But what Chris is most proud of is indicated by a close look into the engine bay; a sign that despite his focus on power, he loves to look good even more and makes sure everyone sees it. Highlighted by the Mugen socks, the engine is dressed with the majority of its wires tucked-hidden from sight-making the bay look as clean as the shell it's covered by. Though his Integra is undoubtedly wrought with power, it's exterior good looks make it popular with the masses. It's an exterior that can rarely be duplicated, since its pieces are often copied, but rarely seen in authenticity. Easily spotted by JDM aficionados, Chris' original Mugen body kit is a favorite by anyone who's stepped foot inside a car show. The kit is beautifully designed and seemingly made for the Integra, which is why it's appropriate that it's lathered in gold paint. To help accentuate such a rare jewel, Chris also shaved the moldings and welded in a Type R roof, scrapping the sun for metal. He also made sure the graphics didn't overtake the beauty of the kit, setting the standard for anyone striving for a First Place trophy or magazine cover.
Under the chassis is more JDM insanity. To make the Mugen body kit more at home, Chris lowered his DC2 with Zeal Function B6 coilovers, and stiffened it with JDM Type R front and rear stabilizer bars-25mm in the front and 23mm in the rear-Mugen front and rear strut braces, and a Cusco roll cage. Of course, a Mugen body kit wouldn't be complete without matching Mugen MF10 wheels. These 16-inch wheels of wonder are what really broke the bank for Chris. "It's a never ending money pit, and at times, it seems like it's worse than a drug addiction," he said, "But these rare and hard-to-find items are what make it feel complete. These are what makes my car more unique than others on the road."
Chris' passion and religious study of the pioneers of this culture is also a unique aspect. It's what makes his car justifiably the main feature in our 10th anniversary. It represents the past with the Integra's iconic and storied history, and takes hold of the future with its potent combination of looks and power. More importantly, it epitomizes the street car culture that is the foundation of this magazine and this industry -- the capacity to make an ordinary car into an extraordinary piece of automotive artwork, ready for both show and race, by any mere mortal.
Behind The BuildHead to the message boards at www.importtuner.com to chat about this feature
VehicleName.Chris Rios
Age.31
Hometown.Woodbridge, Virginia
Occupation.Network Administrator
Hobbies.Building Cars, Traveling, Meeting New People
Build Time.Ongoing, Seems Like It's Never Ending
Feedback.chris.rios@t-emotion.com
Quote."I wanted to build a car that was more go than show; something that's an extension of my personality."
'94 Acura IntegraOutput 533 whp, 325 lb-ft of torque
Engine 2.0L GSR B18C1; CP pistons, piston rings; AEBS sleeves; Venom intake manifold; BDL Industries throttle body; custom 3-inch APEX'i N1 muffler; Mugen valve cover, socks; Garrett Big Kahuna turbocharger; HyTech header; GReddy blow-off valve; Tial wastegate; Inline Pro boost controller, fuel rail, 1000cc fuel injectors, connecting rods; Cry02 intercooler spray kit; Mishimoto radiator, radiator hoses, fans; Hondata S300 ECU; NGK spark plugs, spark plug wires; Full Blown Performance dual pump fuel injection; Aeromotive fuel regulator; Walbro fuel pumps; wire tuck
Drivetrain GSR transmission; Driveshaft Shop axles; Quaife LSD; Competition twin-disc clutch, flywheel
Suspension Zeal Function B6 coilovers; JDM Type R stabilizer bars; Mugen front and rear strut braces; Cusco roll cage
Wheels/Tires 16x7 Mugen MF10 wheels; Dunlop Direzza DZ101 tires 215/45-16
Brakes Endless BBK front brakes, pads; 5mm spacer