I've been working on my 96 turbo civic project all year long, finally decided to give it up and put it up for sale, mostly because i found a SWEET 03 RSX Type-S that got my attention. Few basic questions, don't be harsh i've been a honda guy for years. On the 03 RSX, is the header crush or mandrel bent? Are these motors fairly similar to the new 06 Si, and if so what are the key differences? what is the diameter of the exhaust pipe? Any major problems consistent with this model/year anyone aware of? Thanks ahead of time, any other tips/ideas you want to throw in, go for it i want to learn

 

....anyone?

 

Yeah, everything you can find by searching and crap.

All Honda OEM bends are mandrel bent.

Similar to the Si? Yes, K20a2, K20z1s are very very similair. Mostly differnt in the top-end (cams).

2002-2004 Type-s K20a2 engine
2005-2006 K20z1 (type R cams stock)

 

There might be a 2nd gear grind..

 

yeah 2nd gear grind comes stock in all dc5's acura doesnt charge you for that option

 

does it tend to start grinding at a certain mileage point or just kind of whenever it feels like it?

 

its just a think with the k series trannys (mainly the EP3 and DC5) its just sometimes it likes to give a notchy feeling/ sound when going into second not a big problem more of an anooyance. i have an 06 with 10,000 miles on it and mine has done as long as i can remember but it seems to do it more when its coldout and when the motor isnt warmed up. acura knows about it and suposedly if it annoys you thatmuch they will do sumthing to it to fix whatever the problem it is good luck tho man

 

k-series motors especially the ones in the type-s LOVE air...getting CAI and race headers makes an insane difference in power and hondata helps too.....the type-s has a little more power (and is a little faster) then the 06 SI, their two different heads tho but i just dont know what the diff is, but the 06 si has an lsd tranny and the rsx doesnt

*Quick motor Rundown*
k20a2 (02-04 RSX Type-S)
k20a3 (02-05 Civic SI & 02-06 RSX Base)
k20z1 (05-06 RSX Type-S)
k20z3 (06 Civic Si)

 

ok i've read so far many different opinions on putting just the pre-cat header on versus a full race header. I'm sure the full race header will obviously give you more power, but what is the power difference? 5hp? 10hp? i don't really want to deal with a check engine light so i'm trying to decide if the power gain is worth the aggravation of the CEL

 

well ive read into many diferent header options and ive heard that the full race header will make the car run lean, again just sumthing ive heard many places

 

The cel can easily be turned off using a 02 sim, defouler, or K-Pro if you have the cash.

A RH does make your car run leaner w/ a CAI and exhaust but not enough to cause damage. Its not like your AF is going to jump to 15:1 at WOT.

A shorty header is not worth the gains by itself. Add a high flow cat or a test pipe and the gains increase but still nothing compared to the RH. This is due to exhaust "scavenging" and the length of the primaries on a RH.

I would say there is an overall difference of about 8-10 HP w/ a RH over shorty, noticed most in the midrange and topend. Also remember that these gains will be more pronounced if you dip into the top end w/ cams and supporting valvetrain.

Overall, the K series is an incredible platform for both FI and NA. NA the gains blow that of a B series out of the water. It also takes a lot of headwork to get a B series to spin a turbo like the K. Only thing I like more about the B series is the price and availability of parts and the TRANS. My car eats gears for breakfast and they seem to be less stout than B series transes.

Its a sweet car though, you will enjoy it.

 

The only difference that still bothers me is the missing lsd on my type-s and the 06 si gets one.

 

who cares about lsd.. just get some good tires. and highway race!

 

buy the type-r tranny as soon as possible. you wont regret it, no grinds, not broken gear sets , no destroyed synchros!

 

u have the Type R tran.?

ur 1st maxs @ 45?