2001 Acura Integra Type R Specs: Power, Weight, and Performance

The 2001 Acura Integra Type R represents the final production year for the iconic DC2 chassis in North America. It features a 1.8-liter B18C5 engine producing 195 horsepower and 130 lb-ft of torque, a curb weight of approximately 2,639 pounds, and a 0-60 mph time of 6.2 seconds.

The 2001 Acura Integra Type R (ITR) is widely considered one of the finest front-wheel-drive performance cars ever manufactured. As the final iteration of the DC2 generation for the North American market, the 2001 model year encapsulated everything Honda’s engineers learned from years of touring car racing. Unlike many modern "performance" trims that rely on cosmetic upgrades and software tuning, the Type R was a factory-built homologation special, featuring structural reinforcements, a hand-built engine, and a singular focus on mechanical purity.

The Heart of the Machine: The B18C5 Engine

At the center of the 2001 Integra Type R’s legend is the B18C5 engine. This 1.8-liter, dual-overhead-cam (DOHC) inline-four engine was a masterpiece of 1990s and early 2000s engineering. While many engines of the era focused on displacement to achieve power, Honda utilized high-revving efficiency through its Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) system.

Hand-Built Precision

Every B18C5 engine used in the Type R was hand-assembled at Honda’s Suzuka plant. This was not a standard mass-production line; the engines received hand-polished intake and exhaust ports to reduce friction and improve airflow. This level of attention to detail is typically reserved for exotic supercars, yet it was applied to a sub-compact Acura.

The engine featured high-compression pistons (10.6:1), lightweight connecting rods, and strengthened crankshaft main bolts. The intake valves were lighter and featured thinner stems to reduce reciprocating mass, allowing the engine to safely reach its staggering 8,400 RPM fuel cut.

The VTEC Transition

The 2001 Type R utilized a high-profile camshaft design that optimized performance at the top of the rev range. The VTEC transition typically occurred at 5,700 RPM, at which point the engine's tone shifted from a civil hum to a metallic, high-pitched scream. This "second wind" allowed the car to continue making power all the way to its 8,000 RPM peak, providing a linear power delivery that rewarded drivers for staying high in the powerband.

Technical Specifications and Power Output

The 2001 model maintained the peak performance figures established earlier in the DC2’s lifecycle but benefited from the highest level of build consistency. In an era where most four-cylinder engines struggled to break the 150-horsepower barrier, the Type R achieved nearly 108 horsepower per liter—a record-breaking figure for naturally aspirated production engines at the time.

The power-to-weight ratio of the 2001 Acura Integra Type R was approximately 13.5 lbs per horsepower. While modern sports cars often boast lower ratios, the Type R's advantage lay in its ability to maintain momentum through corners, a feat facilitated by its lightweight chassis and sophisticated suspension geometry.

Weight Reduction and Structural Rigidity

Weight management was a core pillar of the Type R philosophy. To achieve its 2,639-pound curb weight, Acura engineers performed a "delete" strategy that prioritized speed over luxury. By modern 2026 standards, the 2001 Type R is an exercise in minimalism.

Weight-Saving Measures

Acura removed several components that were standard on the Integra GS-R to shave off precious pounds:

• Sound Deadening: Much of the heavy bitumen-based insulation was removed, leading to a raw, mechanical cabin experience where the driver can hear the transmission and engine working in unison.
• Air Conditioning: While often added back by dealers, AC was technically an option to keep the base weight low.
• Sunroof: Unlike the GS-R, the Type R never came with a sunroof, which not only saved weight but also lowered the car’s center of gravity and increased roof rigidity.
• Glass and Battery: The Type R used thinner windshield glass to save weight and a smaller, lighter battery.

Structural Reinforcements

Despite the focus on weight reduction, Acura actually added weight in specific areas to increase chassis stiffness. The Type R frame received extra spot welds in the rear wheel arches and a thicker rear cross-member. These reinforcements ensured that the suspension geometry remained consistent even under high lateral G-loads. A standard factory-installed front strut tower brace and a specialized rear performance rod further stiffened the assembly.

Suspension, Braking, and Handling

The 2001 Acura Integra Type R was not designed for drag strips; it was designed for the track. The suspension was a significant departure from the standard Integra, featuring a double-wishbone setup at all four corners—a design choice that has largely disappeared from modern compact cars due to cost and complexity.

The Helical LSD

One of the most critical components of the Type R’s performance is the Helical Limited-Slip Differential (LSD). In a high-powered front-wheel-drive car, the inside wheel often loses traction during hard cornering. The LSD redirects torque to the wheel with the most grip, virtually eliminating understeer and allowing the driver to accelerate out of corners much earlier than in a standard vehicle.

Springs and Dampers

The ride height was lowered by 15mm compared to the standard Integra. The spring rates were increased significantly: 22% stiffer in the front and 115% stiffer in the rear compared to the GS-R. The rear stabilizer bar was increased to 22mm (up from 14mm), which gave the car a more neutral-to-oversteer handling characteristic, a rarity for front-wheel-drive platforms.

Braking System

Stopping power was provided by enlarged 11.1-inch ventilated front discs and 10.2-inch solid rear discs. Acura also utilized a unique 5-lug hub pattern (5x114.3) for the Type R, whereas other Integras used a 4-lug pattern. This change allowed for larger wheel bearings and more robust wheel mounting, essential for endurance racing and track days.

Performance Metrics and Real-World Speed

In the context of 2001, the Type R was a giant slayer. Even today, in 2026, its performance metrics remain respectable for a naturally aspirated four-cylinder vehicle.

• 0-60 MPH: 6.2 seconds
• 1/4 Mile: 14.8 seconds @ 95-98 mph
• Top Speed: Approximately 145 mph (drag limited)
• Skidpad (Lateral Acceleration): 0.88g - 0.90g

The true performance of the Type R, however, cannot be captured by a stopwatch. The car provides immense feedback through the steering wheel, which is hydraulically assisted. Unlike modern electric power steering (EPS), the Type R’s rack allows the driver to feel the texture of the road and the exact limit of front-tire adhesion.

The 2001 Model Year: Final Changes and Colors

The 2001 model year was the swan song for the DC2 in North America. By this time, Acura had refined the offering to its most potent form. For the US market, the 2001 Type R was offered in two primary colors:

1. Phoenix Yellow (Y-56): The most iconic color associated with the Type R.
2. Nighthawk Black Pearl (B-92P): A deep black with blue/gold flakes that replaced the Flamenco Black Pearl used in 2000.

Interiors were strictly functional, featuring black cloth upholstery with red stitching and highly bolstered sport seats designed to hold the driver in place during aggressive cornering. The 2001 model also featured a titanium shift knob, which became a signature touch for subsequent Type R models.

Collecting the 2001 Type R in 2026

As of 2026, the 2001 Acura Integra Type R has transitioned from a used sports car to a blue-chip collectible. Because many of these cars were stolen, crashed, or modified heavily in the mid-2000s, finding a "clean-title," low-mileage, original example is exceptionally difficult.

Market Value

Valuations for the 2001 Type R have seen a meteoric rise. Pristine examples with under 30,000 miles can fetch well over $80,000 at specialized automotive auctions like Bring a Trailer or Cars & Bids. Even high-mileage examples (150,000+ miles) command prices in the $25,000 to $35,000 range, provided the VIN-matching engine is still intact.

Maintenance Considerations

For those looking to own one in 2026, maintenance is straightforward but requires diligence. The B18C5 is an interference engine, meaning a timing belt failure can cause catastrophic engine damage. Specialists recommend replacing the timing belt and water pump every 60,000 miles or 6 years. Furthermore, original parts (OEM) are becoming increasingly scarce, with many Type R-specific components like the intake manifold and interior trim pieces being discontinued by Acura.

Comparison: Type R vs. GS-R

Many buyers wonder if the Type R is worth the premium over the more common Integra GS-R. While the GS-R also features a VTEC engine (B18C1) and a 5-speed manual, the driving experiences are night and day.

The GS-R was designed as a "sport-touring" car. It included a sunroof, leather seats, softer suspension, and a broader powerband better suited for highway commuting. The Type R, conversely, feels "alive" and somewhat nervous on the road. The close-ratio transmission means that at 75 mph, the engine is spinning at nearly 4,000 RPM, making it a loud and buzzing companion for long trips. However, on a canyon road or a technical circuit, the Type R’s superior chassis rigidity and LSD make it significantly faster and more engaging than the GS-R.

FAQs

What engine came in the 2001 Acura Integra Type R?

The 2001 model features the B18C5 engine. It is a 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine equipped with Honda's VTEC system. It was hand-built and featured factory-polished ports, producing 195 horsepower. This engine is highly sought after for its reliability and high-revving nature, with a redline set at 8,000 RPM and a fuel cut at 8,400 RPM.

How much does the 2001 Integra Type R weigh?

The North American 2001 Acura Integra Type R has a curb weight of 2,639 pounds. This low weight was achieved by removing sound insulation, the sunroof, and air conditioning (as a factory standard), and using thinner glass for the windshield. This lightweight profile is a primary factor in the car's legendary handling and "tossable" nature.

How many 2001 Acura Integra Type Rs were produced?

For the 2001 model year, approximately 1,158 units were produced for the United States market. This followed 1,350 units in 2000. Because of these low production numbers and a high rate of theft or racing accidents in the early 2000s, the surviving population of original 2001 Type Rs is very small, contributing to their high collector value in 2026.

Does the 2001 Type R have a Limited-Slip Differential (LSD)?

Yes, the 2001 Type R comes standard with a Helical Limited-Slip Differential. This mechanical component is vital for its performance, as it allows the car to distribute power effectively between the front wheels. It significantly reduces the understeer typically found in front-wheel-drive cars and allows for much higher exit speeds in corners.

What are the 0-60 and quarter-mile times for the 2001 Type R?

In stock form, the 2001 Acura Integra Type R can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 6.2 to 6.5 seconds, depending on driver skill and tire conditions. It typically completes the quarter-mile in about 14.8 seconds at a trap speed of nearly 98 mph. While these numbers are surpassed by modern turbocharged hatchbacks, the Type R’s naturally aspirated delivery provides a more linear and visceral experience.

Final Recommendation for Buyers and Enthusiasts

If you are looking for a vehicle that offers a pure, unadulterated connection between the driver and the road, the 2001 Acura Integra Type R remains one of the best investments you can make. However, due to the high prevalence of "clones" (GS-R models converted to look like Type Rs), buyers must perform rigorous due diligence.

Always verify the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). A genuine US-market Type R will have a VIN starting with JH4DC2, and the engine block must be stamped with B18C5. Check for the presence of the original matching-number placards on all body panels. For those who prioritize driving over collecting, high-mileage examples still offer the same mechanical magic at a more accessible price point, provided the maintenance history is documented.

The 2001 Integra Type R is more than just a list of specifications; it is a monument to an era of engineering where mechanical harmony was favored over electronic intervention. Whether you are a collector or a track enthusiast, the DC2 Type R remains the gold standard for front-wheel-drive performance.