RSX Appeal
Acura RSX-S
Text by Michael Semira
Photos by Velocite

4/12/2005

To build a top-notch vehicle, it is extremely important to use all of the resources at your disposal. Whether they’re elements like skilled labour, high-quality parts or expert advice, every little bit counts when piecing a major project car together. As a certified Honda technician, Cavinh Su already had one of his bases covered. But going the extra mile to create something totally unique usually requires the help of an entire support team. This is where the Guelph, ON native turned to his friends at Raceworld.ca, a sport compact-based group dedicated to promoting the tuning scene in Canada. Together, both Cavinh and Raceworld were able to build one of the most complete Acura RSXs on the scene today.

Before Cavinh ultimately picked up his RSX Type S in February 2004, he conducted a fair amount of research to make sure that he was making the right choice. There’s no worse feeling for a tuner than finding out that your ride doesn’t have the aftermarket support you need. However, logging onto a few RSX-oriented websites, attending local shows and surfing the web revealed that the DC5 is not only a potent platform from the factory, but offers its owners a number of aftermarket upgrades as well.

The K20A2 powerplant that propels this two-door provides a healthy 200 horses at the crank. Featuring 2.0L of displacement and a reworked i-VTEC system, the RSX-S is quite the <a style='text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 3px double;' href="http://www.srch-results.com/lm/rtl3.asp?si=51&k=pocket%20rocket" onmouseover="window.status='Search for: pocket rocket'; window.parent.skeyphrase='pocket%20rocket'; if(window.event){window.parent.sevent=window.event .srcElement;} window.parent.timeout = setTimeout('doMouseOver()', 1500); window.parent.isOverLink=true; return true;" onclick="window.parent.isOverLink=true; doMouseOver(); window.parent.skeyphrase='pocket%20rocket'; window.status='SEARCH FOR: pocket rocket';return false;" onmouseout="window.status=''; if(window.parent.timeout) clearTimeout(window.parent.timeout);window.parent. isOverTip = false; setTimeout('closeiframe()', 900); ">pocket rocket</a> in stock trim. Though the naturally aspirated upgrades are aplenty and are proven to produce sick power (Skunk2’s RSX currently holds the All Motor FWD record of 9.86 @ 140.71 mph), Cavinh was looking for something a little different. To extract the most from this engine, one typical NA upgrade Cavinh went with was a pair of Comp Cams camshafts.

Popping the hood reveals the GReddy T517Z turbo kit that now force feeds the K-series motor. Using a Mitsubishi-spec T517Z turbocharger, the GReddy kit comes with everything needed to boost the K20 quickly and safely. From the <a style='text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 3px double;' href="http://www.srch-results.com/lm/rtl3.asp?si=51&k=cast%20iron" onmouseover="window.status='Search for: cast-iron'; window.parent.skeyphrase='cast%20iron'; if(window.event){window.parent.sevent=window.event .srcElement;} window.parent.timeout = setTimeout('doMouseOver()', 1500); window.parent.isOverLink=true; return true;" onclick="window.parent.isOverLink=true; doMouseOver(); window.parent.skeyphrase='cast%20iron'; window.status='SEARCH FOR: cast-iron';return false;" onmouseout="window.status=''; if(window.parent.timeout) clearTimeout(window.parent.timeout);window.parent. isOverTip = false; setTimeout('closeiframe()', 900); ">cast-iron</a> manifold, Airinx intake system and all required piping, Su and the team at Next Level Automotive in Etobicoke, ON had no problems getting the RSX-S up to speed. Joe, Stephen and Jason handled the installation of all performance upgrades and accessories on the car.

The GReddy turbo kit is just the tip of the iceberg, as Su integrated a few more go-fast bits to make his DC5 stand out from the rest. Expelling the fumes is a 5Zigen Fireball exhaust made of custom 2.5-inch piping for his turbo setup. Relieving the built-up stress is a TurboSmart blow-off valve, while a GReddy Type T wastegate does its best to eliminate boost creep. A set of MP2 Performance pulleys and intake manifold gasket free up a few more ponies, while the oil catch can ensures that improper lubrication does not become an issue.

Activated by one of the switches found on the Ignited Performance DIN panel, the four-fogger <a style='text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 3px double;' href="http://www.srch-results.com/lm/rtl3.asp?si=51&k=nitrous%20oxide" onmouseover="window.status='Search for: nitrous oxide'; window.parent.skeyphrase='nitrous%20oxide'; if(window.event){window.parent.sevent=window.event .srcElement;} window.parent.timeout = setTimeout('doMouseOver()', 1500); window.parent.isOverLink=true; return true;" onclick="window.parent.isOverLink=true; doMouseOver(); window.parent.skeyphrase='nitrous%20oxide'; window.status='SEARCH FOR: nitrous oxide';return false;" onmouseout="window.status=''; if(window.parent.timeout) clearTimeout(window.parent.timeout);window.parent. isOverTip = false; setTimeout('closeiframe()', 900); ">nitrous oxide</a> system from Nitrous Express provides the RSX-S with an instant pick-me-up.

With such a wide array of aftermarket goodies under the hood, Su uses a fine-tuned GReddy e-Manage unit and a set of 440cc <a style='text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 3px double;' href="http://www.srch-results.com/lm/rtl3.asp?si=51&k=fuel%20injectors" onmouseover="window.status='Search for: fuel injectors'; window.parent.skeyphrase='fuel%20injectors'; if(window.event){window.parent.sevent=window.event .srcElement;} window.parent.timeout = setTimeout('doMouseOver()', 1500); window.parent.isOverLink=true; return true;" onclick="window.parent.isOverLink=true; doMouseOver(); window.parent.skeyphrase='fuel%20injectors'; window.status='SEARCH FOR: fuel injectors';return false;" onmouseout="window.status=''; if(window.parent.timeout) clearTimeout(window.parent.timeout);window.parent. isOverTip = false; setTimeout('closeiframe()', 900); ">fuel injectors</a> to make sure that his unique setup works in perfect harmony. The end results are quite impressive, as the 400whp this RSX-S produces shows there’s definitely a beast underneath this beauty. Even Acura’s proven reliability needs a hand when this kind of power is involved, so JE Pistons slugs fill each cylinder. To get the power to the ground, an ACT clutch and flywheel combo was employed.

Keeping this force-fed fury under control is a Progress coil-over suspension system. Using a special spring and damper combination suggested by Jeff Cheechov at Progress Competition, the system is tuned for aggressive street driving and is perfect for Su’s application. The coil-overs offer height adjustability from one to three inches and allow him to dial them in to his exact specifications.

Grip is provided by a set of Ventus Sport tires generously supplied by Hankook Tire Canada. Fortunately for Su, his close affiliation with Raceworld and extensive event schedule helped cement the sponsorship agreement with the Korean-based tire manufacturer, making his RSX-S one of the flagship vehicles of the Hankook Canada team.

Using 225 / 35 rubber at all four corners, these Y-rated boots are wrapped around a set of 18- x 8-inch 5Zigen MK5 wheels courtesy of BC Auto & Design in Markham, ON. The split five-spoke design and Hyper Black finish provide a classic look for the RSX and the brand’s pedigree has been built up time and again on race tracks all over Japan and North America.

Though Su decided to maintain the factory Premium White Pearl paintjob, he turned to a local legend to add a touch of spice. The white base provided a great canvas for Dominique Nguyen of Dominique Designs to showcase his talent. With heavy influence from Japanese Anime characters, Su let Nguyen’s imagination and airbrush go wild. Within a couple weeks, an Anime-themed mural adorned the rear end of the RSX, definitely making Su stand out in a crowd.

Further adding aggressiveness to the exterior is a complete INGS-style body kit from ViS Racing hand-picked by Peter and ViS. Race-inspired front and rear bumpers replace the stockers, while a set of side skirts complete the facelift. The fitting and painting were done by the experts at CFD Custom Design, in Woodbridge, ON. Here, Danny Cina handled the painting of the new body pieces, Joe prepped them for paint and Ismet put the car back together again. These guys are no strangers to working on some of the best show vehicles ever to come out of Toronto and this was no exception. Before the car rolled out, a GE Elusion Red Rage underbody neon kit was bolted on to catch the eyes when the sun goes down.



Su’s mobile headquarters has been completely re-worked thanks to his good friends at Grand Prix Imports in Montreal, QC. Increased lateral support is provided by a pair of Recaro Speed reclining bucket seats equipped with MOMO four-point harnesses that hold Su and his passenger firmly in place. Steering feel is improved courtesy of the MOMO Avion 350 wheel, while a MOMO <a style='text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 3px double;' href="http://www.srch-results.com/lm/rtl3.asp?si=51&k=shift%20knob" onmouseover="window.status='Search for: shift knob'; window.parent.skeyphrase='shift%20knob'; if(window.event){window.parent.sevent=window.event .srcElement;} window.parent.timeout = setTimeout('doMouseOver()', 1500); window.parent.isOverLink=true; return true;" onclick="window.parent.isOverLink=true; doMouseOver(); window.parent.skeyphrase='shift%20knob'; window.status='SEARCH FOR: shift knob';return false;" onmouseout="window.status=''; if(window.parent.timeout) clearTimeout(window.parent.timeout);window.parent. isOverTip = false; setTimeout('closeiframe()', 900); ">shift knob</a> aids in gear selection. The MOMO pedal set and floor mats down below complete the race-like feel of the interior.

Su has incorporated a number of Auto Meter gauges to help him keep tabs on his boosted K20. A massive Auto Meter Monster tachometer with shift light lets him know when to change gears, while gauges monitoring the air / fuel ratio, oil pressure, nitrous pressure and fuel pressure display other vital information.

To ensure that his cabin had all the comforts of home, Su turned to the award-winning Frank Valenti at 20HZ Audio in Woodbridge, ON. The duo looked to creative minds at the AZ-based Rockford Fosgate and Lightning Audio to help piece together the perfect system. With the help of Bob Chanthavongsa, one of the Rockford Corporation’s product gurus, they were given access to the newest Lightning Audio and Rockford Fosgate equipment to create a clean and powerful multimedia setup for this one-of-a-kind RSX-S.

A Rockford Fosgate RAV DVD2 in-dash head unit acts as the epicenter of this multimedia system. Featuring a 7-inch LCD monitor and DVD player, this unit provides the eye-popping visuals for Su and his passengers. The trunk-mounted Lightning Audio X1.800.4 Storm four-channel amplifier sends juice to the Lightning Audio X1.65C component set up front and the heart-stopping S4.15.VC2 15-inch subwoofer. The result is an awesome install capable of shattering windows and chattering teeth. Whether Su’s RSX-S is flying across the highway, cruising down through the club district or on display at the show, you can bet that his custom system is up to the task.

With his RSX-S finally complete, Su spends much of the year touring with Raceworld as the team makes appearances at many of the major Canadian events. The RSX-S also acts as the crown jewel of the various Raceworld-produced events that are held all over the Greater Toronto Area. Su would like to extend his appreciation to all of those who supported his project, especially Hankook Tire Canada, GE Elusion Lighting, BC Auto & Design, Rockford Fosgate and Lightning Audio, Progress Competition, GReddy, Auto Meter Products, Grand Prix Imports, TurboSmart, Nitrous Express, Ignited Performance, JE Pistons, Comp Cams, ACT, Next Level Automotive, MP2 Performance, 20HZ Audio, CFD Custom Design, ShinzoWerks and Dominique Designs. A special thanks goes to the entire Raceworld community for helping to make his RSX dream a reality. Keep an eye out for Su and his RSX-S as he plans to take home the crown as the top RSX in the country.