Rule #8 of Speedhunting: When sudden gems present up at a shoot, at all times find time for them.
Like this 1996 Honda Integra Sort R, which casually appeared throughout my current shoot with a five-door-converted EK Civic Ferio sedan constructed by X-Level Import Co. in Chiba. Honda homeowners are likely to gravitate towards one another, very like the liquid metallic items of a T-1000 Terminator.
Rule #6 of Speedhunting: All the time ask what you’re taking a look at. Except you’re a tuner tradition savant, typically essentially the most particular or distinctive automobiles fly beneath the radar. At first look, this might simply be mistaken for simply one other DC Integra.
However as Masa-san was busy becoming the bonnet onto his Civic, I pointed my digital camera towards the solar and began circling the Integra. Masa-san referred to as out, “That’s a particular DC2,” and proprietor Kiyo-san started sharing the automotive’s story.
This Integra was Exceed Japan’s very first demo automotive, launching the model again in 2017. Since then, Exceed has made a reputation for itself by mixing kanjozoku influences with USDM aesthetics.
Exceed Japan’s founder and director, Yasutaka Shimomukai has spent a whole lot of time immersed within the US West Coast Honda scene, bringing that distinctive vitality again to Japan and into his builds. It’s the small particulars that make this automotive what it’s. The Hybrid Racing shifter paired with the unique Battlecraft shift knob brings a style of America to the Integra’s caged inside.
Present-style engine bays are in all probability one of the best factor to be adopted from the US by Japanese tuners. This one is tucked, shaved, and includes a Rywire Motorsport Electronics harness.
Kiyo-san later shared that he’s needed to rebuild the Integra’s Ok-series engine twice within the 4 years he’s owned the automotive. The underside finish was rebuilt by Lair Manufacturing facility, however the polished cam cowl from California has stayed with the automotive as a bit of historical past from the unique Exceed engine. Most of the elements have been sourced from the US, with elements from Downstar Inc., Skunk2, and Hybrid Racing finishing the USDM vibe.
I’m glad I had the possibility to spend time with this Integra – a demo machine turned avenue racer. It’s a automotive with an actual soul.
Toby Thyer
Instagram _tobinsta_
tobythyer.co.uk