Joel Ray's '93 Integra GS-R
Take a trip down memory lane, to the early 2000s, to a time when some enthusiasts expressed themselves in ways that might surprise us today. Big bodykits were in, anime characters were plastered on the sides of show cars, and wheel wells were even filled with cotton. Yes, cotton. The "JDM" term had little meaning, and those who knew of it remained strictly underground. Fast-forward to present day and things are different. Car-show models have aged and body kits are all but shunned upon save for those produced by a few select well-known Japanese tuning companies. It's almost as if today's Hondas must be equipped with OEM, Japanese-market parts or forever be deemed "ricers." But such trends didn't originate during the last decade. No, they've been around since the cars themselves debuted. So is it possible for a build to transcend time? What happens to those projects that weren't necessarily built to be "period correct," but rather were built during the period they're perceived to be imitating? Such builds are few and far between but, to be sure, they exist. Joel Ray will tell you as much.
The Hayward, California native began his journey long ago. "I originally bought the Integra from an auto auction that I worked at back in 1995," Joel says. "I always loved the body style of the '90-'93 Integras so I knew I had to have it when the opportunity presented itself. I jumped at the chance when it rolled through the auction. Even back then a '93 GS-R was hard to come by. It was pricey too. I ended up paying $12,500 for it."
Remember, things were different in 1995. Modified imports were laughed at by the mainstream and viewed as a fad that wouldn't last. There were no Internet forums to join, no online shops for sourcing Japanese parts from. If you wanted to do something to your car, you had to do it yourself. "I painted my Integra by myself with assistance from some friends. I still remember applying the four coats of Milano Red and six coats of clear," Joel says. Even after 15 years, the paint remains immaculate. The Kaminari bumpers, and Wings West sideskirts and rear spoiler remain perfectly intact. That's the beauty of having a garage to store it in though. Joel's shelter serves as his personal automotive time capsule. Sitting next to the DB2 is his current project, a '72 Chevy Nova.
About a decade ago, Joel decided to give the B17A engine a kick in its pants by boosting it. In 1999, the only name worth looking to when it came to turbocharged Hondas was DRAG. The California-based company was one of the first in the U.S. to offer complete bolt-on turbo kits for popular Hondas. Joel opted for one of his own and hasn't looked back since. The then innovative T3/T4 Turbonetics turbocharger and cast-iron log manifold are relics by today's standards but were high-tech wonders of their day. "It's been 10 years and the engine is still running strong," Joel says. "It honestly doesn't really see much road time anymore though. Between work, family, and everyday things, I just don't have time to let this car see the open road. I used to drive it all over the place, but now I try to take it out when I can for a Sunday drive or to the occasional car show. I'll be lucky if I even put 1,000 miles on it in a year." When asked what power numbers the DRAG kit produced, Joel remains secretive. "It's G14 classified," he says jokingly. Leave it to an old-school guy to make a Rush Hour reference.
Despite the years, Joel's Integra has remained relatively constant. "I haven't really changed much, just little accessories here and there. I even have my Z-Speed short shifter in there to this day," Joel says. Those who are unfamiliar with Z-Speed may better recognize them today as Skunk2. The interior, other than the Recaro SRD seats, is straight out of 1993. Another modification that won't be changing anytime soon is the wheels. The moment anyone glances at the outside of this DB2 Integra will immediately recognize the anodized red lip and distinct design of the 17x7 Work J-Wings. Those who strive for that period-correct look drool over these long-discontinued wheels. The J-Wings serve as a sort of time stamp for Joel's ride.
"It's been a long journey. I've owned this DB2 for 14 years now and I have no intention of letting it go," Joel says proudly. Being the true veteran that he is, Joel has one message he'd like to pass on to others: "Thank you for the inspiration, don't ever stop, and build them clean."
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