Accord Euro Run-In Comments

[MalGib]

When I first picked up my new Accord Euro Sport 6MT back in March, I was somewhat surprised how "stiff' the engine felt and the lack of throttle response. As the weeks passed, things didnt seem to be improving much at all ... 2nd gear performance was woeful, had to work hard to push the engine up the rev range, some annoying flat spots when accelerating, and a general feel that the car was holding back. I was told by many (including the dealer) that the perfomance would improve after the 1st service at 1000km. Not only did it not improve, it was noteably a little worse!

Having driven manual cars of the 4- and 6- cyclinder variety all my life, most of them from new, this is the first time I can genuinely say I was disappointed with the choice I had made in buying the Euro at the time.

However ... as the car came closer to the 5000km mark, things changed for the better! I noticed the engine performance was getting that 'lively' feel, like it was eager to climb up the rev counter with ease. But the big surprise was the day I'd dropped it back into 3rd coming to a set of red lights, just rolling along as the lights changed green, tapped the throttle and the car took off like a rocket. In a way it reminded me of a turbo-boost kicking in. If it wasnt for the 80km/hr speed limit in that area I would have been happy to let the car run right up to red-line in 3rd ... it felt that good ... still, I didnt back off until about 110k/h!

I havent done anything different ... still using Caltex premium (95 RON) from the same places I always buy it, and still seeing the same fuel economy figures (always between 8.0 to 8.5 Lts/100km, so obviously not a heavy footed driver). I dont think I've ever had a new car that was so reluctant to perform from new, but now that the Euro has loosen up I must say I am one happy Honda owner!

If anyone else has had a similar experience with their Euro's I'd like to hear your comments on the subject too.

[EuroDude]

Yeah Ive noticed my Euro is slowly freeing up too!

Its only done 3000km so far but already I have noticed the engine has a bit more power, has better fuel economy, and the gears are a bit freer. 2nd gear is actually easier to change into now.

ps. You should try 98RON, I can really notice a difference compared to 95RON. I cant really tell if there is a performance difference, but there is definetely a Fuel Economy difference. Its more expensive, but its worth it because it saves me 1L/km :)

Looking forward to my 5000km oil change ;)

[MalGib]

Hey there EuroDude ... how come you changing your oil at 5000km? Seems a little early? be interest to know.

Also, agree with you at 98RON and fuel consumption, should be an improvement. I tried a couple of tank-loads of 98 when the car was just over the 1000km mark, but didnt notice any improvement in performance or economy. But now that the engine has found its 'zip' I'll be trying the 98 again next time I fill up.

Had a similar experience with the Camry V6 manual I had. Moving up from 92 to 95 RON definately improved my fuel economy and gave a small boost to performance. The 95RON in the Camry was good for another 1km/Lt consistantly, so for the last 2 years I had that car I kept using the premium fuel ... it was more economical. I'm going to try the same now with the Euro, move from 95RON to 98RON, and see what difference it does make to the $/km figure. Will keep you posted.

[EuroDude]

I'm changing the oil at 5000km because:

1) The engine is still wearing in, so there will be some metal fragments in the oil that should go to avoid excess wear. For peace of mind thing too ;)
2) Honda FEO oil starts to break down after 5000km, unlike full synthetics which can last 10000km such as Mobil 1. Well at 5000km the oil will only have done 4000km but I wanna keep the 5000km steps consistant.
3) The dealer put a 5000km service sticker on the windscreen, even though the Honda maintenance manual says 10,000 for the next service. But I'm gonna change the oil myself rather than get ripped of by the dealer. $100 just for an oil change is highway robbery.

[yfin]

Hey Malgib - don't be disheartened yet. I noticed a big leap at the 10k service although I think I could be the only one. :confused:

I think my engine was crying out for an oil change at 10k. How is this for an old thread - almost 2 years ago:

http://www.ozhonda.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7668&highlight=hustles

[MalGib]

Thanks for the comments yfin.

I'd say that the indication is the engine performance does improve with time and kms on the clock. Without doubt my Euro has improved greatly as it approached the 5000km mark ... now that it's passed that point it seems whatever has changed about the engine is here to stay ... thankfully!

Funny reading through that post you listed ... reminded me of something from my driving days back in the 70's with the 245 and 265 cub inch hotted-up Valiant hemi motors. We used different oil grades from summer to winter ... it was like a given, never use the same grade all year round. I think we used 20W-50 in summer and 10W-40 in winter ... and it did make a difference. But then, back in those days we would also change the fuel jet sizes in our Holly 2- & 4- barrel carbies from summer to winter as well ... gees fuel injection was something you only found in diesel engines in those days!

If you do supply your own oil or have the dealer use something different to Honda's recommendation, how does it affect the warranty?

[jamchen]

well,,, didn't really notice that in our 06 euro, it is now around 6000k and i've been heavy throttled eversince the car reached 1000k lol
with initial 1000k service, i putted some mineral based oil to help the engine to rin-in quicker...

[yfin]

If you do supply your own oil or have the dealer use something different to Honda's recommendation, how does it affect the warranty?

All good - make sure it meets the specifications in the manual. If in doubt ask the dealer.

[aaronng]

The improvement of engine performance with km is also reported in Best Motoring for engines with high cam.

[nickowns]

I got my car on 8th April and now I've done 7200km and I am feeling the engine slowdown thing. I don't know how to describe it exactly but i feel that when my feet is on the pedal with the same weight say 5000km ago, the car gave me much more response and acceleration/speed, now I'd almost call the car sluggish. Maybe I should do an oil change?

[EuroDude]

When was the last change? 1000km?

If yes, then an oil change should make a difference since the oil breaks down after 5000km (or 10000 using full synthetic).

[nickowns]

hmmm yer If I was at the 5000km mark now I'd do it with no hesitation, but at my rate of driving (45 days - 7200km), 10000km service isn't that far off. I'd really like to see my car go back to its glory days though hehe.

[EuroDude]

Ive read that Honda FEO oil is part synthetic, so yeah it should be fine until the 10000km service - which would be within 3 weeks or so.

[aaronng]

Ive read that Honda FEO oil is part synthetic, so yeah it should be fine until the 10000km service - which would be within 3 weeks or so.
Honda FEO is mineral. There is no part synthetic. All those semi synthetic oils are actually mineral oils with some additives. It's the additives that are synthetic, so they claim that the oil is a semi synthetic.

[EuroDude]

I see, thanks for clearing that up.

[BusterSonic12]

got 3400km on the meter. still haven't done my 1000km service. too busy about school work... >.< will ring up for a time for next week. the engine's surely freeing up, you can just feel it.

Uses Shell Optimax since i got my euro :D keeping it in good shape.
Anyone tried the new 100Oct Optimax Extreme? i want to try but too expensive :(

[sodaz]

I've tried optimax extreme and IMO it's no different than regular optimax. I honestly can't tell the difference.

[EuroDude]

Yeah it seems anything over 98RON is a waste of money for the K24A3.

You probably need a ferrari to take advantage of 100RON ;)

[BusterSonic12]

lol then i won't waste my money to try then. :D i like my optimax. love the name too :) but is the engine in our euro called K24A3 ?? now i know, thanks

[EuroDude]

Yep all AUDM Euro's have the K24A3, a slightly detuned K24A2 found in the U.S. TSX (7kw difference)

[aaronng]

got 3400km on the meter. still haven't done my 1000km service. too busy about school work... >.< will ring up for a time for next week. the engine's surely freeing up, you can just feel it.

Uses Shell Optimax since i got my euro :D keeping it in good shape.
Anyone tried the new 100Oct Optimax Extreme? i want to try but too expensive :(
Get your 1000km service done! LOL. Otherwise Honda can void your warranty.

[BusterSonic12]

Really !?!?!? ;) got a booking for next thursday. 1 June :p
Also getting the sport pedals, at the service for around $180 plus fitting.
are they the same as euro r pedals??



Get your 1000km service done! LOL. Otherwise Honda can void your warranty.

[EuroDude]

Speaking of pedals, why is the brake pedal so far towards you compared to the accelerator?

Its crazy in emergency situations because you have to bring your foot way back and there is a risk of your shoe getting caught on the side. Same with my Civic.... why is that?

[BusterSonic12]

are the euro sport pedals same as euro r pedals?? >< would like to know

[aaronng]

are the euro sport pedals same as euro r pedals?? >< would like to know
Is your car an auto or manual? The manual's pedals in the Euro Sport look the same as the EuroR's. Which dealer do you use? For $180, I want to install them in my car as well.

[BusterSonic12]

i rang up eastwood and asked. but i m trying to get them from hornsby since i m getting my 1000 service there. i ll ask the price for hornsby tomorrow

[aaronng]

Could you ask how much it is just for the pedals for the manual? I might just buy it and install it myself.

[BusterSonic12]

Could you ask how much it is just for the pedals for the manual? I might just buy it and install it myself.

sure thing :D where about you from??

[aaronng]

Eastern suburbs and north shore. I'll call Eastwood up tomorrow as well.

[aaronng]

Pedals are auto only...

[BusterSonic12]

Pedals are auto only...

haha yes, i just found out too... :P:P my's auto. It's $198 at hornsby. thinking of getting it from eastwood and fit it at hornsby

[aaronng]

Lucky you! I'll try to source it, but the prices that I've heard are around the $300 mark.

[tanalasta]

Looking at the Euro accessory RRP list:
Sport Pedal Set (auto trans only) $225. Obviously - negotiate :)