Model: 1997 Honda Civic Del Sol
Engine: JDM 98+ Spec Integra Type R B18C 
Transmission: 1998 Integra Type R J4D LSD
Radiator/A/C: Full width for full size car capacity 1998 Integra Type R
Tires: Toyo Praxis T1R 195/55/R15
Wheels: Koneg Helium Monoblock Ultralight

This pristine 97 V-Tec Del Sol was professionally converted with all the parts coming from from an entire 1998 JDM Honda Integra Type R, imported directly from Japan to me with 12,000 miles on it when it was totaled in the rear.  Note the  JDM, OEM DC2 front bumper just cleans it all up.  There is also an 8,200 RPM red line OEM tach ...

The carpet is new OEM ... including the trunk.  The DC2 seats are much more comfy.  Under ALL the carpet and up to the rear speakers, is an uninterupted layer of foil covered fiberglass insulation for heat and sound.  The other interior mods were VERY hard to find ...  As we all know ... the Del Sols for the American market have sun visors that are useless ... besides having no mirrors ... the solution is British Market left visor and Mainland Europe Right visor.  Both now have mirrors and are larger ... add a Honda Pilot rear view with internal compass (Took some doing but came out PERFECT), door latch lights, OEM Honda footlights and an S-2000 overhead light, killer stereo, electric antenna with OEM JDM lowering switch. and Poof!  The Targa top with deep blue Lexan is awesome because it all matches ... dash guage, compass, footlights ... all the same tint.

We fabricated some decent Radiator / AC hold downs.  It would be nice to find a cooling plate that would fit the Del Sol AND secure the full size (width) DC2 Integra Radiator & AC.

Brakes:   After MUCH study, there is little to be gained by "Up grading" to Brembo over OEM BIG brake calipers ... drilled rotors, whoever makes them, ALL crack and warp.  This model came with " ABS Big Brakes and rotors" all the way around, so, when a brake job was due, I bead blasted and painted the factory calipers and upgraded  the rotors to Brembo slotted.

Also, I was very fortunate to find a flawless Classic Genuine Honda OEM JDM Type R internally valved muffler with a 2.5" inlet that matched up with the 2.5" Stainless tubing which I had fabricated and the matching Cat ... very quiet (Unless in V-Tec mode) and breathes VERY well without making my ears bleed while being a Cop magnet.  Besides, I like the sound of the V-Tech's air intake FAR better then the exhaust anyway.

A bit of history:  This car is a classic "Sleeper" and at 200+ HP with a curb weight of 2,522 lbs = only 12.6 lbs of car per horsepower!  And the engine is awesome ... Yes, that's  200 hp from a conventionally aspirated 1797cc engine fed through a 62 mm throttle body (All OEM JDM), but before you reach for that calculator, I can tell you that it works out to a specific output of 111.29 horsepower per liter. The fabulous Ferrari F355 produces only 107.3 horses per liter from its 5-valve V8!   It's also up 25 ponies on the already energetic GS-R engine thanks to some careful twiddling back at Honda R&D.   Historically the benchmark has been 100 HP per liter for non turbo / blower ... VERY nice and still very reliable.

 Motor Trend wrote. "Weighing in at just 2600...the Type-R accelerates like a midget muscle car on amphetamines. The trip from zero to 60 takes only 6.6 seconds and the quarter-mile is ravenously digested in just 15.1 seconds at 93.8 mph... Find a piece of road straight and long enough, and the Type-R will scream right up to 142.9 mph."   and I believe it.   All I have done is spruce up the engine compartment and left the factory "Cold air" intake set up, alone.

The Del Sol is blessed to have MANY similar dimensions as the ITR.  This allowed me to use the ITR 24 MM diameter Rear Sway bar.  THIS was the greatest improvement without making it uncomfortable to drive ... I don't need to lower the car (Speed bumps) and just didn't want to get into all the expensive mods necessary to keep the tires from wearing out and all simply for looks sake ... this is a Classic Car and never raced .... well ... maybe if there is a loud grapefruit thrower that needs a general spanking.  But I digress   History teaches us that while this tortion Bar works VERY well, is too much for the body if you actually use it ... so it is IMPORTANT to install a Sub-Frame brace at the same time. Yes, I have considered the ITR front sway bar, but I see no frame braces available and do not want to tear this beauty up.  Back to the rear ... As you can see, I went with an ASR (A Spec Racing) frame brace and Prothane Polyurethane bushings w/ D Brackets.  This  really will make your car SCARY fast in the corners with zero roll ... just make sure there is NO sand or cops, your tires are the sticky kind and the term FUN WILL be redefined.  Ideas?  Comments?  I am ALWAYS open to learn and share what I know.   If you really like it, make me an offer so I can go on to my next project!

BJ in Brownsville, TX