The next step in Salazar's quest for power was to install CTR pistons and ARP rod bolts to strengthen the bottom end and ditch the previous cylinder head with a Comptech Machine street ported head. With the assistance of a new Toda 4-2-1 header and RC 310cc injectors, the motor made vast improvements and was able to produce 201 hp with 124 lb-ft of torque. For many tuners out there these new results would be adequate, but not for Salazar. "After battling my brother's built Integra Type-R and testdriving his 1.8 liter at Streets of Willow Raceway, I wanted more torque," says Salazar. "I was contemplating swapping in a built 2.0 liter, but a couple friends were trying ITBs at the time and had gained a lot of midrange horsepower and most importantly torque. I decided to give it a shot since the motor was so fresh and healthy anyways."
A tremendous amount of time and research left Salazar with a decision to make. "Toda individual throttle bodies would suit my power needs best," claims Salazar. "However, Toda had recently discontinued its ITBs, forcing me to search endlessly until I found a mint set." He then had a friend fabricate a Honda TPS adapter plate so that the ITBs would work flawlessly with a Hondata S300 EMS. Salazar and Circuit Hero in San Diego subsequently installed the ITB setup along with some other goodies like bigger RC injectors of the 370cc variety, SX external fuel pressure regulator, Earl's in-line filter, steel braided lines and AN fittings. The built B16 would see its best numbers yet, yielding similar horsepower numbers but a noticeably large jump in torque numbers. "After everything was said and done, we were able to pull 142 lb-ft of torque! The entire power band was so much better," says Salazar. "It had such a wide powerband that resembled a 2L engine, which was the most important goal for road racing. The previous setup had a power band that was too peaky and had to be revved out super high in order to make the car go anywhere." Providing proper torque transfer comes by way of an ACT Xtreme pressure plate and six-puck sprung ceramic disc along with a Kaaz 1.5 way limited-slip differential.
To help get this car around the track, the original Tein RS coilovers that came with the shell remained intact; though Mugen front and rear strut bars were added for additional suspension support. The belly of the beast is strengthened by a Kirks Racing six-point rollcage that was sent out to John at Revenge Motorsports in San Diego for a custom x-brace. The "shoes" of the Civic are a completely refinished set of 15x6.5 WedSport TC05's on popular Falken Azenis tires. To help prevent the car from flying off the track, Salazar chose the combination of ITR front brakes, Fast Brakes upgraded rear brakes and Motul fluids.
With the stop and go department in full effect, it was time to match the freshly completed motor with an equally impressive exterior. Whether he's on the move or not, a build of this caliber deserves to be seen. With that said, Salazar was able to source an authentic Mugen EG6 front lip and Spoon mirrors before stripping the entire car completely and sending it off to one of Southern California's most renowned body shops, MOBworks, and getting the EG re-sprayed Milano Red and the roof a custom MOBworks Bentley Black. Salazar then topped off the exterior with an authentic Spoon Sports carbon-fiber EG6 duckbill wing, J's Racing air duct and Circuit Hero canards.