I’ve always been a fan of Honda. I’ve owned an Acura GSR, and currently a ’98 Acura 2.3 CL manual with 210K miles (original owner). I also ride a Honda motorcycle (RC-51).

Instead of keeping up with the maintenance of the CL I’m considering a new Si Coupe.

Here are some questions I have:

1) Back in 1998 when car shopping I test drove a Prelude with some kind of active torque differential. It handled amazing as the system transferred torque to the outside wheel of the turn. Does the Si’s limited slip differential kinda do the same thing? And how would the handling compare to the last generation Preludes (I think they were one of the best handling front wheel drive cars ever).

2) I keep reading about the throttle lag of the DBW. Also that it’s more of an emissions thing rather than a limitation of hardware. Has there been success with getting the ECU re-programmed to eliminate the lag (I’m sure this has been discussed like crazy here)…

3) Audio systems. I’ve NEVER been a fan of stock Audio. My plan was to get the base system them upgrade to an aftermarket double din nav / audio system. What has to be done for fitment? I think the OEM nav system is a double din, but what about the base system?

Thanks!

 

1) The LSD in the civic is great... its one of the best handling STOCK cars there are..... with better tires

2) The problem with DBW depends on what the person commenting on it drove PRIOR to the civic... those that have come from OTHER DBW vehicles think that the civic's hesitation is minimal at best while others.. think it is a horrid driving experience.. personally i do not notice it at all.

3) The Base system (LX) is horrible .. the EX without navi comes with the sub/amp combo that the Navi unit has. And spoken from experience having BOTH oem navi and oem non navi.... The sound on the OEM Navi is 3x better & should definitely be an option that you get...

Good luck.

 

I originally got my car with the intent to swap out the oem stereo with something else (this is the main reason I didn't get the navi option) however I am quite impressed with it. It's more than I really need to be honest. The only change I am considering is going double din with a Pioneer AVIC-D3.

This car really does handle outstanding for the tag on it, slap some sticky shoes on it and it will take corners 30+ what any suggested sign says. (do other states even have 'suggested speed' limits for corners?)

 

Yup they have those suggested speed signs here in NJ also. I double them when on my motorcycle ...

Can you fit a double DIN head unit in a Civic Si without Nav? Would something like a Pioneer AVIC-D3 pop right in or would there be some fabrication involved?

Thanks!

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Nickbee &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Instead of keeping up with the maintenance of the CL I’m considering a new Si Coupe.


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Why not keep up with the maintenance and use the CL as a daily driver so you don't run up unneccesary miles on the Si. If the CL has lasted you this long surely it will last a good while longer!

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Nickbee &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Yup they have those suggested speed signs here in NJ also. I double them when on my motorcycle ...

Can you fit a double DIN head unit in a Civic Si without Nav? Would something like a Pioneer AVIC-D3 pop right in or would there be some fabrication involved?

Thanks!
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just get a navi dash kit from honda.

 

Keeping the CL as a daily driver might be an option.

 

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

3) The Base system (LX) is horrible</TD></TR></TABLE>


true story

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Nickbee &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Yup they have those suggested speed signs here in NJ also. I double them when on my motorcycle ...
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Me too...a lot more fun that way

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Nickbee &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Can you fit a double DIN head unit in a Civic Si without Nav? Would something like a Pioneer AVIC-D3 pop right in or would there be some fabrication involved?
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Check these out for info on installing the D3:

https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=2032115
https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=2037445

 

As for the DBW lag, I find it makes the car harder to shift smoothly. When you put in the clutch, the RPMs remain at the same they were and don't drop, so when you put it in the other gear and release the clutch, the RPMs have to drop ~500 rpms in the matter of a second, which creates a slight jerk.

If I put a lot of concentration into shifting it I can do it smoothly, but if I'm just nonchalantly shifting it will usually jerk a little in 1-2 and 2-3. Same thing happens with my father, who has been driving a manual for over 20 years, and several of my friends who also drive manuals.. I easily look past it, though, because the rest of the car is spectacular.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Nickbee &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I’ve always been a fan of Honda. I’ve owned an Acura GSR, and currently a ’98 Acura 2.3 CL manual with 210K miles (original owner). I also ride a Honda motorcycle (RC-51).

Instead of keeping up with the maintenance of the CL I’m considering a new Si Coupe.

Here are some questions I have:

1) Back in 1998 when car shopping I test drove a Prelude with some kind of active torque differential. It handled amazing as the system transferred torque to the outside wheel of the turn. Does the Si’s limited slip differential kinda do the same thing? And how would the handling compare to the last generation Preludes (I think they were one of the best handling front wheel drive cars ever).

2) I keep reading about the throttle lag of the DBW. Also that it’s more of an emissions thing rather than a limitation of hardware. Has there been success with getting the ECU re-programmed to eliminate the lag (I’m sure this has been discussed like crazy here)…

3) Audio systems. I’ve NEVER been a fan of stock Audio. My plan was to get the base system them upgrade to an aftermarket double din nav / audio system. What has to be done for fitment? I think the OEM nav system is a double din, but what about the base system?

Thanks!
</TD></TR></TABLE>

1. i'm surprised you were so impressed with the SH despite it's heft. if you liked that car, you'll love this one (in the handling dept)

2. it's something you will notice, but it's tolerable, esp in the 07 vs. the initial 06's. i go back and forth between a 97 hatch with a b18c and my 07 si and while there is a bit of unconscious adjustment that occurs, it's minimal. if you want to drive butter smooth, it will take either a little conscious concentration OR spend time exclusively in that car to get the timing down vs. a traditional setup.

3. fitment, you mean more than what's available at crutchfield? you can use a scoshe kit to convert the stock hole to a double din one.

 

Good stuff man! I'm in NJ also (Northern)...

I only test drove the Prelude SH once. but I remeber the handling being nice. If the Si is even better I'm game. I think this car will remind me of my GSR which had an amazing engine. Redline was 9200 and it loved being there...

 

Here’s another stupid question. If I sprung for the nav system can aftermarket amps be fitted easily (with real pre-outs from the stock system). I think the nav system allows for an Ipod input, but I like the aftermarket system I have now with ipod controls on the head unit.

 

I thought the GSR redline was ~8000rpm

if it ever made it to 9200rpm, I doubt it liked being there...

anyways, I think you'll love the Si. It's a joy to drive. It may not be the fastest, but it likes to rev and handles well. Check out the Si vs. ITR thread that's been floating around here. If you sort through the BS, you actually get a reasonable comparison between the two cars. GL Nickbee, hope to see pics of your new Si soon

I always liked the CLs btw.

 

Yes you are right,, It's been a while since I had that car. Red line was around 8K with the peak HP somewhere around 7K. I just remenbered how it loved to rev...


Modified by Nickbee at 1:34 PM 10/11/2007

 

ah, I figured the wrong number just slipped out.

now go take a test drive and tell us what you think

 

So what is the connectivity of an ipod with the Nav Si? Is it just an aux input?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Nickbee &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">So what is the connectivity of an ipod with the Nav Si? Is it just an aux input? </TD></TR></TABLE>

There are 2 options for iPod connectivity. First option would be to use the aux jack that comes in the Si. You would just need to get a 2.5mm to 2.5mm stereo cord to plug in your iPod or anything with a headphone plug. Total cost of this option is less than $10 (not including cost of iPod or car). The second option would be to buy Honda's iPod music link kit. This is an adapter that plugs into the sync port on the iPod. It provides power to the iPod and allows you to control the iPod through the stereo. The only problem with this option is that Honda charges around $300 for it. I have just been using the aux jack and it works great for me (until my iPod died). Also, anyone who would like to donate to the "buy Chris an new iPod" fund, please let me know.

 

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

anyone who would like to donate to the "buy Chris an new iPod" fund, please let me know.</TD></TR></TABLE>

not with that avatar you have there!

 

lol....just wait until 10-27. (hopefully Clemson will be back to playing good by then)

 

this thread is very helpful. i'm also contemplating in buying a new Si. I know the car is amazing. i'm really interested in after head units though. I have a pioneer DEH series in my Silverado and i love the ipod functions it has. i'm trying to get rid of this truck so i can get into a new Si.
just wanted to say there's some good info in here, so thanks.

 

good info

 

hands down the best and most fun car i have ever had!!!! love it in every way! throw in an Injen CAI and it will sound awsome even if your not hitting V-tec every rev!