Civic Si First Impressions

Here's a picture to of an identical car to mine until I get my digital camera working again:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y28...i/DSC01560.jpg

Initial impressions (remember, I'm still in the break-in period, so I'm not burning VTECs yet :albino:):

* Fiji Blue is the best color ever.
* Why couldn't I have had these seats in my Miata? They rock.
* The split dash (analogue tach/digital speedo up high) is really great to use, even though it looks a little space-age at first.
* The stock 350w stereo (w/sub) is good for a factory system but must die eventually to be replaced by something better.
* The windshield is freakin huge and I can't see the hood or fenders.
* This thing feels gigantic compared to the Miata, even though it's "only" 300lbs heavier.
* It feels like an exotic from behind the wheel. The ride feels like a BMW only with slightly more impact harshness. Did I mention how good the seats are?
* Honda wasn't farting around when they made me pay $200 for "summer tires." It comes with a reasonably exotic Michelin Exalto PE2. I bet these would be fun in the snow.
http://www.tirerack.com/images/tires..._pe2_ci1_l.jpg

Rock on,
S.

Niiice! I have a friend right here with an EP3 Si who's rather envious of you.

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Originally Posted by TheChadVIII

Niiice! I have a friend right here with an EP3 Si who's rather envious of you.

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Thanks! I feel very fortunate. Fortunate to have been in the right place at the right time to snag this car. And most of all, fortunate to be able to afford such a nice car. :chug:

S.

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Originally Posted by srivendel

• Here's a picture to of an identical car to mine until I get my digital camera working again...
• Fiji Blue is the best color ever.
• The windshield is freakin huge and I can't see the hood or fenders.

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• Not good enough... we want to see your car.
• Honda's Atomic Blue is much better. ;)
• Take a ride in my Element and then say that again.

Otherwise, congrats on a nice car!

Congrats, enjoy it as much as i did my '99

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Originally Posted by Magma

Congrats, enjoy it as much as i did my '99

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Thanks. Enjoy that downpipe as much as I enjoyed staring at the box in my garage for three months! ::Clown::

S.

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Originally Posted by Treibenschnell

Take a ride in my Element and then say that again

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The intercooler in my dodge is bigger than your windshield, if you really must compare apples to oranges.

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Originally Posted by tailchaser

The intercooler in my dodge is bigger than your windshield, if you really must compare apples to oranges.

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Sounds like we're gonna have to whip out the tapes...

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Originally Posted by Treibenschnell

Sounds like we're gonna have to whip out the tapes...

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As long as that's the only thing you whip out...:cyclopsa:

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Originally Posted by Dave04

As long as that's the only thing you whip out...:cyclopsa:

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Hey, whatever tickles your pickle... ::Paul::

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Originally Posted by Treibenschnell

Hey, whatever tickles your pickle... ::Paul::

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WTMFI! ::SpamLase

S.

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Originally Posted by Treibenschnell

[LIST][*]Honda's Atomic Blue is much better. ;)

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Maybe for an Element, but I'm not crazy about it on the Civic:
http://static.flickr.com/34/104794028_66af8c57a3_m.jpg

S.

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Originally Posted by tailchaser

The intercooler in my dodge is bigger than your windshield, if you really must compare apples to oranges.

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And if you're gonna go there, the rig I spent the afternoon testing has an intercooler that measures 36"x72".

You oughta see the radiator on this thing... :shock:

Congrats on the new ride.:clap:

I was considering getting an Si before I got my RSX. I liked the fact that it comes with 197 Hp and an LSD. What did turn me off though was the throttle by wire and the rear end. I like the rear on the 4-door a lot more than the 2-door.

Have fun with the new car!!!

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Originally Posted by Nexus Flux

What did turn me off though was the throttle by wire and the rear end. I like the rear on the 4-door a lot more than the 2-door.

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Not only is it drive-by-wire, it's steer-by-wire, too. :pale: It's the first car I've owned that has either "feature." The jury's still out on both. First impression? The steering is great but the throttle is jumpy. That's exactly the opposite of how I thought they would be. I figured an electronic throttle would be no big deal, but that electronic steering would feel artificial.

Nevertheless, neither was a deal killer for me. ;)

S.

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Originally Posted by srivendel

Not only is it drive-by-wire, it's steer-by-wire, too. :pale:

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I wonder what safe guards are in place for things like device failure and power loss. ::Drive2::

How does the steer-by-wire steer work??? Sounds spooky!

I believe its a new trend in most new cars to not have a power steering pump running hydraulic fluid, but to be electrically operated

From the Honda Site

Power-Assisted Rack-and-Pinion Steering - Electric

Just like losing a power steering pump on a older car when the power goes out, but I believe like the Germans, there is a backup power assist for a bit if that is to occur.

If it is like the Germans, the power assist can be tuned for your likes and allow more direct - less assisted steering if desired.

Here's more info.

I mis-spoke. It has electric power steering instead of hydraulic power steering. That's different than steer-by-wire. My bad.

S.

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Originally Posted by srivendel

Here's more info.

I mis-spoke. It has electric power steering instead of hydraulic power steering. That's different than steer-by-wire. My bad.

S.

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Yea I like the steering to be mechanically connected to the front end!

Didn't Mercedes play with a steer-by-wire setup??