The turbo kit featured a tubular exhaust manifold attached to a T4/T3 turbocharger. The I/C piping is constructed from mild-steel and the exhaust system was a muffler shop special, three-inch unit with a Blitz canister at the tail end. We'll probably end up dumping the exhaust system in favor of something much nicer since some of the welds on the system were not finished all the way around and it was leaking pretty badly.
Scott was also able to locate a complete JDM Type-R interior with red Recaro suede seats. The last major purchase we found on eBay was the five-lug suspension and wheels from a 2000 USDM Type-R. These three items cost us ... er, eBay, $9,000 via Paypal.
Before stripping the Integra down to the bare essentials we decided to take the Acura to SP Engineering's Dynojet dyno for some baseline numbers. Surprisingly, our Integra was able to lay down 129.2 hp to the front wheels. Did we mention this car has 165,000 miles and looks like it has never been washed once in its lifetime? Can't imagine how often the oil has been changed.
After dyno testing we utilized Blitz's facility for all of the installation. We were able to remove the stock engine in about two hours. But hooking up the built engine required more time. Just to be sure we weren't getting our legs pulled we decided to disassemble the eBay engine to see for ourselves if it was buffed or fluffed.
Sure enough, there was a knife-edged crankshaft with Saenz rods and JE pistons. The JE pistons were even hand polished around the rough edges to prevent any hot spots. The previous owner said the engine only had about 1,000 miles on it and from the looks of the flawless cylinder walls his comments rang true.
The block has an older JG Engine Dynamics closed-deck treatment with welded in coolant jackets and new ductile iron sleeves. Also, the owner had the block O-ringed for better head/block sealing. Upon checking the cylinder head we noticed it was a newer 1999 Civic Si head with stock valvetrain and camshafts. A new headgasket was used to button up the long block.
After installing a six-puck ACT clutch, the LS tranny was bolted on and the engine made its way into the engine compartment. Crossing our fingers, the engine rumbled to life on its first crank. There were no fluid leaks so we took the car for a spin. The engine ran smooth with no hiccups.
We will install the turbo system after the car comes back from the body shop. We hope to generate 350 to 400 whp with our engine combo. We will probably end up using an AEM EMS engine management for fuel and ignition control if our Paypal account is still alive.
Before the paint booth we installed the five-lug suspension and Tanabe coil-overs. With the help of Blitz's William Law and Jason Dang the suspension upgrades bolted up in under an hour. The Type-R wheels finished off the car beautifully. We will probably decide on a bigger wheel and tire combo, but for now the car looks light years better than it did on day one.
Last on our agenda list was slapping in the Type-R interior. A few bolts and the red Recaro seats were in. The rear suede seats went in with no problems. The Recaros are extremely comfortable and I wouldn't mind a set in my own Integra.
With all the major modifications done we passed the torch to Car Audio & Electronics for the sound system. Once the volume is pumped up, the car will head to the body shop for some much needed cosmetic work.
Once back in Turbo magazine's realm we will install the turbo kit and engine management and then head off to the dyno for some numbers. As we put together this eBay project we'll keep you guys posted.
In the meantime, all you eBay sellers post up your Integra parts and we might just purchase something from you! Check the progress at a link on turbomagazine.com.