The Acura Integra has long been revered as one of the most capable front-wheel‑drive platforms for performance modifications. Whether you own a classic DC2 or a later RSX, the available aftermarket support is vast. Among the most transformative upgrades a Integra owner can make is forced induction. The ACGTurbocharger Kit for Acura Integra delivers over 100 additional horsepower for under $3,000, making it one of the most cost‑effective power‑adder solutions on the market. This article provides a thorough, hands‑on look at what the kit includes, how it performs, installation considerations, and how it compares to other options.

The Acura Integra: A Tuner's Dream Platform

The Acura Integra, produced from 1986 to 2006 (with the RSX continuing until 2006), earned its reputation as a tuner favorite thanks to its lightweight chassis, double‑wishbone suspension, and high‑revving VTEC engines. The B‑series and later K‑series engines respond exceptionally well to forced induction. However, finding a turnkey turbo system that strikes the right balance between price, power, and reliability has always been a challenge. The ACGTurbocharger Kit directly addresses that need, using proven components designed to bolt onto the Integra's engine bay with minimal modification.

If you are looking for a turbo kit for Acura Integra that does not require custom fabrication or endless tuning sessions, the ACG kit is purpose‑built to deliver a predictable power increase. Whether you plan to use your Integra as a weekend track toy or a daily driver with extra punch, this kit provides a solid foundation.

What’s Included in the ACG Turbocharger Kit?

The ACGTurbocharger Kit is a comprehensive package. It includes everything required to transition your Integra from naturally aspirated to forced induction, reducing the guesswork and the need to source parts separately.

  • Turbocharger Unit: A precision‑balanced turbo (typically a Garrett or BorgWarner variant) sized for rapid spool and reliable high‑RPM flow. The turbine housing is cast to match the Integra's exhaust manifold bolt pattern.
  • Cast Iron Exhaust Manifold: Designed to withstand high exhaust gas temperatures while maintaining a tight fit in the engine bay. The runners are optimized for equal length to reduce turbo lag.
  • Intercooler and Piping: A bar‑and‑plate air‑to‑air intercooler with polished aluminum piping. The kit includes all silicone couplers and T‑bolt clamps needed for a leak‑free installation.
  • Wastegate and Blow‑Off Valve: A mechanical wastegate (adjustable from 5 to 12 psi of boost) and a recirculating blow‑off valve to preserve driveability and protect the turbo.
  • Oil Feed and Drain Lines: Stainless steel braided lines with the correct fittings to tap into the engine's oil system. The oil drain line includes a banjo fitting for a secure connection.
  • Fuel System Upgrades: Larger fuel injectors (typically 440 cc or 550 cc) and a high‑flow fuel pump to supply the necessary fuel volume under boost. The injectors are plug‑and‑play for the Integra's harness.
  • Intake and Charge Pipes: Mandrel‑bent aluminum tubing with a reusable air filter. The charge pipe includes a port for a boost reference line.
  • Hardware and Gaskets: All bolts, nuts, washers, exhaust gaskets, and thread‑locking compound are included. The kit also supplies a turbo blanket to reduce under‑hood temperatures.

The completeness of the kit is a major selling point. Instead of spending weeks researching and ordering individual parts (which often leads to compatibility issues), you receive a single box with everything needed for a weekend installation.

Installation Process and Requirements

Necessary Tools and Skill Level

Installing the ACG turbo kit requires intermediate to advanced mechanical skills. You should be comfortable with basic wrenching, including removing the exhaust manifold, disconnecting fuel lines, and routing coolant and oil lines. The manufacturer provides a detailed installation manual with torque specifications and step‑by‑step photographs. Typical tools needed include a socket set, torque wrench, jack and jack stands, screwdrivers, pliers, and a drill for mounting the intercooler—though the intercooler can be mounted using existing holes in the core support.

If you are not confident in performing the installation yourself, a professional shop can typically complete the job in 8–12 labor hours. Budget an additional $600–$1,000 for professional installation depending on your area.

Tuning and ECU Considerations

Adding a turbocharger increases air density, requiring a recalibrated ECU to deliver the correct air‑fuel ratio and ignition timing. The ACG kit does not include a standalone ECU or a piggyback tuner, but it is designed to work with popular Honda tuning solutions such as:

  • Hondata S300 or S300 v3
  • AEM EMS‑4 or F/IC
  • K‑Pro (for K‑series engines)
  • Chipped OBD‑1 ECUs with Crome or Neptune tuning software

Factor in the cost of tuning (around $400–$700 for a dyno tune from a reputable shop) and the price of a tuning device (if you don't already have one). That said, many Integra enthusiasts already have a flashable ECU, making the ACG kit an even more attractive option.

Real‑World Performance Gains

Horsepower and Torque Figures

With the wastegate set to the street‑friendly boost level of 7–8 psi, the ACG kit consistently adds 100–120 wheel horsepower on a stock Integra engine. For example, a 1995 Acura Integra GS‑R (B18C1) with the kit, proper tuning, and 91 octane fuel will produce approximately 240–260 whp and 210–230 lb‑ft of torque. On a K‑series RSX Type‑S, those numbers increase to 280–300 whp. Maximum boost levels of 12–14 psi are possible with higher‑octane fuel and upgraded internals, pushing output beyond 350 whp.

To put that in perspective: a stock 1994 Integra GS‑R makes roughly 140 whp. Doubling that power figure transforms the car from a zippy daily driver into a legitimate performance car that can embarrass many modern sport compacts. The torque curve remains broad and usable, with spool beginning as early as 2,800 rpm and full boost by 3,800 rpm.

Driving Impressions

Owners report a dramatic improvement in throttle response and passing power. The turbocharger's small frame ensures minimal lag, so the Integra remains fun around town. On a closed course or during autocross, the linear power delivery makes it easy to modulate the throttle without sudden surges. The included blow‑off valve adds a satisfying “whoosh” that appeals to enthusiasts, though it can be plumbed back for a stealthier sound.

Cost‑Effectiveness: Breaking Down the $3,000 Investment

The ACGTurbocharger Kit retails for $2,799 to $2,999 depending on the Integra model year and engine configuration. Here is how the cost stacks up against other popular modifications that yield similar power:

  • Naturally aspirated build: A full bolt‑on (header, intake, exhaust) plus cams and ECU tuning might yield 40–50 whp and cost $2,500–$3,000. The ACG kit gives you 2–3 times that power for a comparable price.
  • Supercharger kit: Centrifugal supercharger kits for the Integra start around $3,500 and typically offer less top‑end power than a turbo of similar cost.
  • Engine swap: Swapping in a K‑series or a B‑series with a built bottom end can easily exceed $5,000 for the engine alone, plus labor and wiring harness modifications.
  • Nitrous oxide: A nitrous kit is cheap to buy ($800–$1,200) but requires refills, carries risks of engine damage if improperly used, and does not add the same daily‑driveable character as a turbo system.

When you factor in the longevity of a properly tuned turbo setup, the ACG kit offers the best horsepower‑per‑dollar ratio for Integra owners who want reliable, repeatable performance.

Comparing the ACG Kit with Other Power Adders

Turbo vs. Supercharger

Supercharger kits for the Integra (like the Jackson Racing or Rotrex systems) provide immediate throttle response and a linear power band. However, they typically cost $1,000–$1,500 more, generate more heat, and are less efficient at high RPM because they are belt‑driven. The ACG turbocharger, on the other hand, uses otherwise wasted exhaust energy, making it more efficient and capable of higher peak power. If you value top‑end pull and the ability to turn up the boost later, a turbo is the better choice.

Turbo vs. Engine Swap

An engine swap—such as dropping a K‑series into a DC2—can yield impressive numbers, but the total project cost (engine, mounts, wiring, transmission, and labor) rarely stays under $5,000. Additionally, many swaps require custom fabrication. The ACG kit preserves the factory engine and transmission, keeping the car emissions‑legal (with tuning) and avoiding the complexity of a swap. For owners who love their original Integra engine, this is a major advantage.

Reliability and Long‑Term Ownership

Any forced induction system places additional stress on engine components. The ACG kit is designed to run safely on a stock engine as long as boost is kept below 10 psi and the tune is conservative. The included cast iron manifold is less prone to cracking than cheap tubular manifolds. The turbocharger itself uses journal bearings and a water‑cooled center section, which helps extend service life during daily driving.

To maximize reliability, consider these precautions:

  • Use high‑quality synthetic oil and change it every 3,000–4,000 miles.
  • Install an oil catch can to reduce blow‑by and prevent detonation.
  • Upgrade the clutch if you plan to drag race or do repeated hard launches—the stock Integra clutch will not hold 240+ whp for long.
  • Replace spark plugs with one step colder range (e.g., NGK BKR7E) and gap them properly.
  • Monitor air‑fuel ratio and knock with a wideband O₂ sensor and an aftermarket gauge or laptop logging.

Many owners who have run ACG kits for over 20,000 miles report trouble‑free operation when the system is maintained properly. The kit does not require any special modifications to the engine cooling system for street use, though a larger radiator is recommended for track days.

Customer Reviews and Community Feedback

The ACG turbo kit has built a loyal following on forums like Honda‑Tech and Team Integra. Common praise points include:

  • The completeness of the kit—no missing parts or hardware.
  • The quality of the cast manifold versus cheaper tubular designs.
  • The noticeable power increase without needing to rebuild the engine.
  • Excellent customer service from ACG regarding technical questions.

Some users have noted that the instructions could be more detailed for first‑timers, and that the included injectors are sometimes low‑impedance requiring resistors (though ACG now supplies high‑impedance injectors as standard). Overall satisfaction ratings hover around 4.5 out of 5 stars on enthusiast review sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is professional installation required?

Not if you have prior experience with turbocharging and a good set of tools. However, for most owners, having a shop install the kit and tune the car is money well spent—especially if you value a turnkey result.

Will the kit pass emissions testing?

In most cases, yes—if you retain the catalytic converter and run a proper tune that keeps the OBD‑II readiness monitors functional. Some tuning solutions allow you to disable certain monitors, but that may cause failures in strict regions (e.g., California). Check your local regulations.

Can I run the kit on a stock ECU?

No. The stock ECU cannot handle positive manifold pressure. You must use a reprogrammable ECU or a piggyback tuner to adjust fuel and timing maps.

A high‑flow exhaust (2.5–3 inch) will reduce backpressure and improve spool. A larger radiator and upgraded motor mounts are also beneficial. The stock brakes and suspension may need upgrading to handle the extra speed safely.

Final Thoughts

The ACGTurbocharger Kit for Acura Integra is more than just a power adder—it is a well‑engineered solution that respects the Integra's character while dramatically boosting its performance. For under $3,000, you get a complete turbo system capable of delivering over 100 additional horsepower without requiring a complete engine rebuild. The kit's affordability, ease of installation, and strong community support make it a top recommendation for anyone looking to unlock the full potential of their Integra.

Whether you are a veteran tuner or a first‑time builder, the ACG kit provides a rewarding path to a faster, more exciting car. As one enthusiast on Jegs put it: “Best $2,800 I ever spent on my Integra.” If you are ready to transform your daily driver or weekend track car, the ACG turbo kit deserves a serious look.