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Honda Integra

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Honda Integra: The Integra Type R DC2 is widely considered the best front-wheel drive driver car ever made. Six-figure used p
Photo: OSX / Wikimedia Commons · Public domain

The Integra Type R DC2 is widely considered the best front-wheel drive driver car ever made. Six-figure used prices reflect that reputation.

The Honda Integra is a compact sports coupe and sedan produced from 1985 to 2006 (first three generations) and revived in 2022 as a modern Acura Integra. The first three generations of Integra (DA, DB, DC) defined Honda performance approach in the affordable segment. The DC2 chassis (1994-2001) is the most legendary, particularly in Type R form. The Integra Type R DC2 (1997-2001 in North America, longer in JDM) used a hand-ported B18C5 engine making 195 horsepower from 1.8 liters naturally aspirated. The chassis was stripped of weight (around 2,650 pounds), fitted with a helical limited-slip differential, and tuned at the Tochigi test track for sharp handling response. The result laps tracks faster than many rear-drive sports cars of the era and is widely regarded as the high-water mark of front-wheel drive performance. Other Integra Type R variants include the JDM-only DC2 Type R (with slightly different specifications) and the EU-spec DC2 Type R. The DC5 (2001-2007) was the next-generation Integra Type R, JDM-only with a K20A engine. The Acura Integra Type S of 2024 returns the Type R-spirit nameplate to the modern Acura lineup using the FL5 Civic Type R powertrain. On WhipJury, Integra submissions span GS-R cars (B18C1 engine, lightweight chassis), Type R DC2 cars (Championship White, stripped chassis), and JDM imports of various trims. Clean Type R cars reliably top voting; modified GS-R builds with engine swaps are common.

The DC2 Type R

The DC2 Integra Type R is widely considered the best front-wheel drive driver car ever produced. Honda built it by stripping weight (deleted soundproofing, lighter wheels, unique seats), stiffening the chassis with extra bracing, fitting a hand-ported B18C5 head, adding a helical LSD, and tuning the suspension specifically for the chassis. The result is a 2,650-pound car with 195 horsepower that handles like a much more focused sports car.

Generations

DA (1985-1989). First Integra. Available as three-door hatchback or four-door sedan. ZC engine.

DB (1990-1993). Second-generation. Available with the B18A1 engine. The Integra GS-R of this era used the B17A1.

DC (1994-2001). Third-generation. The breakthrough chassis. Type R variant launched 1997 (1995 in JDM). DC2 GS-R uses B18C1.

DC5 (2001-2007). Fourth-generation. JDM-only Integra Type R, K-series K20A engine.

Modern Acura Integra (2022+). Liftback sedan. Type S variant uses Civic Type R FL5 powertrain.

Integra on WhipJury

DC2 Type R submissions are rare and reliably top voting. GS-R builds (often with K20 swaps) are common. JDM imports of various Integra variants are increasingly common as the cars age into the 25-year import rule.

Frequently asked questions about Honda Integra

Why is the DC2 Type R so valuable?
Limited production (around 3,800 units came to North America from 1997-2001), the legendary B18C5 engine, sharp chassis dynamics, and strong demand from collectors of late 1990s Japanese performance cars. Auction results consistently exceed $100,000 for documented stock cars; some cross $200,000.
What does GS-R mean?
GS-R is the higher-trim sport variant of the Integra. The DC2 GS-R used the B18C1 engine (1.8 liter, naturally aspirated, 170 horsepower in North American spec). The GS-R was the second-most-aggressive Integra trim after the Type R; it was sold in higher volumes and remains widely available used.
Is the new Acura Integra a true Type R?
The 2024+ Acura Integra Type S uses the same K20C1 engine and chassis as the FL5 Civic Type R. Acura tunes it slightly differently. Whether it qualifies as a true Type R is debated; the engineering connection is undeniable. The Type S badge avoids the strict Type R lineage.
Are old Integras reliable?
Generally yes. The B-series engines are durable when maintained. The chassis is robust. Common issues are timing belts (60,000-90,000 mile service), valve cover gaskets, and various age-related items on cars now 20-25+ years old. Aftermarket parts availability remains good through Honda dealer networks and specialty suppliers.
What is the difference between Integra Type R and Civic Type R?
The Integra Type R DC2 (1997-2001) used the B18C5 engine in a coupe chassis. The Civic Type R EK9 (1997-2000) used the B16B engine in a hatchback chassis. Both are JDM Type Rs. The Integra is generally considered to have better handling balance for track use; the Civic is lighter and more raw. Modern Type R debate centers on the FK8/FL5 Civic vs the new Integra Type S.

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