Kevin Mercado - Honda Integra Type R
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IG: @JDMDC5_TX
“Never give up on what makes you happy, not even for a moment.”
— Kevin
For some people, cars are toys.
For others, they’re status symbols.
For Kevin?
Cars saved his life.
From Puerto Rico to Texas — Where It All Began
Kevin grew up in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, surrounded by something simple but powerful:
His dad’s love for cars.
Weekend wrenching.
Talking about builds.
The sound of engines in the driveway.
That passion quietly planted itself early.
As he got older, racing games, late-night cruises with friends, and local car shows turned curiosity into obsession. Speed. Style. Sound. Community.
Cars weren’t just machines anymore.
They were emotion.
After moving to Texas and serving in the U.S. Army, life changed. Discipline grew. Responsibilities stacked. And like many veterans, Kevin faced battles that didn’t end when the uniform came off.
But one thing stayed constant.
The car scene.
The Therapy Nobody Talks About
Ask Kevin what the car community means to him and he doesn’t hesitate.
“The car scene is my therapy.”
It’s where stress disappears.
Where problems shrink.
Where you’re surrounded by people who understand you without needing explanations.
Shows like Racewars, Just Vibes, Clean Culture, Evo Tuners — they’re not just events.
They’re escapes.
They’re family.
They’re reminders that happiness still exists.
And sometimes?
That’s enough.
The Car That Chose Him
The Honda Integra Type R isn’t everyone’s dream car at first glance.
It’s not flashy.
It’s not oversized.
It doesn’t scream supercar.
But to those who understand…
It’s sacred.
Raw. Lightweight. Purpose-built. One of Honda’s purest driver’s cars ever made.
Kevin saw his for the first time at SEMA 2023.
And that was it.
Instant connection.
Instant vision.
Instant “this is mine.”
He bought it on the spot and started building.
Not for attention.
Not for trophies.
For himself.
More Than a Build — It’s Gratitude
Kevin doesn’t talk about the Integra like it’s just a project.
He talks about it like a blessing.
“Just seeing it sitting in my garage fills me with adrenaline and happiness. I’m thankful to God because now I have something I once only dreamed about.”
That kind of emotion?
You can’t fake that.
Every time he walks away, he looks back.
Every time.
Because it’s not just metal and paint.
It’s proof that dreams can become real.
The Transformation
Originally gray and overlooked, the car went through a full teardown.
Every panel off.
Every piece touched.
Then came the color that changed everything.
Celestial Blue Pearl — sprayed by Crolls Customs (Pennsylvania)
In sunlight, it glows.
In shadows, it deepens.
Under show lights, it stops crowds.
It’s the kind of paint that makes people slow down mid-walk.
And that’s before they even notice the aero, the fitment, or the details.
Built With Intention
Kevin didn’t throw parts at the car randomly.
Everything had a purpose.
Clean engine bay.
Functional suspension.
Track-ready brakes.
Balanced interior.
It’s the kind of build that feels cohesive — like every piece belongs.
Nothing forced.
Nothing excessive.
Just right.
Build Specs — Integra Type R
Engine Bay
- Partially shaved & color-matched
- Innovative mounts (powder-coated gold)
- Skunk2 Ultra Street intake manifold
- Skunk2 fuel rail
- Skunk2 70mm throttle body
- K-Tuned delete kit
- Hybrid Racing tucked fuel lines & components
- Downstar dress-up hardware
- Exedy competition clutch
- Multiple Hybrid Racing billet accessories
Suspension
- D2 Circuit Edition coilovers
- Progress sway bar + rear tie bar
- Skunk2 rear LCAs
- SPC camber kit
- Energy bushings
Brakes / Wheels
- Full Brembo front & rear
- Advan TC4 17x9 +35
- Toyo Proxes R1R
Interior
- Recaro Sport seats w/ custom carbon shells
- Autopower half cage
- Cusco carbon roll bar
- Hybrid Racing short shifter
- Real carbon fiber trims throughout
- Porsche GT2 RS-style door straps
- Custom door panels & upholstery
Audio
- Sony Double Din
- Alpine speakers
Exterior
- Celestial Blue Pearl paint
- C-West front bumper
- Ings+1 vented fenders & overfenders
- C-West skirts
- APR GTC 300 wing
- VIS vented carbon hood
- Custom splitter, canards, diffuser
- Custom projector headlights
The Mindset
Kevin keeps it simple:
Surround yourself with the right people.
Have a vision before you start.
And never build for anyone else.
Because trends fade.
But happiness?
That sticks.
What’s Next
Kevin’s not slowing down.
Future plans include:
- Engine swap
- AWD conversion
- Turbo setup
- 600+ horsepower goal
- New wheels
Because for builders like him…
Finished doesn’t exist.
Community & Purpose
Though not officially tied to a team, Kevin receives strong support from:
- Team Elevate (Austin, TX)
- Rico Lenz
- Gloss Revolution
- Deadog (Puerto Rico)
And that support system?
It matters more than parts.
Because at the end of the day, cars bring people together.
And sometimes those people help carry you through life’s hardest chapters.
Final Thoughts
Kevin’s Type R isn’t the loudest build.
It isn’t the most extreme.
It doesn’t need to be.
Because it represents something far more powerful:
Healing.
Gratitude.
Purpose.
And that’s what real car culture is about.
Dream Car
1994 Acura NSX