SPOTLIGHT: Ryan Basseri's DC2 Integra Type-R
Honda’s awesome DC2 Integra Type-R was one of the most commonly-modified cars of the 90s and 2000s, and now 21-years after its launch still remains hugely popular with Honda enthusiasts worldwide. It’s not hard to see why, either. The 190bhp 1.8-litre engine screamed to nearly 9000rpm, while a close-ration gearbox and LSD as standard provided the DC2 with masses of speed and grip. In fact, the Integra Type-R is still regarded as one of the best-handling FWD cars of all time.
It’s been 21-years since its launch, and over the past two decades it’s safe to say Honda enthusiasts worldwide have modified the Integra Type-R in just about every way possible – from engine swaps and hydraulic suspension right through to complete front-end conversions from the R34 Skyline! When you take all of that into consideration, it’s nearly impossible to create an Integra Type-R that can properly wow today’s enthusiasts… Yet that’s exactly what Ryan Basseri has achieved with his DC2 Integra unveiled on the CSF Radiators booth at SEMA late last year.
Ryan’s Integra build truly is one of a kind. His other car, a 997 Porsche GT3 RS, proved to be the inspiration for the DC2s build and aside from the colour shares many similarities with the Stuttgart supercar. No, Ryan’s car isn’t running Porsche parts under the bonnet, but rather every detail – no matter how big or small – has been upgraded to make this Type-R as fast as humanly possible. It’s exactly the same approach Porsche take when creating the GT3 – visually there’s not a huge difference, but underneath hundreds of changes are made to create a masterpiece!
The details are what make this Integra leagues ahead of other enthusiast-built Hondas. There’s over $40,000 worth of cutting edge electronics installed, 3000+ man-hours and 1500ft of custom wiring! It runs a sequential transmission (complete with paddle shifters), drive-by-wire throttle, a turbocharged K-series engine and AP Racing brakes all round. And that doesn’t even scratch the surface as to what’s been done…
Ryan’s dedication and attention to detail is what exactly lead his Type R build to be put among the ranks of Chip Foose and Bobby Alloway in SEMA’s Battle of the Builders. It’s truly a next level build in the tuner community that we can’t wait to see out on the track one day!
Image Credit: Speedhunters.com