2000 Acura Integra Type-R

Despite what you may think by reading the bold letters set on the title line of these pages, this isn't about a heated rivalry between two owners, from the same coast or from the same car crew. In fact, the ATS Garage crew is tighter than ever. Throughout the years they have had a fleet of heaters that are all worthy of mention in their own right. The "feud" as we have stated, is not between two men, it's a battle between ideologies. Let's call it a "friendly" debate within the Honda community between the B-series loyalists and the enthusiasts who have taken to the power and new technology of the K-series.

Anh Truong's 2000 Acura Integra Type R #0310

While Ryan Der was busy reacquainting himself with his love of all things B-series, Anh Truong was just beginning to get familiar with his new setup. Though he was once B-faithful, the newer technology and instant power of the K engine quickly lured him away. And he isn't the only one. It's a fair statement to say that the K-series single-handedly breathed new life into the growing monotony that once existed in the Honda community.

"I just couldn't believe the difference in power and how the car felt throughout the powerband," Anh explains. Like Ryan, he's had his fair share of experience with the ITR motor. He's gone through two of them and the last made a very respectable 201whp. Even so, one ride in a K-swapped Honda completely changed his mind. "I looked at the build on my B18C and I honestly questioned myself. Some of you might think that comparing a B18C5 to a K20A is like comparing apples to oranges but nothing can explain the feeling you get when you drive a Honda with a K-swap. The six-speed transmission is another thing that I love. The way that it's geared keeps you in the power band throughout. The B-series is a great motor...that I don't doubt. But my mind was made up."

"The majority of the people who try to knock the K-engines have probably never driven one," Anh says confidently. "All it takes is a test drive to get you thinking. They just have so much potential and react very well to modifications. Whether you decide to boost or go N/A, you can't go wrong. I'm happy with my choice and I'll never look back."

"The K20 R that sits in my ITR is pretty mild and it already makes a ton more power than my previous B set-up. It currently has Supertech valvetrain components, TODA Racing N2 cams, some basic bolt-ons and there's still a ton of room to squeeze more power out of it."

There are some Type R fanatics and enthusiasts who might say that pulling the ITR engine out in favor of a K20 is Honda-sacrilege. They would say that the Integra Type R was built for that engine and nothing else, and getting rid of it would ruin the balance of the car. There is definitely some truth in that statement, but it's most certainly debatable. An ITR was built for that engine... back then. Guys like Anh set out to exceed the maximum potential of their ITRs and the K-series engines are the perfect tool to do just that.

Anh credits his Integra Type R's most current Super Street cover-worthy state to a dream, the right team of people and his strong religious faith.

"I remember seeing my first Integra Type R at a local Burger King when I was just a high school sophomore back in 1998. I knew at that moment that it would be my dream car," he reminisces. "I didn't get the opportunity to actually own one until I was in college. Looking back, I'm actually thankful that I didn't get it until that time because I wouldn't have known how to take care of it. I'm pretty sure it would have been stolen or I would have done all the ricey things to it that I did with the Prelude I had then."