It's easy to talk shit about the technical faux pas of the "Fast and the Furious" motion picture series, especially considering the horrendous start afforded it by the first movie. Did they actually script "MoTec exhaust systems" and "Naws" (we think they meant N-O-S)? And diamond plated floorboards riveted in from the bottom that shake loose and create a light show of sparks behind the car that rivals most 4th of July celebrations?
Though flawed, the movie did bring some fresh blood to the scene. While many were there just for the fashion, though, a few stuck it out and evolved into real, accomplished enthusiasts. John Sry is one such person, he saw the light of the Honda badge following a stint entertaining the European persuasion, namely a 1999 BMW M3, '01 Z3 and '01 Mercedes Benz SLK.
"After watching '[The Fast and the Furious] in 2001, many ideas came to mind," says Sry. His visions gained some clarity when he chose a brand new Acura Integra Type R as a canvas for his creation. Not only was the car valued for its race-like characteristics, Sry knew that after modifying it he would be pleased with the end result. After a month of searching, he found his phoenix yellow DC2 at an Acura dealership in Tennessee.
The transformation began with the basics: springs, intake, header, and an exhaust system. Then a new set of black Volk SE37 wheels was added, along with an under-body spoiler kit from Wings West. It wasn't enough to impress any show judges, however; the car didn't earn any accolades at its debut in Massachusetts. In order to win at more prestigious events like Hot Import Nights or Import Xpression, Sry needed to distance his vehicle from the competition.
Not a fan of "crazy widebody kits or wild system installations where monitors outnumber occupants," Sry went with an understated JDM theme, hoping to limit flash but emphasize uniqueness. Towards that end, he decided to change the color, hoping to separate himself from the scores of yellow Rs making the show rounds. Mark2000 Autobody in Worchester, Mass., painted the 'Teg in House of Kolor candy tangerine orange. "I knew it would make a statement once it was finished."
To tighten the focus even further, Sry integrated a supplementary carbon-fiber motif. He added a VIS carbon fiber hood and trunk lid and Signal Auto carbon fiber mirrors, dash kit, and canards. The ITR also runs authentic Mugen aero kit pieces around a full JDM front-end conversion.
In the cabin, previously placed Bride door panels were replaced with JDM panels off a '00 R. Red Recaros supplant the Brides seats, mainly because the old seats weren't comfortable for a big guy like Sry. The extended list of interior JDM doodads screams meticulous: shift boot, center console, clock blocker, airbag tray, climate control, fog light switch, and even a J-spec ashtray and road flare. Other interior mods came from Japanese sources like Mugen and Takata.