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Integra Project, Part 6

Our Integra Gets New Shoes

Photography by Matthew Pearson
  • 1994 Acura Integra Side View
    Low ’N’ No Show
  • 1994 Acura Integra Side View
    Low ’N’ Ready To Go
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    We decided on a set of 17x7 Fittipaldi Polaris wheels for our Integra. We like them because they look like the stock wheels on steroids. The wheels come with center caps, a fitment kit, and lug nuts.
    P25231 Image Large
    We decided on a set of 17x7 Fittipaldi Polaris wheels for our Integra. We like them becaus
  • P25232 Image Large
    We went with an aggressive set of AVS Intermediate 215/40ZR17 tires from Yokohama. The tires feature an asymmetrical tread design that provides higher shoulder rigidity and reduces the possibility of hydroplaning. The added rigidity creates amazing grip during cornering, while the deep straight grooves keep the water at bay. The Yokohamas also feature a rim protector bar to guard against wheel damage.
    P25232 Image Large
    We went with an aggressive set of AVS Intermediate 215/40ZR17 tires from Yokohama. The tir
  • P25233 Image Large
    We went to Stokes because they have the ability to mount and balance any size and type of tire and wheel combination. After installing valve stems on the wheels, they mounted our Yoks onto the Polaris wheels.
    P25233 Image Large
    We went to Stokes because they have the ability to mount and balance any size and type of
  • P25234 Image Large
    Once on the rim, the tire is filled with air (duh!) until the tire seats completely on the rim. Once the tire is seated, it is inflated to its proper pressure. It’s a good idea never to inflate a tire to its maximum recommended pressure when it’s cold. Tires tend to expand as they heat up, which causes stress on the tire and can create a harsh ride.
    P25234 Image Large
    Once on the rim, the tire is filled with air (duh!) until the tire seats completely on the
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    Each tire and wheel combo is then balanced using a computerized balance machine. For aesthetic purposes, the weights were placed along the inside lip of the rim.
    P25235 Image Large
    Each tire and wheel combo is then balanced using a computerized balance machine. For aesth
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    Since not all spindles are the same size, wheel manufacturers like Fittipaldi include hub-centric rings as part of their fitment kits. The rings fill the space between the wheel center and the spindle. The size of the metal ring depends on the application. That’s one of the reasons why it’s important to give the manufacturer the correct vehicle information when ordering. Be sure the rings go on with the wheels.
    P25236 Image Large
    Since not all spindles are the same size, wheel manufacturers like Fittipaldi include hub-
  • 1994 Acura Integra Wheel Install View
    Once the new tires and wheels were in place, the Stokes guys took the Integra for a test drive. We knew we were going to get the car aligned because we hadn’t done it after it was lowered. It’s a good idea to get your car aligned whenever you change anything in the suspension. We know. We should have done it right away. So, do as we say, not as we do. Anyway, the test drive proved that we did need an alignment and that we were experiencing some tire rub. Stokesboy Otto set out to correct the problem.
    1994 Acura Integra Wheel Install View
    Once the new tires and wheels were in place, the Stokes guys took the Integra for a test d
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    We went with 215-sized tires as added protection for our Polaris wheels. Even with the extreme lowering we gave the car (November 󈨥), we experienced only slight rubbing in the back. Otto was able to correct the problem by adding a small amount of negative camber via a camber kit. We will have to watch our tire wear and rotate the wheels more often, but we thought it was a better option than rolling the fenders.
    P25238 Image Large
    We went with 215-sized tires as added protection for our Polaris wheels. Even with the ext
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    The camber kit is installed by disconnecting the upper arm from the body and the trailing arm. The stock bushing in the upper arm is pushed out and the camber kit is put in its place. The kits come with the necessary bushings and gorilla-snot silicone lubricant.
    P25239 Image Large
    The camber kit is installed by disconnecting the upper arm from the body and the trailing
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    Once the camber is set, Otto adjusts the rear toe. Once the rear is complete, the front toe, caster, and camber are checked and corrected. The rear is done first to get the proper thrust angle (geometric centerline of the vehicle) to use as a reference to align the front.
    P25240 Image Large
    Once the camber is set, Otto adjusts the rear toe. Once the rear is complete, the front to
  • 1994 Acura Integra Wheel Torque View
    The vehicle is lowered and the lugs are given a final check using a torque wrench. Never let a tire and wheel outlet use an impact tool to tighten your lug nuts. It can mess up the wheel and lead to other fun things like brake rotor or drum damage.
    1994 Acura Integra Wheel Torque View
    The vehicle is lowered and the lugs are given a final check using a torque wrench. Never l
  • 1994 Acura Integra Wheel View
    Just to be sure that our Project Integra doesn’t end up in our News column like the Project Neon (sans wheels and tires), we decided to add a set of wheel locks to our upgrade list. And no, we don’t keep the lock in the glove compartment. And how did Otto feel about us and our Integra when he was done? Let’s just say we won’t be challenging the Stokes guys to any paint-ball wars in the very near future.
    1994 Acura Integra Wheel View
    Just to be sure that our Project Integra doesn’t end up in our News column like the P
  • P25243 Image Large
    And how did Otto feel about us and our Integra when he was done? Let’s just say we won’t be challenging the Stokes guys to any paint-ball wars in the very near future.
    P25243 Image Large
    And how did Otto feel about us and our Integra when he was done? Let’s just say we wo

It's finally here. After getting our Integra down to a proper stance using Eibach springs and Tokico shocks, we decided on a tire and wheel package that would suit the car perfectly. Ever since we received the car from Acura, it's had a set of stock 15-inch wheels and tires. They were fine for when the car was stock, too. Add the intake, header, and exhaust and the car sounded and performed like a real street car. With the monster HKS exhaust sticking out the back, and the Super Street and Acura Type R stickers on the quarter windows, the wheels and tires just didn't cut it. We turned to our friends at Fittipaldi wheels and Yokohama tires to get us rolling in style. As usual, we didn't want to mess up our manicures, so we went to the experts at Stokes Tire in Santa Monica, California, for the installation. Check it out.

CONNECT
Motoring Accessories Inc.
1425 NW 82nd. Ave.
Miami,
FL
Yokohama Tire Corporation
Stokes Tire Pros
1117 Santa Monica Blvd
Santa Monica,
CA
By Matthew Pearson
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