Martinez has since joined Team Paksiw, a local car club, which guides and motivates him to take a more active role in the car show scene. He also tells us he's got a built bottom end and autocross practice in his future.
"The car is exactly the way I want it-for now," Martinez tells us. "It's funny. Now all of the shops I went to before are trying to get my business." We're guessing he no longer pulls up in the Taurus, though.
Bolts & WashersKevin Martinez' 1998 Integra GSRPropulsionMartinez bolted a GReddy turbo kit onto the B18C1, which not only bumped up the volumetric efficiency of the 1.8-liter mill, but has also kept the no-replacement-for-displacement naysayers at bay. The kit consists of Greddy cast-steel exhaust manifold strapped to an 18G turbocharger, a front-mount intercooler, a blow off valve and charge piping.
Martinez hasn't yet tampered with engine internals, opting instead to work from the outside in. An AEM fuel rail and RC Engineering 310cc/min fuel injectors coexist with the factory-issued fuel pump, with it all controlled via a GReddy e-Manage-assisted GSR ECU. NGK spark plug wires and NGK V-Power plugs do their part to propagate healthy flame.
After putting the 18G's exhaust wheel in motion, gases exit through a Car Sound high-flow cat, then through an ES Tuning Systems 2.5-inch oval universal muffler. Temperatures are kept in check with the assistance of a Password JDM radiator cooling plate.
Torque is forwarded to the wheels through the OEM, five-speed GSR gearbox. An ACT StreeLite XACT flywheel reduces reciprocating mass, while the company's performance street disc, featuring a heavy-duty pressure plate, ensures power transfers appropriately. Martinez also replaced the GSR's axles with those from a '98 Type-R.
Rims & RubberMartinez ditched the original alloys in favor of 15-inch RegaMaster EVO wheels. The forged, 9.4-lb. gunmetal rims are shod with 205/50R-15 Falken Azenis rubber and fastened to the hubs using Spoon Sports lug nuts. Offset for the JDM wheels measures +45mm with a 5x114.3mm bolt pattern.
StanceMartinez refrained from heavily altering the Integra's suspension and instead relied mostly on OEM components. JDM Integra Type-R pieces are outfitted at both ends and feature the coveted five-lug bolt pattern. Tokico HP shocks paired with Ground Control coilovers lower the ride height and increase firmness, aided by an Integra Type-R front strut-tower brace.
ResistanceStopping power is advanced with larger Integra Type-R rotors teamed with Spoon four-pot calipers. Up front, Hawk HP Plus pads provide friction, while the rear is served with Axxis Metal Master pads. Motul RBF 600 fluid circulates through an otherwise OEM braking system.
BodyOutside: The Integra's exterior poses the most noticeable changes, in part because of the JDM Integra Type-R front-end conversion and two-tone paint scheme. The lower majority of Martinez' DC2 was splashed with color from the '02 Nissan Altima, while the upper half was doused black. The polished pewter and black were applied just after the installation of a JDM Integra Type-R rear hatch. A Spoon Sports carbon fiber front lip and mirrors finish off the body modifications.
Inside: Little remains of the Integra's original interior. The seats were swapped for JDM Integra Type-R components, as was the steering wheel. A Type-R shift boot, clock and radio block-outs, passenger-side airbag tray and armrest eliminator were also sourced. Takata harnesses strap Martinez and passenger to the black Recaros safely. An Autopower Street Sport rollbar offers rollover protection, while an EM Racing bar stiffens up the C-pillars. Other trim elements include a Broadway mirror and Spoon Sports shift knob.