Though we don't spend as much time as we'd like to up in the Great White North, there's no denying a strong Canadian car scene—but even we were surprised by these two RSXs. Two very similar looks, two very different and distinct engine configurations, and yet these two friends, Jason Mendonca and Brian Viveiros, are out to show that Toronto's Hondas can rival the quality of builds typically found in the U.S.
The clear similarities are both cars' body modifications: each RSX was fitted with Buddy Club's WTCC body kit, which widens the car and gives it a much tougher look overall. Jason and Brian also opted to change colors using factory S2000 shades, New Indy Yellow Pearl and Formula Red, respectively. There are also matching J's Racing GT wings, vented Max Racing-style carbon hoods, and JDM DC5R conversion parts (headlights, taillights, emblems, and side markers)—but let's get into what makes them very different.
Though the RSX does come factory equipped with a K-series engine (K20A3 base, or K20Z1 in the Type S), both guys swapped theirs out for other K variants, and Jason kept his Type R swap naturally aspirated. A pretty simplistic setup when you look at it, with a polished RBC intake manifold, Type R valve cover, Spoon engine torque damper, and ARC titanium spark plug wire cover and intake. He also opted for a transmission from a JDM Integra Type R, which comes with a factory-equipped limited-slip differential, and tuned his setup with a Hondata ECU. The all-motor set combo puts down 245 hp with 177 lb-ft of torque.
Brian's engine bay is a lot more elaborate—most of it has been cleared and tucked, and a gigantic Precision 6262 turbo hangs off a Full Race twin-scroll manifold. The intercooler piping, custom three-inch exhaust, oil catch can, and overflow tank are from ProperFab, and the tuning was performed with a Hondata KPro. The K20Z3 engine swap retains its original transmission but has been outfitted with a limited-slip differential to help transfer the 450 hp to the drive wheels.
Both RSX interiors are well thought out and color-coordinate to their respective themes. Jason's Recaro SPG bucket seats have yellow accents that match well with the custom-painted Cusco 'cage and custom TE37SL wheel stickers, while Brian's custom white-painted Cusco 'cage matches the white TE37s his RSX is rolling on. Each is wired in a S2000 digital gauge cluster along with the push start button, and most of the interior parts are retrofitted from the JDM DC5R counterpart.
CAR AND MOTOR MANIAC
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