Going into the 2008 race season, things were getting excited, cars were being built and everyone was sitting back waiting in anticipation for the season to get started. Battle of the Imports made huge announcements in the off season, along with the NOPI buyout of NHRA at SEMA 2007. Things seemed to look better for the industry as a whole, with events spread across the nation and promises of a better and brighter world. Then much like everything else going on in the economy and the country that we live in, things took a wild turn and quick. NOPI suffered some rain outs and ultimately canceled their season. Battle of the Imports stepped up their game but with fewer events on the East Coast many wondered where they should go to race. Some had committed to one series which ended up being a wash. Hopes of racing this DC2 Integra started much like the bright season ahead, but as things changed so did the goals of this vehicle.
We’ve been following the buildup of Hybrid Performance’s DC2 since it was picked up as a ’95 RS shell. Since then however, it has been prepped and built to tear up the track as a Sport FWD / Turbo Street vehicle capable of running deep into the 9s. Only the best was used throughout the car and we’ll take a look at what all is involved in building such a capable drag machine. Starting with the chassis, the DC2 was sent off to Mazworx for a full 9-second chromoly cage. Once the car made it back to Hybrid Performance the interior was wrapped up with a set of Corbeau racing seats with Simpson Racing harnesses, an RCI window net and a Sparco Flash 5 steering wheel easily accessible through a Sparco quick release hub. Prior to receiving a custom primer grey finish, Hybrid Performance installed the JDM DC2 front end conversion. After that, a Seibon carbon fiber hood and front lip were bolted on.
Things were looking good for the project, as time winded down towards the Orlando Battle of the Imports event. But there was no rush. As many of us know, if you’re going to do it right, do it right the first time. So with a full NOPI schedule ahead of them, Hybrid Performance didn’t hesitate to take their time in finishing the car and hoping to squeeze in a few races with Mazworx’s S15 campaign. So in went the details on the engine. The B18C1 was rebuilt to 84mm using a Darton sleeved block and CP 9:1 compression pistons. Manley Turbo Tuff rods are mated to the pistons with ACL race bearings. Skunk2 Racing then stepped in with their Pro2+ camshafts, Pro-Series valve springs, retainers and valves. On the intake side, this fully built B18C1 sports a Skunk2 cam gear while the exhaust side is equipped with a Golden Eagle / T1 exhaust cam gear. The intake side of the car has also received a setup consisting of an Edelbrock intake manifold, BDL 70mm throttle body and 3-inch intercooler piping to a Garrett custom air to air intercooler. Tial goods in the engine bay include a 50mm blow off valve and wastegate. Bolting the GT4294R 1.01 a/r turbo to the monster engine is a Peakboost top mount exhaust manifold. Peakboost also threw in their 4-inch downpipe for good measure. Handling fuel is plenty of goods from Aeromotive including their fuel pressure regulator, fuel pump and fuel filter. BDL’s fuel rail can be seen housing RC’s 1600cc injectors. Lastly a T1 signature catch can has been mounted in the bay.
Beefing up the transmission was next on the list with a heat treated OEM gear set. A Quaife limited slip differential along with an Exedy Twin Plate clutch was thrown in to handle the 800+ whp this Integra was destined to put down. A Liberty Handcuff along with DSS Level 5.9 axles and hubs were installed as an insurance policy to keep it running healthy all season long.
Setting up the car and getting ready for a steady tune is an AEM EMS system along with AEM’s oil pressure gauge and boost gauge. M&W Pro10 Ignition along with T1’s cam trigger kit were also installed in the electronics department. Handling boost is an NLR 500 boost controller.
The suspension has also been detailed throughout with Skunk2’s Pro-C coilovers with custom drag rates, rear lower control arms and front and rear camber kit. Energy Suspension’s full bushing kit keeps everything nice and tight while Avid Racing’s Pro Series traction bar ensures every bit of power gets transferred to the front slicks. No 9-second car is complete without a Stroud Super Comp parachute.
Lastly, it’s hard to miss the Weld Racing Magnum wheels wrapped with Mickey Thompson ET Drag slicks. While this Integra hasn’t seen track action, Hybrid Performance has decided to part with the vehicle after seeing an empty schedule ahead of them. Perhaps things will look up for the 2009 season, but for now they’re proud of having built the car on their terms and completing the project as they would have liked. Now it’s only a matter of time before someone tunes the AEM EMS and takes it for a blast down the quarter mile.
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