been slightly underwhelmed at first (apart from petrolhead friends) until they get to experience the VTEC kick and the wonderful engine note. Unfortunately some of the attention has been a little adverse as everyone wants to try and race me. People keep sitting right on my bumper and accelerating when the road opens into two lanes. A couple of times this really hasn't been any fun as the cars have looked on the verge of losing control trying to overtake round corners.
What tires are best? Mine had firestones on when I got it. They seem to be awful in the wet. I had the wheels spinning through to 3rd and I was trying to accelerate gently!
I haven't had any difficulty fitting in the car (I'm 6'8"), headroom is fine and leg room is decent. Legs got a bit sore after a couple of hours motorway driving yesterday but that was mainly due to playing football the night before for the first time in a year.
I've already had a lot of fun in it over this first week and I look forward to taking it round Scotland in search of some great roads. Will think about tracking it as well when funds allow for fixing anything afterwards. I had been considering Renaultsport clios, either 172 cup or 182, but The teg definitely feels more special and better put together even though it is considerably older.
Coming from a 10 yr old diesel astra (not my choice, honest) I have enjoyed entering the world of performance motoring! Even though I actually traded up to a slightly older car in the DC2 it feels so much newer. I suppose that is mainly down to it being well built and well looked after. I have found the performance below VTEC to be fine for around the town and the ride not overly stiff. When the opportunity arises to hit the VTEC zone my face lights up! I don't think I'll ever get tired of the VTEC kick but rather worryingly I do feel myself getting used to it already. In some ways though that is no bad thing as it will allow me to explore the handling a little more.
Everyone I have taken out in the car has been slightly underwhelmed at first (apart from petrolhead friends) until they get to experience the VTEC kick and the wonderful engine note. Unfortunately some of the attention has been a little adverse as everyone wants to try and race me. People keep sitting right on my bumper and accelerating when the road opens into two lanes. A couple of times this really hasn't been any fun as the cars have looked on the verge of losing control trying to overtake round corners.
What tires are best? Mine had firestones on when I got it. They seem to be awful in the wet. I had the wheels spinning through to 3rd and I was trying to accelerate gently!
I haven't had any difficulty fitting in the car (I'm 6'8"), headroom is fine and leg room is decent. Legs got a bit sore after a couple of hours motorway driving yesterday but that was mainly due to playing football the night before for the first time in a year.
I've already had a lot of fun in it over this first week and I look forward to taking it round Scotland in search of some great roads. Will think about tracking it as well when funds allow for fixing anything afterwards. I had been considering Renaultsport clios, either 172 cup or 182, but The teg definitely feels more special and better put together even though it is considerably older.
get either bridgestone or yokohama advan neova tyres. dont get bigger wheels for sure.
try getting an aftermarket exhaust and manifold, it enhances the vtec change. also try a spoon drop in filter or if you have money, something like a mugen air box. breathing mods really make the car feel more willing to rev, which is simply the best thing about it.
have a nose around on www.itr-dc2.com if you aint on it already.
brake pad upgrades are good, although standard stoppers are excellent.
suspension bushes might be a good idea for you to do, i did them on mine and it tightened things up nicely.
there are so many things to do if you wanted to. its a huge slippery slope but its so enjoyable.
try getting an aftermarket exhaust and manifold, it enhances the vtec change. also try a spoon drop in filter or if you have money, something like a mugen air box. breathing mods really make the car feel more willing to rev, which is simply the best thing about it.
have a nose around on www.itr-dc2.com if you aint on it already.
brake pad upgrades are good, although standard stoppers are excellent.
suspension bushes might be a good idea for you to do, i did them on mine and it tightened things up nicely.
there are so many things to do if you wanted to. its a huge slippery slope but its so enjoyable.
Nice review...
I've found things a little different though. Most people who get in mine seem to think it feels quick even before I get to the VTEC range, probably due to the tractable engine and keen throttle response. Having said that mine is JDM and I know a lot of people put the JDM manifold on the UK one for more power and better low down torque.
Also I very rarely get people trying to race me. Most people just dont seem to know what it is. A lot of the boy racers actually just seem to give me the thumbs up (as do drivers of other fast Japanese machinery), and if anything most just assume they will lose anyway and dont bother trying. I've only ever had a souped up Saxo VTS and a Scooby trying it on in the last 16 months of ownership.
I am now used to the performance, but the engine note is still addictive, as is the handling. It takes a long time to truly get used to this car as it doesn't reveal all its abilities straight away.
Good track car too, but I would advise upgrading the brake pads at least for track use. If you dont plan to track it the standard brakes are fine (unless you've got a pre-98 spec JDM).
I've found things a little different though. Most people who get in mine seem to think it feels quick even before I get to the VTEC range, probably due to the tractable engine and keen throttle response. Having said that mine is JDM and I know a lot of people put the JDM manifold on the UK one for more power and better low down torque.
Also I very rarely get people trying to race me. Most people just dont seem to know what it is. A lot of the boy racers actually just seem to give me the thumbs up (as do drivers of other fast Japanese machinery), and if anything most just assume they will lose anyway and dont bother trying. I've only ever had a souped up Saxo VTS and a Scooby trying it on in the last 16 months of ownership.
I am now used to the performance, but the engine note is still addictive, as is the handling. It takes a long time to truly get used to this car as it doesn't reveal all its abilities straight away.
Good track car too, but I would advise upgrading the brake pads at least for track use. If you dont plan to track it the standard brakes are fine (unless you've got a pre-98 spec JDM).
stew-S160 said:
get either bridgestone or yokohama advan neova tyres. dont get bigger wheels for sure.
try getting an aftermarket exhaust and manifold, it enhances the vtec change. also try a spoon drop in filter or if you have money, something like a mugen air box. breathing mods really make the car feel more willing to rev, which is simply the best thing about it.
have a nose around on www.itr-dc2.com if you aint on it already.
brake pad upgrades are good, although standard stoppers are excellent.
suspension bushes might be a good idea for you to do, i did them on mine and it tightened things up nicely.
there are so many things to do if you wanted to. its a huge slippery slope but its so enjoyable.
I've been having a good look at www.itr-dc2.com, signed up before I bought the car! Starting a new job in August so I'll think about some improvements then. Its been odd having a car that I really care about. I keep looking out of the window and checking on it.try getting an aftermarket exhaust and manifold, it enhances the vtec change. also try a spoon drop in filter or if you have money, something like a mugen air box. breathing mods really make the car feel more willing to rev, which is simply the best thing about it.
have a nose around on www.itr-dc2.com if you aint on it already.
brake pad upgrades are good, although standard stoppers are excellent.
suspension bushes might be a good idea for you to do, i did them on mine and it tightened things up nicely.
there are so many things to do if you wanted to. its a huge slippery slope but its so enjoyable.
pbirkett said:
Good track car too, but I would advise upgrading the brake pads at least for track use. If you dont plan to track it the standard brakes are fine (unless you've got a pre-98 spec JDM).
Its a 1998 UK model. Would like to track it but will have to wait until next year when finances allow. I suppose its a bit of a marmite car in terms of looks. Petrolheads who know what it is are impressed and I've had a few nice waves, but non-petrolheads probably look at it and think check out the boy racer with his white wheels and big spoiler!Martin_Hx said:
6Ft 8 fecking hell 
I've just passed 1 Year ownership of the EP3 Civic Type R and i know its not the best R out there but still love the kick of the V-Tec zone
and they way it drives.
Once I get a long to some meets I'll need to talk someone into taking for a spin in a CTR. Would be interesting to see what its like. Would love to find someone with an NSX-R as well!I've just passed 1 Year ownership of the EP3 Civic Type R and i know its not the best R out there but still love the kick of the V-Tec zone
and they way it drives.Glad you're enjoying it !
Ive just put a set of Bridgestone RE010'S on mine, as they were designed specifically for the car.
Ive had a quite a few little niggles with mine, but its to be expected with an older car, that was bought privately for not much dollar.
Just had to replace both nearside brake calipers as they were sticking very badly.I know seal kits are available, but this was time sensitive.
Apart form that,we are slowly bonding. I do like the car, just still not had time for a proper hoon in it yet.
Ive just put a set of Bridgestone RE010'S on mine, as they were designed specifically for the car.
Ive had a quite a few little niggles with mine, but its to be expected with an older car, that was bought privately for not much dollar.
Just had to replace both nearside brake calipers as they were sticking very badly.I know seal kits are available, but this was time sensitive.
Apart form that,we are slowly bonding. I do like the car, just still not had time for a proper hoon in it yet.
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