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-   -   New to the FR-S, my 2 pennies... (https://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9585)

Sivtec 06-23-2012 03:28 AM
New to the FR-S, my 2 pennies...
 
I just picked up a Raven FR-S. The only drive I have taken is the one home. Long day. Pretty excited. Before I list some things that have caught my eye, I want to say that my previous car was a 08 Honda Civic Si, and before that was a 00 Honda Civic Si, so as you can see its pretty tough switching company's. Most of the things I will notice will be based on what I have owned so yea....
- First off its really hard to describe what you feel when you drive this car. It just feels "fun". Every corner, every bump, every lane change... its just fun. Coming from a Civic everything was so smooth and it just felt like a pretty quick daily driver. This is a little different, it feels way more like a sports car.
- The Sound this car makes is just... epic... I love it, it was everything I thought it would be. Getting in the throttle (although I am babying it a little) just feels awesome.
- The Cornering feels exciting. I know this car is going to get all kinds of compliments on the cornering and it is every bit true. Just feels "fun".
- The Tach is awesome just for the fact that its not "just" digital, even though I look at that more than the gauge but the Si had nothing but digital so its a nice change.
- The Look is evil. It just looks like it's not gonna take $#@! from anyone. Even though its still not the fastest thing out there, it just looks the part. Its the only car I know that looks this aggressive for the price. Amazing.
- The Small Things really make me smile. For instance the fact that the windows bump when you open the door (like the Corvette) really make the car seem like its a real sports car. The body styling on the hood and roof really make it stand out as well. Headlights are bright and beautiful as well as the LED tail lights.
- The Interior is nice in some ways. Seats are even more comfortable than the Si's which I thought was hard to pull off.
- The Shifting takes a bit getting used just for the fact its so light and smooth. Takes some getting used to.
Some things that I don't like:
- The most problematic one for me at this time which is still kinda lame in some people's mind is the center console. I hate that I can't rest my arm on anything... It's just inconvienent but that's just me.
- The Stereo blows. Just know that going in. It's terrible. Miss the Si's for sure. But what makes up for it is the sexy motor.
- The overall feel of the interior is a bit disappointing. Just feels like there isnt alot of quality that I got from the Honda. One example that's just very minor, the center console lighting looks just old...and the three display buttons on the side of the Tach for ODO, MPG, etc don't even light up. Again just my opinion.
I do have some questions for you guys that have had the car for awhile.
- I know it's supposed to sound pretty deep but I am almost getting a "throaty" rattle from the motor and low RPM's. Is that normal?
- My car currently has like 70 miles on it, are you guys babying it up to 4000 RPM till you get to 1000 miles? I know alot of you are doing that but the dealer says it shouldnt matter.
All in all I feel I made the right decision and I'm excited to start sporting the FR-S around town. Still pretty EXCITED!!!:happyanim:

BlaineWasHere 06-23-2012 03:44 AM
I'm trying to take it easy for the first 1000 miles, but that isn't easy so far...

Congrats on the new car!

Pscylo 06-23-2012 04:01 AM
Ahh nice you got the one at Big 2 Scion huh? Ian called me around noon asking if I knew anyone wanting one that was exactly like mine.

Maybe I will see you on the mean streets of chandler =p

Yeah its sounds growly at lower RPM and purrs higher RPMs, I didnt baby it up to 4k rpm through the break in, just didnt constantly blow past 4k.

The DI sounds like crickets on speed, and can be pretty loud when your sitting near a building or wall that it echos off of.

Should roll around the area in mirror cars and watch the reactions....probably be pretty amusing.

Lonewolf 06-23-2012 04:05 AM
Two things that you might be interested in:

1) A center console armrest is supposed to be an option soon. Look for the part to become available later this summer.

2) Many people complained about the stock audio until they played with the settings of the stereo. It seems that most people had the factory default settings of the stereo set to TC and not FRS. Apparently, changing the audio settings to FRS makes the audio system crisper...at least that's what I've seen on these forums.

Fish 06-23-2012 04:07 AM
+1 to what Lonewolf said about the audio. If you haven't checked it yet, make sure it's set to FR-S. Default seems to be tC.

Jayp 06-23-2012 04:08 AM
Congrats on the car.

But duplicate posts.

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9583

Pscylo 06-23-2012 04:09 AM
+2....made a big difference in the way it sounded. Mine was on tC as well.

Because one post is on the BRZ and one on the FR-S....to make sure the questions he posed were seen by both crowds? I know I dont look at the BRZ forum....which I probably should. :popcorn:

koyv90 06-23-2012 04:21 AM
wtf you guys are in chandler? Can we have a chandler meet? I would so drive there from Peoria to see them in Real life and get to chat with some frs owners!!

rikdrt1 06-23-2012 04:21 AM
vTEC, you made the right decision as I did. i was about to sign off on a Civic Si too before this car blew me away. And although it may not be as practical as the civic in any matter -- i guess it doesnt matter once you drive this FR-S and you see what you already know after a few short miles.

remember, we only paid 25 or so, and for the money we get alot of performance, confidence to turn any mountain corner and the fun to zip around traffic -- cars way past our 'league' are taking a closer look and dont know how to react. i think its a great deal and decsion.

i agree with the interior 'nice-ities' , they could of thrown in a few more lighted buttons and some xtras.. not sure why they didnt at least make them options.

my biggest complaint was the HID's - comon SCION - wtf happened there ?? an extra 500 dollars maybe - everyone would of paid it . but i got over that after driving around and just babying it as i still learn to love this thing more and more.

enjoy and just forget about the vtec for now.. :)

Sivtec 06-23-2012 04:23 AM
Quote:
Ahh nice you got the one at Big 2 Scion huh? Ian called me around noon asking if I knew anyone wanting one that was exactly like mine.

Maybe I will see you on the mean streets of chandler =p

Yeah its sounds growly at lower RPM and purrs higher RPMs, I didnt baby it up to 4k rpm through the break in, just didnt constantly blow past 4k.

The DI sounds like crickets on speed, and can be pretty loud when your sitting near a building or wall that it echos off of.

Should roll around the area in mirror cars and watch the reactions....probably be pretty amusing.
Cool man! We got to roll around together! What are the chances both Raven and both Chandler?! Sweet. Definitely hit me UP!

Quote:
1) A center console armrest is supposed to be an option soon. Look for the part to become available later this summer.

2) Many people complained about the stock audio until they played with the settings of the stereo. It seems that most people had the factory default settings of the stereo set to TC and not FRS. Apparently, changing the audio settings to FRS makes the audio system crisper...at least that's what I've seen on these forums.
Check and Check! For all of the guys commenting on the Audio, I will DEFINITELY mess around with it tomorrow to see if I can get it to sound better.

Quote:
Because one post is on the BRZ and one on the FR-S....to make sure the questions he posed were seen by both crowds? I know I dont look at the BRZ forum....which I probably should.
And I didnt mean to post up multi posts but I am actually glad I did because it definitely has gotten some attention in that thread as well. Its nice to hear everyones information.

Bristecom 06-23-2012 04:28 AM
Sounds like you have some pretty high standards on the interior and sound system. I can't imagine it sounding much better than it does. And the interior feels very solid to me. Although I suppose some Hondas may indeed be a step up.

Anyway, congrats on the new car. It should be a lot more fun than a Civic.

Sivtec 06-23-2012 04:28 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by rikdrt1 (Post 274199)
vTEC, you made the right decision as I did. i was about to sign off on a Civic Si too before this car blew me away. And although it may not be as practical as the civic in any matter -- i guess it doesnt matter once you drive this FR-S and you see what you already know after a few short miles.

remember, we only paid 25 or so, and for the money we get alot of performance, confidence to turn any mountain corner and the fun to zip around traffic -- cars way past our 'league' are taking a closer look and dont know how to react. i think its a great deal and decsion.

i agree with the interior 'nice-ities' , they could of thrown in a few more lighted buttons and some xtras.. not sure why they didnt at least make them options.

my biggest complaint was the HID's - comon SCION - wtf happened there ?? an extra 500 dollars maybe - everyone would of paid it . but i got over that after driving around and just babying it as i still learn to love this thing more and more.

enjoy and just forget about the vtec for now.. :)

Yea man im excited about getting this car. I won't lie though, I have been a Civic fan for many years, and after leaving my second one, it was definitely bitter sweet! Kinda sad. But I move on and see what excitement this car has in store. This car has much more potential than the Civic so we will see..... for now

Quote:
Originally Posted by koyv90 (Post 274198)
wtf you guys are in chandler? Can we have a chandler meet? I would so drive there from Peoria to see them in Real life and get to chat with some frs owners!!
Koyv, we definitely should have a Chandler meet or something. Excited to see other FRS owners as well!

Pscylo 06-23-2012 04:29 AM
I'm down for getting together. Could meet at the Chic fila or some such nonsense cause....I like chicken, and then go on a short loop 202 sprint/cruise and back to show you whats its actually like at 7k rpms.

I know there is up to what, 7 of us now in the Phoenix area? Also a handful down in Tuscon.

Sivtec 06-23-2012 04:30 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pscylo (Post 274209)
I'm down for getting together. Could meet at the Chic fila or some such nonsense cause....I like chicken, and then go on a short loop 202 sprint/cruise and back to show you whats its actually like.

I know there is up to what, 7 of us now in the Phoenix area? Also a handful down in Tuscon.
LETS DOOOO ITTTTTT!!!

Pscylo 06-23-2012 04:33 AM
I actually hit the chicfila at on gilbert every morning after work, before all the traffic....so much fun.

Asphaltfrs1 06-23-2012 10:36 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lonewolf (Post 274171)
Two things that you might be interested in:

1) A center console armrest is supposed to be an option soon. Look for the part to become available later this summer.

2) Many people complained about the stock audio until they played with the settings of the stereo. It seems that most people had the factory default settings of the stereo set to TC and not FRS. Apparently, changing the audio settings to FRS makes the audio system crisper...at least that's what I've seen on these forums.
+1^
Once I changed the settings from Tc to FR-s I was able to adjust the sub and other options. It actually sounds good now

mpicher 06-23-2012 10:42 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Asphaltfrs1 (Post 274422)
+1^
Once I changed the settings from Tc to FR-s I was able to adjust the sub and other options. It actually sounds good now
Dittos... just changed mine from tC to FR-S yesterday.

mikochu 06-23-2012 10:57 AM
Sivtec,

Congratulations on your purchase. I used to have a 2009 Si Sedan and when I switched to a 2010 GTI, I missed the sound system in the Si. I think what's missing is external amp and subwoofer from the Si. You're missing that oomph.

koyv90 06-23-2012 01:33 PM
yea guys we should definitely do it, i don't one one yet sadly, ill be buying a 240sx for now but the dream is a 240sx and frs later on. still wouldn't mind cruising and hanging out with some frs owners and checking them out!

SilentMike 06-23-2012 02:35 PM
Congrats on your new ride!

I've been waiting for a review from someone with 8th Gen SI experience. Please keep us posted on your observations, especially when you get past break-in. I'm curious to see how you compare it to the SI in terms of acceleration, handling, and fuel economy.

Enjoy, and be safe!

Mike Smith

eriktherod 06-24-2012 12:56 AM
I too came from an 8th gen Si. While it was pretty quick, especially after all the bolt-ons and tuning, the FR-S has it beat for fun factor. It's not just just the superb handling and added fun of a RWD car, but also the general feeling you get.

With the Civic, it felt like a sports trim to an existing and commonplace car. You would see them dime a dozen in their EX and LX counterparts and while you'd feel pretty awesome in the Si, at the end of the day you had a Civic. Similar to what the SRT4 guys deal with, and I hate Neons, but I respect the numbers they put down.

You just feel more like a badass with a car that was purpose-built as a sports car instead of a trim on otherwise bland model.

That being said, I do miss the armrest dearly. I will be looking for that accessory the moment Scion offers it. They also have a subwoofer accessory that installs in the trunk, I may look into that, as I miss the lower range. The Bespoke system isn't bad though, Bluetooth works with Pandora+Waze, I'm a happy camper.

As for the interior, I like the minimal approach. It reminds me of the old vette interiors that were no frills. The lack of backlighting on some parts is kind of weak though, but they're things you will rarely change in the dark I feel.

One thing I absolutely do not miss was scraping on the lowered Si, ugh. While I still drive the FR-S with care over questionable bumps and dips, it has yet to bottom out. Loving the low profile without all the cringe-indusing noises.

EZWood 06-24-2012 01:37 AM
hey, u chandler guys should come out to firebird the twentieth of july for drag and drift.

Sivtec 06-24-2012 03:07 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Asphaltfrs1 (Post 274422)
+1^
Once I changed the settings from Tc to FR-s I was able to adjust the sub and other options. It actually sounds good now

Quote:
Originally Posted by mpicher (Post 274428)
Dittos... just changed mine from tC to FR-S yesterday.
I found that my FR-S was already set to the right car. I did however change a couple settings and it sounds way better but it still doesnt beat the Si in sound, sorry but it just wont, but its nothing that cant be changed.

Quote:
Originally Posted by SilentMike (Post 274639)
Congrats on your new ride!

I've been waiting for a review from someone with 8th Gen SI experience. Please keep us posted on your observations, especially when you get past break-in. I'm curious to see how you compare it to the SI in terms of acceleration, handling, and fuel economy.

Enjoy, and be safe!

Mike Smith
Hmm... well like I said this is only the second day of having this thing so it's gonna take some time to compare it to the SI just for the fact that I have been driving that for such a long time. I will definitely try to keep you updated.

Quote:
Originally Posted by eriktherod (Post 275332)
I too came from an 8th gen Si. While it was pretty quick, especially after all the bolt-ons and tuning, the FR-S has it beat for fun factor. It's not just just the superb handling and added fun of a RWD car, but also the general feeling you get.

With the Civic, it felt like a sports trim to an existing and commonplace car. You would see them dime a dozen in their EX and LX counterparts and while you'd feel pretty awesome in the Si, at the end of the day you had a Civic. Similar to what the SRT4 guys deal with, and I hate Neons, but I respect the numbers they put down.

You just feel more like a badass with a car that was purpose-built as a sports car instead of a trim on otherwise bland model.

That being said, I do miss the armrest dearly. I will be looking for that accessory the moment Scion offers it. They also have a subwoofer accessory that installs in the trunk, I may look into that, as I miss the lower range. The Bespoke system isn't bad though, Bluetooth works with Pandora+Waze, I'm a happy camper.

As for the interior, I like the minimal approach. It reminds me of the old vette interiors that were no frills. The lack of backlighting on some parts is kind of weak though, but they're things you will rarely change in the dark I feel.

One thing I absolutely do not miss was scraping on the lowered Si, ugh. While I still drive the FR-S with care over questionable bumps and dips, it has yet to bottom out. Loving the low profile without all the cringe-indusing noises.
I TOTALLY agree. The fun factor in this car is just crazy. I loved my SI and it was pretty quick and I absolutely loved the VTEC but this car is just different, it truly feels like a sports car even if it isn't as fast as I would like it. It looks and feels like a sports car and that translates into the driving experience as well.

Ha and as far as the scraping, I never lowered my 08 but my 00 was hella low and I know how that was around bump and this is a step up although its still pretty low in some cases.

Quote:
Originally Posted by EZWood (Post 275391)
hey, u chandler guys should come out to firebird the twentieth of july for drag and drift.
That sounds like a blast, I think I will be down for that as long as its after 5 PM. We definietely should schedule something for a Chandler meet. Let me know if this can be arranged, I will gladly help. Also does anyone know of any good professional tint places to get the FRS done in the valley?

drhorriblephd 06-24-2012 03:23 AM
Awesome, I got mine at Big Two as well. I'm up for a meet and greet!

Sivtec 06-24-2012 04:25 AM
Whens best for everyone? I didnt realize how many FRS owners were in the Valley. Can anyone meet Sunday?

Gaiakai 06-24-2012 09:55 AM
Congratulations! But... How the hell has this thread lasted without PICS?

:needpics:

Pscylo 06-24-2012 01:39 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sivtec (Post 275476)
Also does anyone know of any good professional tint places to get the FRS done in the valley?
I went to a better tint for mine. ( http://www.abettertint.com/ )

I paid a little more for the nanoceramic tint, but they did an excellent job with edging. Took the typical hour and a half or so.


I wont make Firebird on the 20th, I work nights wed thurs fri.

koyv90 06-24-2012 01:45 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sivtec (Post 275541)
Whens best for everyone? I didnt realize how many FRS owners were in the Valley. Can anyone meet Sunday?
sunday as in today?! Man I wish i lived in tempe now and not peoria! be easier to get there

Sivtec 06-24-2012 03:08 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gaiakai (Post 275689)
Congratulations! But... How the hell has this thread lasted without PICS?
http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-...85923247_n.jpg

:party0030:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pscylo (Post 275876)
I went to a better tint for mine. ( http://www.abettertint.com/ )

I paid a little more for the nanoceramic tint, but they did an excellent job with edging. Took the typical hour and a half or so.


I wont make Firebird on the 20th, I work nights wed thurs fri.
Definitely checked their website. I will probably have them do the window tint. I wouldnt mind doing their clear bra service too but man they are a bit steep on the wallet compared to the last clear bra job I got done. Will definitely get the tint done ASAP! Too freakin' hot here!

Quote:
Originally Posted by koyv90 (Post 275881)
sunday as in today?! Man I wish i lived in tempe now and not peoria! be easier to get there
Well what day would be best for everyone?

EZWood 06-25-2012 12:51 AM
I'll get some pics up after my Toyota badges and clear fender reflectors. When I was buying my car, I was trying to negotiate a free clear bra, they said the guy they have do it would do the front end for a bill. After I get it done, I can ask the guy if they can do the same for other ppl, and let you guys know.

Sivtec 06-25-2012 01:10 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by EZWood (Post 276681)
I'll get some pics up after my Toyota badges and clear fender reflectors. When I was buying my car, I was trying to negotiate a free clear bra, they said the guy they have do it would do the front end for a bill. After I get it done, I can ask the guy if they can do the same for other ppl, and let you guys know.
:bow:


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