DRIVEN: The Legendary DC5 Honda Integra Type-R is Not The Car I Expected

[@dt3963]

Can we all just take a moment to appreciate how James has the most mechanically sympathetic gear changes of any car reviewer. That’s respect

[@schizofennec]

also appreciate how he slowed down for the ceremony, so many people in my country would rev and hoon by.

[@kennycam6369]

Its just simply because most people suck at shifting.

[@samuelgarrod8327]

No. I've got much more important and necessary things to do.

[@maxmoughal5183]

James it sounds to me that the like it needs better tyres I've never experienced any screeching. They are pretty decent out the box but its when you start modifying them that they really come alive, the engines can be kept NA and brought up to around 240-250bhp with an upgraded intake an exhaust manifold, then you need a hondata ecu and you're away, its not a massive bump at the top end but the mid range is where the biggest difference is seen at between 50-60bhp up on the stock power curve. Turn in can be much improved with some camber bolts and arms and more aggressive geo, be careful not to go too aggressive though or the thing will be following road camber everywhere you go and it takes away from the drivability. They seem to like a tad more camber on the front and tyres can make quite a difference too, make sure you dont go with too soft a sidewall as it takes away from the sharpness and steering feel.

[@chrisdavidson911]

under-specced tyres was my first thought too, especially when it was unexpectedly squealing, it reminded me of when "fuel economy" style tyres first came out - what they lacked in feel they made up for in conversation, and there was no cornering grip

[@SectionSkyly]

Definitely agree, the screeching at that speed isn't normal. My DC5 just has some mid-range Yokohamas on it at the minute and even those don't screech as bad as this one did. The car not wanting to turn in doesn't sound right either, mine's always been quite eager to turn in.

[@drink4711]

this is a structural problem. I think it makes no sense to review 'old' cars in this way

[@dainese01]

Yeah noticed the generic tyres in the video, glad others have seen it too

[@TroyHR123]

​@@dainese01 Vredstein Vorti are not the greatest tyres but they are not generic (i am reading that as budget) tyres...

[@johngreen537]

Having owned DC5's for over 7 years now, I'd say the 'handling' issues and probably the steering feel would be a simple tyre and geometry issue. Really, really recommend re-driving the car with a set of proper rubber, PS4 / RE070 etc, and having the geo setup looked at. The difference will be mind blowing.

[@gryphon123456]

Here in Canada I had a blue Acura RSX-Type S. It was my first new car. To me the DC5 was one of the most elegantly designed front wheel drive cars ever. Subjective of course. Every day going to work there was a stretch that I would let the v-tec sing and I’d smile every time. Room was fabulous. I remember buying trash cans and they actually fit in the back! Wonderful memories of that car. I think it’s aged beautifully. Shame Honda has lost its sports car mojo almost completely now.

[@ClayWong]

As an owner of a JDM DC5 Type R, I find that is a peculiar car in Honda's Type R line up. This is because it is not the best at anything in particular where be it handling, power, rawness, comfort, however, it is a car that does everything very well. It combines the best of the all the Type R's in an all rounded and timeless yet stylistic package. Having driven many examples from stock to highly modified, it is often that many DC5's have been worn and poorly maintained. At the end of the end it is a 20 year old car and given your criticisms, it is unfortunate but it sounds very much the case with the one you have showcased.✌

[@pd1596]

I always wanted a DC2 then the prices shot up so I started fancying the DC5. Then the prices shot up again so I ended up with an FN2 Civic. Turns out all I really needed in my life was a K20 😍

[@Murphy252000]

I had money for dc2, most are rusted to shite, even one I was looking at for 14k. End of day it will be an old car still.

[@antj29]

Yeah ultimately a dc2 with a k20 is the dream spec. The dc5 well overpriced now for what it is . Hence why I won’t sell my cheap ep3 . FN2 is the bargain now of the type r line up and still a great car

[@pd1596]

@@antj29 yeah the FN2 is hugely underrated imo. Mine was completely stock, it was my daily and I did track days in it regularly. Never skipped a beat. I changed the oil regularly and that was about it. The later FN2's had an LSD as standard too 👌

[@potatochobit]

naw, if you are going to buy used you need a K24 kid.

[@jamesmedina2062]

The DC2 has over time impressed because over time more and more people get to judge it. Don't let anyone tell you that it is simply rare. Honda delivered racing-bred excellence at the time.

[@chrisduran3007]

Vredstein tyres and potentially 19 year old bushes aren’t helping it’s case in terms of turn in or steering feel

[@alexlee-isted5046]

Bought my Championship White 2003 DC5 in May last year to replace my MX5 as a weekend car. Imported end of 2019 and no rust. Other than fitting an induction kit, mine is stock and have been looking at buying this same exhaust so this is a nice video to see how it sounds. Regarding handling I think the tyres on this don't help but unless the diff is active it can feel a little vague. Unless you are ragging it, the diff doesn't seem to wake up and you have to be aggressive with the steering which I didn't expect. It also has a shocking turning circle if going around a car park. But when that diff does wake up it genuinely feels like it can pull you of any corner, at any speed. This is my first Honda and was also the first time with VTEC and with the right induction kit, that sound is so addictive. Really love mine.

[@superdooperoofer8941]

My mate and i had a long battle on some back roads with one of these and an R53 JCW mini. Nothin in it. Not many new cars as fun as this coming to market now

[@neverthar]

You're right on the handling. You do have be agressive with it for it to handle. Even the FD2 does the same if you're too gentle with it

[@MrGwaldo]

Jay should do an FD2 review.

[@alexwinter6720]

Lack of electronic steering needs more input, but hydraulic has more feedback

[@malmsey1541]

@@MrGwaldo he has

[@MrGwaldo]

@@malmsey1541 thank you. I’ll check that out. I heard it’s one of the sharpest front drivers so will be interesting.

[@jamesbuckingham77]

I've just bought one, had a couple back in the day and fancied revisiting. Love it! Very good review, and yes James you have to put your trust in the diff! It works in mysterious ways.

[@dagnut]

It's not that mysterious, it requires power to work the lsd on the driven wheels properly. For the Honda that means keeping the revs high.

[@beardywally]

How much did you pay?

[@jamesbuckingham77]

@@beardywally I paid £15,500 for mine. I originally had a budget of around 11-12k but went a bit mental and thought if I'm going to get one I'll get the best condition, lowest mileage one I can find for not a stupid price.

[@beardywally]

@@jamesbuckingham77 nice. That's good going. I'm based in Cornwall and had a hunt for one recently but for something like yours (low mileage etc) you was talking around 16-18grande. Way out my price range lol

[@jamesbuckingham77]

@@beardywally Yeah mine has got 72k miles, championship white, C pack, pretty much standard apart from Mugen shocks, spoon lowering springs, Mugen carbon fibre spark plug cover, oil cap, airbox. Kind of OEM plus. I absolutely love it.

[@samueldowney2806]

I'm not sure the DC5 was ever really thought of as one of the best handling cars ever. They probably sort of just inherited a bit of a reputation due to the DC2 being so good. But if the springs are different in this car then you cannot really treat it as a representative example anyway.

[@maxmoughal5183]

Exactly, i dont know why it automatically inherited that reputation, it was Evo back in the day that said this and it was about the dc2, along came the dc5 and everyone seemed to think it would be the same, not true as the dc2 had the superior double wishbone setup where as this had a mcpherson strut with questionable steering rack placement.

[@patrickbateman7122]

This!! It was always the DC2 so don't know where the clickbait king is coming from and this car isn't even stock anyway..

[@Kelveron]

I think even the DC2 was regarded as one of the best handling 'front wheel drive' cars ever, as opposed to one of the best handling cars period!

[@BrickTop1]

@@maxmoughal5183 Still DC2 stock vs DC5 stock was faster on track and on touge (it had better gearing). The DC2 however had more adjustibility and was lighter from the factory. So turning it into a track monster was easier. However DC5 in stock form was faster and more comfortable. DC2 was more raw. I used to own Accord 7g in the sport packet which had similar hydraulic stearing and it is true that it felt a little vague (ofcourse the tuning on that rack would be a little different than on the DC5), however if you got used to it you could go really fast. The steering was quite vague on the DC2 too. Also owned civic 6g and it had vague steering rack but the car grip was so good. I would say Hondas never had a stiff direct stearing, still doesn´t mean they weren´t well handling cars. I have a Ford ST180 now and it has a quite direct steering rack, however, this can sometimes give you false confidence.

[@maxmoughal5183]

@@BrickTop1 I never said it wasn't faster on track, I still own one, all im saying is the DC2 handling and steering feel is better, it was a bit vague on centre but it made up for it when it weighted up and gave you texture too :)

[@ww3110]

Good watch on a weekend morning! Thanks James 🤙🏻

[@TheMadTatter]

The couple of these that I have driven (albeit briefley) seem to really be happiest at higher revs, they almost feel like they "hunker down" into the corners when you get the revs just right, a bit like any VTEC Honda really, but moreso for the Integra for some reason. What I really do like about them is how Intuitive they are to drive, everything feels like it's exactly where it should be and I feel with the right person doing it, you could really teach anyone to drive fast in an Integra. They're a lovely thing, just not QUITE hitting the same mark as their predecessor the DC2.

[@potatochobit]

that is because the power was so bad, it has no torque except at MAX VTEC.

[@xMattyMattx]

Great to see you have one of these on the channel. Had mine for 5 years and very recently sold it to get a manual BMW M2. Certainly love both cars even though very different!

[@aevans148]

Hiya mate, I'm thinking of selling mine and getting a manual M240i. Are you happy with the change?

[@xMattyMattx]

@@aevans148 yes I'm very happy with the 2016 manual M2. Couldn't fault the DC5 though if could have both cars would have as quite different. Rust could have become a slight issue if kept it a lot longer though (was a good example still when sold it though)

[@candidcars]

Interesting take on this one, James. As a former DC5 owner, I echo the sentiment of many others in this comments section - something doesn't sound right about the setup of this particular example. The handling, feel and grip of my old 2002 car stood out as pretty phenomenal and seemed aligned with what the motoring press always said it was. The practicality of these cars was also really surprising - size XL mountain bike with 29in wheels in the boot was easy! (front wheel removed). Ringing the neck of the DC5 is, of course, how these need to be driven to make the best progress and that was something that I am almost ashamed to say that I ultimately found to be a little tiring. I'll miss those lovely Recaros, the OTT rear wing and the general sense of occasion I got from DC5 ownership. I won't miss the crunchy second gear, the painful taste for 99RON or the depressing speed at which its panels and fittings succumbed to our salty roads. Biggest surprise for me was the K20A noise with standard induction and exhaust was actually quite underwhelming, so makes sense to see breathing mods on nearly every example on sale. Still, these are one of the last of the naturally aspirated, front-wheel drive greats and IMO they still represent good value. Enjoyed the vid, keep up the good work.

[@liveillusion]

I owned a DC2R here in Australia for 10 years and it was one of the best and reliable cars i've ever had.

[@potatochobit]

well that depends on what best means to you. yes this car will last forever and be reliable and you will enjoy driving. no, you will not beat a ford taurus at a stop light.

[@pete3198]

@@potatochobit To be fair, one of the most enjoyable cars I ever owned was a 1989 NA6 MX5, and by today's standards that thing wouldn't outrun much of anything. I've had a number of cars that we a lot quicker then that MX5, but not even a quarter of the fun.

[@touringteg]

@@potatochobit truth. I don't bother trying to race anyone on the street. In isolation on back roads it's wonderful.

[@ChuckFickens1972]

Always nice to see the traditional Japanese car mod of the warm air intake!

[@matteightytwo]

That has got to be costing some BHP

[@stichupman]

Induction kit got to add minimum 50bhp Haha.

[@awkwardkidd]

Interesting thoughts on the handling. You really have to ring them out to get the best from the diff. It then handles like a go kart. Tyres play a part but my old one would oversteer before it would understeer. Gotta commit. VTEC a go go

[@Digitall3]

This guy integras.

[@liveillusion]

I could steer my DC2R through corners with the right foot. Absolute weapons.

[@alexlee-isted5046]

I feel like you need a bit of an aggressive twitch with the steering wheel and when that diff wakes up it feels like it can rip you around any corner at any speed. It's quite remarkable.

[@dagnut]

It's important to keep any fwd with high lift cams and an lsd in the torque band, i.e. high revs for a VTEC.

[@Hypersonik]

It 100% DOESN'T handle like a go-kart. At all.

[@James-cs2wi]

It looks absolutely gorgeous the aerodynamic shape of it is simply what can you say it looks menacing and looks cute at the same time hard to do

[@James-xo8dl]

I loved my UK DC2. Screaming engine with a surprising amount of torque, flyweight agility, LSD would rip you out of corners, lots of mechanical grip from OE tyres, beautifully supple, rifle-bolt gear change. Wonderful thing. In 2006 EVO magazine called the DC2 the "best front-wheel drive performance car ever" and I loved it. Not a commuter car though :(

[@arryc3947]

That's bob on - felt exactly the same about my 96 Spec. Was great fun but it was the 95%/5% car for me - right road, right time, it was epic, but pretty wearing on daily duties.

[@touringteg]

I am in my second Canadian DC2 ITR. I missed the first one so much I had to get another within a year. It's not a commuter but still so engaging.

[@photosmithy]

I commuted in my UK DC2 type r for 15 years lol. Miss it, was such a rare thing.

[@jondobbs]

I had my first out of body experience driving this car in Wales - my memories of the steering are of epic proportion - especially given the car I traded up from - I think that's the problem, it's compared with machines that are worth x10 the value I did however sell to buy a Porsche - a car that it replaced, so that might tell you all you need to know about my comment!!!!

[@skip741x3]

Beautiful looking, purposeful car! I honestly thought it was a new model , never heard of this one b4... the exhaust is fantastic for a 4 banger.

[@domshan11]

I suspect the handling and tyre squeal would be helped by better tyres than the Vredesteins that are on it. However, appreciate that you are reviewing what you are presented with :o)

[@dazappleby1956]

This ^ Had od08’s on mine and it was fantastic

[@Liplip40]

Thumbs up just leaving that Anime looking air freshener for the review. Awesome channel, thx for the entertainment. Great looking car, we obviously never got these in the states.

[@aevans148]

Surprised to hear you say that the steering feels vague. The hydraulic steering has always been one of the highlights of the car for me. I did offer you mine to drive in 2017/18 but it never materialised. It's been quite heavily modified since then and I think having better tyres would help with steering feel, I have Cup 2's on now. I'd be intrigued to see what you thought of mine, although I am planning to sell it on this year finally after 5 solid years with it

[@carllynch8798]

These are great on track. Love them. Also like the Accord Type R

[@stevenicholas709]

You neeed to find a DC2! Head and shoulders the best Type-R. Although I've not driven a DC5, I've sampled pretty much everyother Type-R, and even the FK8 for 15k miles and none of them came remotely close! I drove my DC2 for 18+ years and 195k miles, so might be a bit biased, however I've missed it every day since.

[@aevans148]

He reviewed a dc2 already

[@Redmongoose-rdm]

How does the DC2 compare to the NA1 and NA2 Type R's

[@MrGrentch]

@@aevans148 He did indeed, though to my eyes that one looked tired. a 96 IIRC?

[@keklol6968]

Loving the 4k, really brings the channel to another level! Not sure if it's your thing but I'd love to see a documented project build from you!

[@thomastebbutt1601]

Check out his s2000 build!! Waiting for another upload on it

[@autotempest]

Appreciate the review. DC5R prices continue to lag behind other Type R models for a reason however all Type R are going up in value. I have a DC2R and FK8 and enjoy both of them. I would love to add an FD2R but those prices are rocketing as well.

[@dhwin5709]

I know exactly what you mean about the handling and chassis dynamics.. I came from a 2000 Honda Civic Si into a RSX Type S.. immediately noticed the things you mentioned.. I expected the same agile nimble chassis as the civic, but boy was I wrong.. also agree it's not worse just different.. not as snappy, more refined, more slow to respond, but still rewarding to drive.

[@Petrolhead99999]

I'm rediscovering my love for small performance oriented 90s and 00s cars. I've always lusted after the original Civic type R, the hot hatch that would lift the rear inside wheel. I recently bought a 2004 SVT focus, the north American version of the ST170. It's wonderful, the steering in particular is phenomenal. If you ever come across an ST170 I would love to see a review!

[@julianbarker9366]

Had a focus st170 myself, still to this day I've not driven a car with better steering/handling in its class,mk1 focus one of ford's truly great cars imo 👍

[@Save_the_Stick_Shifts]

I miss mine. 2003 SVTF and to this day it was the most fun through the twisty bits I ever had. I had a yearning for nostalgia and found a 2005 RSX Type S a year and a half ago, completely stock, mint for the most part. I have replaced almost all the bushings, added a Tanabe Medallion cat-back and Injen SRI and the sound is addictive. Tein coilovers and an Eibach rear sway "completed" the refurbish of the suspension and it still does not handle like my old SVTF stock. It just doesn't have the suspension travel, so it is easily upset over rough/uneven surfaces. Fun car though, keeping this toy for life.

[@mikejgriffiths]

I owned a DC5, imported myself in 2004, kept it until 2011. The handling was always good but nothing I would call spectacular but I did come from an Impreza RB5 WRSport. I still loved it though. Nice video, good to see the DC5 on the road

[@Zuma444]

Everything about this particular dc5 is so beautiful and simple the silver on on sliver is subtle but very nice

[@massluca0078]

you should review a 7th gen Celica GTS. basically a DC2 type R in Toyota skin. its even got VTEC, revs to 8k, 1.8L, and 130ft/lbs. the Celica weighs less and makes a little less power but imo its just as fun and that 2ZZ-GE engine is the best sounding 4 banger I've ever heard. also Yamaha designed it.

[@biggbenn8543]

Only car I've owned that I've really truly missed. Mine was in Artic Blue with Championship White alloys. Totally unmodded as far as I'm aware. Honda bemused me not officially importing it to the UK. Wish I'd found a genuine specialist (in the North West) to maintain it and kept hold of it. The DC2 I had was amazing too. But didnt miss it quite like the DC5. That Vtec sound is a bit hooligan, but just amazing. They got so much out of a car in this price range and sector. Really miss it. Great vid 👍

[@julianhoskins5158]

The grip and general handling of the DC5 is very dependent on what tyres are fitted, that might explain the front end feeling you experienced. It needs a good stable sidewall and quite a soft compound to get the best results.

[@nattcharles]

Had one about 15 years ago. Imported it from Japan myself. Great fun car! One of my favourites of all the cars I’ve had but didn’t have it long before getting offered a tidy sum more than I paid for it so sold it.

[@TheForresterOD]

Change the tyres and make sure the suspension & front end components are in a good state of repair. It may need to be aligned a well. The tyre screeching was so appalling I had to pause the video to make this comment. I owned a base DC5 a few years ago and I can assure you I've made corners like that at twice (maybe thrice) the speed without any tyre squeal whatsoever

[@zainreflexion4087]

Really depends on your tires/suspension set up to make it shine in the handling department..

[@IvermectinFTW]

Vredestein Ultra Satin tyres + not having a proper geo set up could go a long way to explaining poor turn in and grip. I've been in a well set up example of these and lateral grip was enough to peel off the later layer of your eyeballs

[@Zsword92]

Can't beat a bit of VTEC

[@friendlybucket7268]

when u hit the ground with a rare care and its just not yours... 6:44

[@Itskggt88]

Man i remember when JayEmm was at 25k subs. Always

[@chrissyboy7047]

Great review mate. I always fancied one of these in blue. Never did get one. I think the problem is that its the wrong Integra. I used to own a Milano red DC2 and this was a newer, better equipped car so I thought it would be a natural progression

[@TheMrFishnDucks]

Nice review. Not a fan of silver but they did a fantastic job with this car. Keep up the good work.

[@crztank9298]

The mcpherson suspension wasn't quite as good as the double wishbone in previous models. You need to be deliberate and precise. Also worth noting hondas come alive at 70 plus mph. Also those lowering springs could be shite. The have a negative affect on roll centre and often make a car feel numb less pointy

[@The_Noticer.]

Honda died for me after they went struts. And again when they went turbo.

[@crztank9298]

@@The_Noticer. took some time to get used to my ep3 after eg/ek civics. They've got some very trick dual axis now but only on the R. I will never forgive the move to struts

[@The_Noticer.]

@@crztank9298 CM2 myself, I wanted something more practical. That was the last Accord with the K24A engine, the newer K24Z's just dont have any tuning potential outside of boosting. That said, my CM2 will need some work to make it not feel 17 years old. Despite the Double wishbone front and back, the shocks are worn and the lowering springs the previous owner put on just make it uncomfortable. THe benefit of double wishbone suspension is that it doesn't need to be so firm for it to grip, since you dont have the camber change when you load the corner. it just needs good rebound and swaybars to keep all the wheels on the ground.

[@maxmoughal5183]

Extended ball joints can help correct this

[@bilaltariq7819]

@@The_Noticer. I don't understand what you mean. Surely if you have less aggressive camber curves with a mcpherson strut compared to a double wishbone setup then you'd want softer compression/springs to induce more roll? And having stiffer springs and dampers robs the car of mechanical grip

[@lancelotkillz]

Already a few minutes in and I'm a long time fan.. Love the content ! I got a top gear vive

[@JamesH55]

Love that bit of road James

[@eze8970]

Thanks J! Enjoyed the review. Reasonable headroom for taller drivers, but that seat looked low compared to the back of your head!

[@RogueBeatsARG]

The FD2 Type R is so good, if you can find one you will love it

[@karlcoulson8739]

I've just turned 20 a few weeks ago and this is my dream car and I'm honestly quite upset as I know in the next 3 to 4 years this car is gonna be out of my reach to buy as it's price is gonna sky rocket while also being hard to get a near stock one with little to no rusting😔

[@touringteg]

You are correct the prices keep rising on DC5R. Slowly getting closer to USA legal

[@4Kandlez]

If the lowering springs have been fitted without any other suspension adjustments obviously the car will handle like crap and not want to turn in

[@UncleWaja_439]

Gotta love Jay's equivalent of an Ahegao Shirt. Looking Sharp as always sir.

[@TheDalitis8]

Finally! Jay drives my very own beloved Honda Integra Type R DC5! 👍

[@jonnywalker3208]

Best FF car I ever drove and I still want one now, waiting for the neighbour to sell his that he mistreats! It's so painful to see 😞

[@h3684]

Wow. Look awesome in silver. We so used to seeing this vehicle in champion white.

[@paulwhite2533]

just bought one tonight...looking forward to it landing

[@patherl1]

great review as always! But where is the S200!?? Can't wait to see the mods and reviews!

[@shingosshojiopoulos6608]

I don't think any integra was sold in Europe after the 4th gen. And even the non-Type R versions of the 4th gen were only available in Greece.

[@aust8273]

Great video of this stunning condition Honda type r

[@dagnut]

It's quite simple as to why we didn't get them. The EP3 was made in England the Integra was made in Japan. By the time you import it and bring it up to UK and EU regs the cost of the car would be too high.

[@bri1042]

Good memories! I had two DC5's back in the day, US Spec Type S's. A 2002 and then a 2006 that I kept for 7 years. The US Type S didn't have an LSD like the JDM Type R. Torque Steer was a constant companion but I loved that little car.

[@SA-zoom1]

220hp from a small.NA engine is very impressive cant think of any car available today that compares (without a turbo obviously)

[@renesnow3799]

That outro is sick!

[@randydanger7992]

I just finished swapping the dc5 into a 91 EF sedan it's a monster !

[@achmedrauff]

The tyres are out of spec should explain the hesitant turn in. It should be Bridgestone Potenza RE040 or Yokohama A046.

[@rjhandley556]

Always wanted to drive one of these but never had the opportunity. I’m not a jdm fan but these have always appealed. They just look like great fun and a bit mad, in a good way.

[@aKenich]

Again, Bob on with that review. Handing sounded a bit like my EP3 I recently sold, which unfortunately didn't do it for me. 😪 Shame as I adored my DC2.

[@hexgraphica]

Talk about short boxes, our mk1 Citroen C4 1.6 120 happily sits 3100RPM in 5th gear at 106kph. At 50kph you can comfortably put it in top gear and it won't suffer. Final drive is so short you struggle to get off when cold because it's either full power or stalling

[@gazman9468]

The suspension on the DC5 was completely overhauled on refresh models (much like the EP3) - hopefully you'll get a chance to experience the newer model sometime. Suspect a lot of the handling issues on this example were largely down to tyres and possibly worn out shocks/bushes if they're still original and now almost 20yrs old.

[@maxmoughal5183]

Only the front, specifically 1 degree more caster IIRC, and the front springs were inversely wound which IIRC was to minimise bump steer created by the questionable steering rack placement, so you can mix and match pre-facelift springs with facelift shocks and visa versa, you can still buy inversely wound lowering springs from Spoon for the original shocks. And you can just throw a facelift shock and spring combo on a pre-facelift and visa versa.

[@thomassmith3817]

A little like the 33 GTR you reviewed a while back I feel like you need a better example to properly gauge it. That one on lowering springs and hopeless tyres by the looks of it doesn’t show the cars in their best light

[@currentaf8455]

Looks great even today.

[@davidkelly2542]

Went in one of these, really enjoyed it. The handling was very good. I can't remember what mods it had but it really gripped. Biggest problem with these cars is they rust from the boot.

[@Jam3sA]

Always loved the looks of DC5s but on this one, surely that cone filter is robbing the engine of power as it'll be sucking in hot air? I'm also surprised that fart can isn't loud when not "on it". That slack in the turn -in may be a function of the differential - specifically tuned to avoid that snagging turn-in like on the Mk1 Focus RS

[@scottcolpitts8521]

Coilovers with some adjustments is what makes these handle. Out of the box they were just alright, especially Compared to the DC2

[@CodeineAbdulJabbar]

Gotta love that hot air intake

[@jonmcclane7433]

I always wanted a DC5, but they’re nearly impossible to find. I found a very similar low mile car in the FG2, the 2 door Civic Si. Lots of fun and the K20 Engine is fantastic.

[@TheMileswin]

The original Honda Integra Type R was Honda's answer to the Rover 220 Turbo coupe whom they shared technology with. Honda couldn't match the Rover for performance but they persevered after the Rover 220 finished production to make a successor to both the Rover and original Type R.

[@1968leg]

FN2 LSD is the best handling fwd car by far. Had hours on the track in every Type r. On a wet track even better than the FK2 and FK8. The FN2 is just starting to be appreciated. Maybe another 5 years before people realise what a car it was. Those reputations run deep.

[@Remenschneider]

It's so weird that someone put cheap Vredestein Ultrac Satin tires on this, which are marketed as a "safety and comfort" tire. It would have likely performed way better with an UHP tire comparable to the original RE040, like an Advan AD08RS or similar. As for the vague steering, there is a steering rack issue on these and the EP3s (slider bracket play/sticking) that maybe hasn't been fixed on this. With cars of that age you never know the state of rubber bushings. If they are worn out, combined with bad wheel alignment, that can ruin a car's handling on its own. Plus, you have to be careful lowering the DC5/EP3 chassis as that will lead to tons of bump steer due to the weird steering rack location. And don't expect it to be as good as the FD2, it just isn't.

[@delsoljurgen]

indeed got the advans on mine and its lot better

[@daviddenley3512]

Nice car! Thanks for your review.

[@YouOnlyIiveTwice]

I have a DC5 and I love roads that snake around because of the fact that it feels really planted to the road and I'm still on stock suspension. I've taken turns much faster than what it looks like you're taking and I've never heard my wheels screech like that. My guess is the wheels are probably low on tread and need replacing.

[@kevins.3573]

A couple grand into the suspension, and it'll feel like a completely different car. Steering inputs will be immediate, and precise. No vague feeling anymore. Turn-in feels completely different, it actually wants to oversteer into turns, through turns, and has much less understeer exiting turns. Stock sway bars, (no bigger sway bars) replace every suspension bushing with hardened rubber bushings (no poly bushings,) oem spec ball joints (no roll centers,) a real set of performance struts/lowering springs, and or, coilovers. adjustable inner tie rods from dvrace, oem outer tie rods (no inverted tie rods.) A couple performance replacement parts in the steering rack to correct the geometry back to stock. Add everything I said "no" to, if going on track. Everything else, leave oem for street-only. just my 2 cents on these suspensions.

[@maxmoughal5183]

Everything this guy said except I'm not sure if a agree with the roll center, everything seems to point to that being the correct thing to do, have you got any info to back this up or is it just through experimentation? I've also read that the rear roll center suffers from lowering too which hampers the turn in too, cant remember what the supposed fix for that was... this may be another track only thing though...

[@user-ue6iv2rd1n]

Yeah but that's true for any car.

[@Fc-cb3tn]

Interesting that you liked it, I heard from some owners (not in the UK but they own JDM DC5s), that this thing bump steers like a psychopath and will send you off the road if you’re not concentrating.

[@maxmoughal5183]

Its that bloody steering rack placement, part of the problem is the rack has some rotational flex in it which gets worse with age, it can be resolved by swapping out the rack slider with a delrin one and refreshing the grease, EP3 can suffer from this too.

[@andipajeroking]

I am pretty sure than a new set of Advans will improve the handling a bit. Nice car, congrats!

[@Jigsjigz]

I have wanted one since 2002.

[@D4Z3Dii]

Screeching and low grip is those tyres for sure.

[@NubletPie278]

That dark red CL at 5:15 :O

[@SamLeung]

I got a north american dc5 type s...closest thing here, but it's a blast🙃

[@arthurs7882]

sounds phenomenal! a bit closer to a 6! also the analogy between our RSX-S and the Type R is woefully ignorant. It is odd Japan didn't get an SiR mid model I suppose

[@katzicael]

There is/was loads of these imported into NZ as used cars. I almost got one back when they were "cheap" but now they're rare and Expensive lol.

[@ridiculousness7477]

I am far from a Honda fan, but this is a proper sports car

[@jeffreycase9497]

James rows like a boss!

[@simonk337]

Enjoyed that review. Always been interested in them, never been in one. Sounds like the tyres needed to be better tho

[@TmbSpotting]

Unfortunately DC5s' are quite sensitive to setup in general and ride height changes. Lowering it more than roughly 30mm destroys the steering feel and handling. My DC5R requires a steering rack fix as well, also common issue from what I have heard. Anyways nice review as always and keep up the good work mate!

[@notfooled3452]

Spot on. Leave them standard to get the best from them.

[@lancelotkillz]

Rsx owners can all agree 💯. The suspension and turning isn't the best when Pearson strut is the design. Double wishbone is SUPERIOR

[@lancelotkillz]

Update* I got coilovers and the. Rsx is completely changed. The steering and handling is aggressive and tight. I can't even believe it's the same car.. I can take hard e. Brake turns real quick n tight w no body roll hella aggressive and sick.. the rsx needs to be on coilovers period

[@Th3OmegaPoint]

I had one of these (and also an S2000) and I found the tyres were particularly important to making it handle and feel nice on the steering, I also suspect the lowering springs may have ruined it slightly. Personally I found the handling to be very go-kart like and easy to throw around.

[@No-pl6nx]

As high roll center 4 sure the seat brackets could be lower also

[@fteoOpty64]

This type R engine loves 6k rpm to redline. Reminds me of a bike engine.... Please be reminded, that hand and left foot coordination is vital to ensure a shift before the Rev limiter..