Who/What/Where:Alex Rodriguez; '94 Integra; Miami, Fla.
The goods:Alex bought his RS Integra in 2002 and shortly after began purchasing parts to make it his own. In fact, he's still buying parts for it-suspension upgrades are on the way as is some tranny work-but all of that is beside the point. Alex's RS is supercharged-Vortech supercharged to be specific. This wasn't necessarily the route he planned on taking though, that is, until a used V-5 SQ trim kit "fell" into his lap for a mere $1,200. As you'd expect, the RS retains its B18B status and, along with the supercharger, is helped along with a DC Sports 4-into-1 header, Skunk2 test pipe, and OBX exhaust. On the intake side the B gets by with a Vortech aftercooler and blow-off valve, Skunk2 intake manifold, and K&N air filter. Lean conditions are subsided with a Walbro 255lph fuel pump, Vortech fuel management unit, and a fuel pressure regulator and rail, both from AEM. Other engine bits include AEM cam gears, B20B camshafts, and an aluminum radiator for increased cooling. Alex employs a Top Speed torque damper to keep the drivetrain from excessive movement under boost.
The RS sits on Tokico Illumina shocks and Skunk2 springs, while Skunk2 adjustable A-arms and Neuspeed tie-bars adjust suspension geometry and improve handling, respectively. The whole combination rests on Rota Circuit 10s and Yokohama rubber. The exterior remains relatively stock, save for a carbon-fiber hood and Mugen-like front lip. Inside Alex added a number of Pioneer and Rockford Fosgate audio components but, more importantly, addressed his performance anxieties with RSX Type S leather seats in the front and GSR ones in the rear, an A'PEXi S-AFC II, Sparco four-point harness, and Vision shift knob.
Love And Hate:Centrifugal supercharged Hondas are just plain cool. Instant boost, gratifying torque, what's not to like?
Who/What/Where:Adam Brady; '92 Civic; Orange County, N. Y.
The goods:Adam tells us that it didn't take long after his EK was jacked for him to pick up his EG hatch and drop in the JDM H22A swap. The transplant is complete with a matching LSD-equipped JDM transmission paired with an ACT clutch and lightweight flywheel. First on the power-making agenda was an AEM short-ram intake paired with a Hotshot 4-into-1 race header and A'PEXi N1 exhaust combination. Things got serious with the addition of a Crower head package, Skunk2 camshaft gears, and a reprogrammed ECU. Other engine bits include an MSD 6AL ignition box along with MSD plug wires and a two-step rev limiter accompanied with an external water pump. Fuel maps are addressed with the help of an A'PEXi V-AFC matched with a B&M pressure regulator and an AEM wideband air/fuel ratio meter. Other goods include Megan shock tower braces, Skunk2 coilovers sitting around KYB shocks, and Drive Shaft Shop custom axles. Inside, the EG is fitted with Tenzo buckets, Type R rear seats, and an assortment of carbon-fiber accents. Outside Adam swapped on a Type R front lip, carbon-fiber hatch, Spoon duckbill wing, and 15-inch Rotas. Next on the agenda? A carbon-fiber hood, fresh paint, and a B-series gearbox.
Love And Hate:H22A swaps and EG Civics are never a bad thing. JDM ones with LSD gearboxes are even better.