Automative ADD unenable me: I'm wanting to going from a hothatch to a lukewarm DD

I can't believe this thread is still alive. I went on vacation in the southwest and spent 16 hours in a corolla rental which wasn't terrible but after coming home to my celica I definitely appreciate it more now.

Hasbro: You're probably right the car is a keeper. I really do like the ep3 though. It's engine isn't the greatest but it takes 87 and it'll restrict my temptation to modify it. I do have access to an unmolested 06 rsx type-s also if I ever change my mind, but it's red.

Vigo: It's fantastic in lift and it'll really depend on where you live. You can't land lift on the 1-2 shift without slipping the clutch a little bit and when you're at the top of 2nd you're already going ~65 mph.

Sethmeister4: This is probably the cheapest an best answer. I also realized I've been shifting at lower and lower rpms after I started modding the car. Shifting later or driving it like I hate it would solve a lot of my complaints.

smog7: I really like the svt focus but I'd rather have the ep3 civic si over it. Main reasons being the honda shifter and interior. Also it seems like the SVT focus' engine's midrange isn't much stronger than the 2zz's

To all those saying to change my commute. There's no scenic routes into the heart of the ghetto. Only highways or 0-30 mph, redlight repeat for 20 blocks.

This is pointless but im going to throw in another anecdote about how the subjective and objective can be very different when talking about the speed/power/whatever of different cars.

My friend who has the 2zz corolla also has a 3.8L supercharged Regal. I fixed his Regal for him at one point and helped him ferry the cars home. On the way, we ran the two cars against each other from about the middle of 2nd in the Corolla (i was driving corolla). Even OUT OF LIFT, the corolla was just as fast at that speed as the supercharged big-motor Regal. IN lift, it was faster. The regal has run 15.3 bone stock very consistently with average 60's. The Corolla is MUCH faster than the Regal.

It just isnt obvious while driving it unless they are right next to each other.

lnlds wrote: I can't believe this thread is still alive. I went on vacation in the southwest and spent 16 hours in a corolla rental which wasn't terrible but after coming home to my celica I definitely appreciate it more now. Hasbro: You're probably right the car is a keeper. I really do like the ep3 though. It's engine isn't the greatest but it takes 87 and it'll restrict my temptation to modify it. I do have access to an unmolested 06 rsx type-s also if I ever change my mind, but it's red.

I saw a really pretty GTS that lives on my mountain yesterday and thought of you. Black, about a 1 1/2" drop at the most, black dish wheels with polished rims, fat tires, and a mild tint for the desert heat. Sweet. An older guy with a heavy foot, too.

I don't know how you would resist tinkering with an EP3. I'll be surprised if Solfly doesn't mess with his, too. The K20a3 actually is a really nice motor, it just shouldn't be in a 2800 lb. car. The whp to weight stock is 20.4/1 so no wonder people think it sucks. I'm at 15.5/1 now and it's a different car. The stock RSX S is around 16.6/1 and the euro R is about 14.9/1. Another -100 lbs. and 15 more whp from simple bolt ons and it'll be 13.5/1. Not earth shattering but 0 - 60 should be around 6 seconds.

K20a3s also have a nice torque curve and the 5 speed is well matched to it. For now, I went with a Reflash and a small 2 1/2" cai for usable mid range. Very usable power. It's sort of like having a stock weight '89 civic with 150 whp.

In reply to Hasbro:

My friend just offered me his 06 Type-S (110k) with A-spec goodies for 6k . That certainly throws a wrench in me being content with the gts. I'll have to spend some time in it and see how i feel now.

Better engine, worse everything else has been my impression.