Tech Support April 2009 - Brake Upgrades - Super Street Magazine

Where We Cure All Your Tech ProblemsHere's where we act like we know something technical about cars. Feel free to ask us about your technical troubles. Write us at tech@superstreetonline.com or Super Street c/o Tech Support, 6420 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048. Feel free to include a picture of your project or tech problem.

Question Of The Month
Q: I have an EG hatch and have this question for you guys. I got the whole `96 Integra Type R suspension conversion done with the ITR rims. I've wanted to upgrade my brakes but so far I don't know where I can purchase new rotors and pads for this setup. I know the BB2 Preludes have the same lug pattern. I was wondering where can I find some rotors and pads and what application should I ask them for. Will the Prelude pads and rotors fit perfectly with the stock calipers or no? Please let me know. I really need some new rotors and pads. Can I also use stainless steel brake lines for Civics or do they have to be different also?
Jose Martinez
Via the Internet

A: Sorry to tell you Jose, but the Prelude rotors will not fit. Accords also share the 4x114.3 bolt pattern, but those rotors don't fit either. The `96 JDM ITR rotors are unique. The brake setup is identical to a `94-01 USDM Integra GS-R, but in a different bolt pattern. Your options are to get aftermarket rotors for a `96 ITR, or have a machine shop re-drill GS-R rotors. Fitting a Prelude or an Accord rotor requires spacers that we would not suggest. For pads, calipers, and lines order ones for a `94-01 Integra.

Q: This is my first time tuning a car, I have a SOHC `97 Honda Accord, I'm thinking about switching the engine, but I don't know which one I should go with. Any suggestions?
Keisuke Chiang
Via the Internet

A: Popular options for the Accord are the F20B and H22A. The F20B is a 2.0L engine from the Euro R Accord. This is a DOHC VTEC engine that produces 200hp. The H22A is a 2.2L engine from the Prelude. Also a DOHC VTEC engine, but this one produces 220hp and more torque. Generally people will go with a H22A since it is much easier to find and makes more power. An alternative choice could be building your F22.

Q: I was just reading your magazine (January 2009 issue) and there was an article in there with a 2001 GS-R 4-door with a K24 swap. I was wondering what type of gauge cluster he had installed. If you could help me out I would greatly appreciate it. I have a `94 EJ1 and just swapped a JDM GS-R into it and would like to have that gauge cluster if possible.
Chris Corlette
Jacksonville, FL

A: Dennis Lui and his badass Integra sports tons of custom parts. The cluster in question was also custom- made by Rainier De Leon (see page 58 of this issue). It is a factory cluster with the tachometer removed. A SPA tachometer was then custom-fitted into the cluster housing. You won't be able to buy a cluster like that, but you could mimic the setup if you're good at wiring, and of course, can afford SPA products.

Q: What's up fartbags! I own a `97 3000GT SL, and I have a weird one. One day my electric windows (both doors) stopped working. At first when I tried to roll the window down (passenger side only) it would make a weird noise. Now nothing. The sunroof does still work. When the driver's door opens, no lights come on (doorlight and domelight) until the passenger door opens. What the hell is that? I have been through all the fuses and relays 3-4 times. The wires through the door seem to be fine also. I have also swapped out both window switches and still nothing. Any help would ROCK!!!
Trevor Federick
Via the Internet

A: Those cars tend to have a problem with the window regulators. There's a small plastic portion on them that tend to break. Take yours apart and if you see that it's broken, then it's time to replace them. We'd suggest replacing the regulator over trying to repair it. As for the domelight problem, the usual suspect on most cars is the switch in the doorjamb. Make sure it is not grimy and stuck. Clean out the dirt and make sure the contacts are making a connection.

Q: I own a `96 Civic with a D16Y7 non-VTEC and it's naturally-aspirated. I want to get big horsepower gains without a turbo. Maybe in the future, but I want to run NA for now. What are the steps I should take on building my HP without swapping my D16. Any help would be appreciated.
Emilio Luna
Via the Internet

A: To get a lot of NA power out of your D16Y7 you would have to do quite a bit of work. It won't cost you much but it will require some wrenching. You could put a D16Y8 VTEC head on your block with some work. It's a worthwhile upgrade since you're staying NA, and a rather cheap upgrade too. Another cheap but worthwhile upgrade, is installing pistons from an `88-89 Integra D16A1 engine. Stock pistons are much cheaper than aftermarket forged ones. These pistons and that head would yield an insane 12.6:1 compression. If you don't do the head swap, it would still yield a very high 11:1 ratio, nearly the same as a type-R motor.

Q: I have a stock `95 Trans Am Fire-bird convertible with an auto trans. Speedo says 160. It is strong. But what would I have to do to make it good for drifting? Stronger rearend? More horse- power?
Michael Rippie
Goldfield, NV

A Speedo says 160?? That's crazy, what's the odometer say? To make it a good drifter you would need to learn how to drift... then buy a 240SX.