Jacob's Milano Red DC5R

[ChargeR]

I wouldn't panic too much about the power level it's within the normal variance for these cars and dynos, but consider looking around for issues. My DC5R made nearly the exact same power many years ago with intake and 60mm exhaust, after previously making 10kW more. I later discovered the OEM cat element had collapsed and was really restricting power.

[Beatz]

Awesome Jacob! Good to see you taking the car out to events. Next event is a track event I presume? hehe.

With regards to the dyno numbers, do not be so alarmed with what you see on the computer. Rolling dyno's will always somewhat present lower numebrs but the most important thing is you don't get fixed on tha too much. You don't really know whether dyno has been calibrated, and also what is more useful is power that you can use in the mid range around the track. Top end power doesn't seem too vital at the end of the day.

That's the goal! I really want to get into track events with this car, it's one of the reason I bought it and two years later I still haven't managed to get around to it. Thanks for the advice though, they're very good points that my friends or myself hadn't considered.

I wouldn't panic too much about the power level it's within the normal variance for these cars and dynos, but consider looking around for issues. My DC5R made nearly the exact same power many years ago with intake and 60mm exhaust, after previously making 10kW more. I later discovered the OEM cat element had collapsed and was really restricting power.

Thanks mate, now that I'm on uni break I have way more time to look into these things. I'll look over the car and see if there's anything unusual

[Norm]

Jacob, when you come over today or today, remind me about the track days coming up. I've got a few that would be great to have you on board mate!

[Beatz]

Update time!

Today after weeks of holding off I had some headers installed on the car. MASSIVE shout out to Norm on this one! I was after a header that would improve the performance of the car but would also be able to keep it legal without much messing around. After digging through the classifieds section I noticed Norm had a Mugen header with hi-flow cat and ceramic coating for sale. This looked like a perfect option because it allowed me to upgrade the header and keep the car legal, with the bonus of a well made part. Closer inspection of the headers showed the welds were great as Norm pointed out and as was confirmed when a welding mate of mine had a look at them when we were hanging out. After phoning around and seeing who could install the parts, I noticed most places were charging way too much for installation. Eventually I messaged Norm asking if he knew anywhere that wasn't going to charge throughout he roof for installation, and he offered to help with installation so I would have an idea as to how it would be done in future. Why not? Here's a few happy snaps of today's work done



Mugen headers vs the OEM system removed.



Norm working his magic



Fitted nicely!



I haven't had a chance to drive the car heaps this afternoon but it sure as hell has made an improvement when I have given it a run! Acceleration is stronger and the exhaust note sounds great! It pairs well with the Fujitsubo system on the car.

Today was a real eye opener. Most people who I have ever known to be into cars have always carried an attitude that a workshop has to do almost anything with your vehicle. But from what I saw and was told today that isn't necessarily the case. To put it out there I'm a noob when it comes to DIY work with cars. Although I've done basic things before like changing my stereo, installing tail light gaskets or just headlight bulbs (with the help of my girlfriend, damn giant hands...) I've always been reluctant to perform mechanical work on my own car with things even seem as basic as changing the oil. There may be a few bolts here and there that can get frustrating, but learning how everything works and fits together looks truly rewarding and I look forward to getting a better understanding of DIY work with my car

And again a massive thanks to Norm for helping out!

[PG_DC5]

awesome! the stock system looks so rubbish hey. DIY is the way to go man, I went from barely knowing how to change oil to fitting coilovers. Much more enjoyable to drive a car that you've wrenched yourself

[Shakeel]

Thanks Norm!

[eLtrix]

Great work! DIY gives best feeling when you are done

[M@lew]

Mr Paramedic getting it done!

Headers look awesome.

[felixR]

What a champ.

[Beatz]

Ok long time no update!

So a lot has been going on in the past couple months but here's what I've done with the car, Norm noted I had some cracked engine mounts, replaced the mounts with Hard Race mounts and what a difference it made! The car felt great after, much more planted. The guys who fitted them at Tokyo Motorsport said the mounts were torn to shit which may explain why I had some vibration in the cabin before I changed them.

I also bought a set of Volk TE37 in Bronze 17x8.5 +30 with 245/40/17 tyres from a guy down in Bunbury. He had them on his Evo VII which was previously a track car. the tyres are a little camber worn but I couldn't care less with the price I paid for them. Besides, I think 245 is a little wide because my steering felt heavy when I put them on the car, 225/45/17 will be going on these wheels soon.

picture of one of the wheels


Wheels test fitted, I left these on my car for a few weeks until I lent the wheels to my mate so he could drive his Evo while his wheels were being powerdercoated. The Rota's are currently back on my car until next week.


And the biggest update, my car is in for a respray! As we know the Milano Red curse means our beautiful red Honda's become pink after several years. So after months of saving I opted for a respray to factory colour! Here's some photos so far I'll let the pictures do the talking, all dents have been filled in and body re-sprayed, I'll be picking up the car next week from Hawchar panel and paint who are the legends working on my car

[Timmy_B]

its sooo red now.

[iVTEC_R]

Fresh red looks delicious =D

[Jayden95]

Wowow that looks so fresh!

[IbbyDC2R]

Looks good with the respray, I Want to respray my red dc2 aswell but Dono who to trust to do it lol

[Beatz]

This morning at work I got a call from Emad at Hawchar Panel & Paint to say the car is done and trust me, 4 O'clock could not come any slower! But it's finally done and I am absolutely stoked with the outcome! It's like a new car! I can proudly say it's a Milano Red DC5R again





The photos don't do it much justice and I wish I had a better camera to show it better but it really does look great Huge thanks to Hawchar Panel & Paint again I would recommend these guys to anyone in Perth looking for any body and paint work done! Next up: I've booked my car in this saturday to get some RE003's fitted to my TE37's which are currently in the garage. I've been an advocate of the RE002 and it'll be great to feel the difference. Freakygeeks review praised them well so let's see how it is!