In the February 2002 issue of Turbo magazine, we featured a 4,000-hp, four-cylinder, nitro-burning Integra, a car which obviously caught the attention of many of our readers.
Shortly after the magazine hit the stands, my e-mail box was filled with dozens of e-mails commenting on how awesome they thought the car was and how they can't wait to see the Integra run. Others criticized the vehicle, stating the Integra was nothing more than a chassis with a domestic-based engine with a Type R shell slapped over it.
Bob Norwood even stated the engine (Max-4) used in the Integra was basically half of the Batten B-4 DOHC Chevy Rat-type V8 engine.
However, you can also argue that enginesused in Top Fuel and Funny Car have no domestic origins and the Hemi engines used in them are purpose-built creations for the class. You can then argue that Bob Norwood's Type R is in a class by itself. The question of whether others will join Bob Norwood in creating a new class of racing within the import realm is another story entirely.
First, I agree the vehicle Norwood built has nothing to do with the Acura nameplate except for the familiarity of the fiberglass shell on top of it. On the other hand, I recognize Norwood's accomplishment. The car is amazing, whether you see it as a domestic or import. The amount of research and development that went into building the car and the results deserve mention in Turbo. Just the thought of extracting 4,000 hp from a mere four-cylinder is almost unfathomable. One thousand hp from each individual cylinder. Wow!
When it comes down to it, the bottom line is creating horsepower. I can appreciate a blown 5,000-plus-hp Funny Car as much as an all-motor 1.6-liter B16A engine belting out 200 hp. Both engines are equally impressive in their own right. Personally, I can't wait to see Norwood's Type R run. I hope it does very well. What is your take on Norwood's Type R, import or domestic? Tell us what you think by e-mailing us at turbomagazinetech@mcmullenargus.com.