As a photographer and automobile lover, I usually attend automotive occasions to seize pictures of builds that catch my eye. This yr, the phrase ‘it’s a small world’ actually hit house once I received to know Raf Rivera.

Raf and I crossed paths on the annual Honda Collective automobile cruise, and in between our automobile conversations, I noticed that he was the proud proprietor of the yellow 2000 Acura Integra Sort R I’d noticed just a few instances at numerous occasions within the tri-state. Regardless of having not met Raf earlier than, I had managed to seize a number of pictures of his Honda, however didn’t know far more about it than what I may see. This time round although, I seized the chance to attach straight with Raf, arrange a shoot and delve into the main points of his construct.

Raf’s journey with the DC2 Sort R started in 2018, when he bought the automobile to comprehend a childhood dream. A earlier proprietor had outfitted the Integra with a JDM entrance finish, however that was one of many first issues to go underneath Raf’s possession. The transformation returned the automobile to its roots with USDM entrance finish parts, together with uncommon factory-option Raybrig fog lights.

Raf had no inclination to maintain the automobile fully stock-looking although, selecting choose components to carry his imaginative and prescient to life. They embrace custom-fitted, one-of-one Shift Sports activities entrance fenders, a vented carbon fiber hood from First Molding, Ganador aspect mirrors, and a Mugen Gen 1 wing instead of the unique Sort R piece.

These with a eager eye might need observed two completely different wheel types fitted. There was no swapping mid-shoot although; Raf merely runs a pair of RAYS Volk Racing TE37s in basic bronze on one aspect of the Integra, and same-sized Spoon Sports activities SW388s in matte black on different, creating a distinct look relying on which method you view the automobile. All wheels are wrapped in Toyo Proxes R888R semi-slick tires in a 225/45ZR16 fitment.

To make sure stopping energy, Spoon Sports activities monoblock calipers have been added, complemented by a D2 coilover suspension for a balanced experience.

The inside strikes a stability between kind and performance, with an AiM sprint, Sabelt steering wheel, and ICB seats additionally harnessed by Sabelt being a few of the standout options of the cabin. The rear part contains a half cage and a uncommon Miracle-X bar brace, whereas originality is retained in the trunk with the Sort R carpet nonetheless intact.

Below the hood, Raf aimed for simplicity and turnkey efficiency. The B18C5 Sort R engine is a candy piece of four-cylinder efficiency engineering, so simply fundamental bolt-on modifications have been added. They embrace a titanium consumption tube, Spoon Sport plug wires, a Spoon header and Spoon N1 exhaust system. Spoon Sports activities dress-up gadgets end off the bay whereas paying homage to the model’s legacy within the Honda group.

Past the automobile, Raf has cultivated a vibrant group within the US East Coast Honda scene by means of NAR. Based by Raf, this group of automotive fanatics is devoted to constructing and showcasing clear, and well-executed automobiles, identical to this Integra.

Raf’s ardour and dedication make him a worthwhile addition to the automotive group, aligning seamlessly with the spirit of those that showcase their work with pleasure.

David Morales
Instagram: deadshutternyc

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