If you've spent any time looking at a DC2, you know that integra type r side skirts are basically the secret sauce that ties the whole body together. It's funny how a relatively small piece of plastic can make or break the entire silhouette of a car, but that's the reality of 90s Honda design. Without them, the car looks a bit unfinished, like it's missing its lower jaw. With them, the side profile suddenly flows perfectly from the front lip all the way to the rear valance.
There's a reason why people spend years hunting down authentic sets or obsessing over which replica has the best fitment. It isn't just about "cloning" a Type R; it's about fixing the visual weight of the Integra. If you're running a front lip and no skirts, the car looks nose-heavy. Adding those skirts levels the playing field and gives it that grounded, aggressive stance we all love.
The difference between OEM and the rest
When you're talking about integra type r side skirts, the first thing that comes up is the "OEM vs. Aftermarket" debate. If you've ever tried to bolt on a set of cheap fiberglass replicas, you already know the pain. They're often wavy, they don't follow the curve of the rocker panel, and they require about ten hours of sanding and body filler just to look decent.
Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) skirts are made from a specific type of plastic that's durable and flexible. If you're lucky enough to find a set of genuine JDM or USDM ITR skirts, you'll notice they just click into place. They use specific mounting clips that go into the rocker panels. The problem, of course, is that Honda stopped making these a long time ago. Finding a clean set today usually involves scouring forums, eBay, or Japanese auction sites, and you better be prepared to pay a premium.
But honestly? For many builders, the price is worth it. There's a certain peace of mind that comes with knowing the body lines are exactly as the engineers in Tochigi intended.
Why the DC2 profile needs that extra flare
The standard Integra LS or GS-R models came with side skirts, but they were pretty flat and tucked in. They didn't really "pop." The Type R versions, however, have a slightly more pronounced flare toward the rear. It's subtle—Honda was never one for massive, gaudy body kits back then—but it's enough to catch the light and make the car look wider than it actually is.
This visual trick is why the integra type r side skirts are such a popular upgrade for non-ITR models. It's the ultimate "OEM+" mod. It keeps the car looking clean and professional while hinting that there's something more going on under the hood. When you pair these skirts with the iconic ITR rear wing and a subtle front lip, you've basically achieved the "perfect" Integra look.
Material matters: ABS vs. Polyurethane vs. Fiberglass
If you can't find or afford OEM, you're looking at the aftermarket. This is where you have to be careful.
- Fiberglass (FRP): This is usually the cheapest option. My advice? Avoid it if you can. Fiberglass is stiff and brittle. If you live somewhere with speed bumps or if your car is lowered, one "crunch" and they're cracked. Plus, the surface finish is rarely smooth.
- ABS Plastic: This is much closer to the OEM feel. It's rigid but has a bit of give. Most high-quality replicas are made of ABS because it takes paint well and holds its shape over time.
- Polyurethane: These are the "indestructible" ones. You can practically bend them in half and they'll snap back. They're great for daily drivers, though they can be a bit heavier and sometimes warp if they sit in the sun for too long before being painted.
The struggle of installation and those annoying clips
Installing integra type r side skirts sounds easy on paper. You just pop the old ones off and slide the new ones on, right? Not exactly. If you're working on a car that's twenty or thirty years old, those little plastic clips are going to be brittle. The moment you try to pry them out, they're going to snap.
If you're doing this job, do yourself a favor and buy a bag of replacement clips beforehand. Don't try to reuse the old ones with double-sided tape and a prayer. For a truly flush fit, you want those clips to pull the skirt tight against the body. If there's even a 2mm gap, it's going to collect dirt, moisture, and eventually lead to the dreaded "Honda rust" on your rocker panels.
Painting and color matching
One thing people often overlook is that the Type R skirts were always color-matched to the body. On a standard Integra, you might see black plastic trim, but the ITR look is all about that monochromatic finish.
If you're buying a used set, chances are they'll be Championship White, Flamenco Black, or Phoenix Yellow. Unless you happen to own a car in that exact color, you're looking at a trip to the paint shop. Because these are long pieces of plastic, you want to make sure the shop uses a flex additive in the paint. Without it, the paint might crack when the skirt naturally flexes as you're getting in and out of the car or driving over uneven pavement.
Are they worth the hunt?
You might be wondering if it's really worth all the trouble to track down integra type r side skirts. After all, the car drives the same without them. But car culture has always been about the details. When you see an Integra that's been put together with the right parts, it just commands respect. It shows that the owner cared about the heritage of the car.
There's also the resale value to consider. Authentic ITR parts are like gold in the Honda community. If you ever decide to sell your car, having genuine skirts (or even very high-quality replicas) is a huge selling point. It's an investment in the car's aesthetic longevity.
Looking at the DC5 and the new DE5
While most people think of the DC2 when they hear "Type R," we can't forget the DC5 (the RSX Type R overseas) and the brand-new DE5 (the 2024+ Integra Type S/R).
On the DC5, the side skirts are even more integrated into the body design. They have a sharp, angular look that matches the more modern styling of the early 2000s. For the new DE5, the skirts have gone high-tech, often featuring aerodynamic fins and even carbon fiber inserts.
But even with the new tech, the philosophy remains the same: the skirts are there to bridge the gap between the wheels and make the car look like it's hugging the asphalt. Whether you're working on a classic or a modern daily, that lower profile is always the goal.
Wrapping it all up
At the end of the day, integra type r side skirts are one of those modifications that you'll never regret. They don't ruin the ride quality, they don't make the car too loud, and they don't compromise reliability. They just make the car look right.
If you're just starting your build, I'd honestly suggest making these one of your first exterior mods. Sure, a big wing is cool, and a loud exhaust is fun, but the side skirts provide the foundation for everything else. Once you get that side profile dialed in, every time you walk away from your car in a parking lot, you're going to find yourself doing that "look back" one more time. And isn't that why we build these cars in the first place?