Supercharged K20 Type R Swapped '98 Integra RS

Familiar View

Long-time JDM enthusiasts might recognize this Laguna Blue Integra Type R replica build from back in 2002 when it was featured in numerous noteworthy publications. And from the outside, it doesn't seem like all that much has changed. So what makes this Integra so interesting to revisit 2 decades later? Simply, it's the story of how it has journeyed, changing hands multiple times, only to come full circle again. 

Photos and story: SuperStreet

ITR Replica

Before we get into the story of Project Resurrection, let's do a quick recap of how the original build came to be. Having found the Integra at a junkyard, Jay Smith of ONE Honda Specialist decided to give the Acura a second lease on life. Smith set out to create the ultimate JDM ITR replica, and that's exactly what he did. And his amazing craftsmanship and attention to detail gained him the recognition of the enthusiast society. 

>>Join the conversation about this K20 swapped Type R Integra right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!

Away From the Spotlight

After a while, Smith decided to part the car out, and step away from the spotlight. He returned to business as usual, working with a hand-picked few clients and in his own time and convenience. 

>>Join the conversation about this K20 swapped Type R Integra right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!

Resurrection

The story of the Integra's resurrection is centered around an overlooked character from the original build. That character is Chris Lucero, a friend of Smith, who was 17 years old back when the car was first built. It was Lucero's dream car. But when Smith decided to sell the Integra's chassis, the young Lucero was not in a position to be able to dish out the $14K Smith was asking for it. The shell was purchased by a friend of Lucero's who subsequently sold it later on. And it changed hands multiple times afterward. 

>>Join the conversation about this K20 swapped Type R Integra right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!

Full Circle

Fast forward several years, Lucero had started his own family and his priorities had shifted away from cars. Until one day, the chassis was put up for sale once again. Smith nudged Lucero to get the car he'd wanted so badly. But Lucero had a better idea. He told Smith he would buy it on one condition. And that was if Smith would help him rebuild it.

>>Join the conversation about this K20 swapped Type R Integra right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!

Thorough Rebuild

Smith obliged, and the duo began working to bring the car back to its glory days. Only this time, the name of the game was "OEM, but better." And the most notable area where the car has received improvements is under the hood. A more modern K20A motor was the starting point. The mill was thoroughly reworked and enhanced with a supercharger for more grunt.

>>Join the conversation about this K20 swapped Type R Integra right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!

Simplicity

Lucero was always a fan of simplicity and the Integra's modest visual speaks to that ideology. As one would imagine, the build process the second time around was nowhere near as straightforward as the first go. The years of abuse and less-than-stellar work on the car made the project increasingly more difficult. Lucero himself will admit that they almost gave up halfway multiple times. But Smith kept the build alive and saw it to completion. Lucero couldn't be more satisfied with the results, regularly driving the car to its limits.

>>Join the conversation about this K20 swapped Type R Integra right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!

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