Project Ricer Flyby. Options

[spyonu2007]

1.8 liters of unadulterated torqueless rice.



Should be a radical change from my other cars. Always liked how these were literally weightless from the get go, and make decent power.. This one sports the venerable B18C1 engine... 180hp of high revving fury. Those "smart cars" better watch out!

and 302 powered rx-7's

[spyonu2007]

Well, with the absolutely beautiful weather I was out to put some seat time in the new to me integra. Been fixing issues as they present themselves. Bled the brakes, fixed a cv boot. Replaced an exhaust gasket, new valve cover gasket, plugs etc.

I forgot how funny torque steer was to encounter, and even more so with an engine that really doesnt make much in that department.

The cruise started off as most do.. Slow, effortless.. Windows down, 62 degrees, and dry roads.
This was the first time to really throw this car into some twisties without concern for road conditions.

The new rims and tires bite in better than the steelies, and though I prefer an RWD set up over fwd, this little pocket rocket does make it an entertaining drive. Running down through one of the promenant winding roadways here in Central Illinois I came up on the backside of a silver porsche boxer. It was clear that he was out for the same purpose.

I swept up behind from a decent straightaway. The road was to ver hard to the right and into a slightly tighter left.., and then another straight.. He saw me running him down in the straight and I heard him downwshift coming into the corner.

Cinders are a bitch. FWD, RWD, AWD... That shit may work wonders on snow, but makes for some slippery conditions, I anticipated it, living in this area for nearly 40 years, I suppose thats a lesson learned some time ago.. The porsche owner got a little loose but managed to keep it all on the road.

I dropped back a hair... then thought..**** it. On the track I dont tend to push or bully folks, but with things they are these days, I might as well see what the little teg has on the edge.

So, slapping the well sorted GSR transmission down into second, I let the R's climb and the distance between me an the boxer was again way too close for his comfort... Another straightaway... The porsche owner extended me a one finger salute and sprinted away a few car lengths.. **** man.. Thats the stuff I miss about being in the TA, or the EVO.. Especially the EVO.. Pulling away from me in a straightaway? IT takes more car than this pompus porsche owner's ride to do that...

Then again, it pushed me to push harder into the next turn.. I waited to brake... The porsche owner was slowing for the next right hander, and I stayed on the gas... Then it became apparent... This GSR may be a gutless wonder hp/torque wise, but its brakes are phenominal. Coupled with the chassis feather weight lightness, I would dare to compare its ability to stop on par with my evo on the stock pads and rotors... Not too shabby really..

Being right back in the backside of the boxer and applying ample throttle all the way through the corner, yet still not enough to ignite the inside tire.. ( a commonality on the old GST I used to flog daily)... However, what lack luster power the GSR is making, it is putting ALL OF IT down, with limited drama.. This time, I let the rpms climb all the way up to 8600 before shifting back to third..

Perhaps the Boxter pilot's nerve was lost, or maybe this car makes way more power shifting at 8k plus vs the 6000 I was shifting, either way, the porsche wasnt pulling away as before....

Coming near the half way point of the current straight, the boxer started tapping his brakes.. Looking ahead, my worst fears are realized....

There in the road... Bambi... The boxter swings into the oncoming traffic lane, I stand on the brakes. The deer looks right at me. Takes two steps and leaps out of the way, right as I coming shreiking by... WOO HOOO.. Close one, Hate to see what a deer would do to the front end of this car, but there was no time to wait.. The boxer was getting away, and that just wouldnt do...

Slapping the fun pedal home, and just nicking the revlimiter, the chase was on.. Like the last series of turns, the Porsche commuters nerve wasnt in it for the upcoming curve, and there I was...

We both pulled off to deflate and get aquainted.
He is a local business owner, and the car is a 2006 Boxter. This is a non S modle, making something around 230-240hp (his claim). He was really jacked up after the deer, rightfully so. My own adrenale glands were finally off line and hunger set in.

We chatted for a while, he seemed semi interested in the integra, and what had been done to it. Probably trying to come to terms on how a lesser car hung with him in the twisties.. I popped the hood and showed off some of the goodies. Not that there is really anything to see.. Perhaps that was my point.. To drive home that there was no power adder... just a little itty bitty 4 banger in a light ass car, with better than average suspension.

I use the hear some other road race fans speak of a momentum car.
I think during this little excursion, I finally figured out what that is... Late breaking, level headed throtttle application through the turns and just keeping that whole speed thing building.

This year is going to be fun.