1998-2001 Acura Integra Type R: The Ultimate FWD Performance Machine

The 1998-2001 Acura Integra Type R (DC2) is widely regarded as one of the greatest front-wheel-drive performance cars ever made. Built as a high-performance variant of the third-generation Acura Integra (1994-2001), the Type R was not just an upgraded trim—it was a purpose-built track weapon. It featured extensive factory modifications that set it apart from standard Integra GS, LS, and GS-R models, making it one of the most sought-after JDM and USDM performance cars to this day.

Engine & Performance: The Legendary B18C5

One of the biggest differences between the Integra Type R (ITR) and the standard Integra models is its high-revving 1.8L B18C5 VTEC engine. This engine was hand-assembled and came with a higher compression ratio (10.6:1)compared to the GS-R’s B18C1 (10.0:1). It produced 195 horsepower (JDM) and 195 hp (U.S. models after 2000, up from 190 hp in 1997) at an exhilarating 8,200 RPM, with a redline of 8,400 RPM. It featured:

• Ported and polished cylinder head for improved airflow.
• High-lift camshafts for increased valve lift and duration.
• Stronger valve springs and lightweight pistons to handle the high revs.
• Larger throttle body and intake manifold for better air delivery.
• 4-1 stainless steel header for improved exhaust flow.

Compared to the GS-R’s B18C1 (170 hp, 7,600 RPM redline), the Type R’s B18C5 was more aggressively tuned, revved higher, and made more power while retaining Honda’s legendary reliability.

Transmission & Drivetrain: Built for Performance

The Type R came exclusively with a close-ratio 5-speed manual transmission, featuring:

• Shorter gear ratios than the GS-R for faster acceleration.
• Limited-slip differential (LSD), which provided superior traction, especially during hard cornering or aggressive launches.
• Stronger synchromesh gears to handle the abuse of high-rpm shifting.

This setup made the Integra Type R one of the best-handling front-wheel-drive cars ever produced, giving it razor-sharp precision on the track and winding roads.

Chassis & Suspension: Race-Ready from the Factory

Honda engineers didn’t just throw a more powerful engine into the Integra and call it a day. The Type R chassis was reinforced with additional seam welds to increase rigidity, making it 50% stiffer than a standard Integra coupe.

Suspension upgrades included:

• Stronger front and rear sway bars for reduced body roll.
• Stiffer springs and dampers tuned specifically for performance.
• Lower ride height for improved aerodynamics and center of gravity.
• Lightweight 15-inch wheels wrapped in performance tires.

The result? A car that handled better than many rear-wheel-drive sports cars of its time and could tear through corners with unmatched precision.

Braking System: Superior Stopping Power

To complement its performance, the Type R featured larger brakes than other Integra models:

• 11.1-inch front rotors and 10.2-inch rear rotors (compared to smaller brakes on GS and LS models).
• Performance-oriented brake pads and calipers for improved stopping power.

This setup gave the Type R exceptional braking performance, making it ideal for aggressive driving and track days.

Weight Reduction: Less is More

To maximize performance, Honda aggressively cut weight wherever possible:

• No sunroof (found on GS-R and GS models).
• Thinner windshield glass to reduce weight.
• Minimal sound deadening for a raw driving experience.
• Lighter interior components, including a no-frills center console and thinner carpeting.

With a curb weight of 2,650 lbs, the Type R was about 93 lbs lighter than the GS-R and significantly more rigid, making it even quicker and more agile.

Exterior & Aerodynamics: Functional Aggression

While the Integra Type R looked similar to other Integra coupes, it had key aerodynamic and styling enhancements:

• Large rear wing spoiler for added downforce at high speeds.
• More aggressive front lip and rear bumper to improve aerodynamics.
• Red “H” badges and unique Type R decals for exclusivity.
• Championship White (exclusive Type R color), inspired by Honda’s racing heritage.
• Other colors included Phoenix Yellow (2000-2001 models), as well as Flamenco Black Pearl.

These subtle but purposeful changes gave the Type R an unmistakable presence on the road and track.

Interior: Built for the Driving Enthusiast

The Type R’s interior was stripped down and designed with a driver-focused approach:

• Recaro-style red or black cloth seats with better bolstering for spirited driving.
• Titanium shift knob for a premium feel.
• Unique red Type R badging and gauge cluster.
• No cruise control, no power seats, and minimal luxuries—everything was designed to save weight and maximize performance.

How It Compares to Other 1994-2001 Integra Models

Feature	Type R (1998-2001)	GS-R (1994-2001)	LS/GS (1994-2001)
Engine	B18C5 (195 hp, 8,400 RPM redline)	B18C1 (170 hp, 7,600 RPM redline)	B18B1 (140 hp, 6,800 RPM redline)
VTEC?	Yes (high-lift, aggressive tuning)	Yes (milder tuning)	No
Transmission	Close-ratio 5-speed w/ LSD	Standard 5-speed	Standard 5-speed / 4-speed auto
Chassis	Reinforced, seam-welded	Standard	Standard
Suspension	Stiffer, sport-tuned	Sport-tuned but softer than Type R	Softer, daily-driving oriented
Brakes	Larger performance brakes	Standard	Smaller brakes
Weight	~2,650 lbs	~2,743 lbs	~2,756 lbs
Aero Kit	Type R wing, front lip	Standard	Standard

Why the 1998-2001 Integra Type R Is Special

• It’s one of the best front-wheel-drive cars ever built. The Type R was engineered to dominate the track while still being streetable.
• Hand-assembled engine and chassis reinforcements make it unique. The B18C5 was meticulously tuned, and the chassis was reinforced from the factory.
• It’s rare and highly collectible. Acura only produced 3,823 Type Rs for the U.S. between 1998 and 2001, making them much rarer than GS-Rs or LS models.
• It’s a raw driving experience. No unnecessary weight, no luxury features—just pure, high-revving Honda performance.

Final Verdict: A True Icon

The 1998-2001 Acura Integra Type R remains one of Honda’s greatest engineering achievements. It was more than just a sportier Integra—it was a track-focused machine that set the gold standard for front-wheel-drive performance. Even today, it’s highly respected and fetches premium prices in the collector’s market. Whether on a backroad, track, or in a garage, the ITR is a true legend that continues to inspire enthusiasts worldwide.