Recently purchased a 01 Integra, and would like to know where should I start. I do not plan on racing, but I want to hold my own when the light turns green. I am very new to all of this, and just would like info on what to do first. Any helpful websites, magazines, or just posts would be greatly appreciated.

 

What kind of Integra is it, RS, GS, LS, SE, GSR, Type R? Manual or Auto? Also, to your knowledge what do you think will make your car go faster?

 

Welcome to Honda-Tech!

Please feel free to read around. There is also a search function that will provide the answers you seek. If the search is insufficient, please feel free to ask the members here!

Enjoy your time here!

 

wow, good way of putting the fact that there is a search function and that the new guy could probably find some good stuff if he searched a little. I remember my first post got flamed to hell, the first reply was "THERE IS A THING CALLED SEARCH!" haha, that guy probably had a bad day when he posted that. Any way, I think tires are the biggest improvement for your money when it comes to all around performance. and check out old posts that talk about other performance products on this board, you will find some good info.

 

im jealous, i never got a welcome to honda tech!!!!! heheh

 

the first thing i would do is lower it to get rid of that nasty wheel well gap then plan on engine mods

welcome to ht

 

I think an AEM cold air induction system would be a great place to start. You can get one for about 180-200dollars. You can feel a slight difference in performance and it also makes your car sound great when you gun it. I believe that it especially makes a difference at night when it's cool outside. Another good thing is that you can install it yourself quite easily, at least if you're somewhat mechanically inclined.

 

Its an integra LS... Manual.....
Thanks for the welcome, and first insight.

[Modified by Lildrgn, 2:01 PM 9/5/2001]


[Modified by Lildrgn, 2:06 PM 9/5/2001]


[Modified by Lildrgn, 5:02 PM 9/5/2001]

 

How low is too low? I have thought about lowering it, but have seen and heard about lowering to much and then get a horrible ride out of it.
So does any one have an idea how far to lower it, so it will increase performance, but not kill the ride?

Thanks

 

EVERYONE HOLD ON!!

No one has bothered to ask him if he is going to mind that his new warrantee will be void as soon as he starts to modify his car. Please lets set him up before he gets screwed over by the dealership....especially ifhe purchased an extended warrantee.

 

I know I can do some basic mods with out killing the warranty...
CAI, wheels, ...
what else can be done with out killing the warranty (no extended purchased)

Thanks for the headsup on the warranty, did not think of all of it.

 

also, if you have ZERO miles on the car, or very little be breaking it in EASY. follow the proper breakin precedures. If you plan on haveing the car a long time it will be worth it. Also, makes for an over all stronger motor.

 

Helpfull web sites ....this is the one, people are really cool and genuine enthusiasts. The best mod i can recommend if you have just got the car is a track day. Worth 30 hp on the road and stays with you forever

 

What is the proper way to break in a new motor? Just purchased a 02 Xterra for the wife. They said nothing about it, I just told her not to keep a steady speed.

 

well all motors are different but relitively the same. You dont want to push it hard. I think there is also an oil change procedure that you might want to check into . Give teh service dept. a call and tell them your situation. Ask if there is a special procedures for you first oil change.

 

heres my 2 cents lildrgn. Get OEMor JDM honda parts only (for warranty purposes. although i dont feel the dealer will even care. i was told from dealer that for instance if you change the suspension to aftermarket than your suspension is no longer warrantied. and etc....etc... I do highly recommend going with all type r parts for sure though. especially the suspension. the springs will lower it just enough. the stock R shocks however require you to change the rear lower control arms (LCA'S) i believe this is defiently worth it. than all you need is the rear sway bar, which the LS doesnt even have anyway. as well as a bushing kit and a few atrut bars and so on. You seriously should consider this. i was worrie about all this too because my car is brand new as well.

 

Normal break-in procedure is to drive the car easy for the first 1,000 miles (regardless of maker). For an Xterra, I'd say this would mean to not tow a trailer, and to be reasonable in acceleration (no jackrabbit starts).
For an Integra, observe the recommended shift points and don't rev her up. Resist the temptation to race anyone in the first 1,000 miles, and don't take her more than 5-10 over the speed limits where you are.

As for the first mod, like a lot of people here, I'd say the biggest weakness a stock Integra has is its tires. Get some good rubber (I like Dunlop, but there's other good brands too) and keep the Michelins in your garage or attic for the day far in the future when you decide to sell the car. If you change tires and you know you're going to get new wheels eventually, now is the time to think about them. I think 15" - 16" wheels are the best choice for an Integra, probably the 15's for a non-VTEC engine, just my two cents.

 

"....... than all you need is the rear sway bar, which the LS doesnt even have anyway. as well as a bushing kit and a few atrut bars and so on. "

---of course the LS has a rear sway bar.

 

huh? my girl's doesnt

 

AEM or INJEN CAI

 

ok....need someone to back me up here. Does the LS have or not have a rear sway bar? As far as i know and im pretty sure it does. It has one just smaller then the GSR or ITR. Thats why alot of guys upgrade to teh ITR.

 

Heh...all the Integra's have a rear sway bar--RS/LS/GS' are about 2mm smaller than the GS-R.

 

oh.... didnt kno ls'z had sways....

 

cuz its so skinny its invisible ! what a diff comparing the thickness of an ls swaybar next to a type r

 

ok now i feel alittle better, kept getting flamed by the GSR guys when im right anyway. LS/RS/GS/SE have rear sway bars, i believe its 19MM. Thats why you always hear about us upgrading to the ITR bar. IT is larger and really really makes our cars handle well.