ForeverCar’s ITS Journal

[Integra23]

The wise path is definitely leaving the ITS alone! Every time, I tell myself that maybe I have learned enough to not screw it up this time and I inevitably screw it up again.

Compared to the S2000 parts these days, building a K20C8 is a total bargain and that is how I am rationalizing it to myself.

Totally agree that a turbocharged engine is always going to have a different character. The 720S revs pretty high but it does not deliver the same sensation as the naturally aspirated Ferrari V8 in the 458 or the V12s in the F12 & 812. Modern McLarens, in particular, have really strong top end though. For example, the 720S pulls surprisingly hard in 4th gear.

A built K24 in another car is something that I am very interested in building. My current top choice might be to buy a new BRZ or GR86, strip the new stuff that I will not need and sell them to help reduce the cost. A K24 with 10,000 rpm redline in a sorted GR86 chassis weighing 2500 lbs with all fluids including a full 20 gallon tank would be amazing.

@optronix If you haven’t seen this MotoIQ video, it’s worth a watch.

They come with a 20 gallon fuel tank??? FML

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[ForeverCar]

They come with a 20 gallon fuel tank??? FML

Nah. If I do a full K24 swap, a larger fuel tank is a “might as well” item that I find adds significantly to the enjoyment. Especially if one is using high rpm, having to stop for gas every 80 miles or so is less fun.

 

[ForeverCar]

this reminds me of the 718 GT4 folks swapping for a shorter ratio gearbox. i had a GT4 for a while and yeah .. the gears are long ... but i also don't have a fitbit counting how many shifts I make and encouraging me to "increase your activity" .. lol .. would the shorter ratio box be apprecaited? sure? but at the cost? definitely not to me. raising revs by a few percent, adding a few HP/TQ may be noticeable but proably wouldn't change my whole experience (especially because i don't usually keep cars more than a year or so ... )

i can certainly see why some folks would embark on such journeys .. passion (very specific passion), boredom, engineering interest. doesn't seem practical to me. for me, even doing a simple tune isn't worth the effort and annoyances to me so i'm very much on the other side of the spectrum.

at the end of the day though - it's great that there are so many different ways to enjoy cars and even if something isn't my style (slammed cars on airbags, 20" wheels with no sidewall and insane camber [-15*? lol]) ... i have no issues with it whatsoever!

one thing i'm interested in doing is putting CTR seats in my ITS. Then putting seat covers on them (kidding, maybe). Most people would probably think it's dumb.

When I had my 718 GT4, I considered tightening up the gear ratio spread of the transmission as well. The car is fantastic and I choose to enjoy it for what it is versus focusing on what it isn’t.

I am likely in the minority here however as I call BS on people claiming that the factory auto rev matching works perfectly after tightening the gear ratio spread. Thinking about this critically, it’s highly unlikely that Porsche implemented a way to sense actual ratios or an adaptive algorithm. It is way more likely that the auto rev matching now gives it a higher rpm (for the stock bigger spread) and the relatively minor overshoot is not noticed (nor a big deal). I almost bought a transmission with tighter ratios just so I can publish a video to help the truth get out there!

The ITS seats could be improved and I do think about what might be a good way to go.

 

[ForeverCar]

Totally, good reference with the GT4 gearing. It's fine. Could it be better, sure- but it's fine lol.

I guess if you've got eff you money and doing the DeMan 4.5L anyway I guess why not do the gears too, right? But then you're up in GT4RS territory with overall spend. I guess it still makes sense because it's a manual but that is a LOT of scratch. Matt Farah seems happy with his Spyder and I enjoy watching his videos on it but we're not all Matt Farah.

As for the seats, I have admittedly begun looking at seat options. I don't mind the OEM seats, but that's a good example of something that could be better and isn't ultra cost- or effort-prohibitive to replace. I'm considering aftermarket though, I just can't get with the red in the CTR and not a fan of putting covers over them either. These Bride options have caught my interest as a sort of OEM+ (they even have optional built-in heating elements), but other than finding them on a website I've done no further research. Way down on the list of priorities at the moment but I have given them a thought:

https://www.evasivemotorsports.com/store/product/bride-euroster-ii-gradation/

I do like how much shifting happens naturally with the S2000 and I think tighter gear ratio spread would improve the 718 GT4 engagement. I prefer changes that have more engineering considerations though as the claim of “stock auto rev match works perfectly even with the change ratios” is something I find disappointing.

I am a fan of Recaro seats and there are some that might work well in the ITS too. I have been taking the ITS out for long fun drives and my back gets a tad unhappy. Sure, seats would help but it’s probably even more productive for me to fix the root cause of my back discomfort.

 

[optronix]

I do like how much shifting happens naturally with the S2000 and I think tighter gear ratio spread would improve the 718 GT4 engagement. I prefer changes that have more engineering considerations though as the claim of “stock auto rev match works perfectly even with the change ratios” is something I find disappointing.

I am a fan of Recaro seats and there are some that might work well in the ITS too. I have been taking the ITS out for long fun drives and my back gets a tad unhappy. Sure, seats would help but it’s probably even more productive for me to fix the root cause of my back discomfort.

Yeah, every body is different, but I find the seats fantastic from a comfort perspective. I had a bout of sciatica a little over a decade ago, and ANY seat would have been immensely uncomfortable while I was going through that. I could barely make it to my 20 minute drive to work for a few weeks... it SUCKED.

Physical therapy worked exceptionally well for me, but I was indeed a lot younger then... ironically going through a back issue today! Actually kept me from considering a drive as it was in the 50s today... but I know exactly what I did to my back this time and how to "repair" it. It's only temporary.

That said, I still think a good set of Bride or Recaros would be a worthy investment in this car.

 

[ForeverCar]

I am considering these Recaro seats.
https://www.recaro-automotive.com/us/dynamic/recaro-cross-sportster-cs

There are no airbags in the ITS seats, right?

 

[optronix]

I am considering these Recaro seats.
https://www.recaro-automotive.com/us/dynamic/recaro-cross-sportster-cs

There are no airbags in the ITS seats, right?

Those look great too.

 

[ForeverCar]

Those look great too.

@optronix Have you looked into what seat rails keep the seating position as close to stock as possible (assuming that’s your goal)?

 

[optronix]

@optronix Have you looked into what seat rails keep the seating position as close to stock as possible (assuming that’s your goal)?

I have not done any sort of research or critical thinking beyond finding them online .

So I too would be curious what all is needed to "make it work" with these seats in this car. I do think I want them to be heated too... I felt like that would be the complicated part but to your point retaining a close to OEM seating position is definitely more important than heated seats.

 

[ForeverCar]

I have not done any sort of research or critical thinking beyond finding them online .

So I too would be curious what all is needed to "make it work" with these seats in this car. I do think I want them to be heated too... I felt like that would be the complicated part but to your point retaining a close to OEM seating position is definitely more important than heated seats.

I imagine it is likely a simple connector for the seat heater. Even if it is different, switching to a compatible one on the seat, hopefully, would not be too difficult.

Seat rails wise, I suppose one can always remove the stock seats and do some measurements. I am not quite motivated to do that yet. However, it would also be a good time to weigh the stock seats. Ideally, Bride or Recaro seats will help reduce total mass when all said and done.

I think 3000 lbs with a full tank of fuel without driver and no compromises on safety and comfort would be pretty cool. Of course, preserving the dynamic balance is critical as well.

I am enjoying the ITS very much and I am close to 2000 miles already. The more I get to play with the car, the more I find it impressive! I likely cannot help but mess with it though and likely make it less awesome in the process.

 

[fatherpain]

Appreciate the page @ForeverCar and humbled I still register on the radar gun. Found time today to catchup on all the posts in this amazing thread. Glad to see the Acura ITS found a place in your stable and it's being put thru the paces and enjoyed

When the ITS was announced was disappointed it was based off the Civic chassis with the similar Type R engine. Had hoped it would be more of a throwback to the Integra 2-door coupes of the 90's... So it's heartening to hear it sounds like Acura got it right.

Looking forward to reading more of your insights on the ITS and your other amazing cars. As I've conveyed previously, living my best car life vicariously through you, good sir!

Paging @fatherpain as I figured he might be on here. I could not stay away and am back in a DE5. I have not kept up with your build progress and hope all is well.

 

[StingertimeNC]

There's a company that makes brackets for aftermarket seats, "Planted Technology" out in Kirkland, WA. So far they have not measured a FL5 or a DE5. I had somone agree to take their ITS in to them for measurements, but they never connected, and then that person sold their ITS.

I have "Braum Falcon S" seats that are great at the track, that I would love to put in for track days, but I either need someone to fabricate a bracket, or wait for Planted Tech to do it.

My seats where fixed buckets and I simply bolted them to the bracket and dropped them right in.

Wearing harnesses and hans device at the track was great, although some would say potentially hazardous if you do not have a roll cage. Kind of risky on a bad roll over accident. Some track organizers will not allow it. That being said, if you can find something that's better than the ITS seat, (which is not terrible at the track) that still allows you to use stock seatbelts, that would be cool.

We just need the brackets!!

Edit-Planted Tech makes 10th gen Civic brackets, so is the FK8 the same mounting location as the normal 2017 Civic? Then do the FK8 and the FL5 have the same mounting footprint? If so, maybe the DE5 has the same footprint as the FL5.

 

[ForeverCar]

Appreciate the page @ForeverCar and humbled I still register on the radar gun. Found time today to catchup on all the posts in this amazing thread. Glad to see the Acura ITS found a place in your stable and it's being put thru the paces and enjoyed

When the ITS was announced was disappointed it was based off the Civic chassis with the similar Type R engine. Had hoped it would be more of a throwback to the Integra 2-door coupes of the 90's... So it's heartening to hear it sounds like Acura got it right.

Looking forward to reading more of your insights on the ITS and your other amazing cars. As I've conveyed previously, living my best car life vicariously through you, good sir!

Good to reconnect, @fatherpain. I also got a chance to catch up with your build journey. Best of luck with your upcoming promotion!

These days, corporate directions and regulations seem to make small 2-door coupes practically impossible to build new. Other than the Miata (if we squint and pretend the RF to be a coupe), there really isn't much out there. I am really glad that GR86 and BRZ are being build though. They are as close as it gets. I am an engine person at heart so the GR86/BRZ is missing something for me. I do dream of a K24 swapped though. Unfortunately, to pull off an OEM like swap, I think it will be quite costly.

Other than the size (and accompanying mass), the ITS is truly amazing. The size has its advantages as well.

I plan on sharing various car related fun here as well.

 

[ForeverCar]

There's a company that makes brackets for aftermarket seats, "Planted Technology" out in Kirkland, WA. So far they have not measured a FL5 or a DE5. I had somone agree to take their ITS in to them for measurements, but they never connected, and then that person sold their ITS.

I have "Braum Falcon S" seats that are great at the track, that I would love to put in for track days, but I either need someone to fabricate a bracket, or wait for Planted Tech to do it.

My seats where fixed buckets and I simply bolted them to the bracket and dropped them right in.

Wearing harnesses and hans device at the track was great, although some would say potentially hazardous if you do not have a roll cage. Kind of risky on a bad roll over accident. Some track organizers will not allow it. That being said, if you can find something that's better than the ITS seat, (which is not terrible at the track) that still allows you to use stock seatbelts, that would be cool.

We just need the brackets!!

Edit-Planted Tech makes 10th gen Civic brackets, so is the FK8 the same mounting location as the normal 2017 Civic? Then do the FK8 and the FL5 have the same mounting footprint? If so, maybe the DE5 has the same footprint as the FL5.

Interesting! I did not know about Planted Technology. They are probably pretty close for me to stop by if we can figure out schedules.

Safety at the track is tricky for sure. Currently, my thoughts are factory race car if one wants to put safety as the top priority. For a street car, unless one has access of an experience race car builder, factory seat belts, helmet, and hybrid HANS are pretty decent. Of course, full driving gear is helpful too. Then figuring out fire suppression, on and on it goes...

 

[StingertimeNC]

Interesting! I did not know about Planted Technology. They are probably pretty close for me to stop by if we can figure out schedules.

Safety at the track is tricky for sure. Currently, my thoughts are factory race car if one wants to put safety as the top priority. For a street car, unless one has access of an experience race car builder, factory seat belts, helmet, and hybrid HANS are pretty decent. Of course, full driving gear is helpful too. Then figuring out fire suppression, on and on it goes...

Send me a DM with your email and I can make an intro with the guy at planted tech. That would be awesome if we can get that done for all of us enthusiasts. The sky would be the limit for bolt in aftermarket seats!!

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