I've been shopping Acura Integra GSR's lately...

Good points from flyinlow and Matt B, i DO miss that useful hatch when I need to move bigger items, but I usually just steal my dad's truck for that sort of thing. i have fit a decent amount of stuff in my Accord, two sets of wheels, some suspension parts, and other various crap at once. I wish it had 4 doors sometimes, then i look at the rear quarter's shape and i'm glad i didnt.

Definitely drive a Prelude, especially the SH model, it has a VERY good diff. The interior is a bit small, now that you bring it up. Very comfy though.

Flynlow wrote:

Matt B wrote: I'd be interested to hear why you think a non-vtec model is better than a GSR for daily driving, as I can't see any advantages beyond price and availability (owned both, on my 3rd Integra).

I can only speak to my own situation, but I like the non-vtec cars as a daily for the regular vs. premium fuel requirement, and the 3-4 mpg boost in average fuel economy...I get about 34 mpg driving mine normally. If it was primarily a weekend or fun car I'd obviously want the yummy Vtec noises. The biggest reason for an Integra over a Prelude or Accord (for me) is the hatchback. I've carried several sets of wheels, done many Home Depot runs, and carried lots and lots of things that wouldn't fit in a normal trunk.

Ok, that makes sense from a economic perspective. Although I'd bet you that most of that mileage advantage is due to the transmission. The GSR had shorter gearing than the RS/LS/GS models and of course the Type-R had the shortest of all. Fun fact: the 99-01 Civic Si had the same gear ratios as the Type-R, but without the LSD and more durable dual-cone synchros (so it is a helluva lot cheaper to boot). We bolted one of those to our old LS and it REALLY woke the car up. Despite the loss in mpg's I was really thought is is how they should have sold them.

I think its the same ratios as the early and USDM type r's, i believe the 98-00 JDM cars got longer 1-3 gears, same 4th, shorter 5th, and a shorter final. I havent looked at b-series transmissions in a while though. I know theres a difference. I think the US b16 cars got the small diff and case of the trans'd integras, too.

Matt B wrote: Ok, that makes sense from a economic perspective. Although I'd bet you that most of that mileage advantage is due to the transmission. The GSR had shorter gearing than the RS/LS/GS models and of course the Type-R had the shortest of all. Fun fact: the 99-01 Civic Si had the same gear ratios as the Type-R, but without the LSD and more durable dual-cone synchros (so it is a helluva lot cheaper to boot). We bolted one of those to our old LS and it REALLY woke the car up. Despite the loss in mpg's I was really thought is is how they should have sold them.

Fair enough. I don't really modify my Hondas, all I'm looking for is fun to drive and reliable. Stock works just fine for that :).

I found a nearly 100% stock 94' GS-R a little over a year ago and I love the car. Stock down to the original exhaust, shifter, and wheels. There really isn't much I can say that is bad about it, the engine and chassis are awesome. And there are still deals out there because I found mine with 135k for under $3500. A few squeaks and rattles I'd like to get rid of but anything else has just been basic maintenance.

Unfortunately, while it was parked this week a neighbor backed into the drivers side and I think its totaled. I'll buy it back and keep driving my once well kept original car.

beans - I didn't know the later JDM type-r trans was a bit different. Most of that stuff is so ridiculously expensive I haven't really kept up with it. Good to know if one pops up though.

Flynlow - Agreed. Sorry if I was coming off as a know-it-all. I just wanted to share the bit about the different gearing if the OP was shopping Integras in general.

F this noise. I found a low cost NB Miata and purchased it. The GSR I was looking for in this area below $4k was not to be had. I'll put up some pics and the story soon. Ok, ok - here's the story.

Well, sorry to hear it but I can't say I'm surprised. Finding a clean example at $4K or less is a daunting task suited to those with tons of patience.

Your Miata looks like it's going to be an adventure.

Thanks Matt B. I wasn't even looking for clean! I just wanted something close to stock. Coil overs...CAI...I could handle that. Hacked up JDM swaps with a constant check engine light for $4k? No thanks. That was the best one I could find in 3 months. Just nuts.

We'll see about the Miata. Here's to hoping it's not a mechanical basket case.