When the Integra Type-R was first released in 1997, FWD enthusiasts like me instantly fell in love. With near perfect handling straight from the box and a high revv’ing B18C5 motor, the limited edition Type-R was in high demand. Available only in Championship White in their first batch, the return of the Type-R in Phoenix Yellow grew on many of us. Alex Linares is one of those enthusiasts that appreciated the beauty of the Type-R inside and out. With the perfect foundation from the B18C5 for more all motor power, Linares began building the motor and then concentrated on the rest of the car.
The stock B18C5 was completely revamped from bottom end to the valve cover. The stock pistons, rods and crank were removed and the block was sent out to Joe Alaniz of Alaniz Technology. The block was honed and bored to 82.5mm and made way for the new bottom end components. Wiseco / Import Builder spec pistons were installed to raise compression to 12:1. Along with the new high dome pistons, Probe Import Builder spec connecting rods were attached to the pistons and slugged back into the block. The stock crankshaft was also removed and a polished, blueprinted and balanced one was placed back in. Steve Shelton of Performance 1 gets credit for the new crank. With the block fully reassembled, attention was turned to the Type-R head.
From the factory, the B18C5 head carries a mild hand port and polish. Alex once again turned to Joe Alaniz to further port and polish the Type-R head and install new components to make way for more high revv’ing horsepower components. Toda Valve Springs were installed along with Supertech Valves and Alaniz Titanium retainers. With all new valvetrain sitting snug back into the head, Toda Spec C camshafts were installed in place of the stock Type-R cams. With these all motor spec cams are Toda cam gears to fine tune the cam timing, getting every bit of high rpm horsepower. Higher lift and longer cam duration can start breaking parts on the B18C5. To ensure that this doesn’t happen, Alex opted to install a Toda high power timing belt. From personal experience, this was probably the most vital component in the entire buildup. Finishing up the motor buildup is an STR block saver, ARP head studs and AEBS main bolts.
With the new motor fully assembled and back together, it was time to bolt on some goodies to max out the horsepower. An AEM cold air intake was bolted onto the Type-R intake manifold. Attached to the new head is a JDM APEXi Integra Type-R 4-2-1 header. Out the header connects a J’s Racing straight pipe that’s bolted onto an Espelir JGT500 exhaust system. With the more aggressive cam setup, fuel tuning becomes essential in high rpm VTEC range. An AEM fuel pressure regulator was installed to fine tune fuel pressure, along with the RC Engineering 330cc injectors. Sitting snug in an ERL Fuel Rail by Jeff at ERL INC., the B18C5 gets its healthy share of high octane.
Additional horsepower requires a new clutch. Alex went with an ATS metal single plate clutch system for his Type-R tranny. Cooling is further enhanced with a Koyo Aluminum Radiator gleaming behind the front bumper. Engine bay amenities include a Koyo radiator cap, Mugen reservoir covers, a Mugen V1 oil cap and a Mugen valve cover. NGK spark plug wires are connected to a new set of NGK spark plugs, that sit snug where they belong. The entire new B18C5 setup is fine tuned with an Autronic Plug and Play fuel management system. Getting maximum horsepower out of the Toda Spec C cams, this B18C5 has a tune up to 12,000rpms.
Having a new engine setup, Alex started to concentrate on setting the Type-R apart from the crowd while keeping it clean. The infamous JDM front end found its way home along with a bright HID kit to light the road. A Spoon Weave carbon fiber hood shaves weight along with a VIS Spoon Style carbon fiber front lip. The Type-R chassis is lowered on Zeal Function B6 coilovers, giving Alex the adjustability he demands in all situations. Extremely clean Work RZ-R wheels are seen on all four corners in a contrasting shade of gunmetal. 16x7 is the size, naturally fitting the Type-R. Appearing prominent behind each wheel is a Rotora big brake upgrade kit – which includes Rotora’s 4 piston calipers, rotors and stainless steel lines. ARP Extended wheel studs were also installed to bolt on the Work wheels with Kyokugen lug nuts. Last but not least, a Mugen front strut tower bar buckles down the chassis in the engine bay.
Take a seat inside the DC2 chassis and notice the Bride Ergo seats in the driver and passenger side. Takata harnesses buckle in the driver and passenger, while the driver has additional accents from Sparco. A Flash 5 steering wheel replaces the stock unit along with a Skunk2 shift knob and JDM red stitched shift boot. The ever popular Autometer Air/Fuel gauge was installed and a DEFi D-Gauge oil pressure was also installed to monitor the vitals of the B18C5.
In car electronics are light in the Integra, but it is still Alex’s daily driver and stock wasn’t cutting it. Pioneer speakers are located in each door panel and a Sony Xplod head unit generates wattage to all corners.
Alex’s buildup couldn’t be done without the following people and he sends his gracious thanks: I would like to thank God for all of his blessings and for letting me finish this car! Shout out to Drew, Danny, Eric, Eddie, Henry, Jason, Josh, Nick and all the other mofos' that helped me along the way! Also, ERL INC, New Albany, IN, Joe @ Alaniz Technologies Gardena, CA, Steve @ Autronic Lexington, KY, Dan @ Race Technology Co. Lexington, KY, Valvoline, Eagle One. Can't forget my MOM and my Girlfriend. Last but not least, this is for you dad! See you at the cross-roads!
