Integra Type R

The DB8 Integra Type R

The DB8 is the Integra Type R as a four-door hardtop, launched alongside the DC2 coupe on 16 October 1995 and sold until the third-generation Integra ended in 2001. Mechanically it matches the coupe. The B18C is a 1,797 cc DOHC VTEC four with hand-polished intake ports, rated at 200 PS at 8,000 rpm and 181 Nm at 7,500 rpm, driving the front wheels through a close-ratio five-speed manual and a helical limited-slip differential.

The body is what sets it apart. The DB8 has four doors, five seats and a wheelbase of 2,620 mm, 50 mm longer than the coupe's, and at 1,100 kg the 96 spec car weighs 40 kg more. It took the same 98 spec changes in January 1998, including 16-inch wheels and peak torque moved down to 6,200 rpm.

What DB8 owners upgrade

DB8 owners buy much as coupe owners do, led by calipers, pads and discs from the brakes range. In the cabin, seat rails for Bride and Recaro seats and pedals from the interior range are the next biggest orders.

For the B18C, electronics, timing belts from the engine range and headers from the exhaust range are the usual work, with lighter flywheels for the drivetrain and bushes and collars from the handling range. Spoon, HKS, Mugen and Toda are among the makers DB8 owners choose.

Genuine parts

The DB8 shares the coupe's mechanical weak points: the B18C uses a little oil and needs its level checked, the cambelt is due at 60,000 miles or about five years, and track use wears the second- and third-gear synchros. Rust gathers in the rear arches and sills. Its doors, rear lights, boot lid and rear spoiler are its own, not the coupe's, so order them by chassis code.

They, and the rest of the car, are in our genuine Honda parts catalogue.

Wheels

The DB8 came on 15x6 +50 wheels with 195/55R15 tyres, and from the 98 spec on 16x7 +50 with 215/45R16, with M12 x 1.5 nuts. See wheels that fit the DB8 for the full list.