Since the first release of the ITR on US soil, it has always been looked at as different. The domestic camps have always looked at it as inferior due to it's lack of drag racing capabilities, even the european camps look at it a bit differently. The ITR has also kind of been the stepchild of Japanese performance. With vehicles such as the Supra, RX-7, and NSX available on US shores, the presence of the ITR would seem insignificant. I have spent many hours thinking of how the ITR could have the impact that it has to the US tuner market, but not until last night did I finally lay my thoughts to rest.

A friend of mine called me up last night at about 7:30. He said that there was going to be some cars getting together later that night and wanted to know if I wanted to come. I told him sure and we agreed to meet at his house at 9:30. From there we rolled up to the University of Miami to meet another one of his friends. The trio of cars then headed to the hangout on Bird Road.

The first thing I notice about this hangout is that it's far from what I consider to be normal. I have one of maybe three or four Honda's in the parking lot, and one of them is a red NSX. Truth be told, the number of imports is slim compared to the number of domestics. Cobras and Vettes are everywhere, and there are a handful of Turbo Supras along with some Trans-Ams and a few SRT-4s. After seeing the cars I figured no one would have a clue that I was in a Type R as I had no decals and JDM tailights, I didn't plan on them knowing about the 5 lugs or the lack of body moldings or sunroof, or anything else. To put it bluntly, I was alone and had just been thrown to the domestic wolves.

It was clear to see that highway racing was the preferred method of determining vehicle superiority and I turned down several offers to run by simply noting that my car was set up to handle. In fact, the majority of the cars out there were comprimising their handling in the name of ***** out speed. Once again I realized that I was indeed alone.

The smack talking started, but not like anything I've ever seen. The Supra owners tried to rub in everyone's face how big their turbos were, most of everyone else was into displacement wars, and a blue SRT-4 was trying to talk smack to the Supra owners. In the end, no points were made, and everyone thought everyone else was just being big-headed about their cars. This was far from the norm for me, I'm used to smack talk that requires an engineering degree to understand, and all these people put together can't come up with anything better than, "My engine's bigger," and, "My turbo's bigger."

It was at this point that it hit me. I didn't want to be a part of this because it was stupid. I was different than them and my car was different from theirs. I felt a level of automotive maturity, both for me and my car, that was well beyond anything they had every experienced. It felt good that this "realization of difference" had occurred.

The difference I realized is that the ITR commands a level of automotive maturity that is far beyond almost anything on the road. So few cars are purpose built like the ITR, and most of them aren't nearly as obtainable. Everything about an R requires that level of maturity: security, modification, maintenence, the list goes on. In the end, all I can say is that I'm very proud to be amongst those who own and care for an Integra Type R.

Let me know what you think. Here are some pics from last night.

Here is a row of Corvettes


And some Mustangs


A 1996 Mystic Cobra


An SRT-4 with quite a few modifications


A Camaro SS, a Mustang GT, and a Corvette


And finally, some pics of my ITR sitting beside a Turbo Supra.

 

can you post a cliff note... I am too drunk to read all of that

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Kendall &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
The difference I realized is that the ITR commands a level of automotive maturity that is far beyond almost anything on the road. So few cars are purpose built like the ITR, and most of them aren't nearly as obtainable. Everything about an R requires that level of maturity: security, modification, maintenence, the list goes on. In the end, all I can say is that I'm very proud to be amongst those who own and care for an Integra Type R.
</TD></TR></TABLE>

WORD!

 

I disagree about the "level of maturity" statement as it pertains to the ITR and other cars mentioned, in as much the "maturity" is that of that of the drivers and not that of the cars themselves.

Congratulations.

 

I still think ITRs are overrated and if you have some sort of delusion of grandeur owning one, wake up. Bring your ITR to a track and run it against a track built Z06 and you'll see what I'm talking about.

Your realization of difference is just the same realization you'll make when you choose a car to purchase. People have different taste. Some people are different.

Not everyone is smart or open minded. So let them be. No need to separate yourself and put yourself on a pedestal because those cars were nicer out there.

Everyone is different, that's a realization you need to experience and understand.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by len &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I still think ITRs are overrated and if you have some sort of delusion of grandeur owning one, wake up. Bring your ITR to a track and run it against a track built Z06 and you'll see what I'm talking about.

Your realization of difference is just the same realization you'll make when you choose a car to purchase. People have different taste. Some people are different.

Not everyone is smart or open minded. So let them be. No need to separate yourself and put yourself on a pedestal because those cars were nicer out there.

Everyone is different, that's a realization you need to experience and understand. </TD></TR></TABLE>

your right, thatll z06 will be eating my dust

 

I see the difference when I go to road racing events and auto-x's. For it being such a rare car, you always see a few Type-R's at these events.

In the year 2000, there were 1,500 ITRs shipped to North America. There were over 230,000 mustangs made that year. Yet at my last HPDE, I didnt see any mustangs. I did see two Type-Rs.... I think that says volumes about our car and its owners.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by zygspeed &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I disagree about the "level of maturity" statement as it pertains to the ITR and other cars mentioned, in as much the "maturity" is that of that of the drivers and not that of the cars themselves.

Congratulations. </TD></TR></TABLE>

my thoughts exactly
I can think of plenty of mature Supra/vette/mustang owners

 

Wow, you have a higher level of maturity because your car was inferior to everyone elses? Handling ? Great for FWD, but still FWD. Not fast in the 1/4, and pretty much a glorifed honda civic.

Yea. Realll mature

Type-R Fanbois

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by jond &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">For it being such a rare car, you always see a few Type-R's at these events.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
exactly, i see maybe one every other month, and this weekend ill see at least 5 at the track.
for kendall, for finally "getting it"

 

Nice collection of black squares mang....

I can't believe you didn't turn up the b00st and wax everyone's azz at "touge."

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by len &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I still think ITRs are overrated and if you have some sort of delusion of grandeur owning one, wake up. Bring your ITR to a track and run it against a track built Z06 and you'll see what I'm talking about.

Your realization of difference is just the same realization you'll make when you choose a car to purchase. People have different taste. Some people are different.

Not everyone is smart or open minded. So let them be. No need to separate yourself and put yourself on a pedestal because those cars were nicer out there.

Everyone is different, that's a realization you need to experience and understand. </TD></TR></TABLE>

I definitely agree with this guy

 

Wow, one of the better posts I have seen in awhile. Although I do not agree on some parts, it was great to read.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by misfit &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">can you post a cliff note... I am too drunk to read all of that </TD></TR></TABLE>

Ditto for Hatebreaders...

We are 138!

 

motha' ******' Type RRRRRRRRRRRRR

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Stock97ITR#50 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">We are 138!</TD></TR></TABLE>

Oh well ... I must bee too old to understand what that means!

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by zygspeed &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Oh well ... I must bee too old to understand what that means! </TD></TR></TABLE>
misfits song?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by R you serious &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">misfits song?</TD></TR></TABLE>

hehe naw, still doesn't ring a bell.
Oh well, guess I'm just too old and its time for a porscheee ... though my brother just bought another '55 chev.

 

Here in Dallas, its like that, very competitive, Supra owners, Ls1's braggin about thier big cam, big shot, blah blah, then you have all your 400 hp hondas. I love it, here in Texas it's all about Highway Racing, Trap speeds, and power. I think you summed it up when you said there are different kinds if people, racers, and what they want for thier car.

I understand you were probabaly the only one that knows what your car is capable of, as it's a badass stock machine out of the Dealer showroom, but you were at a meet that was 99% domestics, supras, they just have respect for a different type of racing.
I understand you may have been diaspointed, but honestly what did you expect with these type of guys?

Don't worry man, there's love for you here

 

Well written, well put!

 

I think it depends where you live. ITRs around here are only cared for by their owners and theives. I love my caRRrrrr but know its not the best thing out there and doesnt really determine the maturity level of the owners. I act like an *** half the time, and I own one.

I think the ITR has run its course, and ITR owners need to realize that our car is no longer on the top shelf. The ITR was great for its time, one of the best pure breds ever produced. But since 97-01, cars have become much more advanced, faster, better handling, and in some cases even cheaper price tags. Can the ITR still compete and demand respect? Absolutely. Especially with a few tasteful modifications. But I dont go around thinking its the best thing out there, because its not. Its a thing of the past. However, it is still a contender in most regards. Anyone that is a true car buff will appreciate that. And we have to learn to appreciate other people and their cars for what they are.

 

Thanks to Kendall for posting an articulate post with a new point of view. Whether you agree with everything he said or not.

Interesting that this post should bring out the haters here who claim that "ITRs are overrated".

I've always thought that it would be nice if everyone enjoyed the car he owned, and took pride and pleasure in it - without needing to compare it to anyone else's car, or to diss anyone else's car. Unless you have a McLaren F1, there's always going to be some other car on the road that accelerates faster than yours, that has more horsepower than yours, that costs more money than yours, etc. The ITR is what it is; we are all familiar with its specs and capabilities. I'm happy to own one; I love it. And I hope the Camaro and Supra and Mustang owners feel the same way about their cars, too, and that they enjoy getting together with each other, just like ITR owners do. There's no need for anyone to talk smack.

 

that mustang aint no GT

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by zygspeed &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Oh well ... I must bee too old to understand what that means! </TD></TR></TABLE>
Funny thing is... that is a Misfits song with absolutley no meaning

To eat flesh, to eat meat... its my destiny

On topic.. this one the better post i have read in a while, Now that I am sober enough to read it

 

I had a similiar experience last night. I am only 17, know more than any of the idiots around here, but nothing compared to you guys, and I've never been to a track event.

MY two friends and I met a local rich kid to show him a list of parts we put together, told him what kind of power he could make, etc. That went well so we followed him to the local hangout spot. There were a few EH hatches, a few Mustang GT's, a 500+whp Cobra, a GSR, and a few other cars. Everyone was talking about how the Cobra beat teh fastest WRX in town and this and that. One of the more well known village idiots came over to my friend (they know each other good I guess) and asked him whats going on with the turbo kit (friend traded $200 laptop for a D series turbo kit) then proceded to tell him he needs some wheels. My friends says he is going to get 16's and the guy tells him he needs 18's. I laugh and say 18's are to heavy and rob too much power from a tiny little Honda. He says his friend has 18's that weigh 3 pounds (I left that alone), so I said it doesn't matter the weight is still on the wrong part of the wheel. He says the 3 pound remark again and I leave it at that. All these people care about is how fast their car is compared to each others, when they don't even do the work. Only 1 local non-H-T guy cares about handling, but he doesn't come out anymore. I don't own an ITR, and won't for a few more years, but I felt like my automotive IQ dropped just by being around these people. God save H-T