Don't let good things go to waste. Actually, let's take that a step further: Don't waste an opportunity to make a good thing even better. As enthusiasts, we're always in search of ways to improve the driving experience, and this time around, we've turned our attention to our long-term Acura Integra Type S, which went under the aftermarket knife as the patient of a manual-transmission shifter transplant.
Our Integra's logbook is already littered with praise for the light, refined action of the Type S's standard six-speed stick—a manual worth saving and one that'd be a shame to mess up. But as restless pilots eyeing potential enhancements, the ITS's 320 turbocharged horses already seemed plenty for its front-wheel-drive layout, and its mature demeanor (at least compared to its bewinged Honda Civic Type R sibling) doesn't really scream track-car conversion. Then we came across Marietta, Georgia-based Acuity Instruments, seller of bolt-on performance parts for various Honda vehicles, including impressively engineered manual shifters. Our curiosity was piqued.
The company's shifter assembly for the current-generation Civic and Integra ($469) is four-way adjustable and designed for both street and track use. The complete package that Acuity sent us also included new cable bushings for the transmission side of the shift linkage ($79) that are designed to further hone the shifter's engagements. Also in the box were a taller insulated shift knob in white to match our car's paint ($139); a new aluminum shift boot collar ($39); and two new centering springs for the shifter itself ($29 each), one firmer and one softer than stock. We also requested a multi-position throttle-pedal relocation spacer ($109) to optimize go-pedal placement relative to the brake for smoother heel-and-toe shifting (when we don't have the car's automatic rev-matching feature engaged). All in, the installed upgrades tallied $893.
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