The chill stuff includes a custom Wizard Cooling radiator, coupled to Samco Sport silicone hoses, and a FAL fan provides the breeze. Combustion done, the Rage header and JIC Bullet exhaust system come into action. Katrein also credits this last item as the provider of all in-car entertainment. Engine bling: ARP head studs, Feel's oil and radiator caps, Avid Racing mounts, and a shaved OE valve cover.
Kinetic force generated by Katrein's fully prepped B16 transfers through an Integra Type R transmission with the stock limited-slip differential, and spins Avid Racing axles. Other driveline modifications are the substitution of an Integra LS fifth gear (which is taller, for a lower engine speed on highway trips), an ACT clutch and flywheel, and Hardrace shifter bushings.
The good people at Suja One Motoring were yet again called upon to install the PIC Performance Select suspension. The front springs are rated at 10kg/mm, the rears at 12kg/mm. Benen makes a strong showing in this department with a front strut brace, front and rear lower tie bars, steering rack, crossmember brace, and a rear strong bar. This latter item is like a strut brace, but instead of being on the towers, it connects the unibody rails where the rear bumper reinforcement is attached. The camber kits and adjustable toe links come from Hardrace, although Suja One decided that its own-brand SONEM bushings were the ideal choice for this application, due to their high 85A durometer rating.
Dunlop CPF-G wheels, sized 15x6.5, wear Dunlop Direzza 205/50 tires. Katrein also has a race setup of Sprint Hart CP 15x7 wheels (with a +35mm offset) and BF Goodrich g-Force 205/50 tires. It all comes to a halt with JDM Integra Type R calipers, Power Slot rotors, Hawk HPS pads and Techna-Fit stainless steel brake lines.
Katrein has kept the interior simple: JDM right-hand drive Civic EG6 parts include the carpets, door panels, power locks, windows (with the stock bronze tint) and gauge cluster. Once he's sitting in his Spoon Sports reclinable bucket seat, Katrein buckles up the Crow Enterprises four-point racing harness, grabs the Personal Dakar steering wheel (coupled to an NRG short hub adapter), changes gears with an Integra Type R shifter topped off with a Feel's knob (while admiring the yellow-stitched Integra Type R shifter boot) and dances on the JDM Integra Type R pedals.
A minimalist approach is also evident with the body work (carried out by Gold Coast Auto Body). The OEM front bumper has brake ducts and an SiR lip, a Spoon Sports wing (signed by company founder Ichishima-san himself), JDM thin side moldings and Vision Type MC mirrors are among the few additions. Otherwise, it's the subtractions that are noticeable, such as the shaving that's gone on: emblems at each end, antenna, washer nozzles and front license plate.
Our man has good reasons for choosing the parts he has: "I went with the Feel's and Spoon items because when I went to Japan, I visited both their shops and came away amazed at how friendly and helpful they were." This Civic Si is now Spoon Certified through Opak Racing. Katrein has also become wiser. "Surround yourself with people who will keep you motivated. Don't start a long-term project without a good plan. And stick to it," he says.
"The car couldn't be driven under its own power, so it was built from the ground up all in one shot. Everything was planned out from the beginning. It's pretty much how I envisioned it," says Katrein. "It's a blast to drive, with a relatively stock engine and mild setup." But then his contrarian nature pops up again. "Two weeks ago, I added up the cost... $22,584.84. I almost died. I'd imagine it would fetch half that. Don't get drunk and let friends convince you to keep cars like this."
By Colin Ryan
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