Hey guys, I'm somewhat new to the car world and I'm interested in getting a '96 spec (really a '95) JDM Type R and have a few questions

Are the '98s considerably better performers (handling especially) than the '96s? Also, is it possible to convert the '98specs 5 lug?

Were the Red Recaro seats optional for the '96 spec?

 

Motor wise, not much difference between the two, just that the 98spec got the 4-1 header.

It's possible to do a 5lug on a 96spec.

 

And JDM R's have either red or black recaros.. Stock. I have actually seen more Red recaros in Imported JDM R's than black.

 

I wouldn't consider the '96 Spec to be a "better performer", the major differences between the '96 Spec ITR and the '98 Spec ITR is the 5-lug suspension, brakes, HID headlights, SRS wheel was available. The Recaro seats were available in all the years of the DC2 production.

Below is a clip from "Type-R legend" comparing both the '96 and '98 Spec ITR.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34H2MCPEUV8



They were also available in yellow too. :p

 

except you forgot the link. it's easily found on youtube though. i remember the 98's larger brakes and abs really helped the braking in addition to what others have mentioned. the 98s also came with HID lights

 

98 spec got slightly better cams, a different tranny. 98 spec also had the Type-Rx available for the year 2000.

 

In that movie they raced a civic type r, '96 spec type r, and '98 spec type r. Civic came 1st, '96 spec, then '98 spec... and in the straight away the '96 and '98 had the same times. '98 had better breaking though...

Gotta finish watching the movie

 

Can't remember everything! So would the badge in the armrest delete in a 2000 JDM ITR say '98 SPEC?

 

edited---

 

The 98 spec is just a slight upgraded version.
Main differences in appearence are HID headlights, 16 inch rims, rear bumper
Main differences in performance are 4-1 header, 4.7 final gear with longer 4-5 gears, bigger brakes

 

Yes. But a Type-Rx badge would be numbered.

 

will a 96 spec motor perform better with a 4-1 header?

 

I have a 96 spec B18CR engine in my CRX. The 4 to 1 makes slightly more power but it weighs a full 8.5 lbs less than the 4 to 2 header.

 

does anyone know if the '98 spec HID headlights are compatible with a '96 spec with ABS since I heard the older abs' were bigger..


-FFFFFFFFUUUUUUUU, isn't compatible and im guessing you can't go from '96 spec to '98 spec ABS?

 

The light would fit, but not the ballast, you would have to relocate them.

 

All ITR's have the newer style ABS system so this would not be an issue

 

This is correct. if dont want to relocate the ballast then you have to remove the abs