We recently featured Ren Molnar of Arizona, who owns a Japanese-spec 1998 Toyota Soarer. I figured it was time to have a little right-hand-drive fun of my own, so I treated myself to a white Christmas with a new toy. More specifically, it’s Championship White. And it’s a Santa sleigh on steroids.
Honda Integra Background
Honda has long been known for its specialty in building high-revving, nimble, compact cars. The third-generation Acura Integra was a clear representation of that, and the top-rank “Type R” variant entered the United States market in 1997 with a powerful yet economical B18C inline-four motor and a five-speed manual transmission. Japan got the car even sooner – one year prior, in 1996. And, of course, it was marketed as a Honda because the Acura brand existed only in North America at the time.
The Type R was engineered with performance in mind, boasting 195 horsepower and a 0 to 60 of about 6 seconds. It came from the factory with chassis rigidity enhancements, grippy Recaro bucket seats, a helical limited-slip differential, a rear spoiler and lightweight 15-inch wheels.
The car redlined around 8,500 rpm and had a 10,000-rpm tachometer. It loved to rev and, thanks to Honda’s “VTEC” variable valve timing engineering, there was a distinct “change-over” toward the higher end of the rev band when the engine’s computer hydraulically selected between two different camshaft profiles. The VTEC engagement point, as enthusiasts call it, offers a tangible (and audible) bump in power. Speaking from experience, it is addicting to engage – over and over again.
Ever since I drove a friend’s right-hand-drive Honda Beat kei car a few years ago, I was hooked on the novelty of owning a Japanese-market import. So why not kill two birds with one stone: Acquire an Integra Type R, and have it be right-hand-drive? The stars aligned, and my friend Greg had one for sale – already equipped with a U.S. title so I didn’t have to worry about import paperwork or transport.
My 1996 Integra
I’ve become a big fan of Google Translate, since most of the records that came with the car (and even badges on the car itself) are in Japanese. But from what I’ve been able to gather, the car was originally sold to its first owner from the Honda Verno Saitama East Omiya store on May 19, 1996. It was equipped with dealer-installed air conditioning and a few other options upon delivery.
The import paperwork says that the car left the Nagoya, Japan, port on June 30, 2021, just a little over 25 years later. Export logistics were handled by a company called “JDM Expo.” The Integra arrived in Long Beach, California, about two and a half weeks later on July 18, 2021, and issued to its next owner, who later sold it to my friend Greg and, finally, Greg sold it to me with 127,823 kilometers (79,425 miles) on the odometer.
Speaking of Google Translate, the app has also come in handy when it comes to interpreting audio clips. Inside the driver footwell is a little black Panasonic electrical box. A little while after starting the car, a little speaker says: 挿入されていません。. My phone says this means, “Not inserted.” In talking with a friend who had an imported Honda in the past, the device is for Japanese toll roads.
Miraculously, my Integra is relatively unmodified aside from some small reversible upgrades which include a Mugen cold-air intake, a Mugen exhaust system, an adjustable coilover suspension, Toda headers and a Kenwood audio system. I plan to keep it just the way it is aside from some general clean-up. Luckily, this car isn’t a project like some of my prior vehicles.
Japanese-Market Nuances
What kind of quirky things do you have to get used to in a Japanese-market car?
One of the things that trips everyone up is the fact that the windshield wiper stalk is on the left and the turn signal stalk is on the left. I made the mistake of activating the wipers during my first drive.
You have to be sharp on your miles-per-hour to kilometers-per-hour conversions, as there are no mph increments anywhere to be found (even in teeny lettering) on the speedometer. Luckily, I just remember that 100 km/h is about 62 mph and gauge everything else around that as best I can!
There are many differences between Japanese-spec models and United States models. A lot of them have to do with safety equipment, or the lack thereof.
- No third brake lamp
- No air bags
- No anti-lock brakes
Other nuances I observed with this specific car:
- No clock
- No cruise control
- No moonroof
- Emergency flare located in the passenger footwell
- Windshield wiper sweep is opposite a left-hand-drive car
- Side marker turn signals
I’m still discovering things as I go! The learning curve wasn’t too bad overall. Most people who can drive a manual transmission car will be able to get the hang of it. And once they do, they’ll be hooked.
Future Plans
I am excited to have some fun with road trips in the Integra, and my fist long-haul adventure will be taking it to southern Utah over Christmas. It is entertaining to see peoples’ reactions in traffic when they notice I’m sitting on the right side of the car, and it’s even more entertaining to throw the ignition key to a friend and let them try giving the gearbox a whirl.
Have you ever tried your hand at driving a right-hand-drive manual? Are there any cars that were sold overseas that you’d like to import to the states? Let’s hear all about it.
Source: www.classiccars.com