Opinions on Integras and RSXs?

The Gastropod class has me hunting Hondas because I’ve never owned one and always been intrigued. At first I was searching Integras (the final generation) I believe most of them are non V-tec at 140 Hp. Do those feel anemic or decent? I don’t expect to find a GSR model within budget. 

That search led me to the the RSX and there almost seems to be more of these near the $2k mark. What’s the word on these? Are they good performers?  I’ve seen a few type S versions that seemed quick at autox but I don’t think I’ve witnessed any non-S in action. 

So what are the hive’s thoughts on these 2 cars?

I think the answer is buy both and put the drivetrain from the RSX into the Integra.

I'm not a Honda guy either but K-swaps look like a lot of fun into the older, lighter cars (that may also have better suspension?).

Adam

I've spent just a bit of time with the RSX. 

In general I like them. They're quick and they handle well as built. Where they run into trouble is the steering rack really high up on the fire wall. When you lowered them the steering geometry can get a bit wonky. There are fixes, but then you get into issues with the rear geometry which also acts strange when you get reeeeeealy low. The guys who have done well with them autocrossing nationally run impossibly stiff setups. If there's a downside it's that they're pretty much the same as the breadvan Si ans that's cooler in almost every way. 

Sorry, just gratuitous photo-posting.  I have nothing substantive to offer.

Though there's a size and weight penalty, you may be able to get a tsx or tl in the same price range. 

The integra weighs less and has double wishbones.

So, There were 3 generations of integra and not 2. I've owned all 3 and my nephew owns a 2nd gen DA9.

1st generation was a heck of a lot of fun but not very powerful. It was the intro of the D series motor. About the same HP as the second gen CRX Si. You can pop a higher HP motor into it but not a lot of choices still available in the suspension side. 

2nd gen is really the best challenge chassis now a days. Lot of cross platform sharing with the ever popular STS Civic SI with a B series motor. VTEC motors in the GSR are rare. Really Really fun with the VTEC. I had more fun in that car than a lot of cars I've driven. 

3rd gen is fatter but much more parts available.  There seems to be a tax on this gen. I never fell in love with this generation. There was a good factory development with these. 

RSX just is not the best challenge platform. Good engine but the pricing to get much out of it will only get you the 160 HP version. 

Integras are teh sexy.

I them, but the only one I owned was a parts car for a B-swap Honda Del Sol. If I wasn't going $2019-VW-Scirocco I'd probably have an Integra. ...maybe I should get an Integra too.

I had an Integra (LS, so non-VTEC) and it was a great car. Did basic bolt-ons and it was a great daily for me. Never really took to the RSX as much. They sold the final gen Integra as a coupe and sedan, both could be had with a manual (and both could be VTEC or non-VTEC). I always loved the 4-door, but owned a coupe. Four-door GSR is a future "want" for me, but they are very rare anymore. You can swap a VTEC head onto an LS motor (Google LS/VTEC), they really are like Legos with all the part sharing between them and the other Hondas.

For $2k you might be looking at some ratty examples, and definitely no GSR's, but they are sturdy cars that put up with tons of questionable modifications so I bet almost any example can be brought back from the abyss of cutting coils and bolting on stadium seating spoilers.

My mom had a 5spd Integra GS (LS with fancy trimmings) for a year or two. The non-vtec motor can feel punchy if you run short, light wheels and tires. Weight reduction would help and I wouldn't even feel bad about it if the car was ratty to begin with. 

I will say that i had 2 SOHC/5spd Neons at the time and preferred the Neon engine by a lot. A lot torquier and a lot faster, although you wouldn't think that from the spec sheets. 

I like the cars, but finding a good one is pricey now. I sold ours in 2010 for $6200 and that wasn't a GSR or anything, it's just that truly nice ones are now so rare that they're worth something. 8 years later I imagine the same car today would be worth slightly more. Most of the cheap ones you can find are pretty ratty. 

I had a 1991 Integra GS (bought used in 1996).  I loved that little car, although the body and interior were starting to fall apart when I traded it in back in 2002.  I wish I'd kept it as a auto-x and track-rat. 

Gsr with possible rod knock in chattanooga for under $1k

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/299939144158582/

there seems to be more demand for 3rd gens than 2nd gens. My interior is in good shape, but exterior the paint isn't in the best shape, but its a clean shell, yet people still have wanted to know if I wanted to sell my 2000.

I did keep the nonvtec motor for 5 years before I went with a mild build GSR swap. I'd be happy with another non-vtec motor if I got another one, plus you can use 87 octane with it and there is a lot less to go wrong. I never had complaints with the straight line performance. Most of my complaint was the transmission ratios after 2nd gear on my b18b1. 

Most modern base model economy cars make around the same power and weigh a couple hundred pounds more, never had problems keeping up with traffic. I do prefer them over the RSX imo. 

If I had the money id go pick it up.

The RSX-S performs on the strength of having the best normally aspirated 4 cylinder engine.  The chassis has a lot of compromises being that it was designed to share an economy platform with a minivan.

I remember reading RealTime's setup and distaste for the RSX, It was bad enough they went BACK to the T'eg for a year before the TSX came out. The suspension pitfalls in the rear of the RSX is bad. IIRC, they were running 1500lb + rear springs to get it to turn. 

The Teg is an awesome machine. A friend of mine had a 98 GSR that was K20-swapped and it was ridiculous. Light, agile, handled like a go-kart. I'm still not a big K20 fan, but in that car it wasn't so bad. Carbon fiber roof, hood and hatch and weighed under 2500lbs with him in it. 

I'm the anti-honda guy of the forum, but I'd rock an Integra in an instant. 

Dude, go 90’s SOCAL style. Get an auto, LS. Cheap ass turbo kit, ECU edit for tuning. Don’t scoff at the auto trans. It’ll boogey down the 1/4 faster than the five speed will. For autocross, leave it in first. You’ll be under budget enough to buy some eBay suspension stuffs. 

I priced this out years ago. Turbo LS just works for cheap speed. You could Frankenstein head swap it too. But that’ll be less room in the budget. 

My buddy picked up a ‘00 Ls, auto with 150k for 500$. eBay turbo kit for under a grand. Ecu Edit program for peanuts. The tuning might require calling in a favor, unless you’re proficient. 

Should leave $500 in the budget for gross eBay coilovers and sway bars. This is all before selling any redeemable parts for the budget. 

Had a 1998 GSR Sedan that I should have bought back from the insurance when they totalled it.  GREAT car, stupid insurance expense, a turbo miata is cheaper, seriously.

_ said:

Dude, go 90’s SOCAL style. Get an auto, LS. Cheap ass turbo kit, ECU edit for tuning. Don’t scoff at the auto trans. It’ll boogey down the 1/4 faster than the five speed will. For autocross, leave it in first. You’ll be under budget enough to buy some eBay suspension stuffs. 

I priced this out years ago. Turbo LS just works for cheap speed. You could Frankenstein head swap it too. But that’ll be less room in the budget. 

My buddy picked up a ‘00 Ls, auto with 150k for 500$. eBay turbo kit for under a grand. Ecu Edit program for peanuts. The tuning might require calling in a favor, unless you’re proficient. 

Should leave $500 in the budget for gross eBay coilovers and sway bars. This is all before selling any redeemable parts for the budget. 

“Not a bad way to spend two grand.”

I had a 1996 GSR in college.  It was an awesome car.  I ran a 14.4 in it at Gainesville with only a cold air intake and advanced timing.

I must have redlined that car 100 times a day.  The transmission was awesome to shift, and the car had a ton of room inside.

Great car...

Thanks for the input. I certainly like the looks of the 96ish Integras over the RSX, so sounds like I can leave the RSX out of the search. Stockish cars are almost non existent. :/

Ian F said:

I had a 1991 Integra GS (bought used in 1996).  I loved that little car, although the body and interior were starting to fall apart when I traded it in back in 2002.  I wish I'd kept it as a auto-x and track-rat. 

I’ll just leave this here.

https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/201x-classifieds/1k-package-deal-integra-rodeo-north-ga/143818/page1/

In reply to poopshovel again :

Unfortunately, the last thing I need is one more car taking up space in my back yard.  A lot has happened during the 16 years between when I should have kept the Integra and now.

adam525i said:

I think the answer is buy both and put the drivetrain from the RSX into the Integra.

 

Yeah, this. Integra is lighter, simpler, and has a far superior suspension design. The K20 is light years ahead of any B or D series Honda (though, I'll be a B series fan for a long time to come because, I dunno, nostalgia or something). Some people will note that you can't feel the difference between the DWB and traditional Mac struts in all but the most extreme driving circumstances, but I disagree. The DWB is far smoother with better turn in and all in all  just feels more composed. 

Hmmm