I have been an Acura owner since buying an '87 Integra LS in 1986. I purchased my '02 RSX Type-S new and unless Honda/Acura releases a new FWD hatch, I will likely hold on to my RSX indefinitely. I have performed some modifications over the years, and at this point, the car seems better than new.

In 2006, when the warranty expired, I installed a Comptech Ice Box cold air intake, a Hondata insulated intake manifold gasket, and sent my ECU to Hondata for a reflash. I wish I hadn't waited. The new ECU programming flattened the torque curve and with the new mid-range torque, I didn't find it necessary to rev to redline for good acceleration. Hondata still sells the reflash and it is only $300 now, half of what I paid.

In 2010, I was looking at replacing the shocks and found the most cost effective upgrade was the A-spec suspension kit from Acura. For about $1000 dealer installed, I have new shocks, springs, and correct alignment with about a half inch drop. Cornering is much improved with only slight impact to daily driving comfort. I now slow way down for speed bumps/humps.

This year, I installed Hardrace motor mounts. These are not the polyurethane mounts that will shake out your fillings. These are rubber and look very much like the OEM mounts. However, they are stiffer and reduce wheel hop. There is an increase in motor vibrations at idle at colder temperatures, but this is not excessive.

I also modified my factory Bose stereo system to add an auxiliary port for an MP3 player. This modification requires soldering wires to the internal circuit card and is fairly complex. There are detailed instructions for this do-it-yourself project on Club RSX. I purchased a used unit on Ebay for $40 and swapped it after modifying it.

I also had my car painted this year. The clear coat was peeling on the roof after years in the Florida sun. I kept the original Firepepper Red Pearl paint color, but added pearl stripes and had the wheels painted gunmetal. I also replaced the headlights as the originals had yellowed significantly.

Here are some photos:





Here is my new AUX port:

 

Welcome! We need more pics of the RSX

 

You can see some "action" photos on some of the "Tail of the Dragon" photo sites. Earlier this month, I participated with an Integra forum in an event at the Dragon, a section of US129 that is on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. This 11 mile section of US129 claims 318 curves and is great fun to drive, especially compared to Florida roads!

The web sites with the photos are US129photos, 129slayer, killboy, and moonshinephoto. Check out the dates, August 4th, 5th, and 6th, for photos of my car.

Here is a link to an example:
US129photos low resolution proofs

 

Welcome! a new member myself with an rsx yours looks fresh

 

Thanks! New paint will do that!

 

yup! got mine repainted just last month def' makes a big difference

 

oh man that thing looks shiny very nice.

 

Congrats Welcome to AZ! Check out the 3G garage for tons of info. Also register your TL at www.myacura.com in the USA or https://www.myacura.acura.ca/ in Canada. Save your Navi and Radio codes there. Check for any recalls your TL may need.