When the first Honda broke into the 11's back in the early '90s, VTEC technology was in its infancy in the States, and most racers were stuck with the engine of yesterday: the non-VTEC 1.8L B18A/B engine found in the Acura Integra. Not that this engine was without merit-you could go fast with a built motor and either a little squeeze or a turbocharger. That was the easy part. But try posting anything close to an 11 without any major engine work, and well, you just couldn't do it. At the best, maybe 13's-12's if you're a good driver. But that was only a maybe.
Today it's a different story-things have changed for the better. The second season of Temptation Island is starting up again, Ricky is finally sprouting facial hair, and best of all, we've got absurdly fast Hondas being built day in and day out. Most use a VTEC engine in some way or another-B16A, B18C, H22-surpassing the B18B in terms of horsepower, lower e.t.'s, and broken speed records. But Signal Auto is different, like the new kid who joins the class of the way through and doesn't make a whole lot of friends. They've done something so weird that it's gotten a bit scary-giving you the kind of heebie-jeebies that only a non-makeup day for Suzie can give you. Yet with a current best of 11.3 @ 124 mph, it all works out somehow.
Now, remember how I mentioned the jump from non-VTEC engines to VTEC-powered units? It's a progression-you move forward. But not Signal. They've turned everything upside down. They took a B16A and stripped it of its VTEC power and then planted it into a CRX. Accomplishing such a task requires both a great knowledge of automotive mechanics and a certain level of insanity; some would suggest "getting a pair of balls," and I agree. It's easy to spot the obvious right-hand-drive configuration and the really noticeable glass top, making it clear to the world that this isn't just another Honda race car. The car was made extremely lightweight with metal body panels that have been retrofitted with fiberglass replacements and custom headlights that are made out of carbon fiber. Then there's the pearl orange paint that only a Signal race car has and that means one thing: speed. This is no ordinary race car. This car is a motoring equivalent of a busload full of horny teenage schoolgirls who can't wait to get off.
In order to understand how Signal could perform a somewhat blasphemous act in the name of Honda performance, you'd have to take a look at the engine they've put together. It is a factory-issue B16A. There are no tricks here-simply a disengaged VTEC solenoid unit and some special work done to the cylinder head. And by special we mean serious gear by Toda Racing. The most important piece of equipment are the VTEC Killer camshafts, which use a hollow billet core where the VTEC lobe is removed, resulting in less rotating mass and allowing an engine to spin higher, over 5K rpm. The cylinder head was then ported and polished by Signal Auto and built up with Toda valve springs and Crower retainers. To accommodate for the overlap, custom one-ring pistons (also from Toda) were attached to lightweight Civic Type R connecting rods along with Toda piston rings, increasing overall engine displacement from 1.6 liters to 1.8. This will not only allow the B16 to make more power and torque, but also pushes the compression ratio up-way up. Toda cylinder sleeves provide the extra safety needed when making high- horsepower motors. Sandwich a metal head gasket between the head and the bottom end, and you've got yourself closer to a 10-second all-motor package.
With the head ported and smoothed out to increase flow, Signal's next task was to increase the breathing capabilities of the B16A. The Signal crew opted for the Toda Racing individual throttle bodies and intake manifold to become the B16's lungs. And we don't mean some 60-year-old man's smoker lungs; we're talking about huge Carl Lewis lungs. A Bosch fuel pump, RC Engineering 370cc injectors, and a Toda fuel rail work in conjunction to manage fuel delivery. Aided by an MSD ignition amplifier, the NGK plugs provide the spark needed to ignite the newly acquired nasty air/fuel mixture.
The gearbox is essential when you're playing the game of speed. Without it, you lose. That's why Signal picked a Civic Type R transmission for the close gears, reputable performance, and drivability that only it can deliver. Gone is the stock differential; it now plays host to a Cusco limited-slip. Power grip comes in the form of an Exedy clutch, a brand known for its light pedal pressure but strong engagement.
Inspecting the suspension, Signal hasn't done anything different. The setup, although as easy to put together as a Lego play set, is arranged in such a way to maintain a perfect weight to balance ratio with a set of Sustec Pro coilovers from Tanabe. Tanabe also provided front end chassis stiffening with a Sustec strut bar. The wheels are a true example of form and function, yet when I look at them I can't help but feel just a tad jealous. Volk TE-37 drag wheels and GTPs? Yes, I am jealous. And then you have Project M Type NS brake pads and stainless steel brake lines... Yes, I'm still jealous.
If you take a peek inside, you'll see the typical Signal-style getup-it's clean, gutless, and just begs to be driven. Gone is any remnant of a standard CRX interior, as it's all been replaced with custom gizmos and gadgets like the Omori and Auto Meter gauge meters, Rays Engineering steering wheel, Signal Auto shift knob, and a lone Bride seat. The entire rear floorboard has been completely replaced with carbon fiber, as well. It's small and uncomfortable to sit in-I know, I got to sit in it once. And let me tell you that someone who's six feet tall shouldn't be sitting in, much less trying to steer, a car that was built around Tsuneaki Mankumo (the driver) who's only 5 feet 6 inches tall. Your knees don't do much when they're shoved up in your face.
Watching this car run is a blast. When it's fired up, it sounds very groovy making little "whop-whop" sounds until it gets up to the line. Then it's just a full on "whaaaaa..." after that. Yes, it's very cool. So tune in, and if you can find the signal, listen closely-the frequency is now 11, but it should drop to a 10 sooner than you think.