I've been thinking about maybe getting a RSX. I hope to check one out this coming weekend.

I do have some questions about it:

1. Does the Type S come w/a limited slip differential? If not, is one available from Acura?

2. Does the Type S come w/any handling package?

3. Other than more hp and the six speed transmission, is there any other benefit of the Type S over the standard RSX?

4. Are the two available engines for the RSX essentially the same, except for the higher engine compression of the Type S engine, 11.0:1 vs. 9.8:1, as well as horsepower, 200 vs. 160?

5. Is there any advantages of the 6 speed vs. the 5 speed transmission?

6. I've been a big fan of synthetic oil for a long time. Does anyone use it in their RSX? If so, how do you like it?

7. How has the RSX performed, maintenance wise? I've read of a transmission problem. How about handling w/the stock suspension?

8. What does the manual transmission use for oil, gear oil or ATF?
If it uses gear oil, has anyone tried using synthetic gear oil to resolve the wrough shifting?

9. Is the rear spoiler option functional, or is it purely cosmetic?

10. What would be the recommended performance add ons, going from easiest and on up?

11. How have the stock tires been holding up under normal use?

12. How is the overall quality of the RSX. I've only owned Toyota's and Nissan's.

Thx

 

Answers:

1. No LSD on type S, and I don't think Acura offer it, however you definitely can import it from japan.

2. 2002 type S 's suspension is different than base. 2003 type S has a optional package with even stiffer suspension with RIMs, tires, body kits and type R wing. Price of the package you can find out at Acura, however the installation fee doesn't included with package itself, and you cannot take them somewhere else to install.

3. uh , 6 cd disck changer, suspension...what else i am not familiar with base's detail

4. No the engines are not the same, I am not sure if the block, but crankshaft, cam, springs...all diff

5. 6 is better than 5.... what should i explain here

6. i havn't tried, but thinking about it, my S2000 friend does use it

7. no problem so far, 2nd gear grinding can be resolved by your own, it is said it has slow synchron, but u can avoid grinding if you shift rite.

8. up

9. Wings are mostly cosmetic until 70-80 mph up. Stock Acrua spoiler does a bit job but not too much. Type R wing stabilize the car much more.

10. uh intake header exhaust are basics, and intake 's effect is pretty good on RSX-S.
(a) if you wanna do NA... there's Spoon throttle body, Toda cams, Body club ECU, AEM pulleys....more
(b) if FI (force induction)... turbo kits are avaliable... supercharger havn't heard of.

11. stock tires under normal driving is ok, but it is very sucky if you do some hard cornering.

12. honda is reliable, and RSX has good interior, I am satisfied with my car.

 

they have a new handling package for 2003

 

I have to admit, the tires do suck pretty bad during aggressive cornering. In my area, you can get an S with Comptech springs and is warrantied by the dealership. The price was hefty, so I didn't opt for that. Supposedly the 2nd and 3rd gear grind is fixed with the later 2002 and all 2003 RSX's... We had the grind at first, but then when we took it back to the dealership, it's all good now.
Don't just settle for the base. If it's the S you want, get it, because if you get the base, later on you're gonna say to yourself "I should have gotten the S."