Search
Close this search box.

register

Honda Integra Type R (DC2, DC5) Detailed Explanation and Modification Guide

  • 2 months ago
  • car
DC2、DC5詳解與改裝指南

Honda Integra Type R is a Japanese car manufacturerHondaThe Honda GT was a high-performance model produced from 1985 to 2006. Known for its exceptional handling, front-wheel drive performance, and classic design, it's considered one of the fastest front-wheel drive cars ever made. The following details its history, technical specifications, and modification methods, along with charts and a timeline.


Honda Integra Type R Model Overview

The Honda Integra Type R debuted in 1995 as the performance flagship model of the third-generation Integra (DC2), and was later followed by the fourth-generation (DC5). The following is an introduction to the main models:

1. First-generation Integra Type R (DC2, 1995-2001)

  • Release Time: 1995 (Japanese market), 1997 (North American market, branded as Acura Integra Type R)
  • Model code: DC2 (three-door hatchback coupe), DB8 (four-door hardtop sedan)
  • engine:B18C (Japanese specification, codenamed B18C Spec.R) 1.8L DOHC VTEC, 195 horsepower (JDM), redline speed 8500rpm
  • gearbox: 5-speed manual transmission with close gear ratio and limited slip differential (LSD)
  • Features:
  • Lightweight design: Removes sound insulation materials, air conditioning (optional in some markets), uses aluminum alloy parts, and the vehicle weighs approximately 1100-1200kg.
  • Chassis reinforcement: added spot welding, aluminum tower top bar, and dedicated suspension system (double A-arm).
  • Appearance: Original aerodynamic kit (front lip, side skirts, rear wing), Championship White paint is the most representative.
  • Interior: Recaro bucket seats, MOMO steering wheel, titanium alloy gear lever.
  • market: Japan (JDM), North America (Acura), UK, Australia, etc. The North American version has slightly lower horsepower (190hp, due to emission regulations).
  • status: Known as the best front-wheel drive performance car in the 1990s, its handling is comparable to that of a rear-wheel drive sports car and is deeply loved by car fans.
DC2、DC5詳解與改裝指南
DC2, DC5 detailed explanation and modification guide

2. Second-generation Integra Type R (DC5, 2001-2006)

  • Release Time: 2001 (Japanese market), sold in North America as the Acura RSX Type R (2002-2006)
  • Model code: DC5 (three-door hatchback coupe)
  • engine:K20A 2.0L DOHC i-VTEC, 220 horsepower (JDM), redline speed 8400rpm
  • gearbox: 6-speed manual transmission with limited slip differential (LSD)
  • Features:
  • A more modern design, increased body rigidity, and an improved suspension system (front double A-arm, rear multi-link).
  • Interior upgrade: more luxurious center console, and Recaro bucket seats are still retained.
  • Appearance: More streamlined body, equipped with Brembo four-piston brake calipers.
  • The weight has increased slightly (approximately 1200-1250kg), but the power has been increased and the acceleration performance is stronger.
  • market: Japan, North America (Acura RSX), some Asian markets (such as Hong Kong).
  • status: The DC5 Type R continues the performance legend of the DC2, but its status in the collector's market is slightly lower than that of the DC2 because its design is more inclined towards comfort rather than extreme lightweight.
DC2、DC5詳解與改裝指南
DC2, DC5 detailed explanation and modification guide

3. Resurrection: Acura Integra Type S (2023-present)

  • Release Time: June 2023 (North American market)
  • Model code:Based on the 11th generation Honda Civic platform
  • engine:K20C1 2.0L inline four-cylinder VTEC turbocharged, 320 horsepower, peak torque 42.8kg-m
  • gearbox: 6-speed manual transmission with limited-slip differential
  • Features:
  • Luxury positioning: It shares the chassis and powertrain with the Civic Type R, but has a more refined interior with a 10.2-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch touchscreen, and ELS Studio 3D audio.
  • Appearance: Domineering front bumper, ducktail rear wing, triple exhaust pipes, strong sense of performance.
  • Suspension: Adjustable shock absorbers for enhanced handling.
  • market: Primarily targeting the North American market, it is positioned as the luxury version of the Civic Type R, with a starting price of approximately NT$3.28 million (quoted by Taiwanese traders).
  • status: As a modern re-creation of the Integra Type R, it appeals to a new generation of car fans, but due to its turbo engine and heavier body (approximately 1400kg), the pure handling feel of the classic DC2/DC5 is slightly different.

4. Other market variants

  • Chinese market: Starting from 2021, Honda Integra was revived in the form of a four-door sedan, based on the Civic platform, but there is no Type R version, and it is mainly positioned as a luxury sedan.
  • North American Acura RSX: The North American version of the DC5. The regular version has lower horsepower than the Type R (160-200hp), but the Type R version (2002-2006) has similar specifications to the JDM DC5.

Honda Integra Type R Tuning Guide

The Integra Type R has great potential for modification. Its lightweight chassis, high-performance engine, and front-wheel drive handling make it a favorite among modification enthusiasts. The following are some common modification options and detailed suggestions:

1. Engine and power modification

  • Intake system:
  • Modification content: Install a high-flow air intake kit (such as AEM, K&N) or a cold air intake system to increase air intake efficiency.
  • Effect: Increases approximately 5-10 horsepower, improves throttle response, and makes the engine sound more noticeable.
  • Recommended brands: AEM, Injen, Spoon Sports (JDM only).
  • exhaust system:
  • Modification content: Replace the high-performance exhaust tail section (such as Mugen, Toda Racing, HKS) with a high-flow catalytic converter.
  • Effect: Reduce exhaust resistance, increase about 10-15 horsepower, and make the sound more powerful.
  • Precautions: It is necessary to comply with local emission regulations to avoid excessive noise affecting daily use.
  • ECU Tuning:
  • Modification content: Use Hondata or AEM ECU to re-tune and adjust the ignition timing and air-fuel ratio.
  • Effect: It can increase 15-20 horsepower and optimize the power output curve.
  • suggestion: Professional tuning is required to avoid engine overheating or damage.
  • Turbo/supercharger:
  • Applicable models:DC2/DC5 (naturally aspirated engine).
  • Modification content: Add a turbo kit (such as Garrett, Precision) or a supercharger (such as JRSC).
  • Effect: Horsepower can be increased to 250-350 (depending on the boost value), but the internal parts of the engine (such as pistons and connecting rods) need to be strengthened.
  • Precautions: High-boost modification requires a strengthened clutch and cooling system, which is more expensive (approximately NT$100,000-200,000).
DC2、DC5詳解與改裝指南
DC2, DC5 detailed explanation and modification guide

2. Chassis and suspension modifications

  • shock absorbers:
  • Modification content: Replace the adjustable shock absorbers (such as Tein, KW, Ohlins), adjust the vehicle height and damping.
  • Effect: Lower the center of gravity of the vehicle, improve cornering stability, and improve handling precision.
  • suggestion: Choose JDM brands (such as Spoon, Mugen) or track-specific coilovers (such as Ohlins R&T).
  • Anti-roll bar and tower bar:
  • Modification content: Add front and rear anti-roll bars (Eibach, Whiteline) and aluminum tower top bar.
  • Effect: Reduce body roll, improve chassis rigidity, and make cornering more stable.
  • Tires and rims:
  • Modification content: Replace lightweight forged wheels (such as Volk Racing TE37, Enkei RPF1) and high-performance tires (such as Bridgestone Potenza RE-71R, Yokohama AD08R).
  • Effect: Reduce unsprung weight, improve grip and acceleration performance.
  • Recommended size: DC2 (15-16 inches), DC5 (17 inches), tire width 205-225mm.
DC2、DC5詳解與改裝指南
DC2, DC5 detailed explanation and modification guide

3. Brake system modification

  • Brake calipers and discs:
  • Modification content: Upgrade multi-piston calipers (such as Brembo, AP Racing) and enlarge ventilated discs.
  • Effect: Improves braking force, reduces thermal decay, and is suitable for track use.
  • brake pads:
  • Modification content: Use high-performance brake pads (such as Ferodo DS2500, Project Mu).
  • Effect: Improve brake bite force and better high temperature resistance.
  • brake fluid: Replace with DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 high-temperature brake fluid to ensure stability during continuous use on the track.
DC2、DC5詳解與改裝指南
DC2, DC5 detailed explanation and modification guide

4. Appearance and aerodynamic modifications

  • aerodynamic kit:
  • Modification content: Add front lip, side skirts, and rear wing (such as Spoon, Mugen, and J's Racing).
  • Effect: Reduce air resistance and buoyancy at the rear of the vehicle, and improve high-speed stability.
  • Examples: A 2025 Integra Type R modification example, featuring a Mobilhouse carbon fiber hood and a Cusco GT rear wing.
  • Body painting: Classic Championship White or Sunlight Yellow paint, with carbon fiber parts (such as hood and rear wing).
  • Lightweight components: Replace the carbon fiber hood, tailgate or fiberglass parts to reduce the weight of the car.

5. Interior modification

  • Seat: Upgrade racing bucket seats (such as Bride, Sparco) to improve wrapping and driving stability.
  • steering wheel: Replace small diameter racing steering wheel (such as MOMO, Nardi).
  • Instrumentation and data monitoring: Install Defi or AEM digital instrument to monitor engine speed, oil temperature, water temperature and other data.
  • safety equipment: Install four-point or six-point seat belts and roll cage, suitable for track use.

6. Modification precautions

  • Regulatory restrictions: Modifications must comply with local regulations (e.g. vehicle inspection is required in Hong Kong, and noise and emission standards are required in Taiwan).
  • Budget Planning: Basic modifications (intake and exhaust, shock absorbers, rims) are about NT$50,000-100,000, and high-end modifications (turbo, track kits) can reach NT$200,000-500,000.
  • Professional construction: Choose a reputable modification shop to ensure quality and safety.
DC2、DC5詳解與改裝指南
DC2, DC5 detailed explanation and modification guide

Chart: Integra Type R model specification comparison

The following is a comparison chart of the specifications of the main models:

Chart ExplanationThis chart compares the horsepower, weight, and redline speed of the three Integra Type R models. The DC2 is known for its lightweight and high-revving engine, the DC5 boasts increased power but a slight increase in weight, and the Type S boasts a significant increase in horsepower thanks to its turbocharged engine, but also a slight increase in weight.

Timeline: Integra Type R development

Here's a timeline of the Integra Type R's history:

  • 1985:第一代Integra(DA1-DA4)推出,定位為Civic的高級版,無Type R車型。
  • 1989年:第二代Integra(DA5-DA9)搭載B16A DOHC VTEC引擎,奠定性能基礎。
  • 1992:Integra擔任F1加拿大大獎賽安全車,展現性能潛力。
  • 1995:第一代Integra Type R(DC2/DB8)推出,搭載B18C Spec.R引擎,成為前驅性能標杆。
  • 1998-2001:DC2 Type R進軍英國及北美市場,獲Top Gear讚譽為「最佳前驅小鋼炮」。
  • 2001年:第二代Integra Type R(DC5)推出,搭載K20A引擎,6速手排。
  • 2006:Integra Type R停產,北美市場以Acura RSX延續至2006年。
  • 2021:Acura宣佈Integra復活,2022年春季推出新世代車型。
  • 2023:Acura Integra Type S上市,搭載320匹馬力渦輪引擎,定位為Civic Type R豪華版。
  • 2025:Integra Type R(DC2/DB8)在二手市場價格持續攀升,部分車款拍賣價達10萬美元以上。
DC2、DC5詳解與改裝指南
DC2, DC5 detailed explanation and modification guide

Detailed information: Technology and market impact

1. Technical Highlights

  • B18C引擎(DC2):手工研磨進氣孔、輕量化飛輪、高壓縮比(11.0:1),提供高轉速動力輸出,堪稱90年代自然進氣引擎巔峰。
  • K20A引擎(DC5):i-VTEC技術結合可變氣門正時與升程,實現更寬廣的扭力帶,0-100km/h加速約6.5秒。
  • 底盤設計:DC2採用雙A臂懸吊,DC5改進為前雙A臂、後多連桿,提供卓越抓地力與操控性。
  • 輕量化哲學:Type R車型強調減重(如移除隔音材、採用薄玻璃),DC2車重僅1100kg,實現1匹馬力對應5.6kg的優異馬力重量比。

2. Market and cultural influence

  • 收藏價值:DC2 Type R因稀有性(北美限量生產數千輛)及經典地位,拍賣價屢創新高,2022年一輛低里程DC2以112,112美元成交。
  • 賽車應用:Integra Type R廣泛應用於日本JTCC賽事及業餘賽道活動,憑藉LSD及密齒比變速箱,在賽道表現優異。
  • 車迷文化:Type R車型在JDM文化中具有圖騰地位,Championship White塗裝及紅色Honda標誌成為經典符號。
DC2、DC5詳解與改裝指南
DC2, DC5 detailed explanation and modification guide

in conclusion

Honda Integra Type R(DC2、DC5、Type S)以其卓越的性能、操控性及改裝潛力,成為汽車史上最具代表性的前驅性能車之一。從1995年的DC2到2023年的Type S,每一代車型都在不同時代延續了Type R的精神。改裝方面,引擎、底盤、煞車及外觀的升級可大幅提升性能,但需注意法規及預算限制。透過圖表與時間線,我們可清晰看到Type R的技術進化與歷史傳承。

Further reading:

Compare listings

Compare