Inside the car is more Type-R quality goodness. From the carpet and panels to the console and gauges, Jonathan didn't hesitate to swipe his credit card in the ass cracks of the Japanese, creating a sweet CTR-replica interior. The only difference, aside from the left-hand drive, is the MOMO steering wheel.
Thankfully, Jonathan didn't do all this just to win the JDM Conversion of the Year award; he actually wants to take it to the track and win. His main focus was the B18 powerplant sitting under the hood. With a balanced crank, the B18 is equipped with Eagle connecting rods and a set of JE pistons with a compression ratio of 12.5:1. On top is a ported and polished head with an angle valve job, Skunk2 camshafts, and Ferrea valves. To follow the Type-R motif, he added a Type-R throttle body and connected it with a J's Racing air intake. He finished the engine bay off with the classic red CTR valve cover. The motor is estimated to run a high 225 hp.
Not surprisingly, the other half of this pair is equally dedicated to the JDM craft. Chris' Integra is actually a genuine Type-R of the USDM variety. To make it as close to the JDM Type-R, Chris added the better-looking front end, outfitted with OEM HID headlights. Chris also went to Atlantic Collision, who coated the Integra with a Desert Silver Metallic hue from the US-spec DC5 (just like Nads' doo-doo brown RSX). Chris also shaved off the antenna and symbols to provide cleaner lines, a process that despite its simplicity took a long time. "Due to the hurricanes last year in Florida, a lot of cars were damaged," Chris clarified, "All the body shops in central and eastern Florida were busy from then on so it took a long time to finish my car." When it was finally finished, the Integra looked just as good as the Civic. The highlight of the exterior, of course, are the 16-inch GAB Sports wheels, all bright and red. If you're not familiar with the GABs, just think of it as walking in a pair of Nike Air Force 1 LEs. Much like Jonathan, Chris wrapped his wheels up in Parada rubber but switched to Toyos after our shoot. The Integra stops with the help of OEM Type-R brakes and Spoon brake pads.
In the interior, JDM Type-R pieces line the cockpit. Chris made sure the Japanese conversion was done correctly. In fact, he stripped the car to bare metal and started from scratch, replacing everything with OEM parts from Japan. "There are some rare parts in the car," he proudly explained, like the air bag block off tray, fog light switch, and double DIN Gathers radio. However, there are some familiar products as well, like the GReddy gauges, MOMO steering wheel featuring a NSX Type-R horn button, and Takata4-point harnesses.
But like his buddy, Chris isn't just about JDM aesthetics. Equipped with a robust K20A motor, the Integra has the balls to back up its mean look. After installing the K20, the first modification Jonathan did was increase the fuel flow. He installed an Aeromotive fuel regulator, Walbro fuel pump, and a bronze STR fuel rail. Along with an Injen air intake and R-Crew race header, Chris estimates his car is running a lean, mean 230 hp.
Together, these two cars make a great team whether they're competing at a car show or racing down the track. It was their camaraderie throughout the build-up that helped them both produce quality rides. Call it creepy or even weird; it's always better to have two heads than one.