Anytime you add the words “Limited Edition” to a product it instantly gains a whole new status. Suddenly it’s in high demand and due to its perceived rarity the cost becomes high as well. It’s basic economics really, supply vs. demand. Now many of us can get past the two words that are often added to the end of any basic product, but certain “Limited Edition” products are truly that. They are hard to find, hard to get and ultimately people that want it end up paying a premium for it. In today’s age, the Integra Type-R is one of those products. With a limited production run, the Type-R captured a lot of fame especially knowing that each one was uniquely numbered and tagged. One of our contributing photographers, Ben Howard, had the luxury of shooting this 2001 Phoenix Yellow Type-R and we are more than proud to bring it to our readers.
Before we get into the Type-R and more specifically this one, let’s take a look at the history of this lucky Honda owner. “Before I bought the car, I owned a 1991 CRX with full Mugen Pro-2 aero. The car unfortunately got destroyed in a pretty bad car accident that wasn’t my fault.” For us that have experienced a totaled car, it’s tragic to say the least. But lucky for us, this owner found it to be a motivating factor to get into something bigger and better. “I sought out for a Milano Red GS-R Integra, but couldn’t find a clean one I was interested in. After all the searching I was about to buy another CRX when my dad told me about two Type-R Integras at our local Acura dealership. I was immediately filled up with joy like a little kid on Christmas morning. I found out when the truck was delivering them and I was there about two hours before hand waiting in a lawn chair outside. The car was backed off the truck and it was all me from there on out.” Talk about dedication, and to be honest we were surprised by how little trouble this owner had to go through to get his hands on the famed R.
The Type-R was famed and classified as one of the most balanced and best handling front wheel drive machines ever produced. To this day its rarity attracts Honda lovers worldwide, with mint condition ones going well over the original MSRP. For those lucky enough to have owned, or currently own an Integra Type-R, we are truly envious. The best part of owning a Type-R however is that you can either choose to leave it as is, or put your own touch to it – no one would ever argue with you. The platform and foundation is fantastic to build on, but there is a certain type of charm in leaving the Type-R untouched. This ’01 however, numbered #0082, was far from untouched and in fact the owner built on the solid foundation. “I have always loved road racing and tracking, have always been a fan of it. I was actually going to build a Honda Challenge car out of this Type-R until I realized it’d be pretty stupid of me to do so.” Well, we’re certainly glad that this Type-R didn’t turn out into a fully gutted race car! But what was the ultimate goal for this vehicle? “Right now all I want to do is build my car without rules and regulations, how I want to…and have fun with friends at track events, as well as competing in some Redline Time Attack events on the west coast in 2008.”
Now that 2008 is here, let’s take a look at the preparation that this lucky Type-R owner has taken in getting his vehicle of choice ready to be a true time attacker. On the exterior, the look of the Type-R has been fairly untouched and is still easily noticeable from far. This owner has chosen to free up some weight with a Seibon carbon fiber hood and a custom rear OEM bumper cut out for a rear diffuser. The stock Type-R lip was taken and a carbon fiber lip was made from it. To really add his own special touch though, a Mugen second generation spoiler was bolted onto the trunk. The owner wanted us to know that several things are coming soon for the vehicle including a new custom rear diffuser, canards, front splitter and air ducts and Seibon’s carbon fiber hatch, fully equipped with FAL Plexiglass in the rear. Looks like a serious weight diet and aerodynamic focus will be placed onto this R for the upcoming year.
Suspension wise this Type-R has received a complete overhaul. Every little piece that has been added is focused on stiffening up the chassis and providing the handling it needs to attack the track. For sway bars, a Mugen 26mm front was added along with a beefy ASR 32mm rear. Adjustability can be found in the rear piece for those track days. Function 7 rear lower control arms replace the stock pieces, providing stronger and lighter components. Currently the vehicle travels with PIC Select R3 coilovers, but the owner notes that he plans on switching to Moton 3 ways for the 2008 season. Plenty more of Mugen goods can be seen on the car including a full bushing kit, AGBS and front and rear strut bars. Handling camber adjustment is a Skunk2 Pro series Plus in the front and King rear camber kit. Lastly, a Beaks rear lower tie bar was added in conjunction with the OEM tie bar. As you can tell, no piece of the suspension was left untouched and we can only imagine how much of a handling monster this Type-R has transformed into.
The interior has received its fair share of modifications as well. Continuing with his love for Mugen products, the cabin is filled with the infamous Mugen moniker. A FG360 steering wheel along with S1-R bucket seats take center point, while a Mugen Speed meter and visor is in the dash. Slight amenities include a JDM Integra Type-R shift boot and a Mugen DC5 leather e-brake cover. Further stiffening up the chassis and reinforcing it for track use is a custom weld-in 6 point roll bar. Brockway comes into play with their S100 and R290 data logger. To get the car ready for serious track use, a complete roll cage and harness bar with harnesses will be incorporated soon to the car.
As for engine modifications, the B18C5 has received the simple bolt ons to free up breathing room. The K-series craze has captured the heart of this owner however, as he plans on swapping in a completely built JDM K20A with Toda pieces. We can’t argue with him on this at all, as the K-series has proven itself to be the new motor to play with and the technology hidden underneath the valve cover is what is needed to compete with the big boys in 2008.
Lastly, some special thanks needs to be included with this build. “Alexei and Jarrod from Hondoctors, Ed and Harvey from Acme2 and Mike Angel from Factor X Engineering…and all of my Type-R buddies from across the world. Last but not least, my wife Melanie for putting up with this madness.” No car build is complete without the motivation and inspiration from friends. We can’t wait to see this R hit the track this season and you can be sure we’ll be present at the Redline Time Attack events to capture it ourselves.
