The latest model of the Acura Integra has the vital statistics of a supermodel with the body of a third generation Integra sedan and three door hatchback as well as a four door version for the sedan with an engine of a 1.8 L I4, a transmission speed manual of five, and four for the automatic (manual came with 2000rpm torque converter). Its wheelbase for the Hatchback was 2570 mm (101.2 in) and 2620 mm (103.1 in) for the sedan. Its length for the Hatchback: 4380 mm (172.4 in) and for the sedan, 4525 mm (178.1 in). It has GS-R for Hatchback of 4425 mm (174.2 in) and a width of 1710 mm (67.3 in) as compared to the 1998 to 1999 Type-R Hatchback of 1695 mm (66.7 in) with a height of 1290 mm (50.8 in). it has a fuel capacity 13.2 US gallons (50.0 L/11.0 imp gal).
Now more common than ever, HID lighting that used to exist only with high end brands and racing cars, they can now be bought as aftermarket upgrades that are not only brighter but easy to install. A stern warning though, one needs to be knowledgeable in the car’s basic electrical layout for proper installation, failure to properly install the lights and the supporting hardware (ballast) can cause a total meltdown of your car’s electrical system. HID lights are brighter yet they consume less electricity due to the ballast and the arcing effect that starts with a high charge to get the arc started then normalizes into standard mode which uses up less power from the electrical system.
First check if the lighting housing or lens as many call it can handle the heat of the new bulbs (most can but some older ones made of plastic can crack more due to the UV rays produced by the arc). Remove the old bulbs and place in a safe place (being careful not to touch the bulbs themselves for they are fragile and any contaminants such as oil and dirt will cause it to fail ) that can serve as back-up in case your new ones get busted. Install the HID bulbs last and start with the hardware installation that will get you installing some mounts to hold the ballasts(one for each bulb). Use the original wiring harness and please avoid cutting the wires, which is easy if you can obtain connectors that would interface without cutting anything. Once everything is in the right place and you have checked and re-checked all connections, you can now install the bulbs, making sure they are properly connected and seated in the housing. Test the lighting units and be ready to turn it off if you notice anything unusual. If you don’t want to go through all the trouble, you can always ask the auto shop to install it for you. If your new auto doesn;t come with HID, then try to ask if the dealer can do it for you. It may invalidate your Honda dealer/manufacturer warranty so do check first.
All car manufacturers have specific warning notes on floods due to the huge amount of electrical components that just go haywire and besides, water and electricity don’t mix very well. But as we all know, there are certain circumstances when we do have to get through a flooded area so do so but with utmost care. You must also take the car in for a thorough check as soon as possible to find any problems which may result for your adventures of the watery kind.
On a Honda Vehicle, the black box or computer box is almost always located on the right side kick-panel (besides the legs of the front passenger side) so the safest level of water you could tread would be below the undercarriage of your car. That box though small will set you back a couple of hundred bucks to replace if you do not heed this warning and add to that the other damage that may result can indeed become a hair-pulling experience. Learn to judge the depth of the waters before you by using the car in front of you as reference. The most an inexperienced driver should attempt would be as high as the bottom of your tires, more than that and the brakes get wet which is a safety hazard. If you seem uneasy with the whole process, try to look for another route or wait it out, a couple of minutes can mean the difference between an expensive car repair bill and a happy driver!