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This is an alternative to the popular K&N filter to be used for the homemade cold-air induction system or just to replace the restrictive stock filter. This reusable air filter is a direct drop-in for the Integra which means no modification is needed like with the K&N. Since it is more porous than the paper element used in the stock filter, the foam filter allows more air into the engine for better throttle response and for a slight gain in hp. As with most aftermarket filters, the Comptech foam filter requires a coat of the special oil after it is cleaned. A small bottle of oil comes with it since the filter is not pre-oiled. Additional bottles including the cleaner can be bought at most performance stores. Like all Comptech products, this foam filter is very durable and after a few washes, it still retains it's original color, texture, and rigidity. As for performance, it showed a 3-5hp gain (based on other people's dynoes) which is hardly noticeable when driving. Definitely not a replacement for the true cold-air induction systems such as the AEM or Iceman.
Last word: skip this expensive filter (~$90) and save up for the AEM or Iceman instead if you're looking for better performance. While it is better than stock, for the money that you spend, you hardly feel the difference.
This compact fog light remains as one of the smallest fog lamps in the aftermarket world. This is perfect for adding a set of auxiliary lights to the Integra without having to cut into the front molding. The dichroic reflector transforms the 55-watt bulb into 85-watts which gives an appearance of white light. The lens, reflector and bulb are encased in a sturdy metallic silver housing with the PIAA logo. The unit is properly sealed which prevents any form of moisture from getting inside which I've seen on other cheaper brands. Bulb life is very good. I just recently replaced the bulbs after 2 years of use in both day and night conditions. The light is extremely bright and does not offend oncoming drivers due to its short-wide angle. Mounting was pretty easy due to its compact size and all wires, relays, and harness came with it. I previously owned a cheap brand from Wal-mart called "Blazer" and they do not even come close to the same quality as the PIAA.
Last word: although a bit expensive ($~200+), PIAA lights are definitely worth the money. The 1400X serves as a good auxiliary light for all conditions. Another company I would recommend is CATZ.
With so many strut bars to choose from, I chose the Neuspeed after doing some research and reading other people's testimonials. It's simple, the 4-point mounted strut bar is less prone to flexing than the 2 point mounted strut bars. It's made of polished stainless-steel and adds a nice touch to the otherwise monotone engine bay. Installation was extremely simple. Instructions and necessary hardware (nuts) were included. Since the LS did not come with one, the handling characteristics were greatly improved even on the stock Michelin tires. The car felt more confident in taking corners at faster speeds than without one.
Last word: a fairly good suspension add-on that is somewhat inexpensive and easy to install and improves the handling on the car.
Truly one of the quietest aftermarket exhaust that is advertised to add 10-15 hp. Though I haven't dynoed the car, the gains were felt at higher rpms with no real loss of torque at lower rpms (as in the case of some exhausts). The muffler and tip are made of polished stainless steel while the rest of the piping are coated. The tip is about 4" big with a 45 degree slant and the R*SR logo is engraved onto the tip. At idle, the exhaust is as quiet as stock. Mash the accelerator and the exhaust gives a finely tuned deep aggressive tone. I say 'finely tuned' because it's not jarring or has the buzzing sound like some exhaust systems. At cruising speeds on the highway, the exhaust is slightly louder than stock. Note, after driving at fast speeds and then idling, the exhaust was slightly louder than stock. Overall, I was very impressed with the quality and construction of the entire system and the sound at wide open throttle. Though some people have experienced some rust, I've been told that it's only on the surface and will not affect the performance or integrity of the exhaust. So far, I haven't seen any since I installed it one year ago. As for installation, it is a simple bolt-on though a bit involved due removing of the catalytic converter.
Last word: the R*SR exhaust is truly one of the best aftermarket exhaust that you can buy. However, the Japanese-based company has recently stopped importing the R*SR exhaust into the U.S. because of lack of dealers wanting to stock them due to the high price and lack of popularity compared with the Tanabe, Apex, Greddy, etc. However, if you are looking for a quiet exhaust that adds performance, check around for some used systems. Another one to check out is the Apex N1.
I chose the H&R springs after reading many recommendations and research. Made in Germany and used on cars such as BMWs, the H&R Sport drops the front 1.75" and 1.5" in the back which is the perfect height without appearing "slammed". It improved the handling greatly by lessening body roll. While the stiffer spring rates make the ride more bouncy, but still acceptable. I haven't had any complaints from any of my passengers. Though the company claims that it will not settle after a period of time, I find that it is not true. After installation, my camber was still within specs. After 25k+ miles, upon observation, my camber appears to be slightly negative and resulted in a little wearing on the inside of the tire. Though this is good for handling, I will eventually get a camber kit to correct it.
Last word: H&R is pretty popular in the aftermarket world and their quality is very good. The spring rate is supposedly to be one of the stiffest. This is good for handling, but the ride may be somewhat more bouncy. However like I said, it is acceptable and there hasn't been any complaints from my passengers.
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I chose the Combat style in black with silver insert. It is smaller, lighter and more ergonomic than the stock shift knob. Installation was very simple. However because the knob is shorter than the stock, the boot cover does not come up all the way leaving the metal shifter partially exposed. This knob obviously does nothing for hp or performance. It was purchased strictly for aesthetic purposes. After 2 years, the knob still looks good though I have to retighten the screws ever so often. |
Last word: There are tons of shift knobs out there from different manufacturers. I chose MOMO because of the quality that the name represents, but most importantly the style. When choosing one, pick one that you like based on style as well as material used. A shiny metal knob may look nice, but in the summer, it will be extremely hot to touch. This particular MOMO knob is metal with a rubber-coating so I don't have that problem.
These are relatively cheap performance tires that do a good job in gripping the asphault in dry conditions and are decent in wet conditions. They easily outperform the stock Michelins which are extremely poor in wet weather. There are better tires out there, but for the price, the Dunlop SPW10 tires will get plenty of enjoyment out of them. Note, they are somewhat loud on the highway but acceptable.
Last word: cheap uni-directional Z-rated performance tires with good treadwear that outperform the stock Michelins.
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A beautiful CD headunit with a motorized detachable silver face. The multi-color display with spectrum analyzer adds color to the interior of the Integra without being overly distractive. The stock unit of the Integra is actually made by Alpine and while it is good for the high range, it lacks the low range that I wanted. While this could easily be overcome by adding a subwoofer, I chose to replace the headunit entirely because the stock one is plain looking and does not offer the same custom controls. The biggest problem and the flaw of this otherwise perfect headunit is that there is no way to disable the text feature. Most CDs are not encoded with the text which results being displayed as 'no text'. This makes it virtually impossible to forward or go back a track because the track number is not displayed. |