How do you tell a type r vs. replica?

[SWFL_NSX]

Basically what the title says. I'm surfing FB looking for Type Rs and am seeing a number of replicas/fakes.

Here is an example: https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/it ... 471847231/

Without asking for the VIN, how do you tell? I don't think Phoenix Yellow was used on any other year, and that's a pretty complete respray if it isn't the original color. OTOH, there is a moon visor/sun roof, so either the top has been replaced or it's a fake.

What are the 3-5 things you guys look for when you see a Integra shell that may or may not be an R?

[Stin1]

The vin , rear subframe, no sunroof.

Front end no hole the right near the intake.

[AndyD]

First things I look for are the lower rear subframe, rear hatch where the tiebar mounts to against the rear trunk panel, and the frame area near the intake box.

Color, no sunroof, no door moldings, rear wing, sideskirts, stickers, and 5-lug swaps are pretty easy to replicate.

[coolhandluke]

Quick: VIN via the first eight digits, which are the same for all USDM ITR's:
JH4DC231XXSXXXXXX

Check out this thread to better understand the ITR VIN. Understanding the DC2 VIN

None easily fungible physical examples, in order to least to most commonly physically changed:
1.) Engine Bay, passenger front inner fender, behind the ABS (if present), only DC2 Type R's did not have a large hole

2.) Lower subframe is reinforced only only DC2 Type R's.

Only DC2 Type R's and RS models did not include a sunroof from the factory, but some dealers installed sunroofs into DC2 Type R's and many have swapped RS/ITR sunroof's into none-Type R cars.

I recognize a picture is worth a thousand words. I'll work towards picture comparisons for these two examples.

[SWFL_NSX]

Got it-so based on the hole behind the ABS this is a fake, correct?

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/it ... 363016483/

[coolhandluke]

Got it-so based on the hole behind the ABS this is a fake, correct?

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/it ... 363016483/

Initial suspicious items:
1.) Front bumper improperly painted, ie black grilled sprayed white
2.) Rear taillights painted
3.) Carpet is grey, not ITR black
4.) Door panels are not ITR (look at speaker grilles = cloth vs. slated, panel inserts = cloth vs. alcantara, and lack tweeters)
5.) Engine bay = hole is present, which confirms this isn't an ITR
6.) Engine back brake prop valve is none-Integra, which can be swapped when removing ABS (ABS is removed), but requires bending lines vs. my none-ABS removing guide which used an integra DC4 RS prop valve.

Requesting pictures of the rear lower subframe would also help confirm.


Given the rise in Type R prices over the last few years, I foresee a growing trend of replica cars being sold as real Type R's.

[AndyD]

It also has a 1994-1997 steering wheel, JDM ITR speedometer, and non-ITR digital clock. Non-CF driver and center vents, non-ITR center armrest and rear seats as well.

The sticker on the door jam shows the wrong interior color, too.

I would guess it is a 1994-1997 RS Integra that was converted.

[coolhandluke]

It also has a 1994-1997 steering wheel...

Thank you! The steering wheel looked off to me but it's also been years since I owned a factory steering wheel, good eye!

Bring a Trailer offers ample photos to compare to OEM examples:
https://bringatrailer.com/acura/integra-type-r/