I don't know that anyone can diagnose that from here.
You "money-shifted" and forced the engine to operate at a higher RPM than designed, in the process putting a high load on the clutch and shocking transmission. Sounds like the car still operates, so you may have gotten lucky and avoided the...
We were talking about this on the DE5 forum.
On one hand: it covers most of the radiator -- certainly more than most ICs.
On the other: it's a tube / fin design, so it should allow for better airflow than the bar / plate designs we have (i.e. PRL, etc.), and it's thinner than the PRL IC.
It...
The bolt-ons / tune will have made a huge difference relative to stock.
If you already have a daily and are looking for a purely weekend / track car, I would look elsewhere, honestly.
This is a great platform, and I am very happy owning one, but it's great because it gives you sports car feels...
Too late to worry now anyway. All you'd be doing is fretting over a sunk cost and actively ruining your own experience moving forward. Actively enjoy the car instead.
As an ITS owner who long wanted a CTR before the DE5 came out:
The interior is nicer --especially in back. Whether it's worth paying for or not is another question. It is not on the level of a $50k luxury car; it is a $50k performance car with luxury amenities.
I also find the black interior...
Confirmation 275/30/19 fit (and he's on aftermarket springs, so 35 is likely doable stock):
https://www.integraforums.com/forum/threads/wheels-tires-suspension-setup-pics-thread.52107/post-853921
Can't remember where I saw it, here or DE5 forums, but I have a very strong memory that they fit -- in fact, if I recall correctly -- and I might not, lol -- 275/35/19 fit (as long as you aren't lowered).
The best part about the ADX recommendation isn't even that it is unreleased or certainly isn't a "proper sports car" -- it's not even that if (and that's a big if) they do offer a 2.0l version instead of just 1.5l, it will likely cost the same or more than an FL5 while offering less performance...
You will always get more car for your $ buying used... that doesn't mean buying a new car is a waste of $. You're paying for a warranty and fresh ownership experience -- whether or not that is worth it can vary. I've had good and bad experiences buying used cars, and you don't really know what...