Reader’s Ride: Chanc’s 1999 Acura Integra GS-R
Odometer (Legend): 527,604
Odometer (ILX): 57,339
‘Twas a fine sunrise this morning in Scottsdale, Arizona!
If you haven’t yet heard the song “Counting Stars” by OneRepublic (the tune that I happened to be listening to when the below picture was taken), I highly recommend it.
The Acura brand launched in 1986 with just two models: The Legend sedan and the Integra. Since then, the Integra went through 3 generations before becoming discontinued after the 2001 model year. I’ve had a special place in my heart for the last generation Acura Integra bodystyle because my dad used to have a 1995 Integra LS. He bought it with 130,000 miles from the original owner in July, 2006.
The car had sold new for $18,560. I love seeing original window stickers, and since this car only had one owner, all of its paperwork including the sticker was accounted for.
He sold it with around 230,000 miles on it about 5 years later. It served him well as a commuter car, delivering great MPG and sporty styling. By that time, I’d picked him up a set of 15″ GS-R “fat five” alloy wheels for it.
You may remember my friend Chanc who drives a 2006 Arctic Blue TSX 6-speed. I’ve featured him before on the blog. Well, Chanc’s Acura ownership story goes beyond that beautiful blue sedan.
For over 10 years, he’s also owned a very unique and fun 1999 Acura Integra GS-R 5-speed.
Here are the stats on this black pearl beauty.
- Purchased: September 2003 at 34,500 Miles
- Current Odometer: 94,500 Miles
Chanc was looking for a car, that if modded, would meet his specifications. He was lucky enough to find a car with mostly dealer-installed Comptech aftermarket parts. At the time, Comptech was the only brand that the dealer would install without voiding the warranty.
The driver-centric cockpit of the 3rd generation Integra is simple and well laid out.
Here’s a complete mod list for this black beauty:
- Iceman Cold Air Intake
- Comptech Stainless Steel Header
- Comptech Stainless Steel Catback Exhaust
- Comptech Sport Lowering Springs
- Koni Yellow Shocks
- Comptech Front Strut Tower Bar
- Comptech Rear Tie Bar
- Comptech 22mm Sway Bar (replaced with stock)
- ASR Subframe Brace
- B & M short shifter
- Skunk2 Shift Knob
- Carbon Fiber Spark Plug Cover
- NGK Blue Spark Plug Wires
- Goodridge Stainless Steel Brake Lines
- Full Stereo w/ 12″ Sub
- Remote Start Alarm
- McCulloch 6000K HID’s
- OEM ITR Front Lip
- Paint Matched Side Skirts
- 16″ Bronze Rota C10 Wheels
- Orange Gauge Cluster Lights
I asked Chanc what his favorite thing about the Integra was:
There is nothing like the sound of dual butterfly intake manifold on the B18C1 while ripping through the gears with sharp and responsive suspension to boot. I’ve been unable to replicate the raw feel in any other vehicle I’ve driven. It’s like a street legal go kart!
I’ve driven coast to coast plenty of times in my Acura Legend. In 2011, I was in San Diego on a Saturday in July staring at the Pacific Ocean, then a few days later I was in Belmar, New Jersey looking at the Atlantic. Ed Bolian took a 115,000 mile 2004 Mercedes CL55 AMG and drove it from Manhattan to Los Angeles in 28 hours, 50 minutes. While my level of preparation for the journey was pretty involved (2 full size spare tires, etc), I was nowhere near as road-ready as Ed was.
Take a look at the write-up on Jalopnik of his interesting accomplishment. It’s certainly one I don’t intend to match or beat. Ed’s average speed for the entire 2,813-mile trip? A whopping 98 miles per hour. He stopped for gas just 3 times.
Crazy! I’m jealous of his trip, but what’s the rush? Slow down and enjoy the scenery!
drivetofive 
October 31, 2013 at 6:41 pm
his mod list is a little longer than mine – I have euro/clear tail lights on mine . . . that’s it! 🙂
October 31, 2013 at 7:16 pm
Which reminds me, it’s soon time to share YOUR Acura story with the world, Eric. Got pics of your original 1980’s Integra?
November 1, 2013 at 11:35 am
Thats a nice Integra!
Now how about that 500k mile clutch?!
November 1, 2013 at 12:56 pm
Still going! As I recall, it was getting a little worn even when I went to the PNW meet and you drove the car – I’m thinking 2008 or so? I’ve been milking it along ever since! Pushing for 6.
September 2, 2014 at 7:00 am
I had a 99 Integra when I got out of school. Not nearly as many mods, but such an incredible car.