Leading up to 1997, many Americans could only sit and drool over the Integra Type-Rs that graced the pages of our print publications. When Acura finally announced the arrival of the Type-R in 1997, it was only available in Championship White and its exterior styling preceded the change in ’98. Due to the arguably more appealing front end of the USDM 98 and the JDM, very few true ’97 front ended Type-Rs are left in existence. With that being said, we were lucky enough to find an immaculate ’97 Type-R, still in Championship White and stock front end. Erick Starenchak is not only the owner of this Type-R, he is also the owner of Hybrid Dynamics in Youngwood, Pennsylvania. Having built several cars already, Erick and his crew knew this B18C5 couldn’t stay stock.
The stock Type-R body was accented with a front lip and a rear spoiler. The owner of this Type-R however wasn’t a huge fan of the spoiler, so removing it became a priority. Other than that, the exterior was kept relatively simple and clean, preserving the natural beauty of the Type-R. A carbon fiber hood can be seen taking the place of the stock one, to not only offset the white shade of the car but to shave off a few pounds as well. What lies under the hood however is the beauty of this Type-R.
Naturally aspirated, the B18C5 is one of the most powerful engines per liter out there. Nearly perfect by Honda technicians, many believe the Type-R was best left all motor. This has hardly been the case in recent years as more people have fabricated custom turbo kit setups for all B series applications. This Type-R is no exception to the fact, having received a method of force induction that was honestly quite rare back in 1997. Starting off by resleeving the block with Golden Eagle sleeves, the bottom end also received 83mm Arias 9.0:1 compression pistons and Eagle rods. An RLD-Fab exhaust manifold bolts the Garrett GT30R turbo onto the newly built B18C5. The rest of the turbo kit is fairly standard, including a Spearco intercooler, Precision 1000cc injectors, TiAl wastegate and Turbo XS RFL blow off valve. Getting the power to the ground is a Quaife LSD and ACT Xtreme clutch kit. Hondata engine management has been chosen to tune the Type-R.
Suspension wise, the Type-R is fairly balanced from the factory. This car keeps relatively the same handling capabilities but has been lowered thanks to a pair of Eibach Pro Kit springs in the front and Coilover springs in the rear. Tokico 5-way adjustable shocks were also installed to get rid of the stock units. Wheel wise the Type-R has kept it subtle with a set of 15-inch Regamaster Evos in flat black. BFG Drag Radials are mounted in the front in a 225/50/15 while Bridgestone Potenzas are in the rear in a 205/50/15.
On the inside of the car, the Type-R has received many of its pieces from its Japanese counterpart. JDM Recaro front seats as well as rear seat can now be seen. A series of gauges from GReddy and Autometer are necessities for this turbocharged R.
We can only thank Honda for finally bringing us what we hungered for. 8 years later, there are still immaculate Type-R’s in their factory form tearing up the streets. This one just has plenty more power than it did stock!
