2001 Integra Type-R

When Zahel Cuevas of Chula Vista, Calif., first laid eyes on his future project car, he envisioned building a one-of-a-kind Type-R. It appeared as clear as day in his mind; neck snapping power using only the highest quality performance parts, combined with a super clean body and rolling stock. In short, the total package. But to the average guy on the street, it looked more like a total loss, destined for the bone yard. Originally owned by a close friend, the entire front end, every bit of the interior, wheels, suspension and of course the celebrated B18C5 were all history, taken by notorious SoCal thieves. No doubt about it, this Integra had seen better days, but still featured a straight body with no rust, and Cuevas felt that this "R" deserved a second chance at life.

Upon purchasing the shell, the first order of business was to remove all of the remaining glass, rubber and plastic trim to prep the chassis for paint. The bare shell and new JDM front end made its way over to Gold Crest Auto body of San Diego, where the decision was made to smother the "R" in a rich three stage candy apple red hue. To further separate himself from the crowd, Cuevas threw an Aztec front lip, VIS Stalker sideskirts and matching rear valence into the mix, and waited for Gold Crest to work its magic. To drop a few pounds and add some flavor, a carbon-fiber hood, mirrors and wing were dropped off at the shop to include in the makeover. Not wanting to waste precious time, the hunt for more parts and upgrades continued day and night, with a stockpile beginning to form in his garage.

Once the paint had dried and the car was towed home, a mission to improve on the Type-R's already legendary handling was initiated. A Password:JDM three-point strut tower in the front, and four-point brace in the rear added some additional rigidity, while a set of suspension techniques sway bars and Skunk2 camber kits up the ante a bit further. To take advantage of all that extra metal, a set of Tein Type-Flex coilovers with EDFC found its way to the wheelwells, providing adjustable dampening at the touch of a button. We've said it a million times; wheels and tires can determine whether a project car will sink or swim. Not one to lack in the function and form categories, Cuevas picked up a set of lightweight 17x7.5 Advan RG2s, and wrapped them in sticky 205/40-17 Falken Azenis tires. To complete the package, just a few inches behind the solid gold rollers are Brembo Gran Turismo brakes, fed by BFGoodrich stainless brake lines.

With the exterior and suspension exactly as he wanted them, attention was then turned toward the completion of the interior. This meant sourcing a pair of Recaro Speed bucket seats and Takata harnesses to keep the driver planted firmly in style. Custom red carpet and red door panel inserts surround Cuevas as he puts his left hand on the Mugen FG-360 steering wheel, and his right hand on the Skunk2 shift knob perched upon a Skunk2 short throw shifter. Electronic upgrades for monitoring vitals include an AEM UEGO display and Auto Meter oil pressure gauge, while the entertainment side is handled by an Alpine MP3 player and Infinity Kappa speakers.

Finally, after countless hours and careful planning, the once haggard and defeated Type-R was driven proudly. With massive improvements made both inside and out, there was nothing left to change. Or was there? After becoming accustomed to the decent power provided by the B18CR replacement motor he'd built for NA duty, Cuevas was beckoned to the dark side.