'00-'04 RSX-S vs. '97-'01 Prelude
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'00-'04 RSX-S vs. '97-'01 Prelude
Just curious as to what everyone thinks of the two in comparison. When I say one vs the other I mean in all aspects of the cars. This means how they handle, power, aftermarket, responsiveness (in terms to mods and in general). It doesn't have to be completely race spec in mind. I am thinking they're both still capable of daily driving, and more of a weekend track car.
Here's two cars we can use for examples, but they don't have to stick to these guidelines.
RSX:
-Must be Type S model
-Emphasis on suspension mods
-Minor power adders
-Some weight reduction (CF hood?)
Prelude:
-Base model with LSD
-Good suspension
-More emphasis on weight reduction (CF, lightened flywheel, race battery)
-Some power adders
I think that the RSX is a very good car overall and the K series is an amazing motor. Nice stock buckets in them too. They hug pretty good. The main place it is lacking is in the suspension department, having a MacPherson setup
I think the Ludes biggest advantage is the double wishbone suspension. Power wise I would say they're pretty even, and 2.2L is nice. They're a little cheaper which allows for more money for mods. I think the ATTS system is decent, but the base model is lighter and has more aftermarket, especially in the suspension department. One necessity for this car IMO is a limited slip. Downside is they're pretty heavy.
So those are my opinions, but I am not swayed one way or the other. So, lets hear some opinions!
Here's two cars we can use for examples, but they don't have to stick to these guidelines.
RSX:
-Must be Type S model
-Emphasis on suspension mods
-Minor power adders
-Some weight reduction (CF hood?)
Prelude:
-Base model with LSD
-Good suspension
-More emphasis on weight reduction (CF, lightened flywheel, race battery)
-Some power adders
I think that the RSX is a very good car overall and the K series is an amazing motor. Nice stock buckets in them too. They hug pretty good. The main place it is lacking is in the suspension department, having a MacPherson setup
I think the Ludes biggest advantage is the double wishbone suspension. Power wise I would say they're pretty even, and 2.2L is nice. They're a little cheaper which allows for more money for mods. I think the ATTS system is decent, but the base model is lighter and has more aftermarket, especially in the suspension department. One necessity for this car IMO is a limited slip. Downside is they're pretty heavy.
So those are my opinions, but I am not swayed one way or the other. So, lets hear some opinions!
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From: Norcal
Rear suspension design on the RSX is its biggest pitfall in my opinion. Realtime Acura completely redesigned the rear susp in order to get away from the 1500+lbs/in they were using in the rear to get rotation out of the car. Now I believe they are down to about 600-800 with the redesign. Basically the redesign acts much like the DC2 integra rear suspension.
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Re: (chrisw85)
That's funny how they decided to mimic the older Tegs. I had a video a while ago of 2 Mugen DC5's vs 2 Mugen DC2's. I bet you can guess which two cars won...
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Re: '00-'04 RSX-S vs. '97-'01 Prelude (deviate_si)
I have a DC5, and I can't complain about it. If I were you, I'd get the dc5...great car, awesome performance and overall bit better then the prelude. No offense to the prelude, it's just another great car from honda but the DC5 = 4th gen integra and everyone knows Integras are definitely a good starter car.
I'm sick of realtime racing complaining about the car, that's all they do. =P But people need to remeber that they're a RACING team, they're expectations out of the car are a LOT higher then what yours would be.
The suspension isn't "bad" it's different and YES it is HARDER to tune. Suspension geometry changes definitely affects how the car reacts and handles, if you simply just "drop" the car, don't expect amazing handling. Look at bmw's and porsches, a lot of their cars use Mcpherson struts and they handle GREAT! People need to get off this bandwagon where if it isn't double wishbone, it's shitty.
Also, I've tracked my car many times, rotation is the LAST problem my car has, the only thing I can complain about my car on the track is the open diff the USDM models come with. My car actually rotates a LOT better then my friends DC2 which has a rear progress 24mm sway bar and Tein Flex coilovers with the rear dampers set on full stiff and the front on full soft!
Also, I had no problem dispensing of the modified DC2R's that were in my run group, and no i'm not in beginner either.
DC5 is a great car, just have to make sure you're tuning/modding it right and you'll get what you want in return!
The front is Mcpherson strut, the rear is Double Wishbone/Multi-link. The FRONT is more tricky on the DC5, but if you're smart, it's not a big deal issue. The rear isn't a problem, Real Time racing just wants the car to handle like a f1 car when it's really a basic sports coupe from honda, not a race car.
I'm sick of realtime racing complaining about the car, that's all they do. =P But people need to remeber that they're a RACING team, they're expectations out of the car are a LOT higher then what yours would be.
The suspension isn't "bad" it's different and YES it is HARDER to tune. Suspension geometry changes definitely affects how the car reacts and handles, if you simply just "drop" the car, don't expect amazing handling. Look at bmw's and porsches, a lot of their cars use Mcpherson struts and they handle GREAT! People need to get off this bandwagon where if it isn't double wishbone, it's shitty.
Also, I've tracked my car many times, rotation is the LAST problem my car has, the only thing I can complain about my car on the track is the open diff the USDM models come with. My car actually rotates a LOT better then my friends DC2 which has a rear progress 24mm sway bar and Tein Flex coilovers with the rear dampers set on full stiff and the front on full soft!
Also, I had no problem dispensing of the modified DC2R's that were in my run group, and no i'm not in beginner either.
DC5 is a great car, just have to make sure you're tuning/modding it right and you'll get what you want in return!
The front is Mcpherson strut, the rear is Double Wishbone/Multi-link. The FRONT is more tricky on the DC5, but if you're smart, it's not a big deal issue. The rear isn't a problem, Real Time racing just wants the car to handle like a f1 car when it's really a basic sports coupe from honda, not a race car.
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Re: (deviate_si)
I looked at both cars, bought a 00' Type SH and sold it 4 months later for a M3.
Im 6'2" and I didnt care for the preludes interior ergonomics. A type SH isnt worth the trouble if you are going to change the suspension anyway and ATTS is not as predictable or smooth on mid to exit cornering when compared to a mechanical LSD. I only tracked my stock type Sh once before i sold it.
I think youll find the RSX type S suspension geometry more than suitable for HPDEs. The H22 always felt like it needed a lightweight flywheel, lacked response for rev matching as well.
I didnt buy a RSX simply because I couldnt find the color combination I wanted for the right price. THe Type S I drove also felt slow compared to a h22. Likely because it lack the peaky nature of the old Vtecs. When in reality the type S is as quick if not moreso.
Id go RSX if I was in the market for a FF daily/track car.
Im 6'2" and I didnt care for the preludes interior ergonomics. A type SH isnt worth the trouble if you are going to change the suspension anyway and ATTS is not as predictable or smooth on mid to exit cornering when compared to a mechanical LSD. I only tracked my stock type Sh once before i sold it.
I think youll find the RSX type S suspension geometry more than suitable for HPDEs. The H22 always felt like it needed a lightweight flywheel, lacked response for rev matching as well.
I didnt buy a RSX simply because I couldnt find the color combination I wanted for the right price. THe Type S I drove also felt slow compared to a h22. Likely because it lack the peaky nature of the old Vtecs. When in reality the type S is as quick if not moreso.
Id go RSX if I was in the market for a FF daily/track car.
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From: OH
Re: '00-'04 RSX-S vs. '97-'01 Prelude (DC5Tuner)
Newer Preludes never did well in World Challenge, autox or any other form of racing I can think of. They are *fantastic* street cars. Good torque, comfortable, sporty, etc. But for an HPDE and daily driver, I would lean toward the RSX to be honest.
The only advantage the Prelude has is the double-wishbone, but that is offset by how heavy the car is, especially on the nose. It's a big car but it doesn't have much room for storing, transporting wheels, etc. The RSX can easily fit 4 wheels/tires in it.
While the RSX has suspension problems, as stated earlier the problems are not from the front struts...the problem is in the rear end. The rear setup of the RSX is absolutely horrible. With that said, you can still make a decent handling car out of it if you keep a few things in mind when setting it up (especially for a casual HPDE car).
And the K-series responds a lot better to bolt-ons than the Prelude does.
The only advantage the Prelude has is the double-wishbone, but that is offset by how heavy the car is, especially on the nose. It's a big car but it doesn't have much room for storing, transporting wheels, etc. The RSX can easily fit 4 wheels/tires in it.
While the RSX has suspension problems, as stated earlier the problems are not from the front struts...the problem is in the rear end. The rear setup of the RSX is absolutely horrible. With that said, you can still make a decent handling car out of it if you keep a few things in mind when setting it up (especially for a casual HPDE car).
And the K-series responds a lot better to bolt-ons than the Prelude does.
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Re: '00-'04 RSX-S vs. '97-'01 Prelude (Todd00)
I wouldn't call it a "problem" with the car, it's different and takes a different approach to tuning then older hondas.
I run Buddyclub Race Spec Dampers (10F/16R) with a ITR 24mm front sway and a Hotchkis competition 27mm rear sway. I also run a fairly aggressive alignment but my shock settings are usually set even, i.e. 7 front and rear, 10 front and rear, etc. With that setup the car rotates great and if I set the rear dampers even stiffer then the front, it just swings around corners like nothing!
To the thread starter...there's lots of info on clubrsx.com about the DC5. If you want to learn more, just check out that site. And everyone there owns a dc5 for the most part and no one really ever complains about the rear suspension layout, it's usually the front layout getting it tuned/adjusted properly.
I run Buddyclub Race Spec Dampers (10F/16R) with a ITR 24mm front sway and a Hotchkis competition 27mm rear sway. I also run a fairly aggressive alignment but my shock settings are usually set even, i.e. 7 front and rear, 10 front and rear, etc. With that setup the car rotates great and if I set the rear dampers even stiffer then the front, it just swings around corners like nothing!
To the thread starter...there's lots of info on clubrsx.com about the DC5. If you want to learn more, just check out that site. And everyone there owns a dc5 for the most part and no one really ever complains about the rear suspension layout, it's usually the front layout getting it tuned/adjusted properly.
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Re: '00-'04 RSX-S vs. '97-'01 Prelude (Todd00)
Well the Prelude's heavy nose can be fixed fairly easily. Lightweight parts such as a header, relocating the battery to the trunk/race battery. Carbon fiber hood etc. Most people I have talked to about BB6's say that they handle great, but the ATTS is kind of weak. Having a lighter base model with a limited slip, and a good coilover system handles like a dream.
Now I love the K series, and I am shocked at how easy it is to break into the 14's with an RSX-S. This is why I would love an RSX. I also think the style is much nicer too. Oh and the 6spd is awesome. It's too bad that suspension, especially in the rear is so "iffy". I'm glad that there are remedies one could do to upgrade, but how much does that cost? A good coilover system such as TEIN would be $1000, but what else is needed? Camber kit for the rear? What else?
Now I love the K series, and I am shocked at how easy it is to break into the 14's with an RSX-S. This is why I would love an RSX. I also think the style is much nicer too. Oh and the 6spd is awesome. It's too bad that suspension, especially in the rear is so "iffy". I'm glad that there are remedies one could do to upgrade, but how much does that cost? A good coilover system such as TEIN would be $1000, but what else is needed? Camber kit for the rear? What else?
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From: USA
Re: '00-'04 RSX-S vs. '97-'01 Prelude (deviate_si)
Clubrsx.com is your best bet. Tons of info on there, you'll learn a lot.
Also, the suspension isn't bad like everyone makes it out to be, it's just hard to "tune", where as older hondas are very easy to setup.
Ask anyone and everyone who has driven a DC5 Type-R, NO one complains about the handling, the car does what the driver wants. It's when people start messing with the car and basically ruin it by slamming it on the ground with crazy short springs and factory shocks and then they start complaining that it doesn't handle good.
Also, the suspension isn't bad like everyone makes it out to be, it's just hard to "tune", where as older hondas are very easy to setup.
Ask anyone and everyone who has driven a DC5 Type-R, NO one complains about the handling, the car does what the driver wants. It's when people start messing with the car and basically ruin it by slamming it on the ground with crazy short springs and factory shocks and then they start complaining that it doesn't handle good.
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From: Tire Wall Turn 6, NHIS, USA
Re: '00-'04 RSX-S vs. '97-'01 Prelude (DC5Tuner)
had an '01 SH and the ATTS was horrible....god forbid you lose traction in the right front....flipped out an threw codes....
my car was actually in the shop for about 4 months of the year and a half I owned it
two bottom ends and two ATTS systems.....
I loved the looks, hated the performance.....I wish I had bought the ITR I was looking at at the time.
my car was actually in the shop for about 4 months of the year and a half I owned it
two bottom ends and two ATTS systems.....
I loved the looks, hated the performance.....I wish I had bought the ITR I was looking at at the time.
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From: OH
Re: '00-'04 RSX-S vs. '97-'01 Prelude (DC5Tuner)
A full coilover setup is a must with the RSX. And I don't care what you do, the rear end still has binding issues. You just need to tune around that.
While making the car rotate is not too hard, you don't want it rotating everywhere. It's a very difficult balance to strike in the RSX. The DC5R is a good handling car, but it has some weaknesses too. It's tweaked very well with the chassis, but it is harder to take steps beyond that to greatly improve anything, because of the chassis limitations.
But take a look at the Prelude and where the engine sits relative to the chassis. You can throw a bunch of CF parts at it, but you still have a heavy motor sitting over the front wheels.
Neither car is perfect, by any means. You just have to determine what you like best. But for a casual HPDE car I'd still pick an RSX over a Prelude because the RSX is lighter, has a better motor and has room to carry wheels/tires and the ability to put larger wheels/tires on the car. For a nice daily driver, it's a toss-up. Both are great at that.
While making the car rotate is not too hard, you don't want it rotating everywhere. It's a very difficult balance to strike in the RSX. The DC5R is a good handling car, but it has some weaknesses too. It's tweaked very well with the chassis, but it is harder to take steps beyond that to greatly improve anything, because of the chassis limitations.
But take a look at the Prelude and where the engine sits relative to the chassis. You can throw a bunch of CF parts at it, but you still have a heavy motor sitting over the front wheels.
Neither car is perfect, by any means. You just have to determine what you like best. But for a casual HPDE car I'd still pick an RSX over a Prelude because the RSX is lighter, has a better motor and has room to carry wheels/tires and the ability to put larger wheels/tires on the car. For a nice daily driver, it's a toss-up. Both are great at that.
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From: OH
Re: '00-'04 RSX-S vs. '97-'01 Prelude (DC5Tuner)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by DC5Tuner »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Clubrsx.com is your best bet. Tons of info on there, you'll learn a lot.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
I have yet to see a quality post about setting up (suspension-wise) an RSX on that forum. Well, a quality post that I didn't create. The only thing I have seen over there is crappy reviews of coilovers claiming how good a certain one is, when they have nothing to compare them to and have not done any testing what-so-ever.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
I have yet to see a quality post about setting up (suspension-wise) an RSX on that forum. Well, a quality post that I didn't create. The only thing I have seen over there is crappy reviews of coilovers claiming how good a certain one is, when they have nothing to compare them to and have not done any testing what-so-ever.
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Re: '00-'04 RSX-S vs. '97-'01 Prelude (Todd00)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Todd00 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
I have yet to see a quality post about setting up (suspension-wise) an RSX on that forum. Well, a quality post that I didn't create. The only thing I have seen over there is crappy reviews of coilovers claiming how good a certain one is, when they have nothing to compare them to and have not done any testing what-so-ever.</TD></TR></TABLE>
I couldn't agree more. That forum is good for picture threads and that's about it from what I saw.
I did not think about where the motor sits in a Lude, but it makes perfect sense now. I think I am leaning towards a DC5 now. As long as you research and setup the suspension properly, all should be fine.
The intentions I have with a car are for spirited driving down my favourite windy roads, and some weekend track fun.
Keep in mind I own a CR-X right now so I'm used to a car that handles like a go-kart.
I have yet to see a quality post about setting up (suspension-wise) an RSX on that forum. Well, a quality post that I didn't create. The only thing I have seen over there is crappy reviews of coilovers claiming how good a certain one is, when they have nothing to compare them to and have not done any testing what-so-ever.</TD></TR></TABLE>
I couldn't agree more. That forum is good for picture threads and that's about it from what I saw.
I did not think about where the motor sits in a Lude, but it makes perfect sense now. I think I am leaning towards a DC5 now. As long as you research and setup the suspension properly, all should be fine.
The intentions I have with a car are for spirited driving down my favourite windy roads, and some weekend track fun.
Keep in mind I own a CR-X right now so I'm used to a car that handles like a go-kart.
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From: Quebec, Canada
Re: '00-'04 RSX-S vs. '97-'01 Prelude (deviate_si)
everyone's talking about «design problems» and «how to set it up»...
What is the problem with the rsx's rear suspension design ? Give me facts.
What is a good set up ? Low rear camber in the rear ? What's up with the front ? Have you even tried it ? Give me facts.
Anyone to discuss this ? I would appreciate it.
Patrick
What is the problem with the rsx's rear suspension design ? Give me facts.
What is a good set up ? Low rear camber in the rear ? What's up with the front ? Have you even tried it ? Give me facts.
Anyone to discuss this ? I would appreciate it.
Patrick
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From: cali
Re: '00-'04 RSX-S vs. '97-'01 Prelude (STN_Pat)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by STN_Pat »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">everyone's talking about «design problems» and «how to set it up»...
What is the problem with the rsx's rear suspension design ? Give me facts.
What is a good set up ? Low rear camber in the rear ? What's up with the front ? Have you even tried it ? Give me facts.
Anyone to discuss this ? I would appreciate it.
Patrick</TD></TR></TABLE>
I think the problem with the rear is some problem they refer to as "rear-stear". where when and if the rear suspension compresses, there is a wacky and sudden change in toe. I am not 100% sure but from what i got when i talked to some of the guys on the team, and what i have heard about from other suspension companies thats the issue.
They really didn't redsign it. They changed mounting mounts, to (again as i understand it) try and get rid of that funky toe change.
This is also why they ran the high spring rates (IIRC on some track it was up to 1800 to 1900lbs). Now i guess its all relative but other WC TC cars run higher rates, and they are fast too.
And i think the re-design helped some what but the big drop in spring rate was also in part to the huge sway bars that they run. (ALOT stiffer then the earlier units).
I have pictures from the 05 infenion and laguna seca, the spring rates on the RSX there were still up around the 1000 mark.
As far as the front goes. The issues comes with bumbsteer. Supposedly it is pretty bad on the early models, and on the last few years the made it better. Rules in WC allow them to have fixed it some time ago.
The RSX isn't like any honda befor, you can't really compare setups from an 00 integra to a RSX. The suspension is very different there for your setup should be very different.
Some times the RSX gets a bad rap, heck i even give it alot of crap, but the car has proven capable. In the highly modified form in WC TC, and in the GAKC ST class. The plumb brother kicked some serious butt with there RSX all year long.
I'd look for alot of these cars to be hitting the market soon too. With the RSX being done with, teams will move on to the TSX and whatever else comes out. Last year RTR was already pushing the sale of there RSX, the MSN king cars have already sold at least one maybe more.
Hopefully we will get a 2 door 2.4 liter car with the suspension of the TSX, but who really knows.
What is the problem with the rsx's rear suspension design ? Give me facts.
What is a good set up ? Low rear camber in the rear ? What's up with the front ? Have you even tried it ? Give me facts.
Anyone to discuss this ? I would appreciate it.
Patrick</TD></TR></TABLE>
I think the problem with the rear is some problem they refer to as "rear-stear". where when and if the rear suspension compresses, there is a wacky and sudden change in toe. I am not 100% sure but from what i got when i talked to some of the guys on the team, and what i have heard about from other suspension companies thats the issue.
They really didn't redsign it. They changed mounting mounts, to (again as i understand it) try and get rid of that funky toe change.
This is also why they ran the high spring rates (IIRC on some track it was up to 1800 to 1900lbs). Now i guess its all relative but other WC TC cars run higher rates, and they are fast too.
And i think the re-design helped some what but the big drop in spring rate was also in part to the huge sway bars that they run. (ALOT stiffer then the earlier units).
I have pictures from the 05 infenion and laguna seca, the spring rates on the RSX there were still up around the 1000 mark.
As far as the front goes. The issues comes with bumbsteer. Supposedly it is pretty bad on the early models, and on the last few years the made it better. Rules in WC allow them to have fixed it some time ago.
The RSX isn't like any honda befor, you can't really compare setups from an 00 integra to a RSX. The suspension is very different there for your setup should be very different.
Some times the RSX gets a bad rap, heck i even give it alot of crap, but the car has proven capable. In the highly modified form in WC TC, and in the GAKC ST class. The plumb brother kicked some serious butt with there RSX all year long.
I'd look for alot of these cars to be hitting the market soon too. With the RSX being done with, teams will move on to the TSX and whatever else comes out. Last year RTR was already pushing the sale of there RSX, the MSN king cars have already sold at least one maybe more.
Hopefully we will get a 2 door 2.4 liter car with the suspension of the TSX, but who really knows.
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From: USA
Re: '00-'04 RSX-S vs. '97-'01 Prelude (Todd00)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Todd00 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
I have yet to see a quality post about setting up (suspension-wise) an RSX on that forum. Well, a quality post that I didn't create. The only thing I have seen over there is crappy reviews of coilovers claiming how good a certain one is, when they have nothing to compare them to and have not done any testing what-so-ever.</TD></TR></TABLE>
I agree, it's definitely no honda-tech forum. But it's probably the 2nd best thing else then this site.
I have yet to see a quality post about setting up (suspension-wise) an RSX on that forum. Well, a quality post that I didn't create. The only thing I have seen over there is crappy reviews of coilovers claiming how good a certain one is, when they have nothing to compare them to and have not done any testing what-so-ever.</TD></TR></TABLE>
I agree, it's definitely no honda-tech forum. But it's probably the 2nd best thing else then this site.
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From: USA
Re: '00-'04 RSX-S vs. '97-'01 Prelude (slammed_93_hatch)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by slammed_93_hatch »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
The RSX isn't like any honda befor, you can't really compare setups from an 00 integra to a RSX. The suspension is very different there for your setup should be very different.
Some times the RSX gets a bad rap, heck i even give it alot of crap, but the car has proven capable. In the highly modified form in WC TC, and in the GAKC ST class. The plumb brother kicked some serious butt with there RSX all year long.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Totally agree, the suspension layout in the DC5 and EP3 is different from older hondas and setting them up is also going to be different. Just because it doesn't respond the same way as older honda's did to a certain style of tuning/modding doesn't mean it's "bad".
And yes, the car definitely gets a bad rap but it is indeed a very capable car when modded/tuned properly. I'm sure the people who were in my run groups at the HPDE's I've gone to for the last few years can agree.
The RSX isn't like any honda befor, you can't really compare setups from an 00 integra to a RSX. The suspension is very different there for your setup should be very different.
Some times the RSX gets a bad rap, heck i even give it alot of crap, but the car has proven capable. In the highly modified form in WC TC, and in the GAKC ST class. The plumb brother kicked some serious butt with there RSX all year long.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Totally agree, the suspension layout in the DC5 and EP3 is different from older hondas and setting them up is also going to be different. Just because it doesn't respond the same way as older honda's did to a certain style of tuning/modding doesn't mean it's "bad".
And yes, the car definitely gets a bad rap but it is indeed a very capable car when modded/tuned properly. I'm sure the people who were in my run groups at the HPDE's I've gone to for the last few years can agree.
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From: OH
Re: '00-'04 RSX-S vs. '97-'01 Prelude (slammed_93_hatch)
We've been over this before, just can't find the posts. But...
The Roadrace RSX's didn't use 1000lb springs in the rear, they used *4000* lb springs in the rear. Yes, I wrote that correctly.
Again, everyone bags on mac struts. Yeah, not as good as wishbone, but far from the problem with the RSX. The slight tweaks Honda made to the 05-06 RSX could be accomplished by any aftermarket suspension. That's why you can run 02-04 aftermarket Coilovers on a 05-06.
The rear: The rear suspension binds at the lower shock mount. It's the way the geometry is setup and there is no way around this, unless you redesign the entire thing like realtime did for 06. When the rear suspension binds, it doesn't work properly--and the lower you run the car the worse the bind is. Lee from Koni could probably give you exact details as to what happens, but with all of the issues in the rear teams were running 3000-4000 lb springs just to get the car to rotate properly without sacraficing other handling characteristics. The motion ratio also sucks in the rear. It's about a 0.5:1, or 50% of the springrate.
I've been through many suspension iterations on the RSX and I'd like to think I know what works and what doesn't at this point. Everything about the car is different from the older cars. You have to run the rideheight with a front rake, specific toe and camber settings, etc.
The Roadrace RSX's didn't use 1000lb springs in the rear, they used *4000* lb springs in the rear. Yes, I wrote that correctly.
Again, everyone bags on mac struts. Yeah, not as good as wishbone, but far from the problem with the RSX. The slight tweaks Honda made to the 05-06 RSX could be accomplished by any aftermarket suspension. That's why you can run 02-04 aftermarket Coilovers on a 05-06.
The rear: The rear suspension binds at the lower shock mount. It's the way the geometry is setup and there is no way around this, unless you redesign the entire thing like realtime did for 06. When the rear suspension binds, it doesn't work properly--and the lower you run the car the worse the bind is. Lee from Koni could probably give you exact details as to what happens, but with all of the issues in the rear teams were running 3000-4000 lb springs just to get the car to rotate properly without sacraficing other handling characteristics. The motion ratio also sucks in the rear. It's about a 0.5:1, or 50% of the springrate.
I've been through many suspension iterations on the RSX and I'd like to think I know what works and what doesn't at this point. Everything about the car is different from the older cars. You have to run the rideheight with a front rake, specific toe and camber settings, etc.
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Feb 2005
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From: CA
I've read through this thread and I know that the EM2 and the DC5 chassis are similar. Do these problems stated here coincide to the 01-05 Civics? I know a lot of people here run older civics, but I only know a handful of people that are either autocrossing or road racing the 7thgen civics. This is great information either way
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: AZ, United States
Re: (funz0rzies)
I have a solution for you if you have descent credit history.
1.)Go to K20a.org and find yourself a descent put together 92-01 Civic with a K20 engine.
2.) apply for a loan at http://www.Capitaloneautofinance.com
This is where I got a loan for $15500 for a pristine 1995 Toyota MR2 Turbo with 17,000 miles. The car only booked for $8500 but they dont care at capital one, they just want your money and check your credit history to verify that you will pay.
BAM!! we have a winer which is way better than any of the options you are considering here!
1.)Go to K20a.org and find yourself a descent put together 92-01 Civic with a K20 engine.
2.) apply for a loan at http://www.Capitaloneautofinance.com
This is where I got a loan for $15500 for a pristine 1995 Toyota MR2 Turbo with 17,000 miles. The car only booked for $8500 but they dont care at capital one, they just want your money and check your credit history to verify that you will pay.
BAM!! we have a winer which is way better than any of the options you are considering here!