WHO/WHAT/WHERE?
Colin Malony; '97 Integra Type R; Daytona Beach, Fla.
THE GOODS:
There are builds that are well thought-out, full of parts that make sense, and flow well with one another. There are also builds that are more of a hodgepodge of everything the aftermarket has to offer and then some, none of which really sync with one another. Colin Malony's ITR build coincides with the former. The underlying theme is Mugen, with a slight hint of OEM JDM-ness. The excitement begins outside with the 16-inch, bronze Mugen MF10 wheels complete with Mugen center caps and lug nuts. The ITR is lowered by means of Mugen NZ dampers paired with Hypercoil springs. Mugen front and rear shock tower braces as well as a 26mm rear stabilizer bar ties up the chassis and help fight flex. To bring the MF10s to a halt Colin opted for Hawk HPS pads that are cooled through a King Motorsports brake duct kit. Also, outside the ITR is fitted with OEM Honda Access window visors and is sleeked down with the removal rear wiper package.
Most of this ITR's mods are inside though where you'll spot a Mugen steering wheel and boss, shift knob and pedal assembly, and meter under visor. Colin also opted to remove the airbags and SRS controller and harness. The factory ITR power lock switches were swapped in favor of LS ones while a dual-DIN block-off plate, center console, clock block-off plate, and rear seats were sourced from the JDM market. Floor mats happen to be Euro-spec while the airbag block-off tray is courtesy of the Canadian market Integra. Colin's B18C5 remains relatively stock but that's OK-it is after all, a B18C5. Of course, a Mugen airbox, thermostat, and radiator cap find their way underhood along with an Odyssey battery and Vision carbon-fiber spark plug wire cover. Colin also opted to ditch the A/C for further weight savings.
HOW IT WENT DOWN:
Colin saw his first Type R when he was 15 and from that day forward knew he had to have one. It took him five years worth of crappy jobs to save up the cash to buy one but he tells us it was all worth it. But Colin didn't just search the classifieds and drive across the city to pick up his ITR. No, he and some friends packed up one of their rides and made the 2,000-mile trip to Fort Wayne, Ind., where he picked up his dream car. Colin has owned the Type R for nearly two years and plans on attending the '08 ITR Expo. Plan on being there? Look for him and his ITR.
LOVE AND HATE:
What makes a great Type R isn't necessarily what's been done to it but is oftentimes what hasn't been done to it. The balance is crucial.