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The Platform Masterpiece. It's a word that shouldn’t be thrown around lightly, but with one glance at the striking yellow curves of Andrew’s Honda Integra Type-R, it’s the first word that springs to mind. 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. The Integra Type-R inspired many enthusiasts like Andrew, but no two builds are the same, and thus Andrew took the successful D2CR platform and made it his own. K-swap Besides the increasingly rare and iconic JDM front end, Andrew's 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 VTEC engine is no slouch, but Andrew wanted a 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 K24A3 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, Andrew's K24 choice grants him a larger capacity and more torque than the K20 and potential that far exceeds the limits of his Integra's original motor. But Andrew's 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. It's all in the details Andrew however, didn't just place a K24 in his Integra and call it a day. With an immobilizer built into the stock ECU to deter theft, Andrew went with a Hondata K-Pro V4 ECU to fully unlock the potential of his new motor. 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. Peek inside the cockpit and you're met with the absolute beauty which is K-Tuned's Race-Spec Billet DC5 Shifter Rev2, paired with an OEM DC5R Aluminium shift knob to create a match made in heaven and an exquisite race-car feel to the interior. The Integra also has an unmistakable stance, with a set of Original 90's style Rays TE37's (16x8 30) paired with Hardrace HS Spec Coilovers to accentuate the Integra's iconic Japanese silhouette. Andrew's Integra Type-R takes something brilliant and makes it unique and with DC2R's becoming a rare sight in Australia, Andrew is more than happy with the path he's chosen for a great Honda N/A build. What else? Like most enthusiasts, when asked if there was anything else planned for the build, Andrew responded with - Yes, once a project is started, does it ever stop? With the K24A3 engine, Andrew's Integra has a near-unlimited potential and he's doing his part to keep the Honda community alive in Sydney by continuing to perfect his iconic Integra Type-R. Acknowledgements Swapping an engine and building an Integra as refined as this one often comes with challenges, but for Andrew, supported by JR Performance and High-End Automotive in Arndell Park, his 4-month journey starting back in mid-2019 had 'absolutely no hurdles'. #Honda #Integra #TypeR #K20 #VTEC Buy THE-LOWDOWN Banner: - Shop: Follow THE-LOWDOWN: - Facebook: - Instagram: - TikTok: Music: TOMKILLSJERRY - CRUSH:
