hey im kinda new to the k20 motors. I'm looking to buy an rsx, and wondering if there is any way to tell the difference between a base model and a type s motor from just a picture?

 

Well if its stock, 1 possible way is to look at the intake manifold (hopefully the person didn't swap it), but the Base model has a black intake manifold while the Type-S has a silver/metal looking one:





Reminder: This is not guranteed, but one way. The only way to tell for sure is to look at the block stamp in person. Its located underneath the throttle body area, might need a flashlight