is the A spec worth it?
Member
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,588
Likes: 1
From: Arcadia, CA, USA
Re: is the A spec worth it? (UnlimitedHonda5)
I only think the suspension part is worth it. unless you like the kit. but I think you can negotiate the price of a apsec a bit more because it has so many options that they mark up on it.
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 492
Likes: 0
From: Seattle, WA
Re: is the A spec worth it? (aznbo1626)
I don't know if it's really worth it, but the only different parts seem to be the coils/springs and the wheels/tyres. That differnceould probably be made up with any of the aftermarket offerings. 
H-T Order of Merit
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 96,524
Likes: 38
From: Siege Perilous
Re: is the A spec worth it? (UnlimitedHonda5)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by UnlimitedHonda5 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">is the RSX A spec worth the extra cash?</TD></TR></TABLE>
If you are talking about a 2005 or 2006 RSX Type S, then you should negotiate it into the price of the vehicle.
At the normal discounts for buying the complete package at the time of car's sale, it presents the very attractive possibility of basically putting a DC5 ITR into the USDM. There is very, very little difference between the 2005/2006 Type S motor and the ITR motor...it's just about the same as far as real world performance goes.
Would you be able to leave the car alone, or are you somebody who'd have to start fooling with stuff right away? If you're going to be buying add-on parts anyway, then the A Spec will be a waste of money, even at the discounted price.
Remember that McPherson suspension changes can be problematic, so unless you are an expert it might be better to use the Acura suspension so that you're sure of the geometry.
If you are talking about a 2005 or 2006 RSX Type S, then you should negotiate it into the price of the vehicle.
At the normal discounts for buying the complete package at the time of car's sale, it presents the very attractive possibility of basically putting a DC5 ITR into the USDM. There is very, very little difference between the 2005/2006 Type S motor and the ITR motor...it's just about the same as far as real world performance goes.
Would you be able to leave the car alone, or are you somebody who'd have to start fooling with stuff right away? If you're going to be buying add-on parts anyway, then the A Spec will be a waste of money, even at the discounted price.
Remember that McPherson suspension changes can be problematic, so unless you are an expert it might be better to use the Acura suspension so that you're sure of the geometry.
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 462
Likes: 0
From: Louisville, KY
Re: is the A spec worth it? (UnlimitedHonda5)
For the money I think you are better off buying a S then going your own route. That away you choose exactly what you want and come out at about the same price.
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 4,516
Likes: 0
From: so cal, USA
Re: is the A spec worth it? (George Knighton)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by George Knighton »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
If you are talking about a 2005 or 2006 RSX Type S, then you should negotiate it into the price of the vehicle.
At the normal discounts for buying the complete package at the time of car's sale, it presents the very attractive possibility of basically putting a DC5 ITR into the USDM. There is very, very little difference between the 2005/2006 Type S motor and the ITR motor...it's just about the same as far as real world performance goes.
Would you be able to leave the car alone, or are you somebody who'd have to start fooling with stuff right away? If you're going to be buying add-on parts anyway, then the A Spec will be a waste of money, even at the discounted price.
Remember that McPherson suspension changes can be problematic, so unless you are an expert it might be better to use the Acura suspension so that you're sure of the geometry.</TD></TR></TABLE>
george, can you elaborate on the mcpherson suspension, because i was planning on going with koni yellows/gc..
If you are talking about a 2005 or 2006 RSX Type S, then you should negotiate it into the price of the vehicle.
At the normal discounts for buying the complete package at the time of car's sale, it presents the very attractive possibility of basically putting a DC5 ITR into the USDM. There is very, very little difference between the 2005/2006 Type S motor and the ITR motor...it's just about the same as far as real world performance goes.
Would you be able to leave the car alone, or are you somebody who'd have to start fooling with stuff right away? If you're going to be buying add-on parts anyway, then the A Spec will be a waste of money, even at the discounted price.
Remember that McPherson suspension changes can be problematic, so unless you are an expert it might be better to use the Acura suspension so that you're sure of the geometry.
</TD></TR></TABLE>george, can you elaborate on the mcpherson suspension, because i was planning on going with koni yellows/gc..
Trending Topics
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 368
Likes: 0
From: NY, USA
Re: is the A spec worth it? (eMpAtHy)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by eMpAtHy »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">george, can you elaborate on the mcpherson suspension, because i was planning on going with koni yellows/gc..</TD></TR></TABLE>
i was looking into the koni suspension as well. after some research, i decided to go with the mugen SS though.
i wonder how come Honda opted for the RSX to have double wishbone in the rear, but not the front (i've owned 2 RSX's... it's always been something that's irked me). you would think they would have taken a hint from all the success of the earlier Integras...
i was looking into the koni suspension as well. after some research, i decided to go with the mugen SS though.
i wonder how come Honda opted for the RSX to have double wishbone in the rear, but not the front (i've owned 2 RSX's... it's always been something that's irked me). you would think they would have taken a hint from all the success of the earlier Integras...
H-T Order of Merit
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 96,524
Likes: 38
From: Siege Perilous
Re: is the A spec worth it? (acurate)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by acurate »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">i wonder how come Honda opted for the RSX to have double wishbone in the rear, but not the front (i've owned 2 RSX's... it's always been something that's irked me). you would think they would have taken a hint from all the success of the earlier Integras...</TD></TR></TABLE>
What they took a hint about was the crash test results from the early cars w/double wishbone fronts.
In order to design a car that's double wishbone and that still gets a five star government crash rating it would have to be at least the size of an Accord or TSX.
The EP3 and DC5 got McPherson suspensions on the front specially so that more metal could be rearranged to provide for better crash results. And it works fine for that.
What they took a hint about was the crash test results from the early cars w/double wishbone fronts.
In order to design a car that's double wishbone and that still gets a five star government crash rating it would have to be at least the size of an Accord or TSX.
The EP3 and DC5 got McPherson suspensions on the front specially so that more metal could be rearranged to provide for better crash results.
And it works fine for that.
H-T Order of Merit
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 96,524
Likes: 38
From: Siege Perilous
Re: is the A spec worth it? (eMpAtHy)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by eMpAtHy »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
george, can you elaborate on the mcpherson suspension, because i was planning on going with koni yellows/gc..</TD></TR></TABLE>
When I referred to problematic McPherson strut changes, I meant that you can increase the bump steer problem if the manufacturer doesn't know what he's doing.
Moreover, when you lower one of these cars, you get negative camber in the rear (where you don't want it) and you get positive camber in the front (where you don't want it). This could introduce enough understeer in some situations that you've undone what you were trying to achieve with the suspension.
Camber kits are much more important on the DC5 and EP3 than they were on the EG and the DC.
george, can you elaborate on the mcpherson suspension, because i was planning on going with koni yellows/gc..</TD></TR></TABLE>
When I referred to problematic McPherson strut changes, I meant that you can increase the bump steer problem if the manufacturer doesn't know what he's doing.
Moreover, when you lower one of these cars, you get negative camber in the rear (where you don't want it) and you get positive camber in the front (where you don't want it). This could introduce enough understeer in some situations that you've undone what you were trying to achieve with the suspension.
Camber kits are much more important on the DC5 and EP3 than they were on the EG and the DC.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 368
Likes: 0
From: NY, USA
Re: is the A spec worth it? (George Knighton)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by George Knighton »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">When I referred to problematic McPherson strut changes, I meant that you can increase the bump steer problem if the manufacturer doesn't know what he's doing.
Moreover, when you lower one of these cars, you get negative camber in the rear (where you don't want it) and you get positive camber in the front (where you don't want it). This could introduce enough understeer in some situations that you've undone what you were trying to achieve with the suspension.
Camber kits are much more important on the DC5 and EP3 than they were on the EG and the DC.</TD></TR></TABLE>
would you say that camber kits are more important if you are using a fully adjustable coilover system, rather than a shock/spring replacement (such as the mugen SS)?
Moreover, when you lower one of these cars, you get negative camber in the rear (where you don't want it) and you get positive camber in the front (where you don't want it). This could introduce enough understeer in some situations that you've undone what you were trying to achieve with the suspension.
Camber kits are much more important on the DC5 and EP3 than they were on the EG and the DC.
</TD></TR></TABLE>would you say that camber kits are more important if you are using a fully adjustable coilover system, rather than a shock/spring replacement (such as the mugen SS)?
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
From: Mukwonago, wi, usa
Personally I really like the A-Spec package. The factory body kit looks nice, and it fits correctly. The suspension is the best part. I dunno do the factory tires still suck? However you can get a much MUCH better deal buying the parts on EBAY for the body kit and suspension. Dealer pricing on the A Spec Package is far too expensive
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 368
Likes: 0
From: NY, USA
Re: (qualitybelow)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by qualitybelow »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Personally I really like the A-Spec package. The factory body kit looks nice, and it fits correctly. The suspension is the best part. I dunno do the factory tires still suck? However you can get a much MUCH better deal buying the parts on EBAY for the body kit and suspension. Dealer pricing on the A Spec Package is far too expensive</TD></TR></TABLE>
i'm sure the suspension is nice, but it's not really close to what you would get for much less money were you to go aftermarket. there is really only about a 1/4" - 1/2" drop with the aspec too. def not worth it imo.
the body kit is nice, but still overpriced for what you are getting.
i'm sure the suspension is nice, but it's not really close to what you would get for much less money were you to go aftermarket. there is really only about a 1/4" - 1/2" drop with the aspec too. def not worth it imo.
the body kit is nice, but still overpriced for what you are getting.
I said I don't want a title!
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 11,506
Likes: 2
From: OH
Re:
Since you can buy the individual A-spec stuff now, I bought the pieces that I liked for the car.
The big $$ on the A-spec kit is the installation fees. If you buy new, just work the price of the kit into the purchase price, but tell them you'll install it.
The A-spec suspension is pretty nice if you daily drive the car. If you wanna race it, get something else.
The big $$ on the A-spec kit is the installation fees. If you buy new, just work the price of the kit into the purchase price, but tell them you'll install it.
The A-spec suspension is pretty nice if you daily drive the car. If you wanna race it, get something else.
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 269
Likes: 0
From: fort worth, tx, usa
Re: is the A spec worth it? (UnlimitedHonda5)
i love my package ! i got a 04 and its the only way to buy the car ! the 17inch rims yokohoma es-100 tires, tuned suspention, lip all the way around, spoiler, titanium plastic **** all over the interior, and "s2ooo" style shifter. i think thats it. extrior wise thats all im doin to my car im completly satisfied with it. suspention is the **** at first it looked a little high but its been a year now and the suspention "broke in" and my car now sits at about a inch wheel gap. i will post pictures next month once im back from iraq and driving hard in NC ! cant wait i miss my car !
Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,325
Likes: 0
From: Washington, DC, USA
Re: is the A spec worth it? (acurate)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by acurate »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">i'm sure the suspension is nice, but it's not really close to what you would get for much less money were you to go aftermarket. there is really only about a 1/4" - 1/2" drop with the aspec too. def not worth it imo.</TD></TR></TABLE>
There's more to a suspension kit than how much of a drop it'll give. If you really want it slammed for cheap, just cut the stock springs. If you want properly tuned & matched springs and dampers, then you get the good stuff.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by acurate »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">would you say that camber kits are more important if you are using a fully adjustable coilover system, rather than a shock/spring replacement (such as the mugen SS)?</TD></TR></TABLE>
Camber kits are needed if you ever lower your car below factory height and want to get the camber back to normal.
I've been living without a camber kit on my Mugen-equipped EP because:
1) I don't need to make adjustments for autocross or track driving (because I never get to go) and
2) With zero toe in the rear, the tires aren't wearing out any faster.
Additionally, if I had a brake/wheel setup that had an offset which put the wheels farther outboard, I might need a camber kit to add more negative camber so that the tires wouldn't rub the fenders.
There's more to a suspension kit than how much of a drop it'll give. If you really want it slammed for cheap, just cut the stock springs. If you want properly tuned & matched springs and dampers, then you get the good stuff.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by acurate »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">would you say that camber kits are more important if you are using a fully adjustable coilover system, rather than a shock/spring replacement (such as the mugen SS)?</TD></TR></TABLE>
Camber kits are needed if you ever lower your car below factory height and want to get the camber back to normal.
I've been living without a camber kit on my Mugen-equipped EP because:
1) I don't need to make adjustments for autocross or track driving (because I never get to go) and
2) With zero toe in the rear, the tires aren't wearing out any faster.
Additionally, if I had a brake/wheel setup that had an offset which put the wheels farther outboard, I might need a camber kit to add more negative camber so that the tires wouldn't rub the fenders.
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,048
Likes: 0
From: Ocala, FL
Re: (acurate)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by acurate »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
i'm sure the suspension is nice, but it's not really close to what you would get for much less money were you to go aftermarket. there is really only about a 1/4" - 1/2" drop with the aspec too. def not worth it imo.
the body kit is nice, but still overpriced for what you are getting.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Everyone who's installed them says it's closer to an inch drop. But drop is not the only feature of it. It's supposed to go nicely with the stock shocks and handle well as well as ride well. It's setup perfect for the stock geometry. Not many aftermarket springs are setup for that.
i'm sure the suspension is nice, but it's not really close to what you would get for much less money were you to go aftermarket. there is really only about a 1/4" - 1/2" drop with the aspec too. def not worth it imo.
the body kit is nice, but still overpriced for what you are getting.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Everyone who's installed them says it's closer to an inch drop. But drop is not the only feature of it. It's supposed to go nicely with the stock shocks and handle well as well as ride well. It's setup perfect for the stock geometry. Not many aftermarket springs are setup for that.
Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,325
Likes: 0
From: Washington, DC, USA
Re: (96 SOHC VTEC)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 96 SOHC VTEC »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">It's supposed to go nicely with the stock shocks and handle well as well as ride well. It's setup perfect for the stock geometry. Not many aftermarket springs are setup for that. </TD></TR></TABLE>
I thought the A-Spec package was a whole spring & shock replacement, not just springs. Just like putting in a Mugen kit, but with different spring & damper specs.
I thought the A-Spec package was a whole spring & shock replacement, not just springs. Just like putting in a Mugen kit, but with different spring & damper specs.
Honda-Tech Member
iTrader: (7)
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 4,989
Likes: 1
From: World Domination, United States
Re: (BarracksSi)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by BarracksSi »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
I thought the A-Spec package was a whole spring & shock replacement, not just springs. Just like putting in a Mugen kit, but with different spring & damper specs.</TD></TR></TABLE>
yeah thats what i thought too
I thought the A-Spec package was a whole spring & shock replacement, not just springs. Just like putting in a Mugen kit, but with different spring & damper specs.</TD></TR></TABLE>
yeah thats what i thought too
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,048
Likes: 0
From: Ocala, FL
Re: (BarracksSi)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by BarracksSi »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
I thought the A-Spec package was a whole spring & shock replacement, not just springs. Just like putting in a Mugen kit, but with different spring & damper specs.</TD></TR></TABLE>
I think it's just springs.
I thought the A-Spec package was a whole spring & shock replacement, not just springs. Just like putting in a Mugen kit, but with different spring & damper specs.</TD></TR></TABLE>
I think it's just springs.
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,048
Likes: 0
From: Ocala, FL
Re: is the A spec worth it? (thrty8street)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by thrty8street »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">anyone know the sticker price on an 05-06 rsx A-SPEC?</TD></TR></TABLE>
WWWAAAAYYY too much my friend. I was at the dealer a few weeks ago and they had one they were asking $33,000 for. What a rip.
WWWAAAAYYY too much my friend. I was at the dealer a few weeks ago and they had one they were asking $33,000 for. What a rip.