DC2 to 172 trackday toy?

[Phil_gb]

Hi I currently have a UK ITR DC2 (and am a honda fan had civic jordan>s2000>ITR), and really love the car but have wanted a dedicated track car for some time and have always had a soft spot for RS clio's. Now I am considering selling the teg to fund a track orientated 172.

However I have friends who have had lots of reliability issues with clios both RS and non RS models, so I'm a little scared to make the jump from the Honda reliability I'm used to - considering I'll be 'Ring-ing the car several times a year plus 5/6 uk trackdays.

Am I mad? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Phil

 

[DrR]

IMO keep the teg. What the reason for wanting to change? My not turn the teg into a track car?

 

[Phil_gb]

Cost - was thinking of selling the teg to buy a cheap 172 - then use the cash to buy essentials such as cage etc...

 

[vortex114]

i'd keep the teg

 

[Phil_gb]

Is the reliability as bad as people make out - because having owned 3 Hondas in the last 4 year and only having to replace wear + tear items the idea of a french hatch is a little worrying.

 

[3doorpete]

I would personally keep the Teg if doing a log of track work. I have a friend with a track DC5 and another with a track ATR.

I had a track 172 Cup used for similar amount of track days to what you are planning. My brother-in-law a normal 172. Although I had no problems, the gearbox starts to feel loose quite quickly. I am pretty mechanically sympathetic, but my brother in law killed the feel of his 'box pretty quickly by being very forceful with his gear changes. It's difficult to pin down, but compared to the Honda's, the Clio's felt very loose after a year. The Honda's still have that tight feel, even after 100K miles and plenty of track work. Type R honda's are also easier to get bigger power out of compared to Clio's

The other downer for the RS's on track is the lack of an LSD. In the wet and especially on tight tracks, this is a real hindrance. My previous track cars were RWD, and a lack of LSD did not seem to be as much of a hindrance as on the FWD car (although an LSD is still a great thing to have).

RS Engines are bullet proof though and parts are relatively cheap with loads around compared to ITR's.

Horses for courses, but if you already own a nice sorted ITR DC2, I'd stick with that.

If you do want to go the RS route, get the 172 Cup. Most aggressive chassis, no ABS, TC etc and light to start with.

 

[Keith185]

Agree with most of the posts,

If you already have the integra you know it's history (i.e what you have done/looked after it) and it's a great car straight out of the box.

Was looking at either an ITR or a Trophy, went for the trophy, there is very little between either (ITR's and RS clios).

Also if you have had hondas in the past and you 'know them' stick with them.

 

[Poopensharten]

What about an EK9? At 185bhp its going to be quicker and id throw caution to the wind and say that you will pay a bit more for it but atleast relaibility wont be an issue with it.

You could probaly pick up an auction grade 3-3.5 for around £4800?

 

[Phil_gb]

Cheers for the replies (and honesty) chaps - good to see people without the my car is the best in the world attitude:dapprove: .

Will most likely keep the teg over an EK9 - the lack of torque is quite noticeable going from the B18 of the teg to the B16 of the EK and it would be quite a ropey one for the kind of money I'm looking to spend. Plus as has been said, I know my teg, and have done lots of maintenance work over the last 6 months too.

Still got a soft spot for the RS range though - might treat my self to an R26/197 cup as a road car later in the year

 

[Ali]

Given that the DC2 is one of the best FWD chassis's about i can't see your reasoning for change. Whilst i'd comfortable say the 172 is a very capable track car, the DC2 of similar spec would kill it...

Keep it.

 

[Poopensharten]

Id still go for the Ek9 yes as stated torque is one of the few cons that the EK9 carries, but for a 1600cc lets face it, what else out there could touch it on the twisties (other than a teg!)

I plan to get one next year all being well!