Everything You Want to Know About the Acura RSX Type-S

Embarrassed it took me this long to create a deep-dive video on my first love, the Acura RSX - the car which inspired this KZbin channel. I hope I got all the facts right. If you'd like to point out a correction or offer another fun fact, feel free to mention it in the comments below.
Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
1:14 DC5 Inspired
3:12 History
4:07 The Engine
8:34 Visual Differences
10:05 Suspension
10:37 Safety Features
12:29 The Specs
16:42 The Steering Rack Dilemma
17:54 Fun Facts
20:30 Conclusion
Lots of videos on this channel driving my RSX at tracks like Road Atlanta and Barber Motorsports Park, including various autocross videos, so subscribe and check those out if you want to see and hear more of my modified RSX in action!
This may be the last video I shot using my old GoPro Hero 3 HD camera. I got a GoPro Hero 8 now, so look forward to some 4K in-car footage from now on!
For more info on my builds like this or my Porsche Cayman:
wheelwell.com/brandon-marquis

[@tripperwest808]

Fun Fact: The cloth seats on the 05-06 models were actually designed by Recaro which were specifically made for the RSX

[@DC5Brandon]

Cool. I knew the front seats were Recaros, also in the 02-04 and I believe Enkei also made the stock wheels. Thanks for the reminder!

[@7eamGhast]

Nice, didn’t know that.

[@user-lm5ix6tj8n]

Was the recaro seats only on the rsx type s or base too?

[@DC5Brandon]

@@user-lm5ix6tj8n The design of the seats were the same across all models, so I assume Recaro made all of them, but the Type-S seats were wrapped in leather as standard equipment when sold. I'm not sure if Acura offered the leather package for the base models.

[@Nevoexpo]

@@DC5Brandon Acura did offer leather package for base models called Base Premium which was made for Canadian market and came with Heated Mirrors, seats and defroster.

[@d0x360]

I miss my rsx type-s. The mustang eater. She was quick and loved to corner fast. It was bulletproof too. Drove it like i stole it every day. Selling it was such a mistake. It's only issue was the syncro when going into 2nd. Back when it was new it was considered the best handling fwd car ever made. I cant disagree. Plus if you drove it right you could kick the rear out. Mine was mostly stock but some small upgrades had it at 315hp. I also change the cams so it would switch the VTEC yo! On at 3400 rpm instead of 5000. 0-60 was 4.7 seconds, top speed was 177 drag limited i do believe. The extra power got it past the 162? Top drag limited speed. Fantastic seats too. Leather recaros held your ass in place perfectly.

[@briyanmedrano6382]

bro can i get your contact info to see what mods you had ? i want a similar build to this

[@popeye887-c7v]

Your videos are quite informative. I am SO glad I found your channel

[@FunIsGoingOn]

Me throughout the video: damn finally a video that delivers even more after claiming "everything you wanna know". I like to add: you mentioned it in games, but the RSX was also (and my fav) in the 2003 Need for Speed Underground. That game back in the days, named by fans the unofficial Fast&Furious game. Never forgotten the RSX of back then.

[@DC5Brandon]

Thanks for that bit of trivia! I figured it appeared in other games, but I just mentioned the big ones. I've also become a fan of some cars I've only seen in video games, before Top Gear and KZbin of course. My favorite part of these games now is to HEAR these cars at full throttle. My favs include the Lexus LFA, flat-plane V8 Ferraris, and high-revving V10s like Porsche's Carrera GT. Some of the developers now scan the entire car, so we can look at it inside and out, which is a nice bonus.

[@ready2rise]

Mannn I miss that game so much, even moreso underground2 with the ECU tuning! Looking at a type s currently that has 110k miles. They want too much imo. I'm willing to pay 7500 cash otherwise I have my eye on a TL SHAWD 6spd

[@VidTubeWatch]

I thoroughly enjoyed your video. I own an '05 Type-S. Anything and everything I have ever researched stated that the oil level should be 5 quarts. You were close with 4.7. I just wanted to put that out there. Your video was very enjoyable and reminded me so much of my car. I have owned mine for a little over 5 years. Lately there has been a boom on KZbin with RSX content. It was never hard to find, but I'm amazed now. I think we are on to something. LOL

[@d0x360]

As a former owner... They are amazing

[@DC5Brandon]

Thanks. Glad you liked it! I always use 5 quarts when I change the oil too. I believe the .3 difference is attributed to the amount in the oil filter. I assume if you didn't replace the filter it would be closer to 4.7. Since I replace the filter every time I do an oil change, 5 quarts puts it right between the hash marks on the dip stick. I actually used 6 quarts once during a hot track day. Actually, the capacities I read for the trans fluid made no sense, but I mentioned it nonetheless.

[@frias2287]

Nice one bro👍💯💪🔥🤝

[@jacksonhoyt4127]

great video.

[@robertwood5831]

I got 2004 RSX base model for $1500. I also have an 95 Integra and a 89 CRX.

[@DC5Brandon]

$1500? How many miles?

[@randomrebuilds]

Nice video! Still got my '02 - truly a fantastic and reliable car that I can never get rid of no matter how old it gets. 270k miles and still going strong, although I'm retiring it to weekend leisure duties and no more daily driving.

[@DC5Brandon]

I've recently decided to keep it too, but there's lots of things I need to fix, replace, or update. Unfortunately, it's getting increasingly difficult finding parts these days. Currently, I'm waiting on some new coilovers, but check back later this year when I'll post a update.

[@randomrebuilds]

@@DC5Brandon let me know if you need parts as I frequent the yards often. This month I need to cut out some sheetmetal in front of the rear tires and weld in a patch panel. Apparently this is a common area for Hondas to rust out at. Remove the rear speakers and spray it with Eastwood's Internal frame coating with the supplied 360 degree hose extension.

[@pauldack5129]

Awesome info ! If I can't find a clean MR2 turbo , it will be an rsx!

[@DC5Brandon]

Or...drop a K20 (RSX) K24 (TSX) motor into your MR2 when you find one. That's my dream project, anyway.

[@slgpph]

The original C&D or Road & Track got a 6.1 to 60 and a 15.2 ET. I got mind October 17 2001 and my first time to the track I hit a 15.2 ET bone stock. Later in 2003/4. I had the second fastest ET for all motor RSX’s in the US. My Clubrsx handle was pimplayahustla. I bought an 06 in 2015 and it had skunk2 alpha header, exhaust and AEM V2. My original had a DC TCS, Comptech race header, AEM CAI and Hondata’ #4 reflash. Those basic mods got me to 207.8 horsepower. Memories!!!

[@DC5Brandon]

Likewise. I also had a Skunk2 Alpha and still have a Hondata tune for my current K24. I've listened to some C&D R&T journalists on podcasts say they can get lower 0-60 times if they sacrifice the clutch during launches.

[@slgpph]

I will always miss my first Type S. It sounded great with that DC twin can exhaust. Kinda like a sport bike. I have a 2004 Accord with a K24 now and I’m starting to get the itch, but I’m going to do it with an automatic this time. I think the auto can handle 260 hp k20/24 frank setup for the street. If the tranny goes, I’ll get an ITR with LSD tranny. Greatest 4 cylinder engine ever.

[@d0x360]

Stock type s was sold as 200hp but closer to 220 on the dyno.. at least it was in 2002. Base was 180. My 2002 type s did 0-60 in 5.8 every day stock. When I was done with some minor upgrades it was 4.8 at just over 300hp. Of course I had a CD change & tape deck which helped make it faster. But yeah I'd hit 60mph in 2nd gear right as the rev limiter would kick in at 8500 rpm. I remember because I got my only ticket ever at a claimed 87 mph coming out of a toll... except I was pulled over just as I shifted to 3rd so it was impossible for me to be going over 65 which was the speed limit.

[@yukonstriker1703]

​@@d0x360Fuel cutoff is 8200rpm fool. Your numerous replies are pure BS!

[@erikguerrero1915]

I love my base rsx

[@kathymcfarland5516]

My 2006 RSX Type S was purchased in August of 2006 after my 96 Integra GSR was stolen from my office parking lot. I had that car for 10 years and thought it was the best car ever. Then, the RSX Type S. Soooo... Original owner, never got above 90 mph mostly because living in the Sierra Nevada foothills with all those windy mountain roads doesn't really let you open up. And then, driving to the SF Bay Area, there are some straightaways, but also loaded with the Highway Patrol! I recently bought a new set of tires, the first non-UHP I've put on the car, and wonder what your recommendation would be for this car, for all weather, the occasional snow in winter (that's when the 4WD vehicle gets used!), and twisty roads with speed limits of 65 except when you have to go slower. Why was your speedometer blurred out on this ride?! Sir, were you exceeding the posted limit, by chance?!

[@DC5Brandon]

Blurred video? Must've been some bad artifacts created during post 😏 I live in the south, so I just use summer tires year -round, cause the temps rarely get below 25F and we rarely see snow. I really like Michelin as a brand if you can afford them. You could also visit Tire Rack online and look up customer ratings for tires and find the best all-seasons to match your price range. BTW, sorry to hear about the GSR, that car was one of the coolest Hondas produced. Some of the fastest drivers set FWD track records in modified Integras even today.

[@nightowl8622]

Can you let me know what inverted end links and the other parts you used to correct the suspension geometry? I lowered mine and now the steering feels all wonky. Thanks!

[@DC5Brandon]

I have adjustable end links, but that doesn't fix the suspension geom. Remember, the following parts only really reduce bump-steer. More if your RSX is lowered (your steering issues may be from a bad alignment). I used inverted "outer" tie rods and RCA (roll center adjusting) ball joints. For the tie rods, I have KTuned, which I believe come with both inner and outer tie rods (can't buy separately). HardRace did make some "outer" tie rods, but I could not find a seller that carried them. HardRace made my RCA Ball Joints, which was also hard to find online - many vendors didn't have any in stock. KTuned might make these too. If you search KZbin for "MotoIQ EP3 suspension", they did an in-depth video on it. The EP3 Civic has the same suspension and steering rack setup as the RSX. Good luck!

[@thehondacura3773]

My original DC5 Type-S arrived at my local dealer in June of 2001 as a 2002 model. The production dates you give at 3:22 are incorrect. My current 2006 DC5 Type-S was manufactured 08/2005.

[@DC5Brandon]

Sorry. My source may have been wrong, but I'm aware some cars are manufactured in the prior year. My 2004 was built in 2003.

[@jaimehernandez9844]

Nice video; any problems on the second gear on the transmission

[@DC5Brandon]

Not at all

[@brandon_buildsDIY]

Where did you get that fire extinguisher mount?

[@DC5Brandon]

I think when I bought the extinguisher from Amazon, it either appeared as a suggested purchase on the page, or I searched Amazon for the highest rating and most purchased mount. I honestly don't even remember the manufacturer, but it has worked well. If I remember later, I'll look it up.

[@mathieuchartrand2230]

What year for the steering rack element or the cr-v ?

[@DC5Brandon]

I believe it was used during the same years the RSX was produced, although I'm not certain if it was ever changed for later models.

[@Llygr3839]

Is it true parts of the dc5 would fit on the 7th gen civics v.v.?

[@DC5Brandon]

Surely, but I don't know which parts. When I sold stock parts on Ebay and cross-referenced the part numbers, I found many of them also fit the Civic as well as other Honda models. Actually, I'm currently using an EM2 sway bar from a Civic since that fit better than my stock sway bar with my aftermarket header.

[@stvn_4765]

Just wondering, why did you cut out the vent/fog light area? Genuinely curious.

[@DC5Brandon]

To install aftermarket fog lights 😁 I went through two sets of these due to rocks cracking the plastic housing over the years until I decided to stop replacing them. I plan on replacing the bumper along with other things for this car's "restoration" project next year. Cheaper than buying another car at the moment.

[@jesusroblero3959]

What’s the difference between a 03 type s and a 05-06 type s besides the k20a2

[@DC5Brandon]

Some of the differences are discussed in the video. Mostly cosmetic changes. I know Acura introduced a new "orange" body color for the facelift. Also, I might not have mentioned the 05-06 was lowered (ground clearance) a little from the previous models and I think the valve train and camshafts may be slightly different. The 05-06 gets a 10 HP bump from the previous models too.

[@jesusroblero3959]

@@DC5Brandon okay u found one today with 135k and I’m gonna go look at it but I’m new to a rsx type s any pointers too look out for ? Like healthy motor or anything pointers I should see before buying

[@DC5Brandon]

@@jesusroblero3959 The same should apply for most used cars. First, get the VIN and get a carfax. Make sure it's not leaking oil or coolant. How is the padding and bolstering in the front seats? Hows the condition of the leather, front and rear seats? Can you test drive? Does it make any noise when you turn the steering wheel? Does the car drive straight or does the steering wheel vibrate when driving above, say 40 MPH (indicating bad balanced wheels or alignment). What's the condition of the tires inner/outer tread including tread depth (penny test). Does it make noises when you brake hard, Hows the operation of the clutch pedal and shifter? (assuming you're already familiar with manual transmissions)... If any of that is daunting, just get the carfax and if the history looks good, get a PPI (point by point inspection) by an independent local mechanic. It will cost $200-$300, but may save you some headaches in the future if the car's a lemon.

[@brandon_buildsDIY]

Funny my name is also Brandon and I own a 06 type S😂

[@DC5Brandon]

Now if you get a Cayman we definitely were separated at birth 😮

[@brandon_buildsDIY]

@@DC5Brandon if I win the lottery I will, I absolutely love the cayman GT4 RS

[@engrishsheep]

Do you think doing long road trips in a RSX is doable or unbearable?

[@DC5Brandon]

The Type-S has some lumbar support, but only the driver's seat (not sure if the base has the lumbar lever in the seat). If you use that and sit upright when driving, I think most could go at least 1-2 hours before needing a stretch break (younger drivers even longer). It gets 23-29 MPG city/highway and there's lots of room in the back to carry things. Even more when the rear seats are folded down. Mine has been modified, but I remember it had very low NVH when stock. I believe it is much quieter than the previous gen Integra on the road - better when on good tires. I don't have much experience driving other cars, but I would say it would be average or moderate for a car in it's class. Of course, a newer luxury car would probably be better

[@DC5Brandon]

I'll also add, any large children or adult would be miserable sitting in the back seats for a long period 😩

[@VidTubeWatch]

As CuriousCars on KZbin would say, "You could fit a couple of Canadians back there." LOL@@DC5Brandon

[@nosirragnostalgia1029]

RSX doesn't stand for Rally Sport eXperimental. It stands for uninspiring US Acronym marketing across the entire Acura line at that time and to kill off a perfectly good Integra series, only to revive it with a lame sedan that has none of the spirit of the Integra.

[@DC5Brandon]

I agree. It's a shame what Honda did with the brand. For the record, I don't think this is a Rally car 😄

[@timetokillslapp]

That's hilarious the RSX beats the Integra in every way