Acura Integra Type R Phoenix Yellow Mugen Time Capsule K20 Swap

Dennis Canlas 

2001 Acura Integra Type R

Instagram: @shoeology

Photographer: Marvin Recinos

Instagram: @mr2mivin

Location: San Diego, California

Performance Stats K20Z3 @ 220 HP

"ITR purists may not agree with the K-swap. I'll take the superior performance and reliability of newer technology." – Dennis Canlas

Husband, Father, Navy Retiree, Car Enthusiast Always

My name is Dennis Canlas, and I am from sunny San Diego, California. Husband and father of two first, US Navy retiree second, car enthusiast always. Having the chance to see the world, experience diverse cultures, and gain invaluable life lessons through the Navy has given me appreciation for all makes and models—with respect for the time and effort behind each build, which everyone has in common.

Third Time's a Charm: The Phoenix Yellow ITR

"I've had two ITRs in the past and missed them dearly," Dennis explains. "Third time's a charm—to come across an '01 Phoenix Yellow ITR, for me it was a no-brainer. Shout out to the homie Paul (@idt_customs) for parting ways with her."

From 15 years of collecting parts, Dennis's build was inspired by the early 2000s Mugen-specific era-correct modifications. "ITR purists may not agree with the K-swap. I'll take the superior performance and reliability of newer technology."

Thanks to Jerry and Brian at @upnextmotorsports for building his vision of a time capsule.

Acura Integra Type R  Complete Build Specifications

Engine Modifications - K20Z3 Swap

• K20Z3 engine @ 220 HP
• Mugen fuel rail
• Mugen radiator cap
• Mugen Twinloop exhaust
• CSF radiator
• Hybrid Racing cold air intake
• Hybrid Racing 75mm throttle body
• Hybrid Racing no-cut shifter
• Hybrid Racing shifter cable bushings
• Hybrid Racing K-Series idler bracket and pulley
• K-Tuned header
• Radium FPR
• OEM RDX injectors
• Rywire tucked K-Series harness V2

Interior Modifications - Full Mugen Theme

• Mugen gauge cluster
• Mugen FG-360 steering wheel with pad
• Mugen steering hub
• Mugen rear view mirror cover
• Mugen shift knob
• Mugen S1 seats
• Mugen seat rails
• Honda ITR rear seats (black/yellow stitch)
• Honda ITR armrest delete
• Honda ITR shift boot (black/yellow stitch)
• Honda Access personal box
• Honda Access passenger airbag delete
• ICBxVision rear view mirror

Exterior Modifications - Mugen Aero

• Mugen aero kit
• Mugen Gen 2 wing
• Mugen valve cover
• Mugen oil cap
• Mugen CF ignition cover
• Mugen gas cap cover
• JDM ITR front HID conversion
• UKDM rear taillights
• Honda Access window visors
• Honda Access rear valance

Wheels and Tires

• Mugen MF10 wheels - 17x7 +48
• Falken Azenis RT660 - 215/40/17

Suspension

• Mugen Gen 2 front strut bar
• Honda ITR rear strut bar
• PCI front upper camber arms V2
• PCI spherical front lower control arms
• PCI spherical front upper bronze bearings
• PCI spherical front compliance kit
• PCI spherical tie rods
• PCI spherical rear trailing arms
• PCI spherical rear camber kit
• PCI spherical toe kit V2
• S3 coilovers - 14/10 kg

Brakes

• Mugen Active Gate front brake calipers
• Mugen Active Gate front brake rotors

Who Did the Work?

Jerry and Brian at @upnextmotorsports - "For all your K-swap needs."

Custom paint by @ekdippenvtec - "Custom paint jobs and quality finishes."

Future Plans

"ITBs maybe? Still researching for a proper size where I don't have to modify the hood for fitment. Definitely a custom sound system is in the works."

The Time Capsule Philosophy

Dennis's build represents a time capsule of early 2000s Mugen-era modifications. From 15 years of collecting parts to the K20Z3 swap that purists may debate, this Phoenix Yellow ITR captures what made that era special while embracing modern performance and reliability.

The full Mugen interior—FG-360 steering wheel, S1 seats, gauge cluster, shift knob—creates an authentic period-correct cockpit. The Mugen aero kit, Gen 2 wing, and MF10 wheels complete the exterior vision.

"I have appreciation for all makes and models with the relation of time and effort behind each build," Dennis says. That Navy-learned respect for diverse cultures translates directly to his approach to car culture—appreciating what everyone brings to the table.

Shout Outs

God, family, & friends

• @team_sik - "The cars we drive say a lot about us"
• @upnextmotorsports - "For all your K-swap needs"
• @ekdippenvtec - "Custom paint jobs and quality finishes"
• @mr2mivin - "Capturing the speed of life"

Final Thoughts

From US Navy retiree to husband, father, and car enthusiast always, Dennis Canlas's 2001 Phoenix Yellow Integra Type R represents 15 years of collecting parts and a vision of the early 2000s Mugen era executed perfectly by @upnextmotorsports. The K20Z3 swap may not please purists, but with superior performance, reliability, and full Mugen interior and aero, this time capsule captures what made that era special while embracing modern technology.

"Third time's a charm." After two previous ITRs, Dennis finally built the one he always wanted—and with ITBs and custom sound system on the horizon, it's still evolving.

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