Path to Perfection - 1997 Acura Integra LS

It's a widely acknowledged fact that Acura makes a solid car, but when you're pushing this much power, upgrades are in order. Harnessed by a RPS carbon twin-disc clutch and billet flywheel kit, the LS lights up both wheels using a Quaife helical limited-slip differential and stronger drag ready Driveshaft Shop Level 5 axles. Providing greater strength to handle the increased power, a Liberty's Gears straight cut gearset is used with non-synchronized face-plate engagement and a 4.40:1 final drive ratio. The rubber of choice remains 205/50/15 Falken RT-615 Azenis Sport tires, wrapped around 15x7 Rota Track-R wheels.

Carefully setup by Park, the suspension is thought out and dialed in. Although they aren't designed to slash through corners like a Formula One car, drag cars still need special attention to handle weight transfer and properly hook-up. Park uses D2 coilovers, with 800lb/in. front and 1000lb/in. rear spring rates. Skunk2 is responsible for the control arms used to align the car, while Park personally corner balanced the car and installed harder Prothane bushings.

Having studied in marketing as well as mechanics, Park knew that in order to attract sponsors, he would need to bring something different to the table. The intricate camouflage and American flag exterior scheme is actually a full vinyl wrap, printed by Monster Media Inc. and applied in Park's garage. Helping to bring the car down to the Sport FWD mandated 2,500lb weight is a carbon fiber hood, fiberglass trunk, Lexan sunroof plug and a custom carbon front lip. Added for functional purposes, the Ghostworks Racing custom anti-drag flaps are the cherry on top for this quarter mile machine.

Since full interiors are required for Sport FWD cars, Park decided to spruce things up a bit with his own Integra. Lightweight aluminum Kirkey seats with Simpson seat belts were installed up front, while the backseat has been removed, as per the rules. The carpet has been redone in custom fleece, while the door panels and headliner received a custom red suede wrap. The carbon-fiber panels that provide mounting space for wiring harnesses, Autometer gauges, switches and the A'pexi tachometer, were all fabricated by Park. One of the few things not fabricated or installed by Park is the 10-point rollcage, which features door bars and a parachute mount, done by Promod Race fabrication of Southgate, Calif.

Having already finished as the Street Comp champion at Battle of the Imports in August 2004, as well as slotting into the semi-finals in the NHRA World Finals in 2004, Park finds himself nearing the end of the long road to pure speed. With more experience, even more power soon to come and sponsors lending a helping hand, keep an eye out for the Ghostworks Racing Acura Integra. The long road to the pinnacle of speed is almost over for Park and he's out to prove it. Expect the times to fall, and honestly, we're ready for the action.

By Joey Leh

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