Street Racing Honda Civic Si Douchebag

[FISHTAIL]

Kid was about 19/20, evidently his mom had passed in a crash or some other way, and he and his Dad got a large cash settlement out of it. Sadly, out of all the "car guys" in the world, he ended up getting advice from my BIl, who I'm sure will end up in a hell something like Maximum Overdrive to atone for all the evil he has done to cars over the years. Like the whole speeding thing, if the only thing you put at risk is yourself street racing, I don't care so much. Empty road, a couple of cars, meh. Big boy pants and all that, just be responsible.

LOL! I'm going to steal that one for later...I'm pretty sure the fella that owned the fox I just pulled out of the grave may have something like that waiting for him after all the horrible things he did to that poor car. I can't imagine what he's done to his others.

glhs I presume is a reference to the 1980's 4popper turbo dodges of yore? I was looking at buying a T-top Shelby Daytona back in the day, but when I went to test drive it (manual) it wouldn't go in gear. I ended up with an 88 Mustang GT instead.

 

[glhs837]

Yep, very first car I bought myself was a slightly used 1985 Shelby Charger in 1985. Was eyeballing the new Civic Si, but of course, a 19 year old kid with a downtown San Francisco zip code (thanks, Fleet Post Office) couldnt get insurance on a two seat car. No idea what the car was, except it had the thinnest tires I had ever seen (50 series Gatorbacks). Went for a ride, didnt seem to have much power, then the salesguy let me have at it. Discovered that boost was GOOOOD, and overboost was even better. For it's time, it was good for keeping up with the V8s of the day, and of course the SVO Mustang Always wanted a GLHS but marriage and such, yada yada. Bought number 837 back in the early late 90s. Drove it for a couple of years but it had been rustproofed at some point, and the unibody was really held together more by that, so I had to put her down.

Gave me love for underdogs, that car did Thats why I got an SRT-4 when those came out, which really ended up being what the Shelby Dodge cars coulda been.

 

[FISHTAIL]

Yep, very first car I bought myself was a slightly used 1985 Shelby Charger in 1985. Was eyeballing the new Civic Si, but of course, a 19 year old kid with a downtown San Francisco zip code (thanks, Fleet Post Office) couldnt get insurance on a two seat car. No idea what the car was, except it had the thinnest tires I had ever seen (50 series Gatorbacks). Went for a ride, didnt seem to have much power, then the salesguy let me have at it. Discovered that boost was GOOOOD, and overboost was even better. For it's time, it was good for keeping up with the V8s of the day, and of course the SVO Mustang Always wanted a GLHS but marriage and such, yada yada. Bought number 837 back in the early late 90s. Drove it for a couple of years but it had been rustproofed at some point, and the unibody was really held together more by that, so I had to put her down.

Gave me love for underdogs, that car did Thats why I got an SRT-4 when those came out, which really ended up being what the Shelby Dodge cars coulda been.

Nice! I rode in a turbo skittle for the first time a couple years ago. One that was extensively modified. I was surprised at how quick it was. Cool car. The Shelby cars were (and are) pretty neat. My friend had a non-shelby daytona turbo that he did all sorts of work too (new turbo, head, exhaust, etc) and by the time he was done, it moved out pretty well as I recall.

I've owned a variety of cars over the years, but for whatever reason, I've always held onto a fox mustang. I sold my 88GT after two years and got a 92GT that I still own. I've had a couple of terminators, a 2011GT, BMW, CRX (loved that little thing) and such in the interim. My current DD is a Focus ST though..I needed something that I could use to haul the kids to daycare without breaking my back, or their legs (if I ever got in an accident).

The ST is a pretty fun little car. I was checking out the GTI as well, but a friend of mine that is a VW mechanic turned me off of that one.

Anyway, I haven't checked the market on the GLHS cars lately, but given the recent rise in prices for fox mustangs, I'm guessing that most popular or quirky 80's sports car's are going to fair similarly. As the folks that lusted after those cars as kids get older, they'll start paying more and more money to get clean working examples of those cars they couldn't have when they were younger..just like what happened to the muscle cars. What does a decent example go for these days anyway? I bet one would be a real blast on the auto-x course.

 

[glhs837]

Dear Street Racing Red Honda Civic Si Douchebag on its way to Plaza Azteca,

Street racing is illegal. You are a douchebag. People wonder what causes accidents - part of the answer is people like you. Have a lovely evening.

Got mine up to Mopar Stage 3 before selling it. Was a hoot, but the kids were getting bigger, my left knee was on it's second surgery, wife was tired of the Viper style seats, so when Dodge slipped up and offered employee pricing on the SRT-8 summer of 06, I jumped, and never looked back, 170K ago. I do love the ST, it's where the SVT Focus shoulda been a long time ago. That, the Speed 3, the fast small car market is looking up, which it hasnt been since the bomb the Caliber SRT was, and Chevy dumped the Cobalt SS in 2010. Been telling the wife that now that the kids are almost done needing a dedicated back seat, might be time for something smaller. But I'm now hooked on RWD, would like something like a BR-Z, FR-S, but with more power. Like in the 300 range

 

[PrchJrkr]

phobos512 did this really turn out like you thought it would?

These are street racers. They have nothing that can compete on the track or in a pulling contest, or they would be bragging about that! LD syndrome...

 

[glhs837]

I dunno, there was some guy with a smoke belching turbo diesel truck that by all accounts pulled 10s, and that guy was trolling for street races all the time, like a tool.

 

[FISHTAIL]

Got mine up to Mopar Stage 3 before selling it. Was a hoot, but the kids were getting bigger, my left knee was on it's second surgery, wife was tired of the Viper style seats, so when Dodge slipped up and offered employee pricing on the SRT-8 summer of 06, I jumped, and never looked back, 170K ago. I do love the ST, it's where the SVT Focus shoulda been a long time ago. That, the Speed 3, the fast small car market is looking up, which it hasnt been since the bomb the Caliber SRT was, and Chevy dumped the Cobalt SS in 2010. Been telling the wife that now that the kids are almost done needing a dedicated back seat, might be time for something smaller. But I'm now hooked on RWD, would like something like a BR-Z, FR-S, but with more power. Like in the 300 range

170k? Sounds like you've gotten your money's worth out of that car then. I've only kept two cars long enough to log over 200k miles, my 92GT that I still own, and my CRX, which I sold with 296k miles on it (though I bought that one with 190k).

I agree on the small car market, I just happened to hit the market looking for that type of car at the right time. Don't forget the STI..that's a pretty sweet hatchback too. Part of my purchase decision was driven by gadgets though, I'm a sucker for cool in car tech. That was one of the reasons I got the ST. I know consumer reports hates MFT, but I like it, despite it's quirks. I think the original Sync worked a little better, but I haven't had any real issues with the MFT system in my focus or my wifes Explorer.

I have not driven either the FR-S or it's counterpart, but I hear they are a blast. Maybe they'll offer a turbo model that will meet your power requirements, but doing so may upset the balance of the car.

 

[glhs837]

Sure have, this is the second longest term vehicle i have ever owned. Wifes first S-10 Blazer went +200K before i changed the motor, and then went another 30K or so before the trans went. The STi is a bit out there, pricewise, I think at 35K to start. One of the drawbacks of that AWD, and the fanboys demands for rally class tech they dont even understand and wont use

I kinda don't get the balance thing. Like complaints that high power and FWD dont go together due to torque steer. In the latter case, steer the other damn direction, although in my recent test drive of a high powered modded HHR SS the damn thing seemed possessed. Fought me for control, going back and forth on a WOT hit at say 30-40mph. Much less tractable in the steering department at 300 or so HP than my Neon was at 350ish, where I could dial in countersteer and move out. I had to saw the HHRs wheel back and forth to keep going straight In the former, just don't use as much throttle. Potential power doesn't upset anything, only power used. If the delivery is too peaky, that's an engineering problem, but solvable.

 

[FISHTAIL]

Sure have, this is the second longest term vehicle i have ever owned. Wifes first S-10 Blazer went +200K before i changed the motor, and then went another 30K or so before the trans went. The STi is a bit out there, pricewise, I think at 35K to start. One of the drawbacks of that AWD, and the fanboys demands for rally class tech they dont even understand and wont use

I kinda don't get the balance thing. Like complaints that high power and FWD dont go together due to torque steer. In the latter case, steer the other damn direction, although in my recent test drive of a high powered modded HHR SS the damn thing seemed possessed. Fought me for control, going back and forth on a WOT hit at say 30-40mph. Much less tractable in the steering department at 300 or so HP than my Neon was at 350ish, where I could dial in countersteer and move out. I had to saw the HHRs wheel back and forth to keep going straight In the former, just don't use as much throttle. Potential power doesn't upset anything, only power used. If the delivery is too peaky, that's an engineering problem, but solvable.

I'll give you that the STI is a bit pricey, but it is a cool car.

The balance thing all relates to use I guess. If you plan on taking the thing around a tight auto-x course, you wouldn't have much need for the extra power, and it would "upset the balance" in that it would be more difficult to drive. Meaning..you would have to be paying close attention to your throttle input, where now I think you can just plant the pedal and the car will settle in and go. It's all about intended goals, and it seems like in the case of the FR-S and it's kin, that a car that was both easy and fun to drive fast was the idea..I'm sure you could mod it to make it much quicker, but it would become more of a handful then.

Speaking of torque steer..the ST has that in droves. I've had to learn to roll into the throttle, because if I stab it and try to pass someone, the car is all over the damn place. It becomes very difficult to keep it in the lane. I've since learned there is a TSB for this, apparently the "loose" factory mounts allow to much play in the transaxle and engine, which causes the stability control to overreact when everything starts twisting. So your fighting torque steer AND stability control. I only recently learned about that though, I knew there was a TSB for the "clunk" on a hard shift, but apparently it also corrects this torque steer issue because my friends car that had the TSB performed does not have the same issues mine does when it comes to steering control under throttle.

My guess is folks that are used to RWD cars (like myself, the ST is only the second FWD car I've ever owned..well, 3rd if we count the celebrity, but I'm trying to forget about that car) and it took some getting used to. I imagine that the high hp fwd control stories stem from guys that get freaked out the first time they experienced torque steer.

 

[glhs837]

I view the autocross thing like the dragstrip thing. Taking your everyday driver in a direction too far towards excellence in an occasional use mode at the expense of utility in everyday usage isn't for me. And I know you can have too much power. But I do think, for me any, being capable of "Ludicrous Speed" is a thing any car with sporting intentions should have, at least as an option. The ability to overpower any common sense application is fun. You might want 200hp, that's cool, But I think generally that very few cars would be harmed by the addition of 30-50hp.

I think the HHRs issue was the stability control, or more likely the "electronic differential", where the traction control is done by differential braking. My car has that sort of thing also, but being IRS and RWD, I have a lot more traction available before triggering it. And the Neon had ABS and that was it I don't know if you can add a mechanical LSD, but I know in our cars, it keeps the E-diff off your butt becuase it locks the wheels together before the E-diff intervenes.

 

[FISHTAIL]

I view the autocross thing like the dragstrip thing. Taking your everyday driver in a direction too far towards excellence in an occasional use mode at the expense of utility in everyday usage isn't for me. And I know you can have too much power. But I do think, for me any, being capable of "Ludicrous Speed" is a thing any car with sporting intentions should have, at least as an option. The ability to overpower any common sense application is fun. You might want 200hp, that's cool, But I think generally that very few cars would be harmed by the addition of 30-50hp.

I think the HHRs issue was the stability control, or more likely the "electronic differential", where the traction control is done by differential braking. My car has that sort of thing also, but being IRS and RWD, I have a lot more traction available before triggering it. And the Neon had ABS and that was it I don't know if you can add a mechanical LSD, but I know in our cars, it keeps the E-diff off your butt becuase it locks the wheels together before the E-diff intervenes.

The focus does the same as the HHR, "electronic diff". Neat idea, works like poop. I'd rather have a mechanical LSD anyday.

I understand what your saying, and I even agree. I'm just offering what I perceive as the likely viewpoint from the designers perspective. I like having additional power on tap too, but some folks don't, and guys designing new cars area usually stuck in the compromise area. I like being able to get my car to rotate with a little extra throttle, personally, I think it makes it more fun. If it's more difficult to drive fast, so be it..my end goal with a car is to enjoy it, not be the fastest guy out there. I don't care if I'm the slowest car at a track day, if I'm having fun, that's all that matters to me.

 

[glhs837]

And, on the ST, anyway, you should have the option for a mechanical LSD. After that first year of the SRT-4, Dodge got smart and put one in. The SRT-8s, same thing, first two years, no LSD, but you could option them after that, in both 5.7 and 6.1 liter cars.

I agree about no need for bring the biggest on the block, there's a level where you are happy. And for me, that seems to be a car that can nail down a very low 13 or very high 12 on street tires, and with decent levels of grip and braking. Got to drive a Viper on a road track once, it was actually way more car than I would be happy with on a daily basis, I think, knowing it's limits are so far outside of mine, and so unusable on the street would bug me. Whereas I can push my SRT-8s limits without being too nuts. Well, except top end, you need Nevada to do that

 

[FISHTAIL]

And, on the ST, anyway, you should have the option for a mechanical LSD. After that first year of the SRT-4, Dodge got smart and put one in. The SRT-8s, same thing, first two years, no LSD, but you could option them after that, in both 5.7 and 6.1 liter cars.

I agree about no need for bring the biggest on the block, there's a level where you are happy. And for me, that seems to be a car that can nail down a very low 13 or very high 12 on street tires, and with decent levels of grip and braking. Got to drive a Viper on a road track once, it was actually way more car than I would be happy with on a daily basis, I think, knowing it's limits are so far outside of mine, and so unusable on the street would bug me. Whereas I can push my SRT-8s limits without being too nuts. Well, except top end, you need Nevada to do that

Agree, I wish it had been an option. That and a backup camera..I can't see squat out the back of that thing that's closer than 15' away. Not cool when you have little ones running around. The backup camera is available on every other model focus, and on the ST in Europe, but not here..go figure.

I think my "happy" power level varies by car. I know my 11 second capable 03 cobra vert was a blast to drive. But the coupe I replaced it with, which ran 10's, was not. It was cool having a car that was fast and all, but I never felt safe playing around, so I didn't. My 2011 5.0 falls in your 12 second street car range, and that car was AWESOME, but I always felt like it could have used just a little more oomph. Not much though. Still working out how fast my 92Gt will be, but I'm hoping to find that balance between enough power to be fun, but not so much that I can't enjoy it.

I've heard vipers are a real handful, I'm not sure I'd like one either. Heard stories about folks burning their legs getting out of them too. Cool cars, just not my thing. I think I'd rather have a vette, especially one of the new C7's (*drool*).

 

[glhs837]

The Viper guys call it the "Viper bite", from wearing shorts with whatever generation came with the exposed side pipes Amazing car, corners I was taking at the ragged edge at 80mph in the 300C and Magnum SRTs, the Viper would eat that corner at 100 and not even break a sweat. But not a thing I could live with every day. I think a Vette would be a better choice for that also.
Ever get into or out of a Lotus Elise? Now thats a car that demands a price Didnt get to drive one, just got in and out I'm not tall, at 5'8", but even so, that things crazy.

 

[glhs837]

Speaking of Corvettes, an author I admire wrote once that shared joy was increased, shared pain lessened. I need to share some of the pain here......

http://jalopnik.com/this-craigslist-corvette-is-a-tragic-monster-1577049799

 

[FISHTAIL]

The Viper guys call it the "Viper bite", from wearing shorts with whatever generation came with the exposed side pipes Amazing car, corners I was taking at the ragged edge at 80mph in the 300C and Magnum SRTs, the Viper would eat that corner at 100 and not even break a sweat. But not a thing I could live with every day. I think a Vette would be a better choice for that also.
Ever get into or out of a Lotus Elise? Now thats a car that demands a price Didnt get to drive one, just got in and out I'm not tall, at 5'8", but even so, that things crazy.

I have not, but one of the guys in my company down in FL has one. I would absolutely love to own an Elise or an Exige. There is a group of them that comes to the blue crabs auto-x, and those things flat out fly. It's like a hopped up, street legal go kart. Do Want.

 

[glhs837]

Pretty sure my back surgeon would NOT WANT me to have one

 

[MrZ06]

Speaking of Corvettes, an author I admire wrote once that shared joy was increased, shared pain lessened. I need to share some of the pain here......

http://jalopnik.com/this-craigslist-corvette-is-a-tragic-monster-1577049799

Eww that made me through up in my mouth a little bit.

I've heard vipers are a real handful, I'm not sure I'd like one either. Heard stories about folks burning their legs getting out of them too. Cool cars, just not my thing. I think I'd rather have a vette, especially one of the new C7's (*drool*).

Have you seen the 2015 C7 Z06's yet? Its a 625hp supercharged beast. I can't wait to get my hands on one of them.

 

[FISHTAIL]

Eww that made me through up in my mouth a little bit.



Have you seen the 2015 C7 Z06's yet? Its a 625hp supercharged beast. I can't wait to get my hands on one of them.

I haven't. My neighbor just got a run of the mill C7 though, sweet looking car.

 

[FISHTAIL]

Pretty sure my back surgeon would NOT WANT me to have one

Tell him you NEED one. For Therapy Reasons. Get insurance to pay for it.