* Owner:
William Law
* Dynamometer model:
SP Engineering Dynojet
Pros
The '90 to '93 Acura Integra (DA6) has been a popular vehicle among sport compact enthusiasts since its debut in the U.S. 19 years ago. The 1.8L twin-cam engine was possibly its most appealing feature, as would-be enthusiasts wasted no time in snatching them off showroom floors and purchasing aftermarket parts to uncap hidden horsepower potential.
Cons
With any older vehicle, routine maintenance is a necessity prior to modification--we found ourselves replacing or repairing multiple engine components on our Integra that had deteriorated over the years. Although its B18A1 power plant is a reliable engine that has been known to run well past the 200K-mile marker, it's important to keep up with periodic inspections to avoid costly repairs in the future.
Notes
With 180K miles on the Integra's odometer, the car was filled with Shell V-Power, and given a routine oil, spark plug, and stock filter replacement before being strapped onto the SP Engineering dyno for its baseline 118.3 hp and 110.7 lb-ft of torque run--right on par with previous Integras we've tested.
Pros
GReddy's Ti-C cat-back exhaust system offers both visual appeal and performance, using 60mm stainless exhaust piping, a Power Extreme II polished stainless steel canister, and a heat-treated titanium tip. Our Ti-C exhaust increased performance while maintaining under 94db sound levels when used with the included silencer.
Parts
Exhaust, mid-piping, mounting hardware, catalytic converter adapter, license plate frame, instructions
Cons
Your car's catalytic converter nuts will likely require plenty of penetrating lubricant before removal. Upon installing the new exhaust system, we found adjusting the mid-pipe and canister before tightening the bolts helped keep the exhaust tip from precariously resting on the rear bumper.
Tools
10-, 12-, 14- and 17mm socket, 10-, 12-, 14- and 17mm open end, ratchet, extension, WD-40, and anti-seize.
Installation Time
70 minutes
Notes
Every Ti-C exhaust kit includes a mid-pipe/catalytic converter adapter--not often included with competitors--which must be used if your car is a '92-'93 model, to compensate for a length change in the factory header those years. Your '90-'91 cars won't need the adapter.
Not All Gasolines Are Created Equal
The quality of gasoline can actually make a difference in a vehicle's performance. Almost all gasoline brands offer "premium grade", high-octane fuel at their pumps, however, the premium title doesn't always equate to a premium-quality fuel.
Car manufacturers determine the octane level requirement for their vehicles based on engine design, and recommend premium-grade gasoline for specific cars (check your owner's manual for details). In fact, many automakers advocate high-octane gasoline for premium vehicles because it protects engines from knock, helps ensure top performance and power, as well as optimizes fuel consumption and lowers emissions.
Shell V-Power takes high-octane gasolines one step further by offering the new, Nitrogen Enriched Cleaning System--a unique, patented formula exclusive to Shell. With five times the amount of cleaning agents required by federal government standards, Shell V-Power provides maximum protection, seeking and destroying engine gunk left behind by lower-quality gasolines to help your vehicle maintain peak performance.
For more information on Shell V-Power, please visit www.shell.com/us/vpower