When Subaru officials unleashed the company's WRX STi in the U.S. not long ago, authoritative gearheads speculated that the demise of Hondas and Acuras as the sport compact performance brand of choice loomed just around the corner. The skepticism was not without validity. Packing turbo 'Teg comparable muscle in OEM form, an extra gear and an AWD skeleton, the STi remains a force to be reckoned with both on the streets and within corporate boardrooms.
Shortly after these same automotive soothsayers predicted Honda's reign to end, Michael Braeuner of Chicago had secured a deal on an STi of his own. Sure, some may accuse Braeuner of committing the unthinkable, siding with the Subie camp and all, but his reasons were pure. "I needed a winter car, one that I could drive in the snow," he says. He also assures us that, despite the STi's ample performance-minded accouterments, it's still no match, pleasure-wise, for his 2001 Integra GSR.
Braeuner says he'd eyed the Integra since its final makeover in '94. Seven years later, he finally laid down the dough for one of his own. On a student budget, upgrades for the GSR came slowly, but once Braeuner graduated and found his place in the workforce, things really took off. A Type-R engine swap and front-end conversion make for the most noticeable of changes, but Braeuner didn't stop there. Wheels, suspension and interior upgrades found their place as well.
For those Subaru folk left scratching their heads, wondering what sane person would prefer Type-R sway in lieu of the STi's all-out brute force, you need wonder no more. Braeuner clues us all in on what exactly makes the 'Teg his ride of choice come sunny days.
Honda Tuning: Tell us the story of your Integra. How'd it all start?Michael Braeuner: I've been a Honda guy for nearly 12 years and I've wanted an Integra pretty much that whole time. I wanted a Type R but my budget couldn't afford it; I was in college. I did the basics but when I got out of art school it really took off. I did the front end conversion first and then Charlie from Top Setup asked me if I wanted to do a Type R swap. I said yes, and we worked out a trade with my GSR motor and some cash.
Ht: Did you run into any obstacles during the process of the build?Mb: I had a lot of help from Charlie and my friends Tim Dempsey, who also works at Top Setup; Justin Wyner; and Mikey from Factory Five. They helped me with tuning and getting the parts I needed to make it all happen. I knew what I wanted to do, but they helped me out. They've all touched my car at one time or another. I think the only obstacle we ran into was with ordering parts. It took me about nine months to get my hood and three months to get my lip.
Ht: Why the STi? Especially after all the work you've put into the Integra.Mb: It snows here so I needed a winter beater. I got a '91 EF and I hated it, so I went out and got the STi. Theft is also a problem here. The Subaru's more practical and isn't as likely to have parts stolen off it. I'm just a Honda guy though. The Integra gives me more feeling when I'm on the road. Maybe it's because the STi is still stock but every time I get back into the Integra it reminds me of what it's been through. For the people that wonder why I choose to drive my Integra over the STi when the weather's nice, I tell them it all depends on how you build your Honda.
Ht: What's in store next for the GSR? Any changes?Mb: I wouldn't really change anything. I know you learn by making changes, but I wouldn't do anything differently. I do plan on opening the motor up soon, but for now, I'm really happy with the suspension upgrades. I also plan on dynoing and going racing soon.