2024 Acura Integra Type S Observations

[Azkyrie]

Yeah, I 1000% agree. I think the REAL issue is exactly that! We all expected the ITS to be more than what it is. There’s definitely nothing wrong with the ITS, it’s just not quite what we all were hoping for (a coupe). As such, it’s not differentiated enough from the CTR…so here we are with the toilet swirling with pointless bickering about “specialness.”

For me personally I hoped ITS wouldn’t be a coupe and glad it isn’t. I have three children and the ginormous rear space is very welcome (I owned a 2000 Integra). Acura is a luxury branch of Honda so any hopes of a completely designed and differentiated Integra wouldn’t have happened as the R&D money for development likely isn’t there.

The experience is nearly identical to CTR with more comfort and exhaust pops/bangs. It suits someone like me in late 30’s with a family. If it were an all out sport coupe I wouldn’t have purchased.

Thanks so much for the answer. I guess I have to ask. Which did you end up with?

The driving experience is what means the most to me in the end. Is the biting point different between the two cars?

Naturally superb steering with excellent body control. ITS is tuned with more focus on mid-range power and responsiveness. Other than that it’s the same amazing experience you’d get in a CTR both in power and cornering performance.

If you like the styling like I do but want the civic performance then you would enjoy this car. There’s extra sound dampening and the ride isn’t as harsh along with an exhaust that hits the right notes with the pops. It’s a daily driver street car but can also be tracked if you wish.

Biting point is on the higher side and clutch+gearbox remain top notch as it is in the type R.

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[RUNN1N]

Thanks so much for the answer. I guess I have to ask. Which did you end up with?

The driving experience is what means the most to me in the end. Is the biting point different between the two cars?

I traded the Type-S (Black/Black) for my Type-R (Championship White) after about 2 months of ownership--I bought the Type-S largely because Type-R's were so tough to come by, and it was a big surprise when the Honda dealership near me called saying my name had been pulled for a Championship White Type-R on their showroom floor. I was really fortunate to get both at MSRP, and the Honda dealership was willing to negotiate with me on my trade because a manager wanted the Type-S. Once everything was settled, I got the Type-R with the equivalent of a ~$1,800 markup, and I figure it was a very small price to pay for the joy of getting to own a Type-S for a couple months followed by the Type-R in my favorite color option.

These cars are more similar than people realize, and the driving experience is going to be largely the same. I'm not an expert, but I believe the clutch bites at the same spot for both. The seating is the biggest difference. I don't mind bucket seats, even for daily driving purposes, but they're not comfortable for everyone.

These cars are made by the same company, but in very different factories. I had one of the first 500 Type-S' and mine had great panel alignment, but was plagued with some rattles and buzzes that the Acura dealership could never sort out. I passed on a couple white Type-S' because the paint was mismatched between the plastic and metal panels. Maybe I'm overly picky, but strictly comparing the Type-S I traded and the Type-R I bought, I felt my Type-R was the more quality product. Plenty of people around here have rattles and buzzes in their Type-R's. YMMV.

 

[Blade]

@RUNN1N and @Azkyrie

It means a lot you guys taking the effort to write a response. It’s helping a lot. I was certain I wanted the Type R. Then it was the Type S. But you guys are right I really do need to see both in person and try them out. It’s a bit more difficult to try to pull that off. But I will probably make the hour and a half drive to check out an ITS sitting in the showroom.

Something keeps pulling me towards the Type R. But I really cannot see the downside to the Type S especially for the$5k difference and better warranty which I didn’t even consider before you advised of that.

I traded the Type-S (Black/Black) for my Type-R (Championship White) after about 2 months of ownership--I bought the Type-S largely because Type-R's were so tough to come by, and it was a big surprise when the Honda dealership near me called saying my name had been pulled for a Championship White Type-R on their showroom floor. I was really fortunate to get both at MSRP, and the Honda dealership was willing to negotiate with me on my trade because a manager wanted the Type-S. Once everything was settled, I got the Type-R with the equivalent of a ~$1,800 markup, and I figure it was a very small price to pay for the joy of getting to own a Type-S for a couple months followed by the Type-R in my favorite color option.

These cars are more similar than people realize, and the driving experience is going to be largely the same. I'm not an expert, but I believe the clutch bites at the same spot for both. The seating is the biggest difference. I don't mind bucket seats, even for daily driving purposes, but they're not comfortable for everyone.

These cars are made by the same company, but in very different factories. I had one of the first 500 Type-S' and mine had great panel alignment, but was plagued with some rattles and buzzes that the Acura dealership could never sort out. I passed on a couple white Type-S' because the paint was mismatched between the plastic and metal panels. Maybe I'm overly picky, but strictly comparing the Type-S I traded and the Type-R I bought, I felt my Type-R was the more quality product. Plenty of people around here have rattles and buzzes in their Type-R's. YMMV.

 

[Integra23]

@RUNN1N and @Azkyrie

It means a lot you guys taking the effort to write a response. It’s helping a lot. I was certain I wanted the Type R. Then it was the Type S. But you guys are right I really do need to see both in person and try them out. It’s a bit more difficult to try to pull that off. But I will probably make the hour and a half drive to check out an ITS sitting in the showroom.

Something keeps pulling me towards the Type R. But I really cannot see the downside to the Type S especially for the$5k difference and better warranty which I didn’t even consider before you advised of that.

I'm biased.. but there are a bunch of civics running around and only someone in the know would realize how unique the Type R is. Everyone else assumes it's a normal civic that some kid threw a spoiler on. The Acura in my area is pretty rare. I have seen a total of 3 Aspec's in the last year and not another Type S. As for Type R's I have seen two and the Boost Blue was my favorite. As for standard civics I see 2 or 3 a day sometimes more.

 

[WillyK]

I test drove the ITS a couple of times and was pretty much settled on getting that. Then in July I happened upon a CTR with only a $5k markup and jumped on it. Every time I'd checked on one prior to this they'd been at least $10k over.

What swayed me to the CTR is the primarily the seats and I also didn't like the tacked on pieces on the rear doors of the ITS. In white it was very obvious they're just stuck on, in black they probably look better.

Both cars are excellent. So far I've seen one ITS on the road in my area and zero CTRs other than my own.

 

[TW00Si]

I test drove the ITS a couple of times and was pretty much settled on getting that. Then in July I happened upon a CTR with only a $5k markup and jumped on it. Every time I'd checked on one prior to this they'd been at least $10k over.

What swayed me to the CTR is the primarily the seats and I also didn't like the tacked on pieces on the rear doors of the ITS. In white it was very obvious they're just stuck on, in black they probably look better.

Both cars are excellent. So far I've seen one ITS on the road in my area and zero CTRs other than my own.

The tacked on parts is one of the reasons someone might not have liked the FK8. Overdone with tacked on pieces. That’s how I see the ITS. The FL5 incorporated the wide fenders.

Both are good cars. Sit in both, pick the color you like and go with it.

 

[Azkyrie]

@RUNN1N and @Azkyrie

It means a lot you guys taking the effort to write a response. It’s helping a lot. I was certain I wanted the Type R. Then it was the Type S. But you guys are right I really do need to see both in person and try them out. It’s a bit more difficult to try to pull that off. But I will probably make the hour and a half drive to check out an ITS sitting in the showroom.

Something keeps pulling me towards the Type R. But I really cannot see the downside to the Type S especially for the$5k difference and better warranty which I didn’t even consider before you advised of that.

Civic Type R and Integra Type S are basically twin cousins. I think they both look great. I was always going to get an Integra regardless if it’s an R or an S.

Comes down to your personal preference and the price out the door you can get one of these for. They’re both extremely fun to drive. If the only determinant is 0-60 and 1/4mile times then one is looking at the wrong manufacturer. There are cars with 500-700+ hp out there but how much of it will be useable on the street daily driving?

The feel and experience are where it’s at. CTR/ITS won’t disappoint. Try to get a test drive and you’ll know without anyone convincing you

 

[Sporky McGeuschky]

I didn't want to muddy up @savagegeese 's thread with thoughts from my personal, although limited, interaction with the DE5 Integra Type S so thought it best to start a new one...

... The car also had about $8,000 in dealership add-ons some of which included the following Genuine Acura Accessories:

• Titanium Shift Knob ($200)

Gallery (added on June 29)

Gloss black console trim

Titanium Shift Knob ($200). Not clear if this knob scratches easily but there is a very noticeable scratch on the left.

Hi Clark.

Wow, this shift knob "Upgrade" looks like a downgrade to me.
Just stock FL5 knob... but somehow uglier.

I am (supposed to be) an adult and would like a shift knob that looks the part.

I came here looking for the stock Integra Type S shift knob... the dark brushed aluminum one with red shift pattern and black leather wrap.
The OEM DE5 Type S version is the "Grown Up" looking shift knob to me, and the one that I would like to buy for my FL5.

The parts shop at my local San Antonio Acura dealer doesn't even know how to find it, and I'm new to this whole JDM and USDM thing.

Anyone here who can point me in the right direction?

Thanks.

Edit:
So I found a site called DC5RParts.com . Website looks kinda legit...ish.
Has the DE5 OEM shift knob "Brand New" for $279.54, on sale now (27 February 2025) for $249.99.

Anyone ever shopped here and vetted the site?

 

[Clark_Kent]

Hi Clark.

Wow, this shift knob "Upgrade" looks like a downgrade to me.
Just stock FL5 knob... but somehow uglier.

I am (supposed to be) an adult and would like a shift knob that looks the part.

I came here looking for the stock Integra Type S shift knob... the dark brushed aluminum one with red shift pattern and black leather wrap.
The OEM DE5 Type S version is the "Grown Up" looking shift knob to me, and the one that I would like to buy for my FL5.

The parts shop at my local San Antonio Acura dealer doesn't even know how to find it, and I'm new to this whole JDM and USDM thing.

Anyone here who can point me in the right direction?

Thanks.

Edit:
So I found a site called DC5RParts.com . Website looks kinda legit...ish.
Has the DE5 OEM shift knob "Brand New" for $279.54, on sale now (27 February 2025) for $249.99.

Anyone ever shopped here and vetted the site?

Check the Honda Dreamshop website. You can look up part numbers for parts or accessories.

https://dreamshop.honda.com/s/

 

[Sporky McGeuschky]

Check the Honda Dreamshop website. You can look up part numbers for parts or accessories.

https://dreamshop.honda.com/s/

Hi, thanks.
Yeah I have been to the Dreamshop and combed the diagrams looking for anything resembling the OEM DE5 Type S shift knob and no luck. The shift diagram shows everything BUT a shift knob(!!!), which is probably why the local dealer couldn't find it either.
Anyone know the part number?

 

[ABPDE5]

Hi, thanks.
Yeah I have been to the Dreamshop and combed the diagrams looking for anything resembling the OEM DE5 Type S shift knob and no luck. The shift diagram shows everything BUT a shift knob(!!!), which is probably why the local dealer couldn't find it either.
Anyone know the part number?

Here you go... not sure which one has red stitching and which one has grey.

 

[Sporky McGeuschky]

Here you go... not sure which one has red stitching and which one has grey.

Hey, thanks, ABPDE5 !!! I didn't know they had one with grey stitching, thought it wa just red. I'll write down these part numbers.

 

[Sporky McGeuschky]

Thanks again everyone in this thread.

I read the "About Us" page and it looks like DC5RParts is run by an RSX enthusiast.

So I went out on a limb and ordered from dc5rparts.com .
The deal was too good to pass.
Hope I don't get jipped off. We will have to see.

Bought an overpriced T-shirt and still paid way less than MSRP for the Type S shift knob and the T-shirt combined!
I never did look up those part numbers, so I still don't know which has Grey stitching and which has Red. Looks from the order form that Type V is Red.
(If and) When I receive the order, I will report back here.

This was my first screenshot ever on PC. How'd I do?
Below is my first attempt at posting a web link...

http://dc5rparts.com/

Cheers.

 

[ABPDE5]

Thanks again everyone in this thread.

I read the "About Us" page and it looks like DC5RParts is run by an RSX enthusiast.

So I went out on a limb and ordered from dc5rparts.com .
The deal was too good to pass.
Hope I don't get jipped off. We will have to see.

Bought an overpriced T-shirt and still paid way less than MSRP for the Type S shift knob and the T-shirt combined!
I never did look up those part numbers, so I still don't know which has Grey stitching and which has Red. Looks from the order form that Type V is Red.
(If and) When I receive the order, I will report back here.

This was my first screenshot ever on PC. How'd I do?
Below is my first attempt at posting a web link...

http://dc5rparts.com/

Cheers.

Please post back on which is which!

Cheers on the knob! It should look perfect with the CTR interior (and if you ever decide you want some perforated leather on your steering wheel, you can do the same thing... I'd check listings on IntegraForums first, though, as some upgraded to the alcantara wheel right away and have a leather one to sell for cheap).

 

[shimin-gata R]

For anyone cross shopping the ITS and CTR, I’ve owned both. Traded the ITS in on a ‘25 CTR last Saturday.

I originally had a deposit on a ‘24 CTR @ MSRP at Crown Honda in Holland MI. After over a year of waiting for even a notification from Honda when the dealer would get their first allocation I caved and found an ITS @ MSRP in Chicago. I was stoked because up till then the dealer was getting 7K over MSRP on every one they sold.

Well after the first wash & detail I was disappointed with the build quality. Main issue were inconsistent clear coat and multiple misaligned body panels. I filed a formal complaint at Acura. Then one day lost power steering pulling into my driveway (luckily it was there). Towed to closest dealer 1.5 hours away. Cause by a loose ground wire. Luckily the steering recall came out while the car was there. They “attempted” to fix the misaligned door and said all the other misaligned panels were “within spec” because the other Integras on their lot had the same issues. The also said they could “try” and wet sand the rough clear coat but I said “no thanks” as it was obviously already thin.

One of the reasons I buy a Honda product is the build quality so I was pissed and couldn’t keep it and truly enjoy it. After 3 attempts to trade it in on a CTR I was successful to get a MSRP car in the color I wanted and a decent trade in value. The CTR build quality is significantly better than the ITS. Champ white is the classic choice but everyone buys that and I don’t want to be one of the crowd.

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