1995 Acura Integra GS-R Turbocharged - Clear Vision

For suspension mods, Aguila raided the Honda parts bin and the vast support of the aftermarket for the DC2 chassis. Under the car at all four corners is a set of Racing Gear N1 coilovers fitted with Type R-spec upper pillow mounts. Rear lower control arms and a 22mm rear swaybar from the Integra Type-R complement a front swaybar from Suspension Techniques. These mods greatly reduce body roll, and a Spoon rear upper strut bar and a Cusco front upper tower bar help tie up the body stiffness. With the handling tightened up and big power in reach, better braking became a necessity. An AEM big rotor kit at all four corners combined with Goodridge stainless steel brake lines and upgraded brake pads provide better stopping and an improved pedal feel. Shorter stopping distances, harder cornering and quicker off-line acceleration are just a sticky tire change away. For the Integra, Nitto NT555 215/35R18 tires were wrapped around 18x7.5-in Volk Racing GT-N in gold with a polished lip.

When the time came for a new look on the outside the choice was obvious, it had to be JDM. A full JDM Type-R front end conversion was carried out on the Integra, along with Top Fuel style side skirts and rear lip. C-West eyelids and a C-West front bumper were installed before the emblems, rear spoiler holes, door handles, roof gutters, roof washer nozzle, rear wiper arm, side markers, moldings, and antennae were all shaved off. With the body molded, shaped, and primed, the Integra received a coat of PPG Candy Sunset Red paint. Next up were the non-painted body accents that include a set of Prelude rear taillights, a Toyota Supra third brake light, carbon-fiber hood, and Spoon Sports side view mirrors.

Resting neatly under the rear ends of both the driver and passenger is a set of Recaro limited edition SRD seats, with the rear seat and door panels covered in matching Recaro fabric. In the dash is now a JDM Integra Type-R gauge cluster, and clock block-off plate. Other Type-R pieces include the three-spoke steering wheel, armrest eliminator and shift boot. Accents pieces include carbon-fiber dash trim, Do-Luck floor bar, and a J's Racing C-pillar bar. Engine monitoring duties beyond the Type-R gauges are handled by carbon-fiber Autometer boost, air/fuel, voltage, water temperature and oil pressure gauges.

With the amount of work poured into the car in all areas, a stock head unit and speakers were not going to remain in place. Built around an Alpine CVA-1005 receiver and LCD monitor, the addition of an Audiovox CD/DVD/MP3 player, Alpine six-disc changer, and MB Quart mids and tweeters make for a much more enjoyable driving experience.

Without resorting to such extreme modifications as making her car transform into a giant robot on cue, Aguila has managed to build an Integra that is both smooth and clean. Utilizing the best from both the factory and the aftermarket, her car is rolling proof that it isn't how many modifications you glue on to your ride; it's how you use them together. If only we could all focus so well.