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Starting the Iceman up, it breathes life to the tuned 1.6-liter DOHC VTEC inline-4 engine that could be considered as one of Honda’s best performing engines. In fact, the 160 bhp rating of the stock Civic SiR is boosted to a rough estimate of around 180-190 bhp giving the Iceman Civic SiR a performance that puts it at par with a stock Japanese Civic Type-R hatchback. The DOHC configuration coupled with the 2-stage VTEC technology endows the SiR with a redline close to 8000 rpm (maximum power is reached at 7600 rpm). Formula One aficionados who own stock Civic SiRs should try to listen to their car’s engine when the engine kicks in the second stage VTEC—the sound really changes from the mechanical sewing machine buzzing of typical Hondas to a symphony of sounds that rival that of a high-revving Formula One engine. Unfortunately, for Iceman that has a 1½ exhaust pipe, the only thing audible is the expulsion of unleaded gasoline fumes from the engine. Still, when the changeover does occur at 5500 rpm, the engine note sounds sweeter and the needle rushes clockwise visibly quicker. Iceman has a unique ‘cool air system’ that enables the engine to suck up intake gases from bumper level instead of engine level making the air that enters the engine cooler and thus makes the it more responsive in high-speed driving. The system also insulates the air inflow pipe to the engine as not to allow heat the air before entering. This enlarged and improved air intake coupled with a better exhaust boosts the SiR’s low end torque enabling the car to be pushed and accelerated without having to suffer from a lag of power common with the stage one of VTEC engines. The transmission, although from the same company that makes the arguably the best transmission in any car found today (from the Honda S2000), does not really operate at the same fluid level as the Honda Accord. In fact, despite the fact that the Iceman is just an odd tick above 12,000-kilometers old, the gearshift feels a bit rubbery and loose, although the clutch pedal is easy to modulate and control. The combination of the engine and the transmission means that the SiR, whether stock or Iceman is eager to push beyond the usual 3,000-rpm regular shift point. In fact, the engine is more at home at the range between 3,500 to 4,000-rpm. Of course, we couldn’t be happier. |
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