This is my first post here, I am glad that I've found you! It was a pleasure reading the technical section, a lot of good info over there.
My name is Alex and I'm a Honda owner and lover from Bucharest, Romania.
I recently bought a nice '02 Accord Type R CH1 (around 100k miles on odometer), after owning a TypeR FN2 and a CL7 Accord (not the Euro-R, but the "regular" 2.0 Sport). Since there are only 2 ATRs in Romania (at least this is the official known number on local Honda forum), I'm having some hard times putting the pieces of knowledge together to make the car shine again. This is the area where your support is really helping me.
The car was well maintained, at least for the last 2 owners that I personally know and they are also big VTEC fans. The only problem I've seen from the first drive was the pressure plate (hard pedal), which failed on me eventually - right now the car is at the local Honda service, being disassembled, waiting for a new clutch kit and flywheel (since I'm paying the labor, it seemed like a good idea). Other than this, we got a pretty bad oil leak of the left side, at the timing belt, I suppose an oil pump seal or something.
The rust is not a big of a problem, the bottom of the car looks clean, but I've saw some marks under the right fenders, where the front wheel probably threw some chips. I will take care of those after this winter and also gave it a good water protection underneath. The car got some brand new Dunlop SportMaxx RT tires on OEM Wheels and EBC Turbogroove rotors and DS2500 pads.
I just drove the car for about 200 km before the pressure plate broke, but I just love it! Such a nice engine, definitely better than the K20 in the FN2. I also like the LSD and the steering feedback, not the mention the effortless way she seems to handle any curvy roads. The suspension is still OEM, changed 30.000 km ago, so in good shape I guess. Love the seats, the low driving position and the practicability of the car.
Although I drive a '14 C Class Coupe as a daily drive, I can't get my mind off her, I had a 3 months break from owning a Honda (sold the FN2 in July since I already had the Merc) and it sure felt like an eternity.
Based on your advice, I request a quote at VTEC Direct (Andy) for an OEM clutch, XTD Flywheel, MTF, clutch fluid, front engine mount (was also gone), timing belt kit and others. I think they are really busy over there, we chat a little but no final quote at the moment, Andy if you can read this, please HELP !!
Sure, I have a list of things to change or repair at the car, but these are the most important right now, to get her going. I have a thing my the cars, my FN2 was mint when I've sold it, so I want the same for this piece of Honda history also.
Long story short, nice to meet you and hope to post pictures with the car rolling soon enough, why not some track days shots.
Cheers!
PS: A photo from the last owner, now it got the OEM grille back and the OEM wheels also. I've kept the reg. plates thought, as they were perfectly chosen!
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