So here it is. The car that will most likely keep me perpetually broke for the next several years of my life. Not that I really mind...just look at the thing!



The specs that matter:

-K24A2 2.4L inline four - 200hp@6800rpm 166lb-ft@4500rpm
-6 speed manual
-voice activated navigation
-32+mpg hwy
-75,000 miles
-from AZ

Impressions:

So far it's been amazing! Not only is it a hell of a lot more comfortable than the Legacy was but it's even more fun to drive too. As far as the drive from AZ went, I don't think I could have picked a better car for the job. It's just as happy on the highway in 6th getting over 30mpg as it is carving up mountain roads at preposterous speeds. It manages to be about 80% as fun as the CRX while being 180% more comfortable. The chassis is extremely good, especially for the kind of near-luxury junior executive car that it is. In junior exec terms it's much like an extremely good secretary; It communicates with you everything you need to know to get the job done and then takes care of all the small details behind the scenes on its own. It never once felt harsh or rough. Even through some of the really twisty bits, with all 4 tires screaming for mercy, it always felt refined and controlled. The engine's not bad either. It's no ls1, but for a Honda 4-cylinder there's plenty of torque where you want it. The higher revs are pretty good too, definitely more than enough power up there to propel you from apex to apex.

I only have a few complaints thus far:

-E-throttle has some lag to it, probably just something to get used to.
-Redline comes up WAY too fast. If you've ever looked at a k24 power curve it's easy to see; you only get about 1000-1500rpm of the high cam. It feels so restricted having to shift just after it starts to take off.
-Even with the 6 speed it feels like it could use an extra cog for freeway cruising; 3000rpm @70mph.
-This is really nitpicky but the instruction manual says the car is supposed to beep when you lock it. Mine honks. That bugs me.

I don't really have any serious plans as far as modifications. I'm likely leaving everything under the hood exactly how it is and concentrating more on convenience and appearance things. I'd like fog lights, so that's definitely on my list. And I really like how the European taillights look (amber turn signals instead of red) but otherwise not a whole lot worth doing - Euro R conversions are a huge waste of money imo. Oh, iPod integration is probably the first thing I'm doing, after a set of OEM all season floor mats.

I'll try to get some more pictures this weekend.

Wow... what kind of gearing is that? My car runs 2000rpm in 5th @ 70... (and I still want a higher gear)

Otherwise, sounds and looks like quite the ride. You'll have to show me when you're in town (I have yet to see the little white rocket either...)

Looks dope.