Might get a RSX Type S the good/bad

[Dr.Gonzo]

Hello I am thinking about getting a new(used) car in a year to a year and a half. The RSX TypeS is one car that keeps popping into my mind. Having never driven one or any Honda for that matter what should I expect?

I am driving right now a Heavily modded MKIII VR6 Jetta(Cams, Schrick VGI,Pullies, exhaust, headers, CAI, 10lb. Lightened fly wheel, GIAC chip, and N/D Clutch. Soon to get Big Valve head, Hi Flow cat, stage IV Motor mounts.)I don't know how much hp it's making to the wheels but I suspect somwhere between 190-205. I won't sell my Jetta but I just want something new to play with and the RSX TypeS seems to be the kind of car that I'd want to dive into for modding.

Thanks.

[RSX-S777]

Compared to your torquey Jetta, you will be less than pumped about the RSXs lackluster low-end torque. Having never driven a Honda, however, you will love the iVTEC. The only negatives (at least up to 2004) would be the terrible stock tires and reports of gear grind/misshifting due to the synchro setup and narrow gates. Once you get used to the car, it's not really a problem, though. It's a fast car, especially mid to high, great suspension and responds extremely well to mods. If you install somewhat comparable mods to those on your Jetta, you'll have a pretty smoking RSX.

[mason_RsX]

I was gonna say your gonna be pissed with the car till about 5500 rpm...Vtec is nice, but you will miss the low end torque...as for the cheap tires thats a Honda trademark. my good friend Toyo helped me with that (WALNUTS BABY!)... Its a great car for regular driving, and then when ur sick of that and just wanna let loose, shes very happy to oblige...






Kinda like Crazy Canucks mom!

[Dr.Gonzo]

Well if I want tq I will just switch cars and drive my Jetta. I wish some dealer ship around where I lived would let me test drive the TypeS just to get a feel for it. How well does the RSX TypeS respond to simple mods CAI,Header,Exhaust? I hear the stock exhaust is pretty good so it's sort of dumb to put one on. Anyway how much do Hondata's cost and how much do the improve hp across the power band?

[Dr.Gonzo]

I've always admired Honda products also just b/c they last a longtime and are 9 times out of 10 pretty durable and give good mpg. I've never driven I car I could really rev. The VR6's rev limiter after chipping it is 7200rpms. However after I get the BVH,High flow cat, and MKIV head gasket my N/A project on my Jetta will be complete. Thank God.

[Dr.Gonzo]

Oh yeah by the way thanks for the responses.

[crazy_canuck]

You owned a VW so you'll have to get used to a car with reliability Much better reliability, fit and finish, design, modability, but less torque.

[mmont0]

Gas mileage is a plus with the RSX. If you drive it like a grandma, you'll be able to pull out close to 30 mpg. If you drive it like it should be driven, you would get 25 mpg. I've driven it both ways for a tank of gas and can attest to the large mpg difference.

The only negative that I have had with the RSX is that my dashboard rattles a bit when the temperature is very cold outside. Once the car warms up on the inside, the rattling seems to go away.

Also, there are a lot of mods out there for the RSX, which is a plus.

[Dr.Gonzo]

Should I do a search when it comes to mods? What are the best basic simple mods plus what kinds of cams can you get for the RSX TypeS,cost, and Expected power? I know that's a lot to ask. Who makes the best cams for the RSX TypeS. It will probably be about a year before I think about getting one but I want to know as much as possible before purchase. Oh by the way I live in Omaha NE and they have a bad ass turbo'd white RSX TypeS.

[crazy_canuck]

Welllllllllll good mods to get are a CAI, headers (preferably race), short shifter, JDM rear sway, and motor mounts. A good driver can get high 14s or even break 13s with that (the sway is for handling only).

I have no clue about cams though.....

[RSX-S777]

Originally Posted by crazy_canuck

You owned a VW so you'll have to get used to a car with reliability Much better reliability, fit and finish, design, modability, but less torque.

I second that. My ex-gf had a VW and it was totally substandard in these areas. As far as cams are concerned, check out Toda- I've heard nothing but good things. There are plenty of tests to be found out there involving Toda packages on stock Type S' as well as cars with any number of mod combinations.

[Dr.Gonzo]

Ok to defend VW. The only really messed up things on my 95 VW Jetta are the coil packs going bad, window motors going out, and the cruise control. The engine and tranny are pretty much bullet proof. I know for a fact the VR6 engine can handle 400whp and tranny that much also. My heated leather seats still work well plus the interior, carpet, etc. are still very nice. Over all I am happy with my VW. I have done dumb things like down shift from 4th to 2nd and totally bounced off the redline with no ill effects. Plus I really like my factory stock BBS rims. How many hondas come with BBS rims or better from the factory? Not that I am disrespecting Honda they make great products and I want to buy one eventually just give VW a fair shake.

Each car has its ups and downs so peace between both.

So what's the deal with aftermarket cams for the RSX TypeS? I have been looking but can't find much in the case of cams. Also I am reading that putting an aftermarket exhaust on them is one of the last things to do b/c stock they flow pretty well. Is this true?

[Mendari]

Originally Posted by Dr.Gonzo

Each car has its ups and downs so peace between both.

I aggree.
H cars have a cult following that, for some reason, includes a high rate of theft and petty vandilism. When is the last time someone stole the badges off of your V-Dub?
I previously owned a completely stock Honda Prelude. But it became a huge headache if it left my sight.
My friend has a trick MR2 turbo with everything from the GReddy catalog and massive 18 inch look-at-me-wheels. He's never had a problem.
I really like the RSX, but I also like to sleep at night.

[crazy_canuck]

That's cuz no one wants to be assosciated with the VolksLemon nameplate

[crazy_canuck]

Oh and vandalism depends on the neighbourhood. My old protege got owned by vandals, but I have no problems with the RSX. And theft is low on the RSX.