Chris Young treats his 2004 Acura RSX Type-S better than most of us treat that special lady in our lives. He goes to painstaking lengths to make sure she’s always looking nothing less than spectacular. Short of singing love songs to her, he does pretty much everything else he can to make sure she’s always pampered. To say he’s passionate about his ride would be an understatement of note. 

They say things happen for a reason, and when Chris’ 2004 Mazda RX8 burnt down due to a fuel leak in 2007 – despite being gutted – knew this was his opportunity to get the ride of his dreams. From his insurance payout, he immediately started looking around for a neat RSX. When he found one, standing there like a lonely lady bustling bar, the Houston, Texas native made his move.

A year has passed and Chris finds himself devoted as ever to his ‘Project RSX’, constantly saving and ordering new JDM goodies. He still feels the same deep down affection every time he catches a glimpse of his sexy satin-silver RSX. Almost like butterflies in your stomach – knowing that she is all his! Although a full-time daily grind and part-time study towards a Bachelors degree in Geology make it tough for Chris to spend time working on his ride, he still finds a way, because it’s what makes his truly happy. In fact when new parts arrive in the mail, you would be forgiven for thinking that Christmas has come early, as Chris jumps around like an anxious child, promptly unwrapping his latest mod – to marvel at it – and wasting no time in fitting it!

The first thing Chris did for this catch after he swept her off the lot was buy her some new shoes. Knowing that the fastest way to a ladies heart is to buy her footwear, Chris fitted a set of 17″ Desmond Marquis Promada Regamaster Wheels shod with wide 245 Falken Azines rubber. When only the finest will do, the RSX was dropped courtesy of Tein HA adjustable coilovers. Next he went about some minor mods to the engine.

The Acura RSX Type-S, unique to the USDM, is the sibling of the DC5 Honda Integra, comes standard with the K20A2. This 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine is renowned for making big power, and is very similar to the engine we have in the South African Civic Type-R. Making around 150kw in standard trim, the K20 is a smooth operator, and does what Honda engines do best – Rev. And rev and scream she does – all the way to 8300rpm! Although this engine is more than capable Chris saw a need to give it a new voice to match his plans for revised bodywork. He fitted a Fujita Cold Air Intake allowing the RSX to breathe better, while on other side, installed a 70mm GReddy Ti-C catback exhaust and a complimentary DC Sports 4-1 header, giving the RSX some decent bite to go along with her bark. 

Work then commenced on giving the RSX a sexier, leaner body. With the popularity of the RSX on the rise, Chris knew he had to go something really different to make his car stand out from the crowd. He sourced a Mugen front bumper and matching side skirts from Japan, as well as a M&M carbon fibre rear diffuser. In an instant this transformed the RSX from mere road car to JDM road rocket. The finishing touch was a Mugen carbon fibre rear wing that integrates completely into the whole package. For good measure, a set of JDM Type-R headlights with HIDs were added, while the standard taillights were ‘redded out’ giving a much more consistent and smooth look. In making his ride immediately recognizable, he imported a set of genuine red ‘H’ Type-R badges as well as an authentic JDM ‘Integra’ badge.

The interior of the RSX screams ‘Pure JDM’! Attention to detail has been paid to every aspect. From JDM red carpets, the JDM cupholder, to the JDM shift boot, to the originally number JDM Integra centre console with matching JDM E-brake. Hell, there’s even a JDM air freshener! Sourcing these parts is extremely difficult confesses Chris, but where there’s a will – there’s a way. With the rear seats from a donor JDM Integra and the door panels the JDM Recaro examples, the only thing remaining are the leather clad bucket seats which are not JDM. Chris is quick to point out that a set of red Bride buckets and Takata harnesses are currently on order and should be arriving anytime now! Talk about fanatical about JDM! But this is what – as a lover of modified cars – can appreciate about the boys and girls doing it for themselves in the American market. They work hard and play hard. Yes, performance parts are more affordable than in SA – and they do have the widest variety – but everything is relative. You earn in dollars – you pay in dollars, you earn in rands – you pay in rands. Driving down Westheimer in Houston with some of the boys from Sun*Works, it’s easy to see how these guys – from all walks of life – are living their dreams of driving the cars of their dreams. 

Although this RSX is a truly stunning piece of kit, Chris still has some major plans in store. Under the soon to be imported Mugen hood, will lie a Peak Boost T3 Turbo kit powered by a K-Pro management. A suspension tweak is also on the cards with the installation of Energy Suspension bushings, EM Racing suspension bars and a NGR harness bar for the interior. With a Kenwood KOS-L702 7″ In-Dash to top it off, the RSX will certainly be a bona fide show-stopper of note. Power and stunning looks in a satin glove.

To reach out goals in life, we always need the support of those close to us, and for that, Chris would just like to thank his parents, his friends, and everyone at Sun*Works, because without them all, he probably wouldn’t be in the car scene. Chris attributes his growing fondness of the RSX to making all sorts of friends. “I think I’ve probably met more people while hanging out with my car than most other things I’ve done in my life.” For some reason I’m not really surprised. One look at this dead sexy RSX and it was love at first sight for me. Too bad she’s taken.

FAST FACTS :  Acura RSX Type-S

Driver : Chris Young

Hometown : Houston, Texas

Power : 165kw (Approx)

Under The Hood : K20A2 i-VTEC, 2.0-Litre 4 Cylinder, 16-Valve, JDM Type-R Red Tappet Cover, Fujita Cold Air Intake, GReddy Ti-C 70mm Catback Exhaust, DC Sports 4-1 Stainless Steel Header

Stiff Stuff : Tein HA Adjustable Coilovers, JDM C-Pillar Bar

Rollers : Desmond Marquis Promada Regamaster 17″ x 7J Wheels, Falken Azines 245/45/17 Tyres

Inside : JDM Red Carpet, JDM Red Stitched Shift Boot, JDM Cup Holder, JDM Centre Console, JDM E-Brake, JDM Rear Seats, Recaro Door Panels, T1-R Shift Knob, NRG Version 2.5 Quick Release & Hub, Nardi Perforated Leather Steering Wheel, JDM Squash Air Freshner

Outside : JDM Type-R Headlights, JDM Front & Rear Red “H” Badges, JDM ”Integra” Badge, Mugen Front Bumper, Mugen Side Skirts, Mugen Carbon Fibre Wing, M&M Carbon Fibre Rear Diffuser, Redout Taillights, 6K HID Headlight Upgrade