Turbocharged Acura RSX Is a 567 WHP Homage to the Integra Type R

Type R Killer

It's no surprise that when Honda decided to ditch the beloved Integra nameplate for the RSX back in the early 2000s, fans of the brand revolted. Things were never really the same, and these days, we still covet the Integra over the RSX, and that includes the owner of this one - Kiet Hong. Regardless, Hong wound up transforming this RSX into an Integra Type R killer, as he explained to DSport Magazine.

Photos: Eric Tong for DSport

Real Type R

Hong wanted a DC2-chassis Integra Type R badly but wound up "settling" for this 2002 RSX, which he purchased new. He immediately got to work building it into his dream ride, starting with slapping a turbo onto the car's K20A2 powerplant. But his desire to make the RSX a "real" Type R led him down a much more complicated path.

Photos: Eric Tong for DSport

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Major Conversion

"Originally, I just planned to boost the car and maybe convert it to right-hand drive. After almost giving up looking for the parts while I was working on the performance aspect, I got a lead on a RHD front clip and jumped on it right away," Hong explained. 

Photos: Eric Tong for DSport

>>Join the conversation about this turbo RSX Type R right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!

Imported Goods

That process included importing an entire Type R interior from Japan, which has been enhanced with Mugen S1R bucket seats with Takata 4-point harnesses, a Mugen steering wheel, BRIDE headliner, and an aftermarket stereo setup. 

Photos: Eric Tong for DSport

>>Join the conversation about this turbo RSX Type R right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!

Fortified Bottom End

Hong then turned his attention to the car's powerplant, which was fortified with a set of Darton sleeves, Wiseco pistons, Crower connecting rods, and Supertech valves, valve springs, and titanium retainers to help handle the boost provided by the Garrett GT3582R ball-bearing turbocharger.

Photos: Eric Tong for DSport

>>Join the conversation about this turbo RSX Type R right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!

Big Numbers

Breathing through a Full Race stainless steel exhaust manifold and fed copious amounts of premium fuel by Injector Dynamics 1,000cc/min injectors, the fortified mill receives 26 pounds of boost and lays down 567 horsepower and 397 pound-feet of torque at the wheels on the dyno.

Photos: Eric Tong for DSport

>>Join the conversation about this turbo RSX Type R right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!

Show and Go

Unsurprisingly, Hong immediately picked up a Best of Show award at his RSX's first outing, so there's really only one direction to take now. "Since I'm done with the Integra conversion, the only thing left for me to do is make more power and get out on the track more," Hong said.

Photos: Eric Tong for DSport

>>Join the conversation about this turbo RSX Type R right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!

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