Modifying A Honda Integra Type R: A JDM Build

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Meet Kevin Mercado and his Honda Integra Type R

IG: @JDMDC5_TX

Photographer/Author - Donnie Rochin

IG - @r0cean11

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http://www.r0cean11.com

“Never give up on what makes you happy, not even for a moment.”

I’m Kevin Mercado, originally from Arecibo, Puerto Rico. I’m 30 years old and currently reside in Round Rock, Texas. As a U.S. Army veteran, I am now pursuing my studies in automotive mechanics. My journey into the automotive world has been deeply influenced by my father, who instilled in me a love for cars from a young age.

Early Influences and Car Enthusiasm

Growing up, my dad’s passion for cars was contagious. I remember spending countless hours playing racing video games and attending car shows with friends, which only deepened my love for speed and automotive culture. Today, I regularly attend events like Racewars, Just Vibes, Clean Culture, and Evo Tuners, where I connect with fellow enthusiasts and celebrate our shared passion.

The Honda Integra Type R is not a car that every enthusiast loves at first sight, but once they see one fully built like mine, many change their perspective. Its unique character and performance capabilities drew me in from the beginning.

My Car History

My journey began with my first car, a 1989 Suzuki Swift, which I purchased while in high school. From there, I started buying and trading cars, which introduced me to the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) scene. I owned a 1994 Toyota Corsa, a 1994 Nissan Tsuru, and a Mitsubishi with a 2.4-liter Expo engine. Eventually, I transitioned into the Honda and Acura world, where I constantly modified my vehicles. I’ve had both show cars and track cars, including a Challenger V8. However, it was at the SEMA 2023 event that I encountered my dream car, the Honda Integra Type R. I instantly fell in love, bought it, and began transforming it into what it is today.

Just seeing the Integra—even in my garage—fills me with adrenaline and happiness. It makes me proud and thankful to God because I now own something I once only dreamed of.

Advice for Aspiring Car Builders

My biggest piece of advice is to surround yourself with a good support team. The process of building a car can be stressful at times, and having people who motivate you makes a huge difference. Always inspect the structure and engine condition before purchasing, and have a clear vision of the modifications you want from the start.

Unique Modifications of My Integra Type R

One of the standout features of my Integra is the stunning custom paint job, completed by Crolls Customs in Pennsylvania. Originally gray, the car was completely disassembled to achieve this breathtaking new look.

Engine Modifications

• Engine Bay: Partially shaved and color-matched bay.

• Motor Mounts: Innovative motor mounts, powder-coated gold.

• Valve Cover and Strut Bar: K-Tuned cable bracket and strut bar mounts.

• Shifter Cables: Hybrid Racing shifter cables, powder-coated gold.

• Power Steering/AC Delete Kit: K-Tuned power steering/AC delete kit.

• Intake System: Skunk2 Ultra Street intake manifold, composite fuel rail, and 70mm throttle body.

• Fuel Line Kit: Hybrid Racing tucked fuel line kit.

• Dress-Up Kit: Full Downstar manifold and engine bay dress-up kit.

• Clutch: Exedy competition clutch.

• Additional Parts: Various Hybrid Racing components, including dipstick, oil cap, clutch slave cylinder, upper/lower radiator hoses, coil pack cover, and more.

Suspension Upgrades

• Coilovers: D2 Circuit Edition coilovers.

• Sway Bar and Tie Bar: Progress sway bar and rear tie bar.

• Control Arms: Skunk2 rear lower control arms and SPC camber kit.

• Bushings and Ball Joints: Energy Suspension front bushings and Bodyclub front ball joints.

• Tie Rods: K-Tuned inner tie rods and SPC inverted tie rod ends.

Brakes, Wheels, and Tires

• Braking System: Full Brembo front and rear upgrade.

• Wheels: Advan TC4 17x9 with a +35 offset.

• Tires: Toyo Proxes R1R tires with custom tire lettering.

Interior Enhancements

• Steering Wheel: DND Performance steering wheel.

• Seats: Recaro Sport seats with custom carbon fiber shells and matching rear seats.

• Custom Features: Custom matching door panels, shift boot, and e-brake cover.

• Safety: Autopower half cage and Cusco carbon fiber roll bar.

• Trims: All Modulo trims in real carbon fiber.

• Harnesses: Crow Enterprises racing harness, powder-coated to match.

• Shifter: Hybrid Racing short shifter and knob.

• Floor Mats: Custom Lloyd floor mats.

• Pedals and Console: DC5 Type R pedals, center console, and e-brake.

• Custom Trims: Wrapped in real carbon fiber with clear coat.

• Door Straps: Porsche GT2 RS door straps customized into RSX door panels.

Audio and Video System

• Head Unit: Sony Double Din head unit.

• Speakers: Alpine speakers.

Exterior Modifications

• Paint Job: Celestial Blue Pearl paint by Crolls Customs in Pennsylvania.

• Body Kit: Authentic C-West front bumper, Ings+1 vented wide front fenders, C-West side skirts, and Ings+1 rear overfenders.

• Wing: APR GTC 300 wing with color-matched end plates.

• Custom Splitter Kit: Includes custom front canards and rear diffuser.

• Hood: VIS vented carbon fiber hood, color-matched.

• Headlights: Custom RSX headlights with ILX projectors and JDM side markers.

Challenges and Future Plans

The most challenging part of the build was the paint job, which was expertly handled by Crolls Customs in Pennsylvania. Most of the interior work was completed by the previous owner, but I have also received invaluable support from companies like Gloss Revolution and Deadog in Puerto Rico.

Looking ahead, my plans include an engine swap, converting to AWD, and adding a turbo to reach at least 600 hp. I also plan to change the wheels to enhance the overall aesthetic and performance.

While I’m not officially part of a team, I receive tremendous support from crews like Team NVUS in Austin, Texas, and Rico Lenz.

The Car Scene as Therapy

The car scene is my therapy. After joining the military, my mental health was severely affected, but the automotive world helped me navigate those tough times. It has brought me friendships, motivation, and a genuine sense of community.

My dream car? A 1994 Acura NSX.

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