@@tonybanana4016 RIP car... Kidding! But take it from us old folks. Is very easy to ruin a car, and hard to fix it later in life. And that is a nice car that can be enjoyed for decades. Exhaust, bad fit wheels and such, look good, ruins the drive. Sure, might think it is cool, but in a year or two? Will be wanting it nice again.
My brother has a 06 model type s white color as well hes had it for almost 8 years its stock other then the kn ram air intake that car is so nice he doest drive it hard he takes care of the car its 6 speed manual he hast done much since hes gotten it runs like new these cars are 💎 I'm going to buy it from him when he sells it and im going to keep it till i pass love that car
Look after your body Wizard. I worked as a mechanic in the marine industry for over 40 years and now I’m 70 years old and bedridden from abusing my body. Take it from me,it sucks.
25 years as a mechanic, disabled now. I know the feeling. Health issues. I'm mid '40's and it sucks! Twirling my thumbs and bored as hell watching the 'Tube Love the Wizard!
Folks, I told my wife to stop hitting the brakes so hard on her car (she is from CA) on her 2021 Suby Crosstrek...I keep telling her go easy and plan ahead for braking, I can't physically replace your're brakes anymore, its gonna cost $$$$. 28k miles on that car since she bought it new, the brakes on my own car a "07 Lexus RX350 with 152k miles last 5+ years. Edit...I don;'t like the "Rosstrek, it rides like crap. CVT too. I'd rather she got a Crown Vic/Grand Merc
46 years of mechanics, that is planes, cars. motorcycles and industrial machinery, I got arthritis and a skin condition from the chemicals and pollutants and now I have allergies when I never had a problem before. I'm retired so I'm enjoying myself while I still can, bicycling, running and walking, no more working on cars.
It's bc u was in the military. That's not a real job. U get lazy in the armed forces. My dad had been a mechanic since he was a teenager amd he's in his 70s and still works everyday amd drives wreckers and runs a impound. Not just play mechanic jobs either. He still does motor swaps and 4x4 transmissions.
@@bikeman1x11 looking at the keychain I’d say it’s a woman and I just don’t know many women garage mechanics out there that would have the skills to do it correctly.
I have an Integra TypeS (basically the same car in Australia) in similar condition. The top engine and gearbox mount were easy enough, the bottom one I had my mechanic do that as the exhaust is in the way. I put in Hasport mounts, which in hindsight was a bit overkill for a daily driver; much louder + vibration in the cabin. Still love driving it, 17yrs later...
@@evoman44 they didn't sell in large numbers. I worked at the Acura dealer (in MA) from 05-07 model years and we barely sold the RSX, and especially the type S. The TSX, TL, and MDX were constantly moving, but the RSX was a rare sale and they sat on the lot. I wanted to buy one but at 24k I couldn't do it. I got an 07 civic SI instead for cheaper and it was a more liveable car. The Si heavily outsold it.
That little lifter is a Lost Motion Assembly, its job is to act as a buffer for the center rocker for the big cam until the vtec pins are actuated which then locks all the rockers together for the vtec cam.
Had a new RSX and loved it, then went back two years later for a deal and went for the S version and among the three they had all of them had wipers that would not work correctly and shuddered across the windshield. Ended up making an even better deal on a red manual TSX........Hinshaw Acura in Fife, WA
I loved the RSX-S, such a fun car on a twisty road with lots of shifting. The TSX was my 2nd favorite, much more comfortable, and still fun to drive with a 6 speed.
I had one of the first ones produced in satin silver. It really needed to be driven like you hated it to perform. The only issue i had was a skipped timing chain. Traded it at 200k.
I had that happen on a car. I stopped at a gas station and the mechanic had a little gauge he put on the windshield with the wiper on top of it. He bent the arms out till they were in spec and that stopped the shuddering. Other cars since then that did that I just bent the arms out a little at a time till the shuddering stopped.😊
A 20 year old Acura and all it needed is a valve adjustment and a air bag module changed easy fixes also so clean under the rocker cover that Acura will easily last another 20 years as long as the valves are adjusted
The original engine in this RSX Type-S is the K20A2. My 2002 example purchased new still ran like new when it was stolen in 2017. The best thing I ever did to it was the Hondata ECU reflash. The car drove so much better and you didn't have to wind it to redline to feel the power. I highly recommend this if your customer wants to see how this good car can be great!
It's not RSX-S it's RSX type S. You can see where the word type would have been with the remaining adhesive but it would be easy for someone to think it was just a hyphen with the emblem missing.
@johnfetter it's not a bad camera for the price but there are certainly better models available. Move the cocks outta your face and checkout some google reviews for scope cameras 👍
Pretty much every Honda I-4 engine has valves that need to be adjusted at "tune-up" time (first one at about 100K miles), even today's L-Series, including the Turbo models.
You are going to want to check and possibly replace all of the Lost Motion Assembly. These will probably be worn out on a high milage engine like this one. Also need to check and clean the VTEC solenoid screens for debris. These issues and the valve adjust are all important on Honda VTEC engines.
It's an iVTEC which means it also has variable valve timing on the intake side as well as variable valve lift. The timing adjustment is conventional with a solenoid at the no.1 cylinder end activating it.
Thanks for sharing such an original RSX Type S, Wizard. Like others have said, I can't remember the last time I saw one. RSX replaced the Integra, and what a cool car the RSX Type S is.
I have 2 RSX's and have had 3 others and an Ep3. Around the area of the last place I lived in I saw 3 RSX's of people who lived within half a mile. Plus I knew like 6 people who have had one.
Thank you Wizard! I've got a local guy that's generally great on my 98 GMC pickup but isn't familiar with the K-24 A2 in my TSX and claims that, "you don't need to adjust the valves on these". I'm getting better at taking on things with my vehicles, mostly because I can find visual help on YT.
Actually, under the center rocker arm is a simple spring that keeps the center rocker from rattling when not in use. When Vtec kicks in, the solenoid opens, allowing more oil pressure to enter the rocker shaft, shifting a plunger over, locking the outer rocker arms to the center one to utilize the center lobe. When you let off the throttle, the solenoid closes, causing the oil pressure return to normal, unlocking the rocker arms.
I had a 2012 Honda civic 1.8l 200k miles original owner never had valves adjusted lol before adjusting 2 cylinders at 90 psi , 1 at 140, another at 110 after they all was 180psi ran perfectly
The VTEC engines are so much fun, because you *have* to wind them out to get their maximum power. If you shift before 4K RPM, you're missing half the fun!
Used to work in a Honda dealership for a while about 15 years ago. Valve adjustments were usually done every 40000km. It's a practice I carried forward to my Honda bike (even though it's not vtec). Regular valve adjustments definitely keep it starting and running smoother. And yes it's definitely no fun doing mechanical work when you get older. Arthritis in the back and the hands and carpal tunnel means I prefer to pay the mechanic to do the heavy stuff these days.
I had a black 2003 RSX as my first car. Sold it for cheap and it got turned into a dirt track car. One of the biggest regrets I have was selling it even though I didn’t have much of a choice.
My brother bought the RSX base model back in 2002 with the automatic transmission. The car was very reliable and he followed the service intervals set out in the owners manual. He loved that car til the day he sold it in 2018.
Had an 03 type-s as well. Had common 2-3rd gear pop out issue as well as an engine surging issue at idle. Changed gear oil to amsoil synchro mesh gear oil and fixed my gear shifting issue. Surging was a sensor that went bad. Other than that car ran great never really had any issues than those.
The motor mounts are known to go bad. My Daughter has a 2006 base automatic. Excellent little car! Mounts were shot at 100k miles. My mechanic charged me 800.00 with OEM mounts. It was smooth as silk after that! Miss that car.
@@SomeOne_86 nope, the K20A1 is throttle cable. Even on the refreshed rsx both engines were cable throttle. I'm not a big Honda nerd, but I believe they were the last Honda engines with a cable throttle. I wanted an RSX-S over the civic SI for that reason, but I eventually got the civic SI and I still have it. In that era I HATED drive by wire throttles. It took me a while to get used to them.
I track one of these (06 RSX type S) super fun car. In my opinion it’s the last proper analog Acura to exist. They are super fun when tuned and with alittle but of weight removed.
Actually, you still need to adjust modern honda's for valve lash! For example, the L15B7, 1.5Turbo engine, they still dont have hydraulic lifters. Mine had 100.000 kilometers on it when I bought it, and instantly had it done, along with all the fluids.
Those are neat little cars! I don't see many around anymore. Never had a RSX, but had a 1987 Celica GT-S-- I loved that car!!! Unfortunately don't see them on the road anymore too.
Really? Where do you live? I live in a city in south western Canada of about 400,000. I have 2 RSX's and at the last place I lived at there were 3 RSX owners within like half a mile of me.
The type S had a not bad head unit at all. It just now is 20 years old so doesn’t have Bluetooth or an aux cable, so yeah, lotta people like to upgrade it so if they can play their Spotifly or other audio from their phones.
Mine too. You don't see these anymore in this good of shape. The lens are clear because they probably aren't that old. Those are aftermarket headlights.
I had an '06 Type-S that I got at ~60K and I drove it up to ~193K, then sold it to a neighborhood kid that was an enthusiast. Absolute blast to drive and daily for sure!
Same thing with the J series V6 they still use as far as the valve adjustment goes. The intakes seem to loosen over time and the exhausts seem to tighten over time, that's what my professor always told me.
I had a 2003 type S for about 6 years until it got stolen. Love the car but you had to rev the snot bout of the engine to prevent minivans from passing you
@mjk9674 Kilmer's a hack by now! More often than not, for the last few years, what he says barely makes sense! Time to hang up his tools and, especially, his camera and microphone!
My 1 st new car was an Integra GSR and i remember when thoses RSX came out im dying for the type S model. But i remember the rear of those base RSX bounced around. Rear suspension was better on Integra !
I wanted one, maybe even the stripped-down Type R. The closest I got was an almost-new Civic DX Hatchback which I hotted up just a little. Now, I 'make-do' with a 2013 FR-S.
The k20z1 engine came only in the 05-06 RSX type S. Also the interior has a rare expensive A-spec silver trim pieces around center console and vents and door handles. The 6 gear is just an overdrive, it isn’t easy to get in 6th in city driving.
🤔🤔🤔 I've had 2 K20's EP3 K20A2 198bhp N/A FK2 K20C1 306 bhp Turbo The Best version is the K20A N/A 215bhp DC5 LSD ivtec (Inlet & Exhaust) then Turbo/Supercharger install (Runs safe at 450bhp) 6th gear is 40+mph 👍
I got the interior upgrade for less than $100 several years after the car went out of production and the kit was sitting at dealership shelfs since 2002.
I always like those Acuras but my heart sank every time I saw a transverse engine. I just loved the RWD, so I never came together with an Acura, but I had friends who thought they were lovely.
I still drive manual transmission car. I’m 56, broke my back, pelvis, hip and shattered my right femur 10 years ago, doesn’t bother me to drive stick at all 😊
Another US regular motorist that considers maintenance to be optional. The valve adjustment for that engine is due at 110k miles - not at 150k miles. On a plus note, the car appears to be in good condition.
@@user-tb7rn1il3q The regular slow revving engine which includes many current US V8s is usually fitted with hyrdaulic lifters that don't require regular 'gapping'. All high revving engines - which includes 'regular US made V8s' used for competion purposes - substitue the hydraulic lifters with solid lifters because hydraulic lifters are unable to maintain a consistent valve opening at high engine rpms. The Honda is one such engine that can be revved to circa 8000rpm so the manufacturer has fitted solid lifters to ensure this can be performaned reliably and without sustaining any damage to the valve train. The 'cam to follower' clearance on solid lifters must be checked and adjusted at OEM recommeded intervals - because of wear to the cam lobe and the follower's top - it's that simple.
These Honda Engines were really special, and if you consider these being available in affordable cars, that's exciting. Car Wizard one day stated that Ferrari or Lamborghini and the likes are true sportscars and even a Acura NSX would never have the spirit or character. Well, look at these Honda engines at that time and confess they have definitly CHARACTER and touched one's soul. I drove Honda CRX for 17 years (2nd Gen 130HP DOHC non-VTEC), still the most memorable car despite having had 20 Mercedes including a C63 AMG W205. The CRX was slightly more fun, believe it or not.
I have several Hondas, the newest being an 08 Fit. It still requires a valve adjustment. I do it every 30,000 miles and find that typically 5 or 6 valves are out of spec. I am always surprised that owners of older Hondas have no idea that periodic valve adjustment is necessary. But I have a friend with a 99 Civic that took it to his mechanic and was told that it ran fine. I adjusted the valves on it afterwards and the performance difference was night and day. He was excited to have his car running like new again. So this mechanic had no clue that this procedure was still needed. Or he was just trying to get rid of my friend even though he was a regular customer.
@@ReadyFreddie5523 My 3 Hondas have a total of 855,000 miles on them. My 28 year old Civic with 440,000 miles still has the original shocks and springs! As for my 08 Fit, I have spent about $200 per year for the last 16 years on parts and maintenance. With 211,000 miles I still
I had a 1999 Camaro Z28, my sister had a 2003(ish) RSX base model/automatic. People think of the Camaro as being the more raw, unrefined, slapped together car. No it was that damn Acura, loud, rode STIFF, rattled, leather seats split, it wasn't a very pleasant car on the highway. The Camaro was way quieter, rode smoother, felt tighter/never rattled even with t-tops and 115k on it. Seats were more comfortable in the Acura, leather held up way better in the Camaro. Still the RSX was pretty fun on a twisty road, best handling FWD car I've ever driven except for a Mini Cooper, the steering/suspension was DIALED IN. Rest of the car, wasn't that impressed, felt like a cheap, old beat up Civic. Also hers did have the damn airbag light, seems like it never stayed off permanently.
Had a Honda fit I was diagnosing misfire cylinder 3, ign was good so was fuel even swapped coils and injectors stay3e on 3 and it ended up being a valve adjustment.
My mom bought a 2002 Premium (with a 5-speed, of course) on a whim. I bought it from her in 2009 and drove it until October 2022 when it rear-ended a Subaru. After messing around with other cars for almost a year, I bought a Type S, same colour, same year, same MILEAGE. My point: the RSX is the best car EVER. They’re snazzy looking, they’re dead reliable, they’re fun to drive without getting into too much trouble, they’re easy to work on, and they have huge aftermarket support. And if you’re wise and get a manual, your friends aren’t going to ask to drive it!
Back in the day when i had 1998 Honda Prelude SH (H22-A4). I took it to the dealership to do valve adjustment and they never did it. All the did is replace the valve cover gasket.
Dealers suck sometimes. I’m sitting by my near mint 01 5 speed prelude right now. It’s almost like new because I don’t drive it much. I’ve had it since 2004. I used to know the head mechanic at my local Honda dealer so I would get him to do whatever I needed. He died 7 years ago and now everyone in there is a young idiot 😢
I have a 1990 Dodge Shadow for commuting that still rocks the 14 inch tires. Its starting to get harder and harder to find tires that small. My 76 Dodge Aspen also still has 14s. I bought a shops last 14 inch tires in stock for that car. Said its not worth stocking them at all anymore
Mr. Car Wizard, looking back on your vid about 20 features not to buy. I have a 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis LS, only 44,000 miles. It's great! My question is about what I call "the bazzaro instrument panel". Green digits, huge speedometer digits, engine temp and fuel are green vertical bars. This system has lasted 20 years so far. What is your experience with this panel? Can the usual MGM analog speedometer and tach cluster be used to replace the barzarro dash? Thanks, Let's Roll! Wolf Alaska
I prefer that my valves be a little on the loose side. On my 92 civic my mechanic says loose valves won’t ruin the engine but it may sound like a 1960s bug lol.
...mmm my 2001 Accord VTEC had 471,500 miles on it and I never needed to replace the engine mounts But my 2002 Odyssey had only 97,000 miles on it and badly needed both engine mounts replaced !
Always wanted an rsx but not nearly as much as what it is actually called lol. Yes first with the k series in it though! But rather have a first gen gsr! Or a proper JDM third Gen Integra without the bug eyes! And to respond to the guy saying a teen would ruin one! That teen is not one that is keeping the tuning scene alive! Last gen that will do that! New kids don't even want to get licenses
This is a beautiful version of this car that hasn't been ruined by teenagers
Yes I bet it's still stock for the most part. Love the car for what it is...
It was targeted to younger drivers what do you expect
It’s my friends he’s 19
@@tonybanana4016 RIP car...
Kidding! But take it from us old folks. Is very easy to ruin a car, and hard to fix it later in life. And that is a nice car that can be enjoyed for decades. Exhaust, bad fit wheels and such, look good, ruins the drive. Sure, might think it is cool, but in a year or two? Will be wanting it nice again.
My brother has a 06 model type s white color as well hes had it for almost 8 years its stock other then the kn ram air intake that car is so nice he doest drive it hard he takes care of the car its 6 speed manual he hast done much since hes gotten it runs like new these cars are 💎 I'm going to buy it from him when he sells it and im going to keep it till i pass love that car
The 2002-2004 RSX Type S came with the K20A2 engine, the 2005-2006 came with the K20Z1
Im thinking the original a2 got exploded lol and replaced with a z1. Money shifts are a real danger in these cars on stock shift box.
He's not VTECing yo
I bought a 2002 RSX Type--S brand new and drove it for 200K miles. Great car and tons of fun to drive. I miss it!
Look after your body Wizard. I worked as a mechanic in the marine industry for over 40 years and now I’m 70 years old and bedridden from abusing my body. Take it from me,it sucks.
25 years as a mechanic, disabled now. I know the feeling. Health issues. I'm mid '40's and it sucks! Twirling my thumbs and bored as hell watching the 'Tube Love the Wizard!
Almost 30 years for me as a Marine Engineer. Needed a knee replacement. I guess I got off better than the above two gentlemen.
Folks, I told my wife to stop hitting the brakes so hard on her car (she is from CA) on her 2021 Suby Crosstrek...I keep telling her go easy and plan ahead for braking, I can't physically replace your're brakes anymore, its gonna cost $$$$. 28k miles on that car since she bought it new, the brakes on my own car a "07 Lexus RX350 with 152k miles last 5+ years. Edit...I don;'t like the "Rosstrek, it rides like crap. CVT too. I'd rather she got a Crown Vic/Grand Merc
46 years of mechanics, that is planes, cars. motorcycles and industrial machinery, I got arthritis and a skin condition from the chemicals and pollutants and now I have allergies when I never had a problem before.
I'm retired so I'm enjoying myself while I still can, bicycling, running and walking, no more working on cars.
It's bc u was in the military. That's not a real job. U get lazy in the armed forces. My dad had been a mechanic since he was a teenager amd he's in his 70s and still works everyday amd drives wreckers and runs a impound. Not just play mechanic jobs either. He still does motor swaps and 4x4 transmissions.
Owner should replace the motor mounts, these are hard to find in such nice shape.
might be able to do it himself for far less than the wizard
@@bikeman1x11 looking at the keychain I’d say it’s a woman and I just don’t know many women garage mechanics out there that would have the skills to do it correctly.
@@risinbison1106 she may have a man- motor mounts are often straightforward to replace
I have an Integra TypeS (basically the same car in Australia) in similar condition. The top engine and gearbox mount were easy enough, the bottom one I had my mechanic do that as the exhaust is in the way. I put in Hasport mounts, which in hindsight was a bit overkill for a daily driver; much louder + vibration in the cabin. Still love driving it, 17yrs later...
Hard to find one of those in really good shape with low miles
Most have been used and abused and riced out.
Exactly. They've all been beaten to hell and modded.
usually poorly modded. I built one top tier w a Frankenstein engine build. it would really put it down
Stolen and crash or stolen and stripped
It's odd how RSX's are hardly seen on the road anymore while K24 swaps still seem to be popular on older Honda's and Integras.
@@evoman44 they didn't sell in large numbers. I worked at the Acura dealer (in MA) from 05-07 model years and we barely sold the RSX, and especially the type S.
The TSX, TL, and MDX were constantly moving, but the RSX was a rare sale and they sat on the lot.
I wanted to buy one but at 24k I couldn't do it. I got an 07 civic SI instead for cheaper and it was a more liveable car.
The Si heavily outsold it.
That little lifter is a Lost Motion Assembly, its job is to act as a buffer for the center rocker for the big cam until the vtec pins are actuated which then locks all the rockers together for the vtec cam.
Had a new RSX and loved it, then went back two years later for a deal and went for the S version and among the three they had all of them had wipers that would not work correctly and shuddered across the windshield. Ended up making an even better deal on a red manual TSX........Hinshaw Acura in Fife, WA
I loved the RSX-S, such a fun car on a twisty road with lots of shifting.
The TSX was my 2nd favorite, much more comfortable, and still fun to drive with a 6 speed.
I had one of the first ones produced in satin silver. It really needed to be driven like you hated it to perform. The only issue i had was a skipped timing chain. Traded it at 200k.
I had that happen on a car.
I stopped at a gas station and the mechanic had a little gauge he put on the windshield with the wiper on top of it. He bent the arms out till they were in spec and that stopped the shuddering.
Other cars since then that did that I just bent the arms out a little at a time till the shuddering stopped.😊
I have a TSX 1st Gen… love the car… will never get tired of it…
I also bought a new black 2004 RSX type s from Hinshaws in Fife back in the day
As a former owner of two Acura Integra’s (88 & 93), I love the RSX. Very cool 😎
A 20 year old Acura and all it needed is a valve adjustment and a air bag module changed easy fixes also so clean under the rocker cover that Acura will easily last another 20 years as long as the valves are adjusted
I have a 2002 Rsx with 90k miles same color. Love the little car!
The original engine in this RSX Type-S is the K20A2. My 2002 example purchased new still ran like new when it was stolen in 2017. The best thing I ever did to it was the Hondata ECU reflash. The car drove so much better and you didn't have to wind it to redline to feel the power. I highly recommend this if your customer wants to see how this good car can be great!
It's not RSX-S it's RSX type S. You can see where the word type would have been with the remaining adhesive but it would be easy for someone to think it was just a hyphen with the emblem missing.
Ok? And?
You're assuming they can both read 😂, that's bold
@@scootermann83 You like playing with teschlong huh?
@johnfetter it's not a bad camera for the price but there are certainly better models available. Move the cocks outta your face and checkout some google reviews for scope cameras 👍
AcKcHyUaLlY
B series honda/acura halve valve adjustment too- my 98 integra has 50k miles- better to hear the valves than smell them!
Pretty much every Honda I-4 engine has valves that need to be adjusted at "tune-up" time (first one at about 100K miles), even today's L-Series, including the Turbo models.
@@gillesthibault429 sadly the new ones arent likeley to be as reliable as the the 90;s and 00's
You are going to want to check and possibly replace all of the Lost Motion Assembly. These will probably be worn out on a high milage engine like this one. Also need to check and clean the VTEC solenoid screens for debris. These issues and the valve adjust are all important on Honda VTEC engines.
It's an iVTEC which means it also has variable valve timing on the intake side as well as variable valve lift. The timing adjustment is conventional with a solenoid at the no.1 cylinder end activating it.
Great lesson today Mr and Mrs Wizard! Hondas engine builders,,, incredible!
Thanks for sharing such an original RSX Type S, Wizard. Like others have said, I can't remember the last time I saw one. RSX replaced the Integra, and what a cool car the RSX Type S is.
I have 2 RSX's and have had 3 others and an Ep3. Around the area of the last place I lived in I saw 3 RSX's of people who lived within half a mile. Plus I knew like 6 people who have had one.
Thank you Wizard! I've got a local guy that's generally great on my 98 GMC pickup but isn't familiar with the K-24 A2 in my TSX and claims that, "you don't need to adjust the valves on these". I'm getting better at taking on things with my vehicles, mostly because I can find visual help on YT.
Actually, under the center rocker arm is a simple spring that keeps the center rocker from rattling when not in use. When Vtec kicks in, the solenoid opens, allowing more oil pressure to enter the rocker shaft, shifting a plunger over, locking the outer rocker arms to the center one to utilize the center lobe. When you let off the throttle, the solenoid closes, causing the oil pressure return to normal, unlocking the rocker arms.
I'd definitely be doing those motor mounts. Trouble ahead if not replaced in a timely fashion...
I had a 2012 Honda civic 1.8l 200k miles original owner never had valves adjusted lol before adjusting 2 cylinders at 90 psi , 1 at 140, another at 110 after they all was 180psi ran perfectly
They do need it, all Hondas actually call for valve adjustment every 100k... It gives them a new life almost...
Good call doing the camera inspection! Check for damage, do a leakage check to make sure no burned valves too.
The VTEC engines are so much fun, because you *have* to wind them out to get their maximum power. If you shift before 4K RPM, you're missing half the fun!
JDM black Type-R style black headlight housings look good.
Used to work in a Honda dealership for a while about 15 years ago. Valve adjustments were usually done every 40000km. It's a practice I carried forward to my Honda bike (even though it's not vtec). Regular valve adjustments definitely keep it starting and running smoother.
And yes it's definitely no fun doing mechanical work when you get older. Arthritis in the back and the hands and carpal tunnel means I prefer to pay the mechanic to do the heavy stuff these days.
I had a black 2003 RSX as my first car. Sold it for cheap and it got turned into a dirt track car. One of the biggest regrets I have was selling it even though I didn’t have much of a choice.
My brother bought the RSX base model back in 2002 with the automatic transmission. The car was very reliable and he followed the service intervals set out in the owners manual. He loved that car til the day he sold it in 2018.
I've been running one of these for years. Have lots of love for a well maintained example. It's going to be a sad day when I have to let it go.
RSX was so awesome... in Japan and Europe this still was called a Honda Integra Type S, replacing the previous generation ITR that ended in 2001.
Had an 03 type-s as well. Had common 2-3rd gear pop out issue as well as an engine surging issue at idle. Changed gear oil to amsoil synchro mesh gear oil and fixed my gear shifting issue. Surging was a sensor that went bad. Other than that car ran great never really had any issues than those.
The motor mounts are known to go bad. My Daughter has a 2006 base automatic. Excellent little car! Mounts were shot at 100k miles. My mechanic charged me 800.00 with OEM mounts. It was smooth as silk after that! Miss that car.
I'm sure they are original so anything goes bad after 20 years or more on any car with that thigh mileage no matter what the car
Manual valve adjustment is a blessing. The cams are looking great!
That may be why, even today, Honda I-4s still have them, even the remaining Ks, as well as K and L-Turbo Series.
I was so sad when they replaced the Integra with this. It wasn't quite as bad as replacing the CRX with the Del Sol though.
Well good news for you. The RSX is an Integra. They just called it RSX here for some weird reason. Google DC5 Integra in Japan.
I love those cars!
I worked at an Acura dealer when those where new.
Last fun to drive Honda with a cable actuated throttle.
These are not drive by wire? I thought all the K series engines were DBW.
@@SomeOne_86 nope, the K20A1 is throttle cable.
Even on the refreshed rsx both engines were cable throttle.
I'm not a big Honda nerd, but I believe they were the last Honda engines with a cable throttle.
I wanted an RSX-S over the civic SI for that reason, but I eventually got the civic SI and I still have it.
In that era I HATED drive by wire throttles. It took me a while to get used to them.
@@volvo09early drive by wire throttles weren't very good. They had tons of lag. On modern cars you can't even tell.
@@wigletron2846 exactly, that's why I HATED them!
It took a while for the programming and response to be refined and not so slow like the early days.
I track one of these (06 RSX type S) super fun car. In my opinion it’s the last proper analog Acura to exist. They are super fun when tuned and with alittle but of weight removed.
The aftermarket is still making parts for this engine!
Yes, people are making insane power with these engines.
@@SomeOne_86 350hp is easy on Full stock internals.
@@crisnmaryfam7344with the use of forced Induction , of course….
11:00 min - I do. ✋🏾 I use to get them as a loaner car from the dealership. Fun little car. 😁👍🏾
Actually, you still need to adjust modern honda's for valve lash! For example, the L15B7, 1.5Turbo engine, they still dont have hydraulic lifters.
Mine had 100.000 kilometers on it when I bought it, and instantly had it done, along with all the fluids.
L15 engine suppose to be cheap Honda engine but Honda modify boost it and put into Acura.
@@GF-mf7ml Honda is Acura.
@@crisnmaryfam7344 you don't expect Acura cheap. Lexus don't use cheap 1.5L engine.
@@GF-mf7ml What is cheap about this engine?
@@The_Noticer. the engine is designed to be made as cheap as possible.
Those are neat little cars! I don't see many around anymore. Never had a RSX, but had a 1987 Celica GT-S-- I loved that car!!! Unfortunately don't see them on the road anymore too.
Really? Where do you live? I live in a city in south western Canada of about 400,000. I have 2 RSX's and at the last place I lived at there were 3 RSX owners within like half a mile of me.
I was 12 when these first came out! Always liked them and the S2000 that came out around the same time cool to see one so clean
Such a marvellous piece of engineering. I could drive a car like this for the rest of my life!
Older V tech used oil pushed slide pins to lock the low RPM rocker to the hi rpm rocker.
The type S had a not bad head unit at all. It just now is 20 years old so doesn’t have Bluetooth or an aux cable, so yeah, lotta people like to upgrade it so if they can play their Spotifly or other audio from their phones.
They were sold in Australia as the Honda Integra. Very popular cars at the time.
That’s a beautiful Honda civic si, always liked the look of that one. And the tsx also.
Acura was going crazy with the early 2000s type s models, i own a super rare cl type s with a 6 speed manual. fun car
One of my favourite Honda’s from the mid 2000’s. You can tell that car has been garaged most of it’s life by the clear lenses.
Mine too. You don't see these anymore in this good of shape. The lens are clear because they probably aren't that old. Those are aftermarket headlights.
Holy Shit, finally one of my JDM favorites is with the Wizard!
06 type S with just under 180k. Only issue I’ve ever had was dirt cheap to fix. Super fun car. Had a supercharger in it for 125k.
I had an '06 Type-S that I got at ~60K and I drove it up to ~193K, then sold it to a neighborhood kid that was an enthusiast. Absolute blast to drive and daily for sure!
these type of jdm videos is why i'm back and liking the video :)!
Should replace the motor mounts. Also get those seats redone.
Same thing with the J series V6 they still use as far as the valve adjustment goes. The intakes seem to loosen over time and the exhausts seem to tighten over time, that's what my professor always told me.
I’m selling my 2002 RSX type S (rust free!) in Wisconsin for $6000. 238k miles but rock solid reliable. Firepepper red and stock suspension
yup, they are sweet.I have a turbo Type-S and a daily 2005 RSX-S
I had a 2003 type S for about 6 years until it got stolen. Love the car but you had to rev the snot bout of the engine to prevent minivans from passing you
Well, if you're passing you're flooring it anyway.
I had an 04 rsx type s with a cat back exhaust and headers and a momo steering wheel miss that car so many memories
Love the way the wizard calls out the name of some of the tools and some he does not.
My mother-in-law had a regular RSX. It was a great little car to drive and was the same color as this one.
Very cool video Wizard. I loved these when they were new, I wanted one too.
Two things to not neglect: Timing belts + valve adjustments
I wanna see Wizard, Scotty and Carcarenut in a trio live show with their personal vehicles!!!
I ❤ the Car Care Nut. He's such an honourable mechanic.
Scotty is the King @6+ mil subscribers
@mjk9674 Kilmer's a hack by now! More often than not, for the last few years, what he says barely makes sense! Time to hang up his tools and, especially, his camera and microphone!
@@BubblesTheCat1Mr. Toyota himself! 😊
@@mjk9674 Kilmer's endless rants, for a quite a while now, barely make sense. IMHO, It's time he hangs up his camera and microphone!
I bought an 06 civic si new which is almost the same powertrain. It was bulletproof for 10 yrs/200k
I have a 2006 base model with 190k. She needs some work but I love her.
I love the look of the 02-04s
My 1 st new car was an Integra GSR and i remember when thoses RSX came out im dying for the type S model. But i remember the rear of those base RSX bounced around. Rear suspension was better on Integra !
I would do the moter mounts.
True that
First learn how to spell motor?
Engine mounts. Motors are electric.
Sorry about the spelling.engine mounts motor mounts simantics simantics.
I have a 2002 rsx base with 288k miles and still going strong . Still my daily
I had a GORGEOUS ‘99 Integra that I had planned to use as a trade in for an RSX. A multi-car pileup changed all that… 😩
The latest J-series V6 DOHC no longer requires valve adjustments. VTEC is gone in favor of VVT.
Very familiar with valve adjustments on my 1971 V.W. Campmobile
I wanted one, maybe even the stripped-down Type R. The closest I got was an almost-new Civic DX Hatchback which I hotted up just a little. Now, I 'make-do' with a 2013 FR-S.
The k20z1 engine came only in the 05-06 RSX type S. Also the interior has a rare expensive A-spec silver trim pieces around center console and vents and door handles. The 6 gear is just an overdrive, it isn’t easy to get in 6th in city driving.
🤔🤔🤔
I've had 2 K20's
EP3 K20A2 198bhp N/A
FK2 K20C1 306 bhp Turbo
The Best version is the K20A N/A 215bhp DC5
LSD ivtec (Inlet & Exhaust) then Turbo/Supercharger install (Runs safe at 450bhp)
6th gear is 40+mph 👍
I got the interior upgrade for less than $100 several years after the car went out of production and the kit was sitting at dealership shelfs since 2002.
The z1 increases redline to 8,100 rpm
@@richardkrikorian4438 no the rev limiter kicked in after 8300 rpm
Ok again, redline starts at 8,100.
I have an 04 Type-S (black on black) and I love it. Mine has similar mileage, but it does burn a little oil unfortunately.
I always like those Acuras but my heart sank every time I saw a transverse engine. I just loved the RWD, so I never came together with an Acura, but I had friends who thought they were lovely.
Various reviewers have said the RSX matches some RWD in handling.
I still drive manual transmission car. I’m 56, broke my back, pelvis, hip and shattered my right femur 10 years ago, doesn’t bother me to drive stick at all 😊
Nice I am a gen z that knows how to drive stick shift 😊
Another US regular motorist that considers maintenance to be optional. The valve adjustment for that engine is due at 110k miles - not at 150k miles. On a plus note, the car appears to be in good condition.
You shouldn’t have to do valve adjustments on a modern car. The engine is just worn out at 150k miles.
@@user-tb7rn1il3q The regular slow revving engine which includes many current US V8s is usually fitted with hyrdaulic lifters that don't require regular 'gapping'. All high revving engines - which includes 'regular US made V8s' used for competion purposes - substitue the hydraulic lifters with solid lifters because hydraulic lifters are unable to maintain a consistent valve opening at high engine rpms. The Honda is one such engine that can be revved to circa 8000rpm so the manufacturer has fitted solid lifters to ensure this can be performaned reliably and without sustaining any damage to the valve train. The 'cam to follower' clearance on solid lifters must be checked and adjusted at OEM recommeded intervals - because of wear to the cam lobe and the follower's top - it's that simple.
Car Wizard is a great UA-cam channel!
These Honda Engines were really special, and if you consider these being available in affordable cars, that's exciting. Car Wizard one day stated that Ferrari or Lamborghini and the likes are true sportscars and even a Acura NSX would never have the spirit or character. Well, look at these Honda engines at that time and confess they have definitly CHARACTER and touched one's soul.
I drove Honda CRX for 17 years (2nd Gen 130HP DOHC non-VTEC), still the most memorable car despite having had 20 Mercedes including a C63 AMG W205. The CRX was slightly more fun, believe it or not.
I use to want one when they came out too.
I have several Hondas, the newest being an 08 Fit. It still requires a valve adjustment. I do it every 30,000 miles and find that typically 5 or 6 valves are out of spec. I am always surprised that owners of older Hondas have no idea that periodic valve adjustment is necessary. But I have a friend with a 99 Civic that took it to his mechanic and was told that it ran fine. I adjusted the valves on it afterwards and the performance difference was night and day. He was excited to have his car running like new again. So this mechanic had no clue that this procedure was still needed. Or he was just trying to get rid of my friend even though he was a regular customer.
Typical honda more time in the shop than on the road overated pos money pits
@@dennisthemenace8854 Nonsense, tough to find low mileage Hondas, people drive them. Try BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz.
@@dennisthemenace8854 lmao, 144p quality bait. Very low.
Even the L15B7 still needs it.
@@ReadyFreddie5523 My 3 Hondas have a total of 855,000 miles on them. My 28 year old Civic with 440,000 miles still has the original shocks and springs! As for my 08 Fit, I have spent about $200 per year for the last 16 years on parts and maintenance. With 211,000 miles I still
I had a 1999 Camaro Z28, my sister had a 2003(ish) RSX base model/automatic. People think of the Camaro as being the more raw, unrefined, slapped together car. No it was that damn Acura, loud, rode STIFF, rattled, leather seats split, it wasn't a very pleasant car on the highway. The Camaro was way quieter, rode smoother, felt tighter/never rattled even with t-tops and 115k on it. Seats were more comfortable in the Acura, leather held up way better in the Camaro. Still the RSX was pretty fun on a twisty road, best handling FWD car I've ever driven except for a Mini Cooper, the steering/suspension was DIALED IN. Rest of the car, wasn't that impressed, felt like a cheap, old beat up Civic. Also hers did have the damn airbag light, seems like it never stayed off permanently.
Had a Honda fit I was diagnosing misfire cylinder 3, ign was good so was fuel even swapped coils and injectors stay3e on 3 and it ended up being a valve adjustment.
My mom bought a 2002 Premium (with a 5-speed, of course) on a whim. I bought it from her in 2009 and drove it until October 2022 when it rear-ended a Subaru. After messing around with other cars for almost a year, I bought a Type S, same colour, same year, same MILEAGE.
My point: the RSX is the best car EVER. They’re snazzy looking, they’re dead reliable, they’re fun to drive without getting into too much trouble, they’re easy to work on, and they have huge aftermarket support. And if you’re wise and get a manual, your friends aren’t going to ask to drive it!
Had a 2010 Civic Si, best car I ever had miss that thing!
Loved how stiff the suspension was...
stiff but not punishing. Never driven a stock suspension Type-S though.
have a 2000 civic ex. sun baked like hell dash is still mint.
One of the best 4 cylinder engines Honda has ever made
Back in the day when i had 1998 Honda Prelude SH (H22-A4). I took it to the dealership to do valve adjustment and they never did it. All the did is replace the valve cover gasket.
Dealers suck sometimes. I’m sitting by my near mint 01 5 speed prelude right now. It’s almost like new because I don’t drive it much. I’ve had it since 2004. I used to know the head mechanic at my local Honda dealer so I would get him to do whatever I needed. He died 7 years ago and now everyone in there is a young idiot 😢
I have a 1990 Dodge Shadow for commuting that still rocks the 14 inch tires. Its starting to get harder and harder to find tires that small. My 76 Dodge Aspen also still has 14s. I bought a shops last 14 inch tires in stock for that car. Said its not worth stocking them at all anymore
My local shop's tire machine doesn't even accept 14, it's 15 and up only. I have to go to a tire shop which still has the old machines.
Mr. Car Wizard, looking back on your vid about 20 features not to buy.
I have a 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis LS, only 44,000 miles. It's great! My question is about what I call "the bazzaro instrument panel". Green digits, huge speedometer digits, engine temp and fuel are green vertical bars. This system has lasted 20 years so far.
What is your experience with this panel?
Can the usual MGM analog speedometer and tach cluster be used to replace the barzarro dash?
Thanks,
Let's Roll!
Wolf Alaska
I prefer that my valves be a little on the loose side. On my 92 civic my mechanic says loose valves won’t ruin the engine but it may sound like a 1960s bug lol.
Need to find a Comptech modified Integra. If done with restraint, was an impressive version.
I had a 2001 model with the 5 speed. Awesome car, my only complaint was no center console armrest.
You can buy one
@@mackcummy4976 Key word was I "had".. past tense.
@@PixelmechanicYYZ Well, just saying for reference
shch a great car. esp after some choice mods. K24 block w K22 head. and a standalone tune w injectors and exhaust. vroom vroombrap
Just sold mine after 20yrs of owning was a great car, and with a little boost really fun.
Your was on boost? I have a Greddy turbo one
@@mackcummy4976 I had old CT engineering supercharger just 6lbs of boost but it totally changed it.
@@matthewpere1975 what power?
@@mackcummy4976 was 250hp at the wheels and torque was just under 200lbs. Also had LSD from type R.
@@matthewpere1975 nice on about 7psi? What was the set up? Mine was stock fuel system and 440cc injectors.
Wizard every now and then then drive stick because of the arthritis to keep you limber. Movement is good for arthritis to keep you loose !
What's happening with your Citroen in the introduction?
...mmm my 2001 Accord VTEC had 471,500 miles on it and I never needed to replace the engine mounts
But my 2002 Odyssey had only 97,000 miles on it and badly needed both engine mounts replaced !
Your kid has been doing neutral drops when he borrows it 😄
@@weswest8666 well - no kids and i am the only driver on both the car and van ..
Always wanted an rsx but not nearly as much as what it is actually called lol. Yes first with the k series in it though! But rather have a first gen gsr! Or a proper JDM third Gen Integra without the bug eyes! And to respond to the guy saying a teen would ruin one! That teen is not one that is keeping the tuning scene alive! Last gen that will do that! New kids don't even want to get licenses