1999 Acura Integra GS-R
This is a documented journey of my ownership of this car. The most reliable, good looking, fun vehicle I have ever owned in my entire life.
The clutch is gone.
As I left work I put my foot down on the clutch to start the car. Contrast to the usual resistance - the pedal was lighter than a feather.
Game over. Let's do some root causing (after I barely made it back home and grinded 2nd and 3rd gear).
Q. How is the fluid level?
A. Wow. Zero.
Q. Could it be leaking through the slave or master cylinder?
A. I see brake fluid in the pedal tray and a broken seal on the clutch master cylinder. Maybe this could be something?
How much fluid is left?
Uh. Okay.
Great.
Looks like a bad seal on the master cylinder. Likely the reason for so much black residue in the fluid.
Thank you Auto-zone. Easy-peasy change, now just have to flush the fluid.
Clutch Slave Cylinder.
Yeah. This also broke.
Just note for anyone doing this - get a partner. It's difficult to push the slave cylinder into the push rod of the transmission and also get it to line up with the two bolts (as highlighted in the image).
To bleed a clutch:
Fill reservoir up to full capacity with brake fluid
Tighten slave cylinder nipple screw moderately
Clutch in and let pedal stay on floor.
Release slave cylinder nipple slightly and let air / fluid release.
Close cylinder nipple tight, bring clutch backup, and press again
Reopen nipple and repeat this process until only fluid is pushed through, and reservoir is continously topped up.
Wing Replacement.
Good-bye little guy, hello Type-R.
The GS-R model of the integra came with a humble spoiler, however, the Type-r wing boasts aerodynamic benefits and significantly more visual appeal. Thanks E-bay, for providing me this horribly fitting piece of elegant plastic.
Here is a photo of my roommate standing next to the beautiful side profile before our carpool home.
Garage Paint Job: Type-R Front Lip
Type-R style front wing, used amazon spray paint and supplies to turn black plastic into Frost White lip.
Sanded with fine grit sand paper, cleaned with towel.
Used black primer and re-sanded after 2-4 layers.
Painted and rested for 2-4 layers.
Before...
After! :)
First Track Day: Laguna Seca Speed SF
Thunder-Hill 5-mile.
Learning lessons:
Don't go to a track day with bald tires.
Don't full throttle the cold lap and spin out on turn 3, then get laughed at by 5 of your coworkers.
8000RPM at 110F weather will overheat your coolant system twice.
Other items upcoming to be changed:
Timing belt (maybe do water pump and alternator at same time)
Passenger side window shuddering at certain heights
Radiator tuck for easier access to headers and other engine bay items?
Check linkage / bushings on short-shifter (play from side to side + rattling at high RPM's)
Tire in front right has nail in it (maybe get nicer tires? :) (FIXED)
Tail lights need new gasket, fluid getting into taillights (FIXED)
Steering wheel (quick release) has play, could be improperly fastened? Check ny-lock nut on column (FIXED)
Transmission and side motor mounts (FIXED)