Ack Attack Post 8: Integra

The Acura Integra was made from 1986-2001. From '86 to '98 the Type R, and RS hatchback coupe were still in production, in '99, these high-performance models left the playing field, leaving the LS, GS, and GS-R in two and four door form. The Integra, called the "Teg" by enthusiasts, is a small, sporty car which was mainly sold as a hatchback. First Gen Tegs had a 1.6 4-cylinder engine and were available in a 3-door hatchback, a 4-door sedan, and a 5-door hatchback. Second Gens came with 1.7 L 4-cylinder or 1.8L 4-cylinder engines. The 2nd gens were available in a 3-door hatchbakc and a 4-door sedan. Third gens came with a 1.8L 4-cylinder engine and were available in 2 styles, the 3-door hatchback and the 4-door sedan. The most dramatic change to the Integra occured in the 1994 production year. Dual airbags and a shorter wheelbase were incorporated due to the new plan to base the Teg on the Honda Civic front-drive platform.

The Type R was the best selling model for the Integra due to its special attention to detail. The Type R had differently shaped combustion chamber and intake ports, as well as high compression pistons and two extra counterweights on the crankshaft, enhancing durability at high RPMs. An intake was drawn from inside the fender well which made it colder, feeding into a short-runner intake manifold allowing for the car to receive colder air more easily.

In 2002, Acura decided to revise their concept of the Integra. Through this painful process of weeding out such an upstanding car, Acura came up with the new and improved Acura RSX, which had a sad, short life span of only 4 years (2002-2006).