The DC2 Integra Type R is a highly-strung naturally-aspirated performance machine with Honda's legendary B18C5 engine. Most issues stem from age, hard use, and deferred maintenance rather than design flaws—these cars are now 25+ years old and many have been driven enthusiastically or modified poorly.
Valve Clearance Out of Spec / Worn Camshaft Lobes
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Valve train noise on cold start, Loss of power especially in VTEC crossover, Rough idle, Check engine light with misfire codes
Fix: Valve adjustment requires 2-3 hours labor. If cam lobes are worn, cylinder head removal and camshaft replacement needed—8-12 hours labor. Often find worn rocker arms and require all lifters/tappets replaced at same time. Head resurfacing may be necessary if overheated previously.
Estimated cost: $400-800 for adjustment only, $2,500-4,000 for cam replacement with head work
Synchro Wear in 2nd and 3rd Gear
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Grinding or crunching on 2-3 shift under spirited driving, Difficulty engaging 2nd gear when cold, Notchy shifting, Complete lockout of 2nd gear in worst cases
Fix: The cable-shifted S80 transmission is robust but synchros wear from aggressive shifting and clutch dump launches. Full transmission rebuild requires 10-14 hours labor including removal. Common to replace all synchros, bearings, and seals while in there. Many shops won't attempt synchro-only jobs—it's rebuild or replace.
Estimated cost: $2,800-4,500 for rebuild, $1,500-2,500 for used JDM transmission swap
Deteriorated Transmission Mounts
Common · low severityTypical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Excessive shifter vibration at idle, Clunking on acceleration/deceleration, Harsh engagement into gear, Visible sagging of transmission when inspected on lift
Fix: All three motor mounts and the rear transmission mount deteriorate badly, especially if tracked or launched hard. Rear trans mount is most critical—2 hours labor. Doing all four mounts at once takes 3-4 hours. OEM Honda mounts last longer than aftermarket polyurethane which transmit more NVH.
Estimated cost: $400-700 for all mounts with labor
Leaking Valve Cover Gasket and Spark Plug Tube Seals
Common · low severityTypical onset: 80,000+ mi
Symptoms: Oil weeping down side of engine, Burning oil smell especially after spirited driving, Oil pooling in spark plug wells causing misfires, Smoke from engine bay at stops
Fix: Classic Honda B-series issue. Valve cover gasket and spark plug tube seals harden with age and heat cycles. Job takes 2-3 hours including proper cleaning of mating surfaces. Must use genuine Honda gasket—aftermarket versions leak within 6 months. Good time to inspect cam lobes and adjust valves while cover is off.
Estimated cost: $300-500
Cracked or Failing Harmonic Balancer
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 120,000+ mi
Symptoms: Visible wobble of crankshaft pulley at idle, Rubber ring separation from hub, Serpentine belt walking off pulleys, Rough vibration through entire car, Sudden loss of power steering and alternator
Fix: The original rubber isolator deteriorates and the outer ring can separate or wobble. If it fails completely, accessory belts shred and engine timing can be affected. Replacement requires 3-4 hours labor—must remove front motor mount and use special holding tool to remove crank bolt (torque spec is critical on reassembly). Inspect closely on any pre-purchase inspection.
Estimated cost: $500-800
Overheating from Neglected Cooling System
Occasional · high severitySymptoms: Temperature gauge climbing past normal especially in traffic, Coolant leaks from radiator end tanks, Steam from hood, Heater blowing cold at idle, Warped head or blown head gasket if severely overheated
Fix: Original radiators often have plastic end tank failure. Water pumps last 80,000-100,000 mi. Thermostat sticking closed is common. If overheated severely, head gasket replacement requires 8-10 hours labor and head must be checked for warpage and resurfaced. Many B18C5 engines have been ruined by ignoring overheating—aluminum head warps easily.
Estimated cost: $400-800 for cooling system refresh, $1,800-3,000 for head gasket with resurface
Chassis and Subframe Rust (JDM and UK Models)
Occasional · high severitySymptoms: Visible rust perforation on rear subframe mounting points, Rust around rear shock towers, Deterioration of floor pans especially driver side, Cracking paint on underside revealing surface rust
Fix: JDM-imported DC2s and UK-market cars often have significant rust from damp climates and poor rustproofing. Rear subframe mounting points are structural and unsafe when compromised—professional welding and plating required, 12-20 hours labor for proper repair. Some cars are economically totaled by this issue. USDM cars less affected but still check thoroughly.
Estimated cost: $2,000-5,000+ depending on severity, some not economically repairable
Absolutely buy one if maintenance history is documented and rust-free, but budget $2,000-3,000 immediately for deferred maintenance on any 25-year-old example—these are now collector cars that reward proper care.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.