Brief Review, Integra A Spec
- Mike Frassetti
- Apr 24
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 25
I wasn't expecting to write something so soon, yet today my sister got a Loaner car as she's getting maintenance done, and here we are as I took it for a spin to get Coffee and pick up lunch
Now again, this is a loaner, very nicely optioned, but its got a CVT, which wasn't as horrible as I thought it'd be. It definitely took a minute to orient myself with her, but while there are some nitpicks I had, overall she was a nice ride.
If you told me it was an automatic and I wasn't paying attention, I'd believe you; I'm used to my friends Altima Coupe that droned, this wasn't so bad around town and on Rt18. That said, I kept her in sport mode and shifted into sport, so she hustled.
Of course, while she handled better than Ashley there, I feel the open diff negated some of the handling prowess, and also contributed to more Torque Steer when I accelerated. Of course comparing an A Spec with it's 200hp 1.5l to the Type S with an extra half a liter and 120 more HP isn't a fair comparo, but with the LSD it felt tighter for sure. If you're not tossing this around turns, doesn't matter, but I wanted to tackle the bit of twisties and felt a LSD would have helped it out more. For the CVT, I feel a Rear Sway Bar would help out, with a manual & LSD, it'd still help, but feel it'd be more managed. (https://axionperformanceparts.com/collections/suspension/products/eibach-25mm-rear-sway-bar-brace-kit-16-22-civic-23-integra)
Other nitpicks would be the brakes; I need to upgrade them! I felt the same way with the Type S, which I feel is either an oversight or intentional with the intent of helping the aftermarket out. Maybe Ashley's extra 2000 lbs with her upgraded pads and rotors contribute to "quicker" (feeling) stopping, but I feel the brakes would be among the first things I upgrade. Could also be the tires, but definitely gotta address the brakes, especially considering the options for available for this. (See below)
Last nitpick is she needs tint, as I like the suede, but feel it'd get hot inside, and the lack of ventilated seats (which makes no sense in this day and age) would mean it takes longer to cool. It's the least of all my concerns, still feel this car over all is solid. Again, nitpicks aside, liked this little car, I just personally would get a manual considering how little there are out there when as I said, decade or two ago, this would be in a very competitive field.
Revising this today (4/25/25), my order of Priority personally would be Brakes:
https://axionperformanceparts.com/collections/brakes-suspension-48/products/axion-industries-fastbrakes-11-6-2-piece-wilwood-4-pot-street-drag-front-brake-kit (Could be overkill, but also sheds weight)
And while they're getting worked on, toss these in as well:
Then address cooling, as its a reported weaklink;
https://axionperformanceparts.com/collections/acura-integra-5th-gen-2023/products/ptp-honda-civic-type-r-black-lava-turbo-blanke (Not as necessary, but hey, kill off heat)
And of course, Tint. After that, I'd take a wait and see approach to what else needs to be done, although it leads to the whole "If you're gonna spend so much between parts and labor, why not just step up to the Type S", especially when you look at the mods and potential
Although they do have a 300whp build kit for $3500
https://store.27won.com/2022-1-5t-civic-and-integra-300whp-package.html, which done right gets you near the Type S for less, although again, labor and clutch work.
In my opinion, if you dont plan on extensive mods, A Spec would be fine, but if you're power hungry and can afford it, go for the Type S, although thats also extra $$$ for the monthly. My original thoughts would be you get this, pay it off quicker, mod it here and there and slowly build a little sleeper, but who knows. Again, its what your priorities are at the end of the day, as from my understanding, the L15 in the A Spec is an fuel efficient motor with some tuning potential, whereas the K20 in Type S is renowned for its power potential. (Although I don't know its current limits as of this moment, haven't checked)
For the price, the Toyobaru is cheaper, rwd, 2-300lbs lighter and more powerful, although its a coupe. Reviewers mentioned that with the manual, this is a FWD 4dr Toyobaru in terms of handling. If you need AWD, WRX, although the manuals weak and you'll need to get a STI Drivetain swap for it if you plan to do mods. The STI swap will cost you $11-12k all and all, half if you can DIY. Not too familiar with the Elentra N, and GLI doesn't have the same aura imo, even if its a beefier engine in comparison. Only other option would be the Civic Si, which while not exactly bare bones, is more straight forward and plain in comparison, although $7-8k cheaper.
All and all, solid car, just again, if you just wanna do a tune and few bolt ons, its fine, but if you wanna go all out, better to spend a little extra for the Type S, unless you're efficiency first and then fun.
Just my 2 cents, also confirmed what I mentioned previously as well, the CT4 would be more fun with less weight and rwd, as all this was missing was a manual. That said, if I needed a new sedan, this is honestly top of the list as again, WRX is a couple of bolt ons and tunes from the 6spd grenading on you, VW is too haptic with its screens, not too familiar with Hyundai, but a friend of mine had a K5 and it needed new pads and rotors at 25k miles when she barely does 65 on the highway and the car only got pushed if I drove it. Civic Si would be a contender, but you can see where the extra $7k goes in this car, especially with the heads up display, which I thought was a nice touch.
Thanks for taking a look, and have a great day now!
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