As my search continues for yet another tintop alternative, read in addition to, my venerable 91 Miata I have realized the 3rd gen Integras.
I purchased a really nice 88 Chrysler Conquest TSI SHP, but it's just a little too difficult to get in/out of for me. Wheelchair ergo issues. So the 'Quest is now for sale/trade.
So now I'm becoming learned on 'Tegs, and have come to be curious as to how much abuse the stock automatic transmissions can handle.
Primary use will be an ST prepped autocross car, with my eye on a trackday or two.
I've no lofty power goals, no turbo additions, just a well tuned stock internal motor breathing through some bolt-ons.
Should I consider the Teg, or continue the search?
many thanks yet again,
mark
I don't know about the auto trans, but I had a 3rd gen Teg, and it was difficult for me to get in and out of (low, sloped roof). I guess if you check one out and don't have a problem, my experience doesn't matter, but thought I'd mention it anyway.
In my chair I sit @ 20" from the floor, and kind of scooch my butt into the driver's seat. I've got no problem with the Miata with the top up, height of top wise, although it's not getting any easier getting back out!!, so I don't think that will be an issue for me.
Anyone out there with high mileage on a Teg auto?
I've never heard of them being an issue. I had a college roomate with a four-door teg auto, high-mileage, and it was running fine.
The 90's Honda 4 cylinder automatic transmissions can take a good beating. If they aren't tough enough, you can get an adapter plate and run a GM auto. That's what a lot of the drag guys do. You should have a pretty easy time getting in and out. Added bonus with the teg is the hatchback. Another bonus for you is the automatic cars are cheaper than manuals and usually better maintained.
Weird. My Dad worked for an Acura dealer in the 90's and said auto Integras were constantly coming in with transmission problems. Not saying he was right. Just sayin'.
Do they share trans with the civics?
Nope. Civic is D-series powertrain and Integras (with a couple exceptions) are B-series powertrains. The two do not mix.
I owned a 2nd gen' Integra for about 2-3 years. It was a '92 with automatic. I can't say for racing, but for DD use and as a pizza delivery vehicle, the transmissions seem to hold up quite well. In fact, Integras hold up better than most Civics and some Accords. Their biggest drawbacks are less than silky smooth gearchanges...especially when downshifting. This is something they share with nearly all automatic transmissioned Japanese cars of the late '80s to mid '90s.
On my car the things that "failled" were the plastics. That is, the brackets that held the corner lights on in the front of the car (3rd gens don't have them) broke with age. EVERYTHING else about an Integra is pretty much bullet-proof. For me, the low roof height/smallish front doors were also a pain...but I'm way taller than the average Japanese driver.
