Honda’s second car in their Type-R division, the DC2R platform has become revered within the car community, and it’s easy to see why.
Initially designed by Honda to go Group N racing, the Type-R was built with strengthened steel in vital areas and a focus on weight saving. Starting with thinner glass, reduced sound deadening, no cruise control or air conditioning, the Integra Type-R was light on its feet.
Combine these techniques with an engine that produced more horsepower per litre than a McLaren F1 at the time, and a cutting-edge double-wishbone suspension setup and you have a 1,125kg driving experience that many claim to be the best FWD vehicle ever produced.
Besides from the increasingly rare and iconic JDM front end, Type-R is suspiciously OEM from the outside. The OEM side skirts, rear pods, and front lip retain the Integra’s quintessential Japanese styling, but notice the J’s Racing Front Cooling Duct and you start to think this might be something special. It’s when you move into the engine bay that things start to get interesting.
Sure, the Type-R’s traditional 1.8L VTEC engine is no slouch, but combination of power, and something unique, and what better place to start than a K24A3 swapped motor.
Initially from Honda’s 03′-07′ Accord Euro range, the K24A-3 is a fan-favourite to swap into the Integra’s nimble frame. With most K-swap enthusiasts tossing up between a K20 and K24 motor, K24 choice grants him a larger 2.4L capacity and more torque than the K20 and a potential that far exceeds the limits of his Integra’s original 1.8L motor.
But K24 doesn’t just sit in an ordinary engine bay. Shaved, holes welded up, custom body-work on the strut towers and chassis rails, and a complete respray by Phat Paint Garage result in a stunning home for the new K24.
This K24 is also blessed with Drag Cartel 2.2 Endurance Camshafts, providing rigidity at extended RPM ranges while reducing possible valve float. K-Tuned is also a brand name synonymous with the K-swap community, and Andrew’s Integra has its fair share of K-Tuned parts, from Big Tube Headers, Race-Spec Shifter Cables, and a Tucked Fuel System to name a few.
The Integra also has an unmistakable stance, with a set of Original 90’s style Rays TE37’s (16×8+30) paired with Hardrace HS Spec Coilovers to accentuate the Integra’s iconic Japanese silhouette. Integra Type-R takes something brilliant and makes it unique and with DC2R’s becoming a rare sight in Australia.
