Seriously considering a ISF

[RichGS11]

1 hour ago, Rob RCF said:

Possibly unpopular opinion, but to me the Honda VTEC engines have more character and sound better than the 2UR-GSE. The V8 is different, more linear and refined feeling, way more torque all through the rev range obviously.

In terms of pure fun I think the Type-Rs are better honestly, it's hard to argue with VTEC and a manual transmission. Thinking back to my Accord R with the 2.2 VTEC that was a fun car to spank around, even compared to my RCF.

Horses for courses I guess as coming from a B16a2 EK Civic (stripped, caged, poly windows, etc) and a 2.2 Prelude, they were fun engines and cars but nothing on the Lexus. I think being FWD people are more comfortable to push them, plus being manual they were more engaging to the right driver, which I think gives that feeling of being fun, but with the right modifications and conditions the ISF is very capable and I enjoy her far more. She could do with a few pounds shaving off though which has been my goal since owning one.

I used the be an avid Honda nut. Stripped down and rebuilt so many B engines. They will and should go down in history as the best engines of their size, in their time nothing else came close especially from Europe and NA.

[BTCC_ Racer]

48 minutes ago, Rob RCF said:

Possibly unpopular opinion, but to me the Honda VTEC engines have more character and sound better than the 2UR-GSE. The V8 is different, more linear and refined feeling, way more torque all through the rev range obviously.

In terms of pure fun I think the Type-Rs are better honestly, it's hard to argue with VTEC and a manual transmission. Thinking back to my Accord R with the 2.2 VTEC that was a fun car to spank around, even compared to my RCF.

I asked for that lol. Honda are great the type 2.2 was a all round great package shame the later Euro R didnt make it in the UK.

[BTCC_ Racer]

27 minutes ago, RichGS11 said:

Horses for courses I guess as coming from a B16a2 EK Civic (stripped, caged, poly windows, etc) and a 2.2 Prelude, they were fun engines and cars but nothing on the Lexus. I think being FWD people are more comfortable to push them, plus being manual they were more engaging to the right driver, which I think gives that feeling of being fun, but with the right modifications and conditions the ISF is very capable and I enjoy her far more. She could do with a few pounds shaving off though which has been my goal since owning one.

I used the be an avid Honda nut. Stripped down and rebuilt so many B engines. They will and should go down in history as the best engines of their size, in their time nothing else came close especially from Europe and NA.

Excellent stuff, Ive held on the DC2 for over ten years as a second car. I agree with the rawness, most of all I got into honda's because of the high reving NA motor and later adored the chasis balance. Although the ISF isn't as high reving as the old honda screamers its got a glorious sound never the less. 

[RichGS11]

3 minutes ago, BTCC_ Racer said:

Excellent stuff, Ive held on the DC2 for over ten years as a second car. I agree with the rawness, most of all I got into honda's because of the high reving NA motor and later adored the chasis balance. Although the ISF isn't as high reving as the old honda screamers its got a glorious sound never the less. 

The second best car I've ever owned was my Civic. She was an immense car and I've always threated at buying her back if I could find her. Best of both worlds then!!

[BTCC_ Racer]

22 minutes ago, RichGS11 said:

The second best car I've ever owned was my Civic. She was an immense car and I've always threated at buying her back if I could find her. Best of both worlds then!!

Indeed, Once the DC2 is restored i'll be selling it as I hardly drive it. Work commute is non existent its never been a better time for a large engine! lol 

Those civic vti's are legendary. My first car was a EK4! Never got the turbo thing even though my daily has two strapped to them - souless engine.

[Rob RCF]

1 hour ago, RichGS11 said:

Horses for courses I guess as coming from a B16a2 EK Civic (stripped, caged, poly windows, etc) and a 2.2 Prelude, they were fun engines and cars but nothing on the Lexus. I think being FWD people are more comfortable to push them, plus being manual they were more engaging to the right driver, which I think gives that feeling of being fun, but with the right modifications and conditions the ISF is very capable and I enjoy her far more. She could do with a few pounds shaving off though which has been my goal since owning one.

I used the be an avid Honda nut. Stripped down and rebuilt so many B engines. They will and should go down in history as the best engines of their size, in their time nothing else came close especially from Europe and NA.

Don't get me wrong, my RCF is a way better car overall and a much more serious performance machine. But with the Hondas the limits of the car were more attainable on normal roads so it was "easier" to have fun. They were just not that fast in a straight line and pretty bad in traffic due to poor low-end torque, sometimes I had to practically stay in VTEC just to keep up with the turbo-diesels lol.

[RichGS11]

5 minutes ago, Rob RCF said:

Don't get me wrong, my RCF is a way better car overall and a much more serious performance machine. But with the Hondas the limits of the car were more attainable on normal roads so it was "easier" to have fun. They were just not that fast in a straight line and pretty bad in traffic due to poor low-end torque, sometimes I had to practically stay in VTEC just to keep up with the turbo-diesels lol.

I must agree wholeheartedly with you there. You could scream the nuts off a B16 or B18 engine and enjoy it. If I did the same in the IS, I'd lose my licence quickly or become friends with a tree 😂

[ashyk36]

Have the prices of the ISFs also increased significantly over the last year? I see there is a thread on the price increase of the GSF in some cases being increased by 20k

[Prospero88]

There are massively long queues to get most of the new cars, hence many people who can't afford waiting that long just go for used ones. And since some of them used models are no longer in production... it all affects the prices in a bad way.

[ISF V8 JAY]

Are we comparing civics to F’s here 🤣🤣

[BTCC_ Racer]

10 hours ago, ISF V8 JAY said:

Are we comparing civics to F’s here 🤣🤣

Indeed, in all seriousness its more the engine character rather than stats etc. Looks like a few ISF owners have experienced the high reving honda engines so good for a little feedback/ banter.

[Killysprint]

Love a Honda R here too!.

The accord type R I bought as a snotter a couple of years ago, its engine was peach and felt indestructible.  Currently have a late 59 plate low mileage S2000 for high days and holidays, absolutely fantastic car. In both, and in particular the S2000 the engines are screamers, brilliant in fact, and coupled with the gearbox in the S2000, which arguably has the best manual shift in any car, makes driving it an absolute pleasure.

[Rob RCF]

1 hour ago, Killysprint said:

Love a Honda R here too!.

The accord type R I bought as a snotter a couple of years ago, its engine was peach and felt indestructible.  Currently have a late 59 plate low mileage S2000 for high days and holidays, absolutely fantastic car. In both, and in particular the S2000 the engines are screamers, brilliant in fact, and coupled with the gearbox in the S2000, which arguably has the best manual shift in any car, makes driving it an absolute pleasure.

Accord R was great, it had the magic combination of independent double wishbone suspension, LSD and hydraulic steering. My old one recently sold for more than double what I sold it for a few years back.

I really want an S2000, but apparently tall people don't fit? I haven't sat in one though, so not sure.

[FTBBCVoodoo]

14 hours ago, BTCC_ Racer said:

Indeed, in all seriousness its more the engine character rather than stats etc. Looks like a few ISF owners have experienced the high reving honda engines so good for a little feedback/ banter.

Definitely...

I have owned 2 x DC2s, a DC5, an S2000, an ISF and come back full circle to an FK8 🙂

There was a BMW 335i (which we won't talk about) and a 350z in the mix as well 🙂

[C.B]

There is certainly some correlation here, I have had 2 CTR's and almost pulled the trigger on a DC5 twice, and will probably always regret not doing so.

I like NA and I like Japanese engineering!

Oh and at 6'4 I can confirm tall people dont fit in a S2000, that was a sad day, I couldn't even get in 😞

[BTCC_ Racer]

On 1/5/2022 at 10:44 AM, Killysprint said:

Love a Honda R here too!.

The accord type R I bought as a snotter a couple of years ago, its engine was peach and felt indestructible.  Currently have a late 59 plate low mileage S2000 for high days and holidays, absolutely fantastic car. In both, and in particular the S2000 the engines are screamers, brilliant in fact, and coupled with the gearbox in the S2000, which arguably has the best manual shift in any car, makes driving it an absolute pleasure.

I strongly considered a S2000 but must be a second car, however the lure of a large na displacement brings me here.

On 1/6/2022 at 1:17 AM, FTBBCVoodoo said:

Definitely...

I have owned 2 x DC2s, a DC5, an S2000, an ISF and come back full circle to an FK8 🙂

There was a BMW 335i (which we won't talk about) and a 350z in the mix as well 🙂

Excellent, ive owned two DC2, Crx, civic vti's -  hond are incredible motors, shame given emissions etc honda doesn't make peachy engines anymore.

On 1/6/2022 at 9:44 AM, C.B said:

There is certainly some correlation here, I have had 2 CTR's and almost pulled the trigger on a DC5 twice, and will probably always regret not doing so.

I like NA and I like Japanese engineering!

Oh and at 6'4 I can confirm tall people dont fit in a S2000, that was a sad day, I couldn't even get in 😞

Yes sir to Japanese engineering, I think its greatly underrepresented in the car review world and german car dominance is everywhere. Nowt wrong with being different. German cars aren't bad but a common site just makes them less appealing certainly to me.

[Slickric]

On 1/4/2022 at 12:39 PM, Womble72 said:

09 plate in white??…… think that’s my mates old car, work was done at Lexus Milton Keynes??

Yes should be the same one!

[Slickric]

On 1/4/2022 at 12:28 PM, BTCC_ Racer said:

Some good info, the DC5 is a incredible motor, a car I almost chopped in the DC2. I know they are like comparing to different cars but ur feedback is valuable. How is the engine in terms of its character to the K20?

 

Thanks

K20 engine has more character with the vtec, however isf isn't too bad either, especially with some mods to make the engine come alive with burbles and the occasional pop.  Secondary intake flap opens at 4k revs so is kind of like vtec in regards to sound.  I guess it depends what you are after really.  The isf makes a really good  daily driver, that is comfy enough with 4 doors to transport the family around.  It is fun to drive but does lack a manual gearbox.  What I like is that I don't get much attention from others on the road, particularly from lads in fiestas giving you the thumbs up or trying to race you.

On the other hand, a Honda fd2 is in the similar price range, would be more engaging and cheaper to run.  However it is a bit too harsh to drive the family around in.

[BTCC_ Racer]

3 minutes ago, Slickric said:

K20 engine has more character with the vtec, however isf isn't too bad either, especially with some mods to make the engine come alive with burbles and the occasional pop.  Secondary intake flap opens at 4k revs so is kind of like vtec in regards to sound.  I guess it depends what you are after really.  The isf makes a really good  daily driver, that is comfy enough with 4 doors to transport the family around.  It is fun to drive but does lack a manual gearbox.  What I like is that I don't get much attention from others on the road, particularly from lads in fiestas giving you the thumbs up or trying to race you.

On the other hand, a Honda fd2 is in the similar price range, would be more engaging and cheaper to run.  However it is a bit too harsh to drive the family around in.

Dont mention FD2 lol! Ive been eying those up, perfect DC2 upgrade, however Im looking to just run one car so its got to tick all the boxes! ill get shut of the Alpina and just have one car, the ISF is a seriously bit of kit, ive always admired them. I like the fact it flies under the radar and having supreme reliability. The Alpina has cost me a pretty penny to keep the wheels turning unlike the DC2, ive scratch that BM itch now lol!

DC2 restoration will be complete in the coming week - i'll be selling that around spring / summer time.

Hopefully a localish owner can take me out in there pride and joy and let me have a good look around - ideally a good example so I know what to look out for.

[scott-o]

I had a 58 plate one as a 'do it all daily' type car and didn't intend to sell it to be honest but a GR Yaris cancellation popped up very suddenly so I went for that. They are fantastic cars and do it all very well, I found it relatively cheap to run overall (servicing, discs/ pads, even overall mpg for a 5.0 V8). 

I used to take mine out in the north Pennines for a hoon and the suspension coped with the lumpy bumpy b roads very well, much better than any other daily I'd had to that point. Lots complain about the ride quality of the earlier cars but I never felt it was an issue, quite the opposite. The engine is awesome, I loved it and the fact it was auto didn't detract at all. It blended in great too, I got no negative attention in mine, the same can't be said for people I know with m3's/ c63's etc.

The car would very rarely slip an inside wheel either and would wag the back end quite easily powering out of junctions or bends. The lsd in the facelift cars is just a torsen anyway, you'd be better fitting a Cusco (or other) proper diff in the long run if you were that way inclined. 

If you've been into your Honda's and have the taste of the BMW, the ISF is almost like a nice mix of the best between the two. 

[d3ron]

On 1/3/2022 at 6:43 PM, GMB said:

According to my Insurance broker they are usually stolen in the UK for breaking. For some reason they like the engine😏. Plus the other bits fetch a tidy sum.

After I had paid the insurance they told me that it has to have a Thatcham tracker. That cost over £500 including subscription.

Dubai, Oman and other African countries are the favourites for complete cars. But I see the point, they are not exactly a common sight. But now that the Police don't exist anymore, It's a soft touch.

I agree, Range Rover, BMW, Audi and Mercs are the standard fodder but who wants one of those unreliable tin lizzies?

I feel your insurance company may be taking you for a ride. 

These premiums would affect all of us if they were being stolen regularly as they're so rare. 

My insurance company have never made any stipulations in the 3 years I've had mine. 

Anyone else?

[Cactus]

7 hours ago, d3ron said:

I feel your insurance company may be taking you for a ride. 

These premiums would affect all of us if they were being stolen regularly as they're so rare. 

My insurance company have never made any stipulations in the 3 years I've had mine. 

Anyone else?

There are less than 100 odds isf on the road? And if they are “usually stolen”, i wonder how many there are left…. 

On that note, I have never had issue with my insurance company either. I have owned mine for just over 2 years

 

barry

[RichGS11]

8 hours ago, d3ron said:

I feel your insurance company may be taking you for a ride. 

These premiums would affect all of us if they were being stolen regularly as they're so rare. 

My insurance company have never made any stipulations in the 3 years I've had mine. 

Anyone else?

Never heard of this before either. My insurance is cheap too, which doesn't reflect the 'stolen for parts' statement. Definitely an odd one. Only 170 odd ISFs on the road in the UK and the number hasn't changed a great deal since I started looking last year.

[GMB]

42 minutes ago, RichGS11 said:

Never heard of this before either. My insurance is cheap too, which doesn't reflect the 'stolen for parts' statement. Definitely an odd one. Only 170 odd ISFs on the road in the UK and the number hasn't changed a great deal since I started looking last year.

You may be right. I was with Direct Line. I only have 2 yrs no claims bonus because my time abroad was not recognised despite 20 years of no claims.

They wanted £650 per year and then told me I needed a tracker after I had paid. That added even more cost.

I subsequently went with Churchill ( which is part of the same group ) who charged £400 and the tracker helped to keep the price within reason .

If I ever get to 60% NCD that should bring the price down even more.

When I queried Direct line about the price and tracker obligation They justified it by saying that "this type of vehicle " is high risk and stolen more often.

They did not particularly point the finger at IsF, just the type of car that it is, high powered V8 etc. I can see their point about the engines being taken.

Probably some very reliable stock cars and banger racers out there😊.

BTW when I was trying to get insured on return to the UK 2 yrs ago, I had a hell of a job finding anyone who would even insure me or recognise my full 20 year NCD in France. The specialists wanted even more money even after taking this into account.🙁 Over £1000 was not uncommon.  Not fair!

 

[d3ron]

50 minutes ago, GMB said:

You may be right. I was with Direct Line. I only have 2 yrs no claims bonus because my time abroad was not recognised despite 20 years of no claims.

They wanted £650 per year and then told me I needed a tracker after I had paid. That added even more cost.

I subsequently went with Churchill ( which is part of the same group ) who charged £400 and the tracker helped to keep the price within reason .

If I ever get to 60% NCD that should bring the price down even more.

When I queried Direct line about the price and tracker obligation They justified it by saying that "this type of vehicle " is high risk and stolen more often.

Interestingly Direct Line seem to hate me, to the point where I don't even consider getting quotes from them. I do live in Birmingham, so not sure if that's a factor.

Just thought I'd try a quote from them to see what I'd be offered. £864 and I have 9 years NCD and no points or accidents! That's 67% more than I currently pay.