How To Modify an Acura RSX

Discover the fascinating history behind this automotive gem, from its early days to becoming a cult classic. We'll explore the unique design elements and performance features that make the RSX a standout on the road. But the excitement doesn't stop there, join us for an exclusive guide on revving up your RSX with killer modifications. Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned enthusiast, we’ll help you turn your RSX into a customized masterpiece.

"How to Modify" is a series for any automotive enthusiast looking to modify their Subaru, Honda, Nissan, Toyota, Infiniti, Mazda, etc. Whether you are looking for performance, aesthetic, or something to spice up your daily driving experience, these videos will walk you through everything you need to know before you hop into modifying your car.

#acura #rsx #types

Video Credit:
Acura
ThatDudeinBlue
hampshirephoto
Shooting Cars
TheTopher
ALLDAYANTHONY
Zygrene
Nikolas Preusser
Evan Consolazio
Greg1.5
TFLclassics
Palm Beach Runs
Eibach Federn
Cameron Alford
AronRSX
HunterTuned
JFinn Media
SES Films
Lue Detailing
Zosh
DistrictDRIVE
A+N Creative Co.
Driven District
Realzamn
Sonic203
Joshua Garcia
DT Media
Mixel Media
Zayne Poole Videography
Tuning by Nick
Muscle Tuner Auto
Dwarf Media
Nate Luna

CHAPTERS:
0:00 - Intro
1:19 - History
4:14 - Modifications
7:44 - Final Thoughts

[ALLDAYANTHONY]

Happy that my humble Type S made the cut! Also, love that intro lmao 😂

[brandon_buildsDIY]

If you plan on tracking your RSX/DC5 follow this kinda simple list. There is a lot of misinformation about this chassis. If I was wanting to join the honda bois and I couldn’t afford an NSX or S2000 the RSX would be my choice.

1. Proper coils(you must run a stiffer rear spring than the front, I found that 10k/16k works best for while still being comfortable to drive on the street.

2.LSD(cheapest way is to swap an 8th gen Si factory LSD into it)chuck a lightweight flywheel and a upgraded clutch while at it. Make sure to loctite the flywheel bolts.

3. Rear sway bar(I run the progress rear 24mm sway bar because it fits like an OEM one and clears any catback exhaust)

4.rear camber arm(you will need this, I would recommend you don’t lower the car more than 2.3 inches from stock height. Shit gets complicated if you go more than 2.3)

5.SHG steering rack slider(because of the rack design this OEM piece wears fast and can lead to a dead feel when the steering is on center)

6.HONed developments rack raiser, inner tie rods and STOCK style outers(this is very a controversial topic but keeping in mind if you do go around 2.3inch low this will significantly help with the now even more worst than stock bump steer because the car is now lowered. This mod helps to dial back some of that gained bumpsteer to return to a OEM like feel). Ideally you want the angle of the tie rods to be close to OEM as Honda intended.

7.race mounts(HASPORT etc, i used to run hasport 62a on the street and man did it vibrate everything. For a more of a track car I would go hasport. If you track your car 2-3 times a year I would do vibra-nitics. I haven’t tried those yet but based of the community of knowledgeable people that’s the way to go if the car is more of a street car)

8. at this point you will find yourself wanting more power. I do TUNED FBO(kpro if 02-04, Ktuner if 05-06). The world is your oyster when it comes to FBO k20 in a type S.

9. After more power you want better braking, I run the DC5creations BBK it works phenomenally well on my type S it’s basically the same size caliper as the type R. It doesn’t throw off brake balance, matched up with good high temp fluid, steel lines, street/track pad and good SLOTTED rotors that’s basically all you brakes you will need on this car.

10. At this point you will be going really fast. It’s now time to sort out the old crusty bushings. I would recommend you go with hardrace hardened bushing kit. Perfect balance between performance and comfort. Replace those ball joints with the roll center correction ball joints while your there.

I didn’t list the obvious stuff like. Nice steering wheels, short shifter, car back exhaust, bucket seat, good alignment, good tires, track style wheels, maintenance, braces etc. reason being it’s not specific to the RSX, I would assume everyone does those things as soon as they get any car pretty much. If you really wanna get competitive in this car, the suspension will be your biggest issue once again. These cars love to have caster adjustments in the front. If you run the PCI top hats you will need to cut the strut towers to make them fit(I am not willing to do that because I am happy with my car being decently fast. I don’t wanna cut my car. After the new suspension adjustments it’s time to cut some weight and add aero, do whatever you like with these too. Also FWD cars in general likes with you run a reverse stagger set up(this is how the fastest guys in Japan set up is) I would recommend 255/40R17(F)and 235/40R17(R)

These cars so so reliable, practical and a great foundation to do whatever you want with them. However they get a bad rep with it comes to tracking them and the misinformation is almost as toxic as the SW20 MR-2’s(ironically I own one of these also😂)get with the whole snap over steer.if you own one of these follow these mods and you will have a blast on track and even surprise a few people. My advice is buy once cry once, buy the best parts you can get. This is coming from a owner who has owned 5 of them so far and I’ve tracked my 5th one 7 times this year as a newbie. I’ve reached out to so many experienced RSX track guys and they have all said the same thing. Keep it simple, have fun.

DO NOT: slam the car and expect it to handle like a DC2 on steroids. Don’t get a bigger front sway bar, this actually makes the car understeer a lot when your pushing is hard(if your the mod list is similar to this or even more wilder). People actually run a smaller front sway bar off an EM2 civic this also helps with clearing a bigger header(especially the skunk2 header. Best off the shelf mass produced header in my opinion).

If anyone feels like they wanna know more you can follow me on IG @brandon_persaud63.

[MichaelHerdman]

Intro was priceless! I daily my RSX and it's the first car I've gotten heavily into modding beyond the basics, the aftermarket support is endless, but some of these 20 y.o. OEM parts are getting out of hand in price.

[j_mars_cars]

Here’s what I’ve learned from the past few months of RSX ownership:
Check your tail light gaskets, that’s where the water comes from.
When you lower it more than 1.5”, you need either 1. Extended tie rod ends 2. Inverted tie rods ($300+) or camber kit to bring tie rod mounting points in.
Also a good idea when lowering: SHG steering slider($70), new tie rods inner and outer, extended ball joints(roll center correction) and alignment.

Hondata flash tune is a big upgrade I hear. Mine came with it and I can’t imagine living without it.

A good cheap upgrade is shifter bushings and detent springs. Makes shifting feel awesome. (Bonus points for a nice clean weighted shift knob).

True cold air intake and full exhaust is awesome, but these cars will drone at 70-80mph on highway. It’s just the Honda way.

[strykerhellhounds]

I have been modding Honda’s since 2003 and currently drive a 2018 Type R. I got my son a 2006 Type S as his first car for his 16th birthday this year. Came with 250k mi. on it so we pulled the engine and did a fresh rebuild. He loves it.

[raisingkanes]

I lost mine a couple months ago due to losing control it’s nice seeing love for it by everyone. I still have the parts I bought for it around my room sitting in the boxes and sometimes it gets hard to look at them because I miss it a lot. Thanks for making this video cause it reminds me of how much of a amazing car it was for me and seeing how much it means to everyone else makes me happy

[SGYLT]

Love my 04 Type S, it was absolutely worth the headaches I went through for the maintenance it needed. It has been a monster since.

[byronwav]

My first car was an already modified eg coupe with a b20 swap from a crv. I sold it and used the money to buy my 02 Type S more than 3 years ago. I didn't realize how much potential the car had at that time but i knew it was what i wanted ( 6 spd, okay on gas, hatchback). I love this car and can't imagine selling it . Can't wait till I'm well established enough to make it nice.

[rj-sx]

I miss my RSX Type S, just sold it recently. For the last 10 years it was my daily, always a blast to get into!

[Fuller.Builds]

I bought mine for 5k and have been restoring it. I’m telling you that it was the best decision I have ever made. I love the car working on it cause it’s so unbelievably easy but it’s amazing to drive.

[ricardov]

Never a tuner car guy always liked my trucks and v8s. Just purchased an 04 acura rsx for $1, 400 bucks I already love it

[flonought]

😆 great video Alex, love the energy! I have a 2006 RSX Type S and have owned it for 13 years. Still love it just as much as the day I picked it up. I hope to still be hitting VTEC when I'm 80, and will most likely request that I be buried in it.

[sikness]

This video made me so happy I cried a little. I'm so blessed to finally have one. Been almost 1yr of ownership and I have wanted one since NFSU1 came out. Also, the a2 has 3 lobe vtec on both sides, the a3 has 2 lobe on only one side

[nicklonghi]

Still daily my 2005 Acura rsx that I bought in 2011. Still my first love!

[_Suzuka_Joe]

long time S2000 owner, I've had civics, integras and an RSX-S back over a decade ago. Bought another 06 RSX-S a few months ago and I forgot how great these are. no wonder the prices are the same as when I sold my last one in 2012

[jessietowne]

Nice to see these cars still getting love. Just got a 02 type s bagged and wide body for $4500. The deals are out there have that cash ready.

[LuisAguilar-qp]

I've owned mines for about 8 years now. Best decision I ever made at 21 lol.

At 200K miles engine died on me, but even the swap wasn't too bad. I love it so much

[blurboards]

Absolutely love my 2003 RSX type S. 95% stock. Aftermarket wheels, suspension and brembo brakes all around. Worn out drivers seat, steering, and the black coating is coming off the window belt trim. All normal stuff for a 20 year old car with 150, 000 daily driver miles.

[shirokami]

Deadass learned everything I have done with cars with my base model rsx and then I got a type s. You can easily take people in the corners my friend told me I went no brakes on corners he braked hard for so yes, they are pretty fun.

[MANCO]

Bought my 2002 acura rsx automatic for $1500 cash. Did the full tune up. Spark plugs, brakes, oil, belts. Bruh its solid. All i gotta replace now is the a/c system and the shocks. It gonna last another 20 years. Love this car. Still gets about 30mpg too.