This RB25-Engined Honda Integra Is The Riskiest Buy You'll See Today

It's not cheap, but this engine-swapped Integra is definitely interesting. The motor from a Skyline GT-S and a host of upgrades means big speed, but we have a few questions about the listing...

Matt Kimberley

30 Dec 2016

This RB25-Engined Honda Integra Is The Riskiest Buy You'll See Today

If you’re heading for January blues and have plenty of money burning a hole in your pocket, how about taking a punt on a very unusual and possibly slightly iffy Honda Integra import – with switchable rear-to-four-wheel drive and the 2.5-litre straight-six engine from a Skyline GT-S.

This alleged 440bhp conversion definitely raised our eyebrows, as did the eBay advert text that suggests some of the build’s key features are completely untested, but you can’t argue that it’s not worth a click.

For your £8500 you get an imported four-door Integra on (new) wheels that are far too wide for it, especially at the front, with a turbocharged RB25 engine that’s been upgraded, the seller claims, with RB26 pistons, con-rods and crank, which would have once seen service in a Skyline GT-R. How this works given the difference in cubic capacity between the RB25 and RB26 the seller doesn’t explain.

Nor does he explain why he ‘hasn’t tested’ the switchable exhaust volume or four-wheel drive, given that he says they’re both just a matter of pressing buttons. Seems a bit suspect, if we’re honest.

The full list of modifications is on the advert, as are the faults. If you don’t like the silver, the seller says he can get it resprayed in any colour you like(!) for an extra £550.

Previous owners have uploaded YouTube videos of the car at earlier points in its life, and let’s just say it looks like the car hasn’t had the easiest of times since being imported. But it does seem fast, and the kudos of a Skyline engine is worth something. The price still seems pretty high, though.

What do you think? Would you?

Comments

Buy it then gut it.

Okay guys as long as you use RB26 piston it is a bolt on affair rb25 piston pin is a different height but the connecting rods are the same… so no need to over complicate things, in this post …. awd Is Different story could be a gtr trans and a awd rb25 block and gtr oilpan with the diff but to say it can be put into awd with a push if the button… sketchy

Looks to me like it is a RB25 NEO block, judging by the head and the VVT intake cam gear. You are correct with the pistons though. Oddly enough, the NEO conrods and the RB26 conrods are the same part number. As for the AWD to RWD switch it IS possible. It can be done with a piggyback Attesa bias controller which can bias front power from 0/100 to 50/50 Front/Rear, or by simply pulling out/switching the 4WD relay. It does disable the center differential, but not completely. The wet clutches will still be partially engaged, so if you do too many skids, you’ll end up destroying your center diff.