'Teg DC5 Engines
Discussion
Ok guys question from a guy thats never driven either but quite interested. Cant change for another 6 months so its well in advance. Im floating between a DC5 and a MK1 Focus RS. As a ST owner im up with what the focus can give me and the build quality I can expect plus the expected running costs.
Id like some feedback on the 'Teg if possible.
1) What the part costs like? Seeing as its an import im wondering how difficult they are to get hold of? Is servicing pretty straight forward any mech job or would i need a specialist?
2) I know there are 2 engines. The 1.8 190bhp and the newer 2.0 220bhp. Anyone driven both that can give some feedback? Noticable power difference? Worth forgetting about the 1.8?
3) Ive heard the seats wear and the sides of the recaro break down(mainly if the previous owner was large). This true?
Id like some feedback on the 'Teg if possible.
1) What the part costs like? Seeing as its an import im wondering how difficult they are to get hold of? Is servicing pretty straight forward any mech job or would i need a specialist?
2) I know there are 2 engines. The 1.8 190bhp and the newer 2.0 220bhp. Anyone driven both that can give some feedback? Noticable power difference? Worth forgetting about the 1.8?
3) Ive heard the seats wear and the sides of the recaro break down(mainly if the previous owner was large). This true?
Autotrader lists a hell of a lot of DC5s as 1.8ltr. Take a look matey as its confused the hell outta me. Like i said im just browsing at present so havent really got into the ins and outs of each.
I am right in thinking the DC2 finish in 2001 and had the flat long rectangle lights whereas the DC5 has the fussy rounder lights?
I am right in thinking the DC2 finish in 2001 and had the flat long rectangle lights whereas the DC5 has the fussy rounder lights?
Edited by oj121 on Wednesday 11th August 21:22
All DC2s are 1.8 VTEC produced in the 90s. UK cars have separate 4 round headlights, JDM cars the oblong headlights. JDM cars aremarginally more powerful by a few bhp, otherwise they are fairly similar bar a few chassis tweaks. A very feelsome car to drive, screamer of an engine, awesome fun and feel quicker than they are due to the sensory bombardment.
All DC5s are 2.0 iVTEC and are all imports, never officialy sold in the UK. More modern styling but apparently a more synthetic driving experience compared the the DC2 (only driven a DC2). Parts readily available through Honda and all normal servicing consumables are the same as the the CTR engine.
The Honda engines are pretty easy to maintain, adjusting the valve cleareances being the trickiest job, not particularly difficult, just requires time and patience. Standard service intervals are 12.5k miles for the DC5, 9k for the DC2.
All DC5s are 2.0 iVTEC and are all imports, never officialy sold in the UK. More modern styling but apparently a more synthetic driving experience compared the the DC2 (only driven a DC2). Parts readily available through Honda and all normal servicing consumables are the same as the the CTR engine.
The Honda engines are pretty easy to maintain, adjusting the valve cleareances being the trickiest job, not particularly difficult, just requires time and patience. Standard service intervals are 12.5k miles for the DC5, 9k for the DC2.
oj121 said:
I dont like the look of the DC2. It will have to be the DC5.
Anyone give any feedback on the seat wear or an RS comparison?
I've not driven an RS, but from reviews I'd expect them to be pretty similar dynamically. Anyone give any feedback on the seat wear or an RS comparison?
The DC5 is very stiff - fine on smooth tarmac but a little 'jiggly' on a B-road, where it can tramline if you're not careful. It also has fantastic composure, more grip than you'd ever believe (although the test-drive I had in the ST revealed similar tenacity), and doesn't understeer if driven properly - great diff not corrupted by torque in the way that the Mk1 RS can be. I didn't rate the steering as highly as the DC2, and it felt more 'planted' and less 'up on it's toes' than my DC2 - which I guess comes down to personal preference.
Engine is typical VTEC peaky but very linear - less of a 'kick' than the old B- and H-series engines. Won't feel 'quick' next to the ST due to the comparative lack of torque, but in reality will happily keep up with it and through technical sections will be itching to get past. Also sounds good, if different to the 5-pot.
Seat wear? If they're anything like the DC2 (and they look very similar and also come from Recaro), then the material is hard-wearing but the outside-bolster on the seat-squab tends to break-down inside where the driver gets in-and-out. Straightforward fix though. Don't know enough about the rest of the interior to comment on longevity, but it looks a lot better place than the DC2, and lacks the weird green detailing of the RS.
Parts - mechanically it's 90% EP3 Civic Type R, so no real problems there, and nothing should be exorbitant either as it's a Honda (although I'd expect stuff to be a little more than the Focus). Insurance will be high though as they're grey-import only.
IMHO they're two great cars, and if I wanted a practical FWD road-and-track car they'd both be high on the list, and both will be minor classics in the future.
oj121 said:
How cheap/easy is the actual repair for the seat. Could i do it myself with my hoof hands?
Very easy fix to do on your own, but the whole seat does need to come out and you can get everything you need from capital seating.There is a guide on the DC5 owners forum. itr-dc5.com Loads of info on there.
Some sites dont have the option "Integra" and "2.0". All cars with that 2001+ chassis are 2.0 litre.
I've driven and been passenger in a mk1 FRS regularly (mate owns one) and I own a DC5. In terms of performance they are basically identical, both great fun, Focus being cheaper to tune though if that floats your boat.
My side bolster does have wear but its bear-able. I just get in and out carefully ie. one arm on the sill and pivot in/out rather than simply slumping in/out like the focus.. As its the side bolster that hugs my waist, its a professional job to repair, however the base bolsters are DIY.
You do find yourself being irritated easily by passengers not taking as much care though!! You sit on the floor so can be difficult.
Cost wise - DC5 more expensive to insure (will struggle if younger than 23yrs), cheaper on fuel. Focus has broken more.
Whichever car you chose you will love. Neither myself or my mate can bring ourselves to sell after 3+ years
I've driven and been passenger in a mk1 FRS regularly (mate owns one) and I own a DC5. In terms of performance they are basically identical, both great fun, Focus being cheaper to tune though if that floats your boat.
My side bolster does have wear but its bear-able. I just get in and out carefully ie. one arm on the sill and pivot in/out rather than simply slumping in/out like the focus.. As its the side bolster that hugs my waist, its a professional job to repair, however the base bolsters are DIY.
You do find yourself being irritated easily by passengers not taking as much care though!! You sit on the floor so can be difficult.
Cost wise - DC5 more expensive to insure (will struggle if younger than 23yrs), cheaper on fuel. Focus has broken more.
Whichever car you chose you will love. Neither myself or my mate can bring ourselves to sell after 3+ years
Edited by Mark-t on Friday 13th August 22:47
The seat issue isn't actually an issue at all if you're careful. I just make sure i don't apply too much downward pressure on the outer bolster when getting in and out. Admittedly my seats have been refurbed but it was well over a year ago and they look as good now as they did when they were put back together.
As for passengers, i politely ask them to be careful when traversing the seat and i have no shame in asking them to do so!
Bolster repair guide is here: http://www.itr-dc5.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=47&am...
As said, the Autotrader 1.8 thing is an error. For some reason there is no 2.0 option on the site, but all DC5s have the K20a engine. The engine may not feel like it has the low down grunt of the FRS, but keep the car "on-cam" and you'll make quick progress - it's easy to cover ground very quickly indeed, especially in the twisty bits. And in truth, there is plenty of torque below 6k rpm for town driving and ordinary commuting.
A "fast road set up" of Eibach springs and camber arms/bolts with a geometry fettling by a specialist makes the car feel more deft and wieldy than standard, regaining some of the lightness of feel of the DC2. It is considered the best mod of all by many owners, although it is far from being an essential upgrade.
As for parts, Dave at Steels Honda (01432 267154) is your man. He is used by most people on the owners forum for OEM parts and really knows his stuff regarding sourcing DC5 bits. I've used him, and requested parts arrive very quickly indeed. And of course there are always parts for sale on the forum.
Overall, they're extremely reliable cars and are very well built and cheap to run for the performance on offer. I think they're a fantastic all-rounder. £10k will get you a nice DC5, but i would buy from the PH classifieds or the owners club For Sale section - keep your eyes peeled and the right car will appear sooner or later.
Edit: typo
As for passengers, i politely ask them to be careful when traversing the seat and i have no shame in asking them to do so!
Bolster repair guide is here: http://www.itr-dc5.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=47&am...
As said, the Autotrader 1.8 thing is an error. For some reason there is no 2.0 option on the site, but all DC5s have the K20a engine. The engine may not feel like it has the low down grunt of the FRS, but keep the car "on-cam" and you'll make quick progress - it's easy to cover ground very quickly indeed, especially in the twisty bits. And in truth, there is plenty of torque below 6k rpm for town driving and ordinary commuting.
A "fast road set up" of Eibach springs and camber arms/bolts with a geometry fettling by a specialist makes the car feel more deft and wieldy than standard, regaining some of the lightness of feel of the DC2. It is considered the best mod of all by many owners, although it is far from being an essential upgrade.
As for parts, Dave at Steels Honda (01432 267154) is your man. He is used by most people on the owners forum for OEM parts and really knows his stuff regarding sourcing DC5 bits. I've used him, and requested parts arrive very quickly indeed. And of course there are always parts for sale on the forum.
Overall, they're extremely reliable cars and are very well built and cheap to run for the performance on offer. I think they're a fantastic all-rounder. £10k will get you a nice DC5, but i would buy from the PH classifieds or the owners club For Sale section - keep your eyes peeled and the right car will appear sooner or later.
Edit: typo
Edited by Old Gregg on Sunday 15th August 15:31
Hiya
Had a DC5 a while ago. Very nice car but always thought it would have been better as a RWD car.
Servicing-wise, just took it to the Honda dealer when the S2000 went in. They were a trusted garage and serviced it for £400.00ish (3 year old service which I think is major).
As for the seats, the bolsters do wear. Mine came straight from Japan so i've no idea if the previous owner was a bit on the large side but it had worn significantly. I ended up buying a bolster from the bay of E and then getting a local upholsterer to fit it and recover it which proved very cost effective.
As has already been said, the ride is fairly hard! The Teg wasn't a car i'd relish doing a 400 mile journey in but it was fantastic fun and looked incredible.
The Japanese auctions really are worth a pop if you're feeling daring. You pay to register to the site and only get a look at your car via the auction site but they grade the cars and note down every single mark on them so you're confident of what you're getting. Mine was the highest grading and they noted 2 scratches on the bodywork which I coudln't even see when the car arrived!
The car was shipped to a company called Freemantle (I think - it was a few years ago) and they did everything the car needed to get it UK legal and then picked it up! Worked out about £3k cheaper than buying from a dealer for a car that was extremely distinctive on the road.
Had a DC5 a while ago. Very nice car but always thought it would have been better as a RWD car.
Servicing-wise, just took it to the Honda dealer when the S2000 went in. They were a trusted garage and serviced it for £400.00ish (3 year old service which I think is major).
As for the seats, the bolsters do wear. Mine came straight from Japan so i've no idea if the previous owner was a bit on the large side but it had worn significantly. I ended up buying a bolster from the bay of E and then getting a local upholsterer to fit it and recover it which proved very cost effective.
As has already been said, the ride is fairly hard! The Teg wasn't a car i'd relish doing a 400 mile journey in but it was fantastic fun and looked incredible.
The Japanese auctions really are worth a pop if you're feeling daring. You pay to register to the site and only get a look at your car via the auction site but they grade the cars and note down every single mark on them so you're confident of what you're getting. Mine was the highest grading and they noted 2 scratches on the bodywork which I coudln't even see when the car arrived!
The car was shipped to a company called Freemantle (I think - it was a few years ago) and they did everything the car needed to get it UK legal and then picked it up! Worked out about £3k cheaper than buying from a dealer for a car that was extremely distinctive on the road.
Don't know where your based but these guys have one coming in in October
http://www.torque-gt.co.uk/index.php?act=productDe...
Bought my DC2 from them (dealt with Mike Gratton) and could'nt be happier, I actually put down a deposit before it was in the country, when it arrived I asked Mike to send me pics of any mark or scratch inside or out and how it drove (and various other emails). He sent me two photo's of a couple of touched in chips/scuffs on the front splitter, that was it.
When I made the 200 mile trip down to them the body work was exactly as described and on the test drive it was fantastic.
If you want a fresh import (yes you'll pay a bit more at the moment due to the exchange rate than one already in the UK) I would seriously consider these guys.
Be aware though that it is unlikely to have an alarm fitted, be undersealed (though mine was) and the service history will be in Japanese so better safe than sorry have a full service done after you pick it up, all can be done by themselves though I didn't in case I rejected the car.
Deposits are fully refundable if the car is not as described.
Reading back through this it sounds like an advert but I really was quite impressed.
Here's mine (any chance to show a pic)
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
http://www.torque-gt.co.uk/index.php?act=productDe...
Bought my DC2 from them (dealt with Mike Gratton) and could'nt be happier, I actually put down a deposit before it was in the country, when it arrived I asked Mike to send me pics of any mark or scratch inside or out and how it drove (and various other emails). He sent me two photo's of a couple of touched in chips/scuffs on the front splitter, that was it.
When I made the 200 mile trip down to them the body work was exactly as described and on the test drive it was fantastic.
If you want a fresh import (yes you'll pay a bit more at the moment due to the exchange rate than one already in the UK) I would seriously consider these guys.
Be aware though that it is unlikely to have an alarm fitted, be undersealed (though mine was) and the service history will be in Japanese so better safe than sorry have a full service done after you pick it up, all can be done by themselves though I didn't in case I rejected the car.
Deposits are fully refundable if the car is not as described.
Reading back through this it sounds like an advert but I really was quite impressed.
Here's mine (any chance to show a pic)
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Old Gregg said:
Bolster repair guide is here: http://www.itr-dc5.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=47&am...
also one here that doesn't require membership to viewhttp://type-r-owners.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?5...
VeeTEC said:
Old Gregg said:
Bolster repair guide is here: http://www.itr-dc5.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=47&am...
also one here that doesn't require membership to viewhttp://type-r-owners.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?5...
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