Someone turned this Integra into an 800bhp mid-engined V6 powerhouse

What to do if you want a mid-engined supercar. Hmm. Find lots of money and go for one of the established options like a Ferrari 296 or a Maserati MC20? Or buy a 1996 Acura Integra GSR and slot a J35A4 engine from an Odyssey inches behind the cabin? The latter is exactly what New Mexico-based Brayan Ramirez has done. And our tiny minds are officially blown. Much like Ramirez's engine.

Almost none of the original mechanical parts remain, so the suspension has new coilovers and camber arms, while the fuel system boasts an uprated pump and injectors.

As for the engine itself, its treated to a new twin-scroll turbocharger and upgraded intercooler, along with Wiseco pistons and MLS head gaskets. The transmission has even been lifted straight from a C7 Corvette, and as a result, this retro Japanese hero now cranks more power than an Aventador SVJ at the flywheel. Nuts.

S'pose you want some stats. Ramirez says the Integra clocked a 0-60mph run in just 2.9s when it was a single-turbo setup. With a second for company, that should comfortably bring it down by a few tenths en route to a ‘theoretical’ top speed of 220mph with the right gearing. Sweet. Mother.

Aside from the Frankenstein silhouette, the big exterior modifications include Konig Hypergram wheels and a carbon-clad bonnet and rear hatch. Those rear quarter panels have also been custom-built since this isn’t your average conversion job.

Speaking to TopGear.com, Ramirez said: “Myself and my brother encountered a common issue with front-wheel drive vehicles where escalating power output translated into an increasing struggle to maintain traction. This challenge led to us transform the Integra into a rear-wheel drive configuration. But why stop there, we thought? So we repositioned the engine towards the middle of the car, thus shifting more weight onto the rear axle. 

“This gave us more traction and allowed us to facilitate a more effective power transfer to the ground. The mid-engine layout also allowed us to achieve our desired 50:50 weight distribution, substantially improving handling and grip. Finally, by implementing the new engine (developed for drag racing), the car now boasts 800bhp at 28 psi of boost, with the potential reach over 40 psi in its current configuration.”

Perhaps the most amazing thing about the Integra is that Ramirez and his sibling have spent just shy of £38,000 putting it together. That’s less than a new Tesla Model 3, by the way…

Images: Midnight.films