As far as Montegonian Chad Pearson is concerned, Kingston doesn’t have a stranglehold on modified machines. His 1998 Honda Civic Type R proves his point, and then some.

“It’s a car I always liked and wanted to own due to its rarity,” Pearson told Auto.

And that might have been the issue as a Civic Type R in pristine condition is basically a collectors item. After buying the car a year ago, with its famous B16B engine replaced by a larger B18, Pearson went whole hog.

The Civic went from 1.6-litres, to 1.8-litres, to finally 2-litres, but not the route many would think. Lift the bonnet and instead of an older B20B, is Honda’s modern 2-litre K-series engine. Making 221hp and 151lb/ft of torque in its newfound home is the K20 from the DC5 Honda Integra Type R along with its six-speed, short ratio, limited-slip differential equipped gearbox.

“I went with the K20 because it’s a newer engine that can make power with a few OEM parts and the gearbox is better. I added cams for better mid-range power and the usual intake and exhaust stuff,” he said.

With speed taken care of, he turned his attention to handling, the Type R’s forte. BC adjustable coil-overs set the ride height over the stock rims wrapped in Khumo Victoracer tyres. Inside, the interior has been stripped to bare minimum leaving the trademark Type R Recaro bucket seats. The six-point roll cage and massive hatch X-brace complete the handling modifications.

“It drives like a dream,” he said.

— Rory Daley