The Acura Integra has been and will continue to be one of the more
popular import/sport compact platforms for performance enthusiasts to
modify. Still very much in demand despite being replaced by the RSX in
the North American market.
Some hard-core Honda/Acura enthusiasts feel that the 3rd generation of
the Integra is the best platform ever offered on a production car.
Highly tunable, great aftermarket parts availability, competent
suspension giving a high level of handling, good interchange of parts
with other Honda/Acura models, wide range of engines available either
stock configurations or hybrids, such as the LS/VTEC or the B20/VTEC.
One of the most attractive features of the Integra is the double A-arm
suspension, which is a major factor in why this car can be so competent
in most forms of motorsports and spirited driving.
This Double A-Arm style suspension provides a camber gain as the
suspension compresses, keeping more of the tire’s contact patch flatter
on the road. This gives much more cornering grip, and is more favorable
than what most MacPherson Strut cars can offer.
Whether road racing, auto-crossing, circle track, this style of
suspension will give you an advantage over cars equipped with a strut
style suspension.
Another feature of the Integra is the high performance engines that were
sometimes used. GSR and Type R versions of the Integra seem to be the
most popular with enthusiasts. Also, there is a whole industry that
caters to engine swaps in many of the more popular Acura/Honda models.
Lately, there has been significant interest in swapping the K-Series
engines from later model Acuras/Hondas into the Integra platform. The
combination of the Integra’s great handling, wide selection of
performance parts available, and the potent K-series engine family makes
a quite capable high performance machine. As a matter of fact, one of
the more successful Time Attack and NASA cars is the Integra of Bernardo
Martinez.
Martinez’s Integra was so dominant in NASA competition in 2008, that the
rules package had to be adjusted because of his success.
The third generation of the Integra was available from 94-01, so there
are many examples in either the 3 door hatchback or 4 door sedan
bodystyles. Some argue that the 4 door sedan bodystyle has a stiffer
unibody more suitable to motorsports.
While the Integra has been winning drag races, auto-crosses, road races,
time attacks, track days for quite some time, there is a relatively new
area where Integras have been having motorsports success; Circle track
racing. In some parts of the country, 4 cylinder FWD cars classes have
sprouted up attracting a new generation of circle track racers and fans.
And the Integra is winning! Unfortunately, not all race track promoters
offer a 4 cylinder, FWD class. And sometimes, the rules are written to
exclude some of the more potent, high tech cars like Acuras and Hondas
equipped with VTEC.
Acura Integra Performance Parts
http://www.newedgeperforma
nce.com/acuraintegraperfor
manceparts.aspx