1986 Acura Integra LS L 4 Inline 4 Cylinder ZC

Summary:

Leave and Arrive Over and Over Again

Faults:

The alternator finally 'gave up the ghost' at 215,000. I had the car for 38,000 miles before it went bad. How can I be upset about that? It did cost me about $130.00 to replace from NAPA Auto Parts and I got a 3 year warranty.

Normal wear items have been replaced at regular service intervals. Brake pads, oil, spark plugs etc. I couldn't be happier about that.

General Comments:

I have always resisted Hondas/Acuras because I prefer rear wheel drive cars. I finally broke down and bought one because it was all I could afford at the time ($1,100). I made out like a BANDIT! If you want reliability, you want a Honda product!

Every car should be SO RELIABLE! Again I have driven it 38,000 miles in the three years since I bought it including a few 1,000+ mile road trips. It runs like a Swiss watch. I have driven every day that I have owned it except when I was getting the timing belt replaced. Never once has it failed to start and run excellent!

These ZC engines redline at 7,000 rpm. I have been there a couple of time since I bought it, it's pretty cool actually. The torque curve is flat above 3,000 rpm and you can really feel this car "push" you when you get above that engine speed.

The ZC engine can be modified "easily" with an exhaust system or even a supercharger to produce 160 horsepower. You would want to find a newer car than this to do those modifications, but it is possible. Honda/Acura has pretty much unlimited aftermarket support.

Engines from this particular car are regularly scavenged from junkyards or STOLEN and placed in to older Civic hatchbacks giving them an extra 35 horsepower over their old stock engines.

The road comfort is what you would expect from any two door economy car. There is nothing special about it. It is noisy inside at freeway speeds due to the engine and wind. It has a solid rear axle so it is only going to handle but so well in the factory configuration. That having been said, it darts to and fro on the streets.

I am 6'4 and 280 pounds so a car this small is something of an inconvenence. People rarely ride with me so even that is not such a big concern for me.

This is a great car for someone that is mechanically inclined even though this car can be difficult to work on systems because some of the spaces are cramped, but not for someone smaller than I am.

Bottom line. This is not a luxury car(duh). This is a car that is meant to get from point A to B over and over and over and over again. It suceeds superbly at doing just that. Plus you can get there doing 80 miles an hour, no sweat. I couldn't be happier with my little "Shotglass of Whoop@**!".

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st January, 2006

1986 Acura Integra RS 1.6 DOHC

Summary:

An awesome little rice rocket

Faults:

Brakes went out. They were replaced before we acquired the car, however.

Did not pass our clean air laws, all new parts on it because of our laws.

Little rust.

Seats are becoming more worn out.

General Comments:

Great car for my first. The Integra really gets up and goes for almost being as old as I am. Takes a while for it to idle down when the weather is cold however. That makes it a pain when you are late.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th February, 2002

1986 Acura Integra RS 1.6 DOHC L4

Summary:

Best bang for the buck!!! (at $1,750.00, it was a steal!)

Faults:

My front struts were the first components to go.

Then my air conditioner compressor went out. I had to get a junkyard replacement and retrofit it with R-134 refrigerant myself. It worked for a few weeks, and then I believe a relay went out. I just got rid of the air conditioner unit completely.

The clutch soon began to give in. Probably because I learned how to drive manual on it.

I began to notice oil leaking on the engine block after steam cleaning it. After a few runs at the race track, I began to burn some oil.

Rust holes and surface rust are my biggest concern. I wish I could get every panel replaced with fiberglass duplicates. But don't know if it's possible.

General Comments:

Other than what I mentioned in the previous section, the car is wonderful. I love it. I plan on (driving)/(racing) it till it can go no more.

It is indeed an impressively design vehicle. It outperforms many of its new competitors. 2000 Eclipse RSs, Civics, V6 Mustangs, you name it. Anything other than a V8 or non naturally aspirated engine, my Acura Integra can probably take or at least put up a good fight.

As far as modifications go, I have a slightly altered air box and a performance muffler.

Future plans include ZC (Japanese spec motor, 130+ HP!) swap and full custom exhaust. Weight reduction will take place shortly because I am purchasing a second car for cruising purposes. My Acura Integra will be strictly for drag racing.

For any enthusiasts of these fine automobiles, you're welcome to join the ranks of First Integration. We are on the web at www.g1teg.org.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th August, 2001

1986 Acura Integra LS 1.6

Summary:

I wish I had friends this dependable

Faults:

Rear window washer motor failed.

General Comments:

I've owned this car from day one and it's never failed to start or run reliably.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st June, 2001