You're My Boy, Blue

[Senor_Taylor]

If you take that cowl off there is a surprising amount of room on the backside of the engine. I remember being surprised how much there was when we put a header on my friends.

Whether or not that's worth it to do an oil change I don't know. It's been too long to remember what all you have to take off to get the cowl off.

Get used to taking the cowl off and get good at it quickly. Do it every time you do anything and thank me later.

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[ScottyB]

Whether or not that's worth it to do an oil change I don't know

its not, and you still can't really easily reach way down to the bottom of the block to get to the filter. it just sucks, that's the way it is, i'll deal.

but I remember that being about as bad as what Scott described.

oh don't worry i got to enjoy the fun of that too with my 99.5 B5 A4. removing the filter basically means you feel around for it in the dark , stuff rags all over the subframe, let it rip, and hope for the best when you clean up blindly. i loved and hated that car so much.

[ScottyB]

1.7qts of fresh honda MTF got changed in. its actually easier to change the gearbox fluid than the engine oil :lol:

i noted a slight grind on a redline shift going into 3rd on the way home from the dealer and its now shifting nicely along with a slight adjustment to the throw of the clutch master cylinder on the clutch pedal. the clutch picks up higher off the floor now, which i don't like, but it ensures 100% disengagement on the clutch throw now which also ensure the synchros can do their job at high rpm.

ordered up a new shift boot in full grain leather from Redline Accessories. the stock boot is ripped in a spot and is...just super cheap. it sounds like a rustling bag when you move it around. just gross. for $40, figured it would be a nice touch.

NOT mine, but similar result incoming with the color combo and stitch orientation to match the rest of the seating:


there's a TSB out for clearcoat issues on some of these cars and i have a couple tiny cracks/crow's feet on my hood. i'm going to get in to the dealer to see if they'll have a look and possibly get a repainted hood out of it, which would be convenient considering the chip marks after 87k miles. its a 7 year warranty on that action so i need to get in now or hold my peace.

[ScottyB]

so just some thoughts/observations after driving it now for about 3 weeks....

• the driving experience is basically like taking a jack russell terrier on a walk through a park full of squirrels. constant urgency, always wants to pull another gear. it just sort of pokes you constantly..."HEY SEE THAT GAP? COME ON LETS GO LETS GO JUST DOWNSHIFT ITS FINE WHEEEEE! DO VTEC AGAIN! DO IT AGAIN! HAHAHAHA DON'T SLOW DOWN COME ON COME ON!" lots of restraint to not drive like a dick even with just 200hp.

• everything has a "low intertia" feeling to it, like the entire powertrain is made from ball bearings. the K20 has an almost rotary-like character in how little it seems to care how high its revving and making a fuss about it. you get the sensation that if you don't lift your foot at redline the engine will just spin faster until it breaks free and flies off to make its own orbit. this seems to fit the fact that according to dynos, the powerband is barely dropping at redline and the stock internals will gladly rev out to 9k+ RPM with the correct tuning.

• not much torque obviously (140 lb/ft), but it hasn't bothered me although i thought it would coming from the tractor engine powerband in the 2.5RS. the torque curve is so flat its very easy to just poke around town shifting at 3k rpm. combined with the super short gearing (you're comfortably in 6th at 50mph) it never "falls flat", you just have to be aware that your leverage for getting into openings in traffic is your gear selection and just letting the rev range take care of the rest.

• shifter is super light and because its a cable linkage, you can really snick-snick through changes as fast as you want. the subaru had a very distinct cadence and didn't like being rushed, and was a much heavier shift action. i don't actually like how light it is and would prefer a more positive engagement but its just a tiny gripe that i'll learn to live with.

• visibility sucks out the back 3/4. the rear window is actually pretty tiny and high up due to the really long sloping cabin shape. the A-pillars with the little peep windows don't bother me nearly as much as i thought they would.

• the A/C is mediocre at best. it can barely cool the car upon immediate startup if its been at rest in a hot parking lot for a while. once you get moving it starts getting the temps down. i didn't expect much different for a 2L engine but you'll never mistake this for a GM A/C system.

• electric power steering is...just OK. there is no contest that its not as good for feel as a hydro system. very accurate and quick, but its got an arcade feel. shame.

• love the floor hinged gas pedal. nice touch.

• outstanding factory suspension. its perfect for a DD. just active/stiff enough but soaks up the bigger bumps perfectly. i literally can't see myself ever swapping the suspension out as long as it remains my daily. even at 87k miles the suspension is quiet and slop free.

• surprisingly loud factory exhaust. it actually burbles and pops at the lower revs and has a pronounced resonance in the cabin below 3k RPM that i don't really care for but isn't a problem. once you get the revs up it actually quiets up considerably and is much more about the intake noise (which is awesome even with the stock intake)

• i've come to love the bizarre 2-tier alien dashboard but i hate the A/C and Radio knob placement. they're backwards. i'm constantly reaching to crank up the volume but blasting myself in the face with air instead.

• amazing seats. i'm about 170lbs and they feel made for me. the bolsters are crazy but you don't notice them at all until you're really cornering hard.

• speaking of which, pretty good balance. needs more front camber which i intend to fix with crash bolts this week. its super playful at the limit...drop throttle will absolutely set the nose in and the tail out. the rear suspension geometry actually toes OUT at the limit by design so its a very interesting handling trait and i'll need to be careful with my alignment specs.

• 26mpg so far, beating it up around town and a quick jaunt up and down the interstate. it should take very little effort to stay above that rating in town and do far better on the highway.

• yuge back seat for such a small car. my 4.5 year old has a bunch of room even with the front seat back a good ways. and there's no hump in the back footwell floor, just flat the whole way across which is awesome for carrying stuff. giant trunk too.

• its incredibly tantilizing to want to screw with engine mods. I/H/E along with mild cams and a tune will put the Si at approximately 240whp and a mid 13 second quarter (full street trim). an intake and tune alone are worth half that gain. ugh...but i love how streetable and quiet it is right now and it would be fun to run FWD Stock class rallyx vs. getting bumped up to FWD Prepared. we'll see how long it takes for me to do something stupid.

anyway, overall, just super pleased. its the driving experience i was hoping for, with the practicality i need and if the reliability holds up like it should, i think i'll be keeping this for a really, really long time.

[JPolen01]

so just some thoughts/observations after driving it now for about 3 weeks....

• the driving experience is basically like taking a jack russell terrier on a walk through a park full of squirrels.  constant urgency, always wants to pull another gear.  it just sort of pokes you constantly..."HEY SEE THAT GAP?  COME ON LETS GO LETS GO JUST DOWNSHIFT ITS FINE WHEEEEE!  DO VTEC AGAIN! DO IT AGAIN! HAHAHAHA DON'T SLOW DOWN COME ON COME ON!" lots of restraint to not drive like a dick even with just 200hp.

• the A/C is mediocre at best.  it can barely cool the car upon immediate startup if its been at rest in a hot parking lot for a while.  once you get moving it starts getting the temps down.  i didn't expect much different for a 2L engine but you'll never mistake this for a GM A/C system.

It's surprisingly quick in traffic isn't it? The sounds are pretty good for a stock 4 banger too. Surprised about your AC - maybe needs a recharge? The black interior makes it so hot in the summer. Years ago I went full grandpa and bought a sunshade. Best $40 I have ever spent. It keeps my car 10-15 degrees cooler on a hot summer day. Prime one of these and never look back https://www.amazon.com/Sunshade-Honda-HE...d+sunshade

[RawrImAMonster]

I can ask my friend what he did, but intake headers and a magnaflow catback barely made the car louder than stock when you're not pushing it. The headers actually made no noticeable difference in sound over the factory headers.

[ScottyB]

It's surprisingly quick in traffic isn't it? The sounds are pretty good for a stock 4 banger too. Surprised about your AC - maybe needs a recharge? The black interior makes it so hot in the summer. Years ago I went full grandpa and bought a sunshade. Best $40 I have ever spent. It keeps my car 10-15 degrees cooler on a hot summer day. Prime one of these and never look back https://www.amazon.com/Sunshade-Honda-HE...d+sunshade

agreed - i've never had powerful cars and never had an issue keeping up with traffic, but this car has been totally fine.  even better once things pick up a bit and you can keep it north of 4k RPMs or so.   once its on the happy cam it sounds excellent, just a shame i can't keep it there more often.

yeah, AC may be weak, i wouldn't be surprised.  my subaru needed a recharge around 120k miles so this seems too soon but who knows how these honda systems hold up.

thanks for the sunshade link.  i had one for the subaru and it was great.  the black interior just bakes in this heat.

[Sijray21]

Naisu! Enjoy the Si! Brings me back.

Sent from my ONE A2005 using Tapatalk

[Jake]

Awesome to hear that the power doesn't fall off as you wind it out! That always bugged me about the FoST.

[ScottyB]

Awesome to hear that the power doesn't fall off as you wind it out! That always bugged me about the FoST.

yeah the RS was the same way, party's over at 5k RPM.  i'm really enjoying the new powerband, it feels super rewarding to get more the harder you push it.

the K20 has some pretty wild breathing....factory head flows over 300cfm, and i think for reference the BMW S54 does like 260.  the more you spin it the happier it is.  on stock internals, with a little bigger cam it'll even continue to make power up to 9K.

[.RJ]

TURBO TURBO TURBO

[ScottyB]

Naisu! Enjoy the Si! Brings me back.

thanks buddy, thought you might approve.  

good times - this one is a little more classy than the old hoonmobile but its a good time

[Senor_Taylor]

So did you buy a Miata instead? Sure sounds like it from what you've described. Glad you're enjoying it!

Also I didn't know sun shades were old man things. I've kept them in all of my vehicles.

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[ScottyB]

in typical fashion i went to install a rear hitch and it took 4 hours longer than it was supposed to.


"mommy why does daddy say bad words when he does things he says he likes?"

to get clearance to raise the hitch up to the frame rail i had to remove 2 bolts from the midpipe to axleback flange.  first bolt, all good.  second one snapped.  this was also the bolt on the top of the pipe with just about zero clearance to work on.  with the axleback out of the way, i spent the next 3 hours destroying drill bits and knuckles trying to work the broken stud out.  rage quit and drank beer.

thankfully the Curt hitch went on perfectly - really well done kit.  hugs the rear bumper nicely and really beefy construction for a little class 2 unit.  had to trim a bit of a heat shield as well as a small section of the plastic rear diffuser.  should do nicely for mt. bike transport and possibly the teardrop every once in a while.

put the axleback back on with 1 bolt, so far its holding OK and isn't leaking.  if it develops a leak i'm just going to punt and take it to a shop for them to deal with.  that stud is made of diamond plated armor, apparently, and i don't think i stand a chance getting it out without a torch and some insane leverage.

[ScottyB]

put some OEM mudguards on the back (bought it with fronts only).  went simply enough, you actually replace part of the fender liner with the mudguard so the wheels had to come off, and then it was just a matter of a few screws and plastic pop rivets.



lo and behold though, after taking off the passenger wheel i was able to get a clear view of the axleback stud that snapped and gave me hell a few weekends ago.  i had no idea i could get a better vantage point from behind the wheel so the red mist overcame me and i was ready for battle once again.  

i let the bolt stud know


i had to use the vice grips, and unfortunately i only had enough room for about 1/8th turn at a time so it was a long, stupid process.  but whatever, results are results and finally the exhaust was properly buttoned up again


this message brought to you by the fine mofos at CRC and their kickass penetrant that allowed me to levy proper justice on this evil bastard.  stuff works.

[ScottyB]

got the new full grain leather shift boot in from Redline Goods.  barely noteworthy but its amazing what little details do for making the car nicer to drive. 

so much better than the stock plastic vinyl filth (not mine) that sounded like you were rustling the arm of someone's rain jacket every time you moved the shifter


transferred my A119 dashcam over.  the hardwiring was very straightforward just like last time, but even easier since the Si's fuse panel is completely exposed to the driver's footwell.  most of the work went into zip-tying and hiding the extra wire in a way that it was secure enough not to rattle around.


i have a Broadway 320mm convex rear view mirror panel and found that by mounting it upside down, it shifts upward a bit and covers all the A119's status lights so its much less distracting.



get one of these.  Lisle 35260 fastener remover.  great for removing plastic pop-rivets and fasteners, yes, but also awesome for prying back paneling to hide wires.  $7 well spent.

---

there's a TSB out for clearcoat issues on some of these cars and i have a couple tiny cracks/crow's feet on my hood.  i'm going to get in to the dealer to see if they'll have a look and possibly get a repainted hood out of it, which would be convenient considering the chip marks after 87k miles.  its a 7 year warranty on that action so i need to get in now or hold my peace.

no dice on this btw.  after speaking to a Honda Corporate rep, because its a Canadian / "grey market" car, the American TSB for this doesn't apply, apparently.  i think its officially past the warranty cutoff anyway, so i wasn't expecting much.  i was hoping i wouldn't have to repeat the lost cause of trying to keep failing, old Japanese econobox paint in presentable shape again. on the other hand, now i can give less craps about how dusty a dirty it gets.

thankfully the airbag recall applies across all markets so if they decide my steering wheel is actually a grenade, i should at least hear about that.

[D_Eclipse9916]

I have one of those lisle tools, worth it's weight in gold! Good thinking on the mirror flip.

[Goodspeed]

Catching up on this, nice work so far - I lol'd @ Robocop

[ScottyB]

not much to report, its been a lot of daily errand running but i can still confirm there's no buyer's remorse. just a great, spacious little sport compact with a hyperactive side if you want to poke it hard enough.

first road trip this past weekend - took the wife and kiddo to NW GA to see family. what would normally take 3 hours was a 4 hour ride due to sitting on the highway for 40 minutes because a tractor trailer managed to flip over in the middle of a bright, cloudless day (because GA) and then we hit friday rush hour in Atlanta because we arrived later than we expected, which made me cranky.

despite all the stop and go still pulled down a 30mpg tank with the cruise set at 75...on uninterrupted interstate at maybe 70-72 i think it'd be an easy 32+. this is the first car i've ever really used the cruise control on...i have a steady foot even for 5+ hour drives, but the Si does NOT want to be below 80mph no matter what i do, probably because that speed in 6th is right where the torque curve picks up. so i've resorted to using the cruise just to keep myself from getting in trouble and its very accurate. awesome seats. its a bit loud, and a bit busy on the highway with the suspension and quick steering gear but i think its a perfectly fine compromise for what its intended to be. 5th gear is perfect for shooting gaps in Atlanta traffic although most of the time i was able to just leave it in 6th, even with it being loaded down.

i suspect the A/C is in need of a charge...just not very good, even in fall weather. i'll procrastinate on that until spring comes around.

last bit of news - i think its destined for Stock FWD class for local SCCA rallycross events. i toyed with the idea of adding some modifications and then campaigning it in Prepared FWD, but it looks like locally all the hot competition for FWD's is in the stock classes. i really don't want to roll up to an event and be the only guy in a class, that just defeats the purpose for me...and frankly, leaving it stock is probably going to keep me from ruining the car as a DD anyway. with that being the case, i've shifted my budgeting from street power/suspension mods to getting another set of OEM wheels with snow tires and some armor to take the Stock class seriously in 2018. i think by the time the season starts up next year i'll be good and comfortable with the limits of the car in its current form so i won't be a total embarrassment.

i have the OEM mud guards on, and they'll be fine for 99% of my driving, but i can guarantee i'm going to completely pepper the rocker panels with spray from the front tires within the first event or two...honda paint ain't much better than subaru. i toyed with doing some extra large additional flaps on the front only, but that'll look so absurd i don't think i can bear to do it. i ended up finding an aero product that should solve the problem that it was never intended for:

DevSport side skirt splitters:


they're made of high density plastic so they'll be lightweight, stout, and provide awesome coverage to the whole underside of the rocker. i'm going to slot the mounting holes a bit longer with a dremel so i can tuck them under the sides of the car a bit further so they're not as obvious, but still a bit of poke to keep the rocks off the door skin. should do the trick and fly a bit under the radar compared to giant rally flaps.

[WRXtranceformed]

Yesss this is awesomeee

Go for the big rally flaps. Embrace it, own it