Update 29th Sept 2011

DC2R Half Cut has arrived

Body Prep has completed, Spray Painting is starting this week

All ordered parts have arrived

The soul-stirring Hondas of old

Staying true to the essence of this blog, the original '96 Spec DC2R.

Other favourite Hondas of the authors of this blog

The S2000 AP2 (though it's arguable that the S2000 of original intentions was the AP1 with the 9000rpm F20C)


And the fastest Type R after the NA1R and NA2R...

With special thanks to the wonderful writers over at http://motor-prime.com/

It's all about going back to the basics.

The DC2 Type R represents how cars should be made. Focused on fun, little compromise on comfort and yet well-engineered for bearable daily driving.

Carmakers can throw in wallops of horsepower, and control these power with electronics that can put NASA to shame. They can mate the engine with some fanciful gearbox that blips the throttle and does the best rev-matching that probably can only be matched by the best drivers in the world. However, at the end of all these, it just takes the fun and skills out of driving. In some cases, the immense horsepower and space-age electronics mask the inadequacies of the chassis; car buyers can perhaps ask themselves; are they really paying for more? Or they are just paying for less engineering which is covered under layers of marketing gimmicks?

The DC2 Type R has none of these. Simple naturally-aspirated power toe the line of balance, basic manual gearbox with helical LSD ensures none of the requisite skills is taken away from the driver. And that finely-tuned chassis; it's just like the girl whom we eventually want to take home as a wife; absolutely nothing to hide and springs no surprises. How many girls, or cars in this context, can fulfill a promise like that when we peel the layers off?

The DC2 Type R is still months away from the completion of the restoration project. So what exactly were Soichiro Honda-san and Shigeru Uehara-san's intentions when they conceptualised a car like the DC2 Type R? The author can't wait to find out.

Stripped - More Pictures

 Surface rust ...

Stripped - Partially

Interior Stripped ...

If you notice some minor surface rust

Vehicle sent to Johore

830am. It was a really cool morning with raining cats and dogs. i really want to have more sleep, however I know that I got a very important mission to acomplish - to send the DC2R for restoration work

845am. Have a qik cuppa and left home for MY
900am. Exit SG Customs, really heavy rain while on my way
910am. Exit MY Customs, car began to feel underpowered and sluggish
910am. "CEL" on, duno what happen, continue to drive while all meters appear normal
920am. "Battery" lamp momentarily on, i guess could be slipped belt due to rain water
935am. Arrived at destination, all fault lamp disappeared

Best Motoring International - Volume 1 - Type R Legend (Part 3)

Best Motoring International - Volume 1 - Type R Legend (Part 3)

New Road Tax Disc

Lovely! Clean and Neat!  :)

Expendibles ... brake fluid, MTF3, Engine oil etc

3 x Castrol DOT3 1L Brake Fluid to purge entire brake lines, pumps etc $7.50ea
1 x Honda MTF3 Made in Japan $55
1 x Carlube 5L 5W-40 $28.99
6 x 15400-RTA-004 Honda Oil Filter $8
3 x Honda PSF $8

Waxoyl Arrived - RS Online Singapore

6 cans x Aerosol Spray 1 can Application Spray

Car battery looks SICK!

38B20R and was replaced with 55B28L!!! 

Battery polarity was reversed and wire harness are stretched to accomodate a wrong battery!

Weight Reduction

1. Honda engineers insist a 35AH battery on the JDM Type R vs 40AH- This is only half of the story

2. Battery tray removed, box shrunk in size, battery stand is smaller and battery terminals are made smaller and lighter to reduce weight!

3. The items circled are SR3-Civic generic (export models) vs ST7-ITR purpose built for JDM

Waxoyl Clear Undercoat

NO NO to black, fugly rubberised undercoat for a Type R. I appreciate how Honda runs the silicon seal and undercarriage paint so I am going to remove the rust if any, degrease properly and reseal the entire undercarraige retaining the original color.

Fugly Rear Sunshade Removed

I wonder how a white color sunshade will look cool? Anyway it doesnt pleased my eyes, I got them removed!

Looks better isnt it?

Road Tax Renewed - via web

It is after the vehicle that has cleared inspection, then road tax could be renewed.

I would prefer a printed tax disc, it definately looks better!

See sample :-)

Inspection Failed - 14 July 2011

Went for inspection in the morning. Inspection Failed! :'( 

- Horn not working? *What? I know it has a single disc, not as loud*

- HID? *What? It is factory standard HID!!*

- Reverse lamp not working *my bad, got the bulbs changed again*

- Exhaust system modified - *Well have to agree on that sadly :-(*

 

Meanwhile, went back at late noon with some of the items fixed and finally got it cleared.



Annual Vehicle Inspection (MOT)

Finally! The long waiting LTA vehicle inspection notice. DC2R will need to clear the MOT before sending for rebuild

One of the reason for delaying the restoration process of the DC2R is to allow myself to focus quality time rebuilding the vehicle. I probably need 3-4 months ...

I just received a call in the afternoon, Japan has mailed out the parts via sea freight :)

Rare Honda Access Accessories

Tried to order from stockist, and japan counterpart apparently does not have them anymore.

After much thinking, I decided to try order thru our local agent and parts are still available from Japan! Woohoo!!

Most Ticketed Cars - CNBC

Most Ticketed Cars - CNBC

Despite the notoriety behind such a title, it was the last comment that I can't agree more with.

"This sporty import is popular with younger men, who insurers know to be more risky drivers. Padgett points out that the Acura Integra hasn't even been sold brand-new in America since the mid-1990s.“The fact that the cars still exist, and are still getting so many citations, is a testament to its durability and its spirited performance—and more proof to Honda that it needs to go back to building more cars like this one.”

Exterior pictures

The only thing that's probably still factory trim about the car is the NH-0 paintwork.

Note the original (finally an item) Integra Type R decal on the boot.....

.... and this seemingly 5-dollar item that can be gotten from a market push-kart... pride of ownership as cheap as the decal.

More to reflect on the pride of ownership...

Yet another senseless and incomprehensible touch to the car....

Enough said... Blue wipers on white bodywork and red seats...

Waiting for 98+ half cut

It is due to all kinds of KK engineering, and so called "B21" engine has to be scrapped. The vehicle wire harness has been tampered and altered beyond recongition.

A half cut has been ordered and currently waiting for good news.

JDM p/n confirmed

I have finalised the list of components that needs replacement. They took me about 2 hours comparing the UKDM/EUDM/JDM components that some cannot cross referencing each other, various revisions from 96, 98 and 2000 model etc

1 08P14-ST7-C10  FLOOR CARPET
1 08R04-ST7-000  DOOR VISOR
1 08P08-ST7-002  FRONT MUDGUARDS OR 08P08-ST7-600 (08P08-ST7-00001 + 08P08-ST7-00002?)
1 08P08-ST7-002  REAR MUDGUARDS OR 08P09-ST7-600 (08P09-ST7-A0001 + 08P09-ST7-A0002?)
1 84201-ST7-000ZA GARNISH, SIDE - NH167L
1 84735-ST7-000ZA LID, R. DAMPER MAINT - NH167L
1 83785-ST7-000ZA LID, L. DAMPER MAINT - NH167L
1 84640-ST7-J00ZA LINING ASSY. RR. PANEL - NH167L
1 83730-ST7-010ZA LINING R. SIDE - NH167L
1 83780-ST7-010ZA LINING L. SIDE - NH167L
1 75717-ST7-003ZB STICKER RR. (DOHC VTEC)
1 75717-ST7-941ZA STICKER RR. (LSD)
1 75717-ST7-Z01ZA STICKER RR. (TYPE R)
1 75700-ST7-Z00 EMBLEM FR. CENTRE (H)
1 75701-ST7-Z00 EMBLEM RR. CENTRE (H)
1 33113-SM4-010 LABEL, HEADLIGHT CAUTION
2 01473-SV4-000 CALIPER SET, RR
2 43227-SG0-013 SPRING, PAD
4 43244-SG0-003 RETAINER
1 83445-ST7-Z01ZA COVER, PARKING BRAKE - NH167L
2 01463-ST7-R00 CALIPER SET, FR
2 46505-SA5-000 PAD, PEDAL, STOPPER
4 51312-SD4-020 RUBBER, STABILISER END
2 51392-ST7-Z11 BUSH, FR. LOWER ARM
2 51810-SH3-004 BUSH, SHOCK ABSORBER FORK
2 51306-ST7-Z11 BUSH, STABILISER HOLDER
1 51395-ST7-Z01 BUSH COMP., R. FR COMPLIANCE
1 51396-ST7-Z01 BUSH COMP., L. FR COMPLIANCE
2 52315-ST7-Z01 BUSH, RR. STABILIZER
2 52316-ST7-Z00 BUSH, STABILIZER END
2 52314-ST7-Z00 BUSH, STABILIZER LINKAGE
1 53534-ST0-013 DUST SEAL COMP.,TIE ROAD
1 53543-SR3-N52 DUST SEAL COMP.,TIE ROAD
4 53685-SL0-A00 BUSH, STEERING GEARBOX MOUNTING
1 53436-ST0-950 CUSHION B, POWER STEERING GEARBOX
1 53735-SR3-960 HOSE, OIL COOLER RETURN
2 54107-SA0-010 BUSH, RR. JOINT
1 54110-SH3-003 SEAT, CHANGE LEVER BALL
1 54115-SH3-000 DUST SEAL B. CHANGE
1 54303-SB2-010 RUBBER, EXTENSION END
1 54306-SH3-000 RUBBER, EXTENSION MOUNTING
4 91301-671-671 O-RING 1.9X11
1 12030-P73-000 PACKING SET, HEAD COVER
2 91213-PR3-004 OIL SEAL, 29X43X8
1 91212-PR4-A01 OIL SEAL, 38X50X7.4
1 14400-P72-014 TIMING BELT
1 11251-P30-004 PACKING, OIL PAN
1 91214-PH1-004 FLYWHEEL OIL SEAL 80X100X10
1 16010-ST5-933 STRAINER SET, FUEL
1 16722-P75-A01 HOSE COMP.,FUEL FEED
1 17723-ST7-J01 HOSE, PRESSURE REGULATOR RETURN 
1 22200-P73-015 DISK COMP., FRICTION PLATE
1 22300-P73-005 DISK COMP., PRESSURE PLATE
1 91006-634-008 BEARING, CLUTCH PILOT (NTN)
1 91215-689-013 OIL SEAL, 14X25X16 (GEARBOX SHIFT)
1 50810-ST7-Z10 INSULATOR, RR. ENGINE MOUNTING RUBBER
2 74423-SP0-000 HOLDER, FUEL CAP
1 73152-ST7-003 MOULDING ASSY. R. FR. WINSHIELD SIDE
1 73162-ST7-003 MOULDING ASSY. L. FR. WINSHIELD SIDE
1 73151-ST7-003 MOULDING FR. WINDSHIELD UPPER
1 73251-ST7-305 MOULDING, RR. WINDSHIELD
1 74815-SK7-000 GROMMET, KEY CYLINDER
1 71722-ST7-Z00 PACKING, L.SPONGE
1 71712-ST7-Z00 PACKING, R.SPONGE
1 74440-ST7-000 WEATHERSTRIP, TAILGATE
2 34275-ST7-000 SEAL, BUSH, BRAKE LAMP
2 90125-ST7-000 SCREW, SPECIAL, 5MM
2 33503-ST7-A01 GASKET, BASE (TAIL LAMP)
1 06350-ST7-Z10 CYLINDER SET, KEY (SERVICE)
1 44732-SL0-J70 CAP ASSY. ALU WHEEL CENTRE (NH0)
7 91505-ST7-003ZA CLIP, COWL TOP - NH167L
6 91550-SH3-003ZG CLIP, RR. PANEL LINING - NH167L
7 91508-SR3-000 CLIP, WIPER COWL TOP (BLACK)
1 91604-SD2-013 GROMMET, HOOD STAY
1 90672-SJ4-013 HOLDER, ROD

Building BOM list ...

Painstakingly, I have extracted the list of items that will be critical, I have yet to find time to compare with JDM P/N

Qty  -  EDM P/N  - Description
1 84201-ST7-000ZA GARNISH, SIDE - NH167L
1 84735-ST7-000ZA LID, R. DAMPER MAINT - NH167L
1 83785-ST7-000ZA LID, L. DAMPER MAINT - NH167L
1 84640-ST7-J00ZA LINING ASSY. RR. PANEL - NH167L
1 83730-ST7-010ZA LINING R. SIDE - NH167L
1 83780-ST7-010ZA LINING L. SIDE - NH167L
2 01473-SV4-000 CALIPER SET, RR
2 43227-SG0-013 SPRING, PAD
4 43244-SG0-003 RETAINER
2 01463-ST7-R00 CALIPER SET, FR
2 46505-SA5-000 PAD, PEDAL, STOPPER
4 51312-SD4-020 RUBBER, STABILISER END
2 51392-ST7-013 BUSH, FR. LOWER ARM
2 51810-SH3-004 BUSH, SHOCK ABSORBER FORK
2 51306-ST7-Z01 BUSH, STABILISER HOLDER
1 51395-ST7-Z01 BUSH COMP., R. FR COMPLIANCE
1 51396-ST7-Z01 BUSH COMP., L. FR COMPLIANCE
2 52315-ST7-Z01 BUSH, RR. STABILIZER
2 52316-ST7-Z00 BUSH, STABILIZER END
2 52314-ST7-Z00 BUSH, STABILIZER LINKAGE
1 53534-ST0-013 DUST SEAL COMP.,TIE ROAD
1 53543-SR3-N52 DUST SEAL COMP.,TIE ROAD
4 53685-SL0-A00 BUSH, STEERING GEARBOX MOUNTING
1 53436-ST0-950 CUSHION B, POWER STEERING GEARBOX
1 53735-SR3-960 HOSE, OIL COOLER RETURN
2 54107-SA0-010 BUSH, RR. JOINT
1 54110-SH3-003 SEAT, CHANGE LEVER BALL
1 54115-SH3-000 DUST SEAL B. CHANGE
1 54303-SB2-010 RUBBER, EXTENSION END
1 54306-SH3-000 RUBBER, EXTENSION MOUNTING
4 91301-671-671 O-RING
1 12030-P73-000 PACKING SET, HEAD COVER
2 91213-PR3-004 OIL SEAL, 29X43X8
1 91212-PR4-A01 OIL SEAL, 38X50X7.4
1 14400-P72-014 TIMING BELT
1 11251-P30-004 PACKING, OIL PAN
1 91214-PH3-751 OR 91214-PR4-A01 OIL SEAL 80X100X10
1 16010-ST5-933 STRAINER SET, FUEL
1 16722-P75-A01 HOSE COMP.,FUEL FEED
1 17723-ST7-J01 HOSE, PRESSURE REGULATOR RETURN 
1 22200-P73-025 DISK COMP., FRICTION PLATE
1 22300-P73-025 DISK COMP., PRESSURE PLATE
1 91006-634-008 BEARING, CLUTCH PILOT (NTN)
1 91215-689-013 OIL SEAL, 14X25X16 (GEARBOX SHIFT)
1 50810-ST7-P00 INSULATOR, RR. ENGINE MOUNTING RUBBER
1 74423-SP0-000 HOLDER, FUEL CAP
1 73152-ST7-003 MOULDING ASSY. R. FR. WINSHIELD SIDE
1 73162-ST7-003 MOULDING ASSY. L. FR. WINSHIELD SIDE
1 73151-ST7-003 MOULDING FR. WINDSHIELD UPPER
1 73251-ST7-305 MOULDING, RR. WINDSHIELD
2 73226-SK7-000 RUBBER, RR. WINDSHIELD SIDE DAM
1 71722-ST7-Z00 PACKING, L.SPONGE
1 71712-ST7-Z00 PACKING, R.SPONGE
1 74440-ST7-000 WEATHERSTRIP, TAILGATE
2 34275-ST7-000 SEAL, BUSH
2 33503-ST7-A01 GASKET, BASE (TAIL LAMP)
1 06350-ST7-E02 CYLINDER SET, KEY (SERVICE)
7 91505-ST7-003ZA CLIP, COWL TOP - NH167L
6 91550-SH3-003ZT CLIP, RR. PANEL LINING - NH167-L
7 91508-SR3-000 CLIP, WIPER COWL TOP (BLACK)
1 91604-SD2-013 GROMMET, HOOD STAY
1 90672-SJ4-013 HOLDER, ROD
1 74840-ST7-A01 ACTUATOR LOCK

Honda Access!! Which Honda Enthusiast does not like Honda Geniune Accessories :)

1 08P14-ST7-C10  FLOOR CARPET
1 08R04-ST7-000  DOOR VISOR
1 08P08-ST7-002  FRONT MUDGUARDS OR 08P08-ST7-600 (08P08-ST7-00001 + 08P08-ST7-00002)
1 08P08-ST7-002  REAR MUDGUARDS OR 08P09-ST7-600 (08P09-ST7-A0001 + 08P09-ST7-A0002)
1 08R20-ST7-600  REAR WINDOW FILM
1 08W71-ST7-600  KIT. RR TOWER BAR
1 75717-ST7-003ZB STICKER RR. (DOHC VTEC)
1 75717-ST7-941ZA STICKER RR. (LSD)
1 75717-ST7-G91ZA STICKER RR. (TYPE R)
1 75700-ST7-E00 EMBLEM FR. CENTRE (H)
1 75701-ST7-Z00 EMBLEM RR. CENTRE (H)
4 44732-SL0-J70 CAP ASSY. ALU WHEEL CENTRE (NH0)

Some pre-restoration interior pics

GSR mentality - Great Sounding Ricer

Deep dish steering with steering centre marker for that "quick counter-steer"

This one has to take the prize for Most Mysterious Mods. Do I hear Soichiro Honda flipping in his grave?

Neglected items

Are these items really so expensive to DIY or get a technician to replace?

2 x Blown Bulbs in 3rd Brake Lamp
1 x Blown Bulb in Tail Lamp
Leaving only 1 brake lamp - very sad face

2 x Blown Reverse Bulbs

aircon was said to be overhauled by some famous workshop, it is sweating and leaking

Taking over the car

28th May 2011
This key brings back memories of 13 years ago, when the '98 DC2R first appeared at the Honda showroom and a young college boy could only marvel at the sleek body shape and the updated 16" rims, and dream of driving one home. This feeling was soon canned, but never forgotten, when the last Type Rx left the showrooms in the year 2000. As worn as it is now, a new unit will replicate its glory of starting up one with the most melodious starters followed by the firing up of one of the best long-stroke DOHC VTEC engine.

Why the talk of restoration, you may ask. The picture below speaks a thousand words.

The picture isn't very clear, but note the putty patch job on the tyre and the cracked bumper. I am quite sure most car enthusiasts will agree that the proper way to patch a tyre is to plaster the puncture from the inside. Maybe the previous owner was thinking that since the car would be sold soon, so such shoddy attitude can be shown towards the car. Running on Nexens in the rear and Falkens in front is hardly befitting of a car this calibre as well.

The cracked bumper is just a part of the car that needs replacement. More pictures to follow. More work is guaranteed to restore this car to its former glory.

A Legendary Flame Rekindled

The 1998 Honda Integra DC2 Type R. Simple. Focused. Fun.

A car that followed the revered 1992 Honda NSX NA1 Type R, both in spirit and in engineering. It redefined the age-old view that front-wheel-drive machines will never be fun and will do nothing except understeer into the sand trap.

It was built in the era when Honda had a lot more focus in her R&D, and product differentiation pretty much dominated her lineup. Any discerning car enthusiast will never confuse the DC2 GSR for the DC2 Type R, nor an EK4 hatchback for the more highly-strung EK9.

This blog aims to put down in pen, a 13-year-old love story and the arduous process to bring a legend back to life; a Type R spirit, that in this author's opinion, was never seen again since the discontinuation of the NSX NA2 Type R.