IT'S HERE! I Finally Have the JDM Honda Logo GA3 Sportic TS!

"Kat Callahan" (kyosuke)
07/31/2014 at 04:30 • Filed to: honda logo, jdm, happy fun times

Oh, and I was wrong, it's not a GA5, it is indeed a GA3, I thought that had to do with the number of doors, but apparently not. The pretty blue JDM number tag tells me it's definitely a GA3. THIS IS VERY IMAGE HEAVY!

So this is after a vacuum, installation of the Integra DC5 Recaro seat, and a wash, but not before a wax. I ran out of light, going to have to do that tomorrow. Not that it really matters, the paintjob is really just shot and needs to be done over. Add it to the list.

No complaints about this being autotragic, folks. I can't drive a manual legally in Japan anyhow.* While it can be fun to shift manually...

OH MY GOD, OH MY GOD, OH MY GOD is this thing fast. I put it into sport mode (so it shifts at, I think, 6600 RPMs) and sweet baby Jesus, it rears up on its back wheels (I'm guessing that's the AWD in action?) and just takes off. This thing may only be pushing 89.8bhp, but it is WAY faster than my EK. I'm thinking it's a combination of the obvious ECU tuning on this version of the GA and the fact it's so damn light. This thing pulls HARD. I was not expecting it.

SO MUCH FUN.

*Japanese licenses are either AT or MT. I originally got my license when I was driving company cars—those are all AT. I thought I was only going to be around for a year or two, so I didn't bother worrying about getting the MT license. Now, I have decided to stay forever, and converting the license is a hassle. Plus, I had a limited budget and limited options for purchasing a car, and this was one hell of a lucky opportunity. The price of converting my license would be 70% of the price of this vehicle!

Kat Callahan is a writer for Jezebel and currently the LGBT editor at Jezebel's LGBT+ subpage !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . She can be reached @JezebelKat on Twitter. She likes Japanese and German cars, with her loyalties being to Honda and BMW. She currently lives on the Saitama/Gunma Prefectural border in the Tokyo Regional Area of Japan.

DISCUSSION (100)

promoted by the color red > Kat Callahan
07/31/2014 at 04:43

Kinja'd!!!

That is awesome.

TwinCharged - Is Now UK Opponaut > Kat Callahan
07/31/2014 at 04:44

Kinja'd!!!

DAT RECARO.

Kat Callahan > TwinCharged - Is Now UK Opponaut
07/31/2014 at 04:45

Yeah, now I just need to track down a passenger side. Easy installation was easy. OEM all the way. Shit just bolted right together.

Blunion05 drives a pink S2000 (USER WAS BANNED FOR THIS POST) > Kat Callahan
07/31/2014 at 04:53

I'm on mobile so I can't see quite closely, but if you were to get your headlights polished back to looking brand new it would make the car look even nicer. Not something you have to do, but it seems like they've gotten hazy.

Ferrero1911 > Kat Callahan
07/31/2014 at 04:55

Yay! You got it! Love the seat. It definitely wants red Honda badges.

Kat Callahan > Blunion05 drives a pink S2000 (USER WAS BANNED FOR THIS POST)
07/31/2014 at 04:56

It's on the list. They're VERY hazy. The exterior is a mess, but the internals were well taken care of.

Kat Callahan > Ferrero1911
07/31/2014 at 04:58

YUP. Paintjob first though.

TwinCharged - Is Now UK Opponaut > Kat Callahan
07/31/2014 at 05:15

Interior looks great! However, the exterior does look a little dull. Any plans for that?

Kat Callahan > TwinCharged - Is Now UK Opponaut
07/31/2014 at 05:24

Well, yes—a new coat of paint is first. Probably a change to the post-April 2000 front end, and a carbon fiber hood (and back wing, if possible). Here's the post-April front end:

Cé hé sin > Kat Callahan
07/31/2014 at 05:24

Kinja'd!!!

They don't use VIN numbers on JDM cars? My FTO doesn't have one either, just a chassis number.

Kat Callahan > Cé hé sin
07/31/2014 at 05:30

No. That number is essentially like the VIN number. That number is the number by which the car is registered.

Fred (FreddsterExprs) > Kat Callahan
07/31/2014 at 05:47

No complaints about this being autotragic, folks. I can't drive a manual legally in Japan anyhow. While it can be fun to shift manually...

What? So you have some kind of automatic-only license?

Nice car though, that Recaro seat looks soooo comfortable.

Kat Callahan > Fred (FreddsterExprs)
07/31/2014 at 06:03

Exactly, as I covered in this article . But there's a lot more to why I picked up this exact vehicle, and that means automatic. I had a very limited budget and a very limited set of options. I got very lucky.

DancesWithRotors - Driving Insightfully > Kat Callahan
07/31/2014 at 06:43

I love your car, Kat.

beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard > Kat Callahan
07/31/2014 at 06:47

I think it's cool as is, but if you were to, you know... slam it on it's guts and give it stretched tyres on too wide BBS meshies I would still think it was cool.

Kat Callahan > beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard
07/31/2014 at 06:48

I am going to lower it. However, I'm not entirely sure what I'm going to do with tires, probably nothing so severe.

Pabuuu, JDM car enthusiast & Italian parts hoarder > Kat Callahan
07/31/2014 at 07:08

What colour is the paint going to be?

Will you do a write up on the paint process? I may need to have my car painted and I'm looking for how to do it, and if I see how you do it first, it will help very much.

Agrajag > Kat Callahan
07/31/2014 at 07:09

This is pretty awesome. I want one.

Kat Callahan > Pabuuu, JDM car enthusiast & Italian parts hoarder
07/31/2014 at 07:30

I'm planning to keep it silver, and I'm not planning to paint it myself.

ReallyColorful > Kat Callahan
07/31/2014 at 08:05

Dig it!

Kaufmania: Mark Webber's Stunt Double > Kat Callahan
07/31/2014 at 08:21

Kinja'd!!!

ERROR!!!!! 3 Pedals good, 2 pedals bad.

Kat Callahan > Kaufmania: Mark Webber's Stunt Double
07/31/2014 at 08:22

Tell that to the Japanese DMV, please. Somehow I don't think they're going to listen to you, random internet buddy.

JLZ06 > Kat Callahan
07/31/2014 at 08:23

Kinja'd!!!

lame.

J-Tenno > Kat Callahan
07/31/2014 at 08:23

That's a really cool little Honda, enjoy it!

Kaufmania: Mark Webber's Stunt Double > TwinCharged - Is Now UK Opponaut
07/31/2014 at 08:24

lights, shinny bits, and ground effects.

Or if you are a fan of Game of Thrones, may I NOT recommend Dragons, Khalessi.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Kat Callahan
07/31/2014 at 08:25

Please tell me you're going to paint a driver's side stripe on it.

Kaufmania: Mark Webber's Stunt Double > Kat Callahan
07/31/2014 at 08:26

What do you know about manual transmissions in Japan that I don't know? I am concerned at your answer.

Kat Callahan > JLZ06
07/31/2014 at 08:26

Kinja'd!!!

Imirrelephant > Kat Callahan
07/31/2014 at 08:27

Pardon my ignorance on JDM vehicles, but is this concidered a Kei car? Wikipedia called a supermini, so I'm guessing it is. Just not sure.

Also, good call on the Recaro!

macanamera > Kat Callahan
07/31/2014 at 08:29

" I can't drive a manual legally in Japan anyhow."

What does this mean?

Kat Callahan > Kaufmania: Mark Webber's Stunt Double
07/31/2014 at 08:29

Japanese licenses are either AT or MT. I originally got my license when I was driving company cars—those are all AT. I thought I was only going to be around for a year or two, so I didn't bother worrying about getting the MT license. Now, I have decided to stay forever, and converting the license is a hassle. Plus, I had a limited budget and limited options for purchasing a car, and this was one hell of a lucky opportunity. The price of converting my license would be 70% of the price of this vehicle!

Kat Callahan > macanamera
07/31/2014 at 08:31

Kaufmania: Mark Webber's Stunt Double > Kat Callahan
07/31/2014 at 08:31

So, if you have a MT DL, you a required to drive a manual transmission. This could save us here in the State. What a country!!!

Charley V > Kat Callahan
07/31/2014 at 08:31

Kinja'd!!!

The radiator cap says it all.

Realdealryan > Kat Callahan
07/31/2014 at 08:32

Very neat car. Low weight, torquey (relatively) d-series- probably fun to wring every bit out of it. Torque converter probably doesn't hurt unless you're making a Best Motoring vid.

Kat Callahan > Kaufmania: Mark Webber's Stunt Double
07/31/2014 at 08:32

No, if you have a MT license, you are allowed to drive an AT vehicle because AT vehicles are easier. But it doesn't work in reverse, if you have an AT license, you are not allowed to drive a MT.

FrederickLawOlmsteez > Kat Callahan
07/31/2014 at 08:32

You know your car is under powered when BHPs include decimal points. I think it uses the same battery as my house alarm system.

Kat Callahan > Charley V
07/31/2014 at 08:33

Aftermarket radiator, I discovered to my annoyance. I have a Spoon radiator cap that doesn't fit, because it was meant for an OEM radiator. *sigh*

Kaufmania: Mark Webber's Stunt Double > Kat Callahan
07/31/2014 at 08:33

sorry... sarcasm failed to cross the pacific

beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard > Kat Callahan
07/31/2014 at 08:34

haha yeah. Too much poke would be horrendous to live with. The wheels that are on it would probably look mint after a polish.

willkinton247 > Kat Callahan
07/31/2014 at 08:34

Why is it that you can't drive a manual legally in Japan?

Kat Callahan > FrederickLawOlmsteez
07/31/2014 at 08:34

Yeah, except it isn't, given the weight. This thing is considerably faster than I thought it would be. It's like sticking a normal Honda D-series in a go-kart!

Kat Callahan > willkinton247
07/31/2014 at 08:35

Kat Callahan > Imirrelephant
07/31/2014 at 08:39

No, it is not a kei car. Kei cars are relegated to <=63bhp. This has almost 90bhp. This is also a 1.3L engine. Kei cars must not have an engine bigger than .66L.

AMDX1325 > Kat Callahan
07/31/2014 at 08:39

Its an Auto slushbox...why can't you drive manual in japan, do you need separate license for manual cars?

Kat Callahan > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire
07/31/2014 at 08:40

>_________>

No.

willkinton247 > Kat Callahan
07/31/2014 at 08:40

Oh I see. That would make it unfeasible.

TwinCharged - Is Now UK Opponaut > Kaufmania: Mark Webber's Stunt Double
07/31/2014 at 08:40

ARGH

Imirrelephant > Kat Callahan
07/31/2014 at 08:40

Cool! Thanks for the info!

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Kat Callahan
07/31/2014 at 08:41

(_)

Kat Callahan > AMDX1325
07/31/2014 at 08:41

Oh for Christ's sake, really? It's anything but with the sport mode. Pfeh.

Kinja'd!!!

Kat Callahan > willkinton247
07/31/2014 at 08:43

I plan to eventually do it for my next vehicle, not in a hurry now. It's not so much unfeasible as damn annoying.

AMDX1325 > Kat Callahan
07/31/2014 at 08:43

Does it qualify as subcompact or kei car?

Kat Callahan > AMDX1325
07/31/2014 at 08:44

It's a supermini, not a kei. That's why it has a white plate instead of a yellow plate.

Kaufmania: Mark Webber's Stunt Double > TwinCharged - Is Now UK Opponaut
07/31/2014 at 08:48

hurts me and I don't even like corvettes

Kat Callahan > beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard
07/31/2014 at 08:50

They're Tom's .

Nibby > Kat Callahan
07/31/2014 at 08:52

brb visiting Japan

guile4lyfe > Kat Callahan
07/31/2014 at 08:53

You could just take out the passenger seat all together because race car. Sweet whip, I didn'tknow you're in Japan.

Kat Callahan > guile4lyfe
07/31/2014 at 08:54

Naw, I drive lots of JETs around who don't have cars, and I have a special person, too, so I need to keep the other seats.

-Tom- > Kat Callahan
07/31/2014 at 08:55

You cant legally drive a manual in Japan? What?

FrederickLawOlmsteez > Kat Callahan
07/31/2014 at 08:55

HA! Glad your pleased. It looks really good for its age. All those pics and not a selfie if you grinnin behind the wheel?!

Kat Callahan > -Tom-
07/31/2014 at 08:56

fallenshell > Kat Callahan
07/31/2014 at 08:57

Although I agree on the post April front end, I have to have post up a weak argument for not wanting to distract from that super cute smile it has without the extra light housings.

Kat Callahan > fallenshell
07/31/2014 at 08:59

Those are foglights. Think of them as dimples. :3

guile4lyfe > Kat Callahan
07/31/2014 at 09:01

oohhhh. Whats a jet?

Kat Callahan > guile4lyfe
07/31/2014 at 09:03

This .

-Tom- > Kat Callahan
07/31/2014 at 09:04

Why in the world have two separate licenses? If anything make sure everyone is capable of operating a manual (just in case of an emergency, unless otherwise disabled) and leave it at that. I wouldnt even bother with the automatic license, I'd go straight for manual.

Paullubbock > Kaufmania: Mark Webber's Stunt Double
07/31/2014 at 09:07

The word batshit popped into my brain and not in a good way.

Kat Callahan > -Tom-
07/31/2014 at 09:08

The test is much, much harder than automatic. And while everyone should know how to operate a manual, that doesn't change my original logic: temporary, only cars I will drive are AT, easier test, therefore AT license. I wouldn't do it the same way, but hindsight it always 20/20.

zeontestpilot > Kat Callahan
07/31/2014 at 09:09

Some people see a small car, I see a lightweight car! Congrats on your new car!

Question of curiosity though. Not sure if you're a parent, but since I am I tend to think of how much space is for passengers in the back. Does it look like a car-seat would fit in the back seat? How is the leg room? I'm just really curious because it doesn't look like there is much space back there, but I know looks can be deceiving.

-Tom- > Kat Callahan
07/31/2014 at 09:09

Whats harder about it? Presumably it would be the same driving route just with a manual transmission? Maybe add in a hill start?

ApriliaFutura > Kat Callahan
07/31/2014 at 09:11

Kinja'd!!!

Indeed.

Kat Callahan > zeontestpilot
07/31/2014 at 09:12

Kinja'd!!!

ApriliaFutura > Kat Callahan
07/31/2014 at 09:13

Score! Man, it's easier to score JDM parts when your actually IN the JDM. :D You're moving fast on that lil baby!

jvallido > Kat Callahan
07/31/2014 at 09:14

Kinja'd!!!

lawls

Rory > Kat Callahan
07/31/2014 at 09:14

Kinja'd!!!

Oh god I really want one so bad! Id honestly much prefer your Logo to my EM1. It just looks so fun.
I also love the fact the Logo has cupholders yet my civic mysteriously doesn't. Please please please Kat, if you ever decide to sell it , I would happily import it to Ireland :3

Kat Callahan > -Tom-
07/31/2014 at 09:15

There's a different attitude you have to cultivate... It's hard to explain. You have to do everything in very specific ways. I failed the automatic test three times. My friend, Chris, ended up failing his manual test (and he has had significantly more practice driving manual than I have) seven times . This is not unusual for foreign license conversion to Japanese domestic licenses. Most expatriates I know have failed multiple times. Unless you have someone who passed really walk you through it, there are quirks about the way the test proctors want you to do absolutely everything which will get you. Some are outright opposite of the laws I learned in Texas.

Vincent Davidson > Kat Callahan
07/31/2014 at 09:15

Sweet. I wonder how difficult it'd be to import one of these to the US -

And watch my fellow Honda techs shit their pants when I pull into the lot at work with one.

Congratulations

zipfuel > Kat Callahan
07/31/2014 at 09:15

I take it buying a GA3 instead of a GA5 is not the same level of faux-pas as buying an AE85 instead of an AE86? ;)

Kaufmania: Mark Webber's Stunt Double > Paullubbock
07/31/2014 at 09:16

Dragonshit... dragonshit

Kat Callahan > zipfuel
07/31/2014 at 09:17

I don't think so. I'm not sure what the difference is, now. I have to do more research. I thought I understood what the differences were, but I know I was wrong, so...

Kat Callahan > Vincent Davidson
07/31/2014 at 09:18

Pretty hard, I think they're not street legal in the US. Probably liable to have it seized by customs. :/

aeternitas > Kat Callahan
07/31/2014 at 09:18

same in Germany

Brian Silvestro > Kat Callahan
07/31/2014 at 09:19

Because kei cars are just too mainstream.

JJJenningsIII > Kat Callahan
07/31/2014 at 09:19

Any one have any idea why the recaro is for the passenger?

Kat Callahan > Brian Silvestro
07/31/2014 at 09:19

I drive a Honda Logo, you've probably never heard of it.

Wacko > Kat Callahan
07/31/2014 at 09:21

what would the difference be in a GA3 and a GA5??

ravichandran > Kat Callahan
07/31/2014 at 09:22

Awesome little thing ! I think a red Honda badging will go well with those red recaros

JJJenningsIII > JJJenningsIII
07/31/2014 at 09:22

oops, total fail on my part...with the rhd and all

Kat Callahan > Wacko
07/31/2014 at 09:22

I don't know yet, I need to go down the rabbit hole and find out. I thought I knew the differences, but now I know I was wrong. I think it might be that GA5s are the post-April 2000 Sportic TSs, which have a pretty significant difference in trim level, but that's just me hazarding a guess.

Seat Safety Switch > Kat Callahan
07/31/2014 at 09:23

It looks kind of like the 80s Honda City's grown up older brother that got a job in finance. I love the footwell carpets.

Are the headlight lenses faded? It's hard to tell in the pictures.

Kat Callahan > ravichandran
07/31/2014 at 09:23

Planning it, yes. But after I get the thing repainted.

Sweet Trav > Kat Callahan
07/31/2014 at 09:24

It brings me such joy when people get excited about their cars. Not cars they see in a magazine, or on TV, but the cars they own. I hope that this little Imp of a car brings you lots of joy and many trouble free miles!

Kat Callahan > Seat Safety Switch
07/31/2014 at 09:26

That is exactly what it is. This replaced the City. City —> Logo —> Fit.

And yeah, very badly. I will be repolishing them.

PhthaloGreen > Kat Callahan
07/31/2014 at 09:26

GREAT NEWS!

beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard > Kat Callahan
07/31/2014 at 09:27

nice!

Andrew P. Collins > Kat Callahan
07/31/2014 at 09:28

Excellent little car. Only thing I'd change is the radio... go for OEM there too!

Brian Silvestro > Kat Callahan
07/31/2014 at 09:28

You've guessed correctly. But now I want one.

zeontestpilot > Kat Callahan
07/31/2014 at 09:29

Wow, a bit tight, but you could definitely fit someone back there. Nice!

Malforus > Kat Callahan
07/31/2014 at 09:29

Kinja'd!!!

I used to do this and the cord kept getting eaten by the steering column. Better to put it under and avoid awkward pinching that can mess with your steering feel.