After owning the Prius for a good 10 months, I figured I sit back and do a monthly cost of ownership analysis comparing the operating costs between the Prius and the RSX based on my own personal experience. The result is pretty clear that a brand new 2012 Toyota Prius not only costs less in fuel expenditure but total monthly…
Tag: acura rsx
Review: PIAA Plasma Ion Yellow 12v/5w 168 wedge bulbs
Throughout the course of owning the Acura RSX, I’ve went through two sets of . They were installed into the front facing parking lights inside the head lights (aka city lights). The first set lasted me about 6 years before they went out of commission. I like them because they are very yellow and bright for a 5 W bulb.…
Acura RSX inner fender liner has the tendency to detach at high speed
While cruising at approximately 80 mph on the 60-west heading towards Los Angeles, I heard a strange whirling sound. The sound sounded like an object obscuring air flow at high speed, then after a minute, a loud crunch like I ran over a muffler. When I pulled over to examine what has happened, everything look okay, until I see my…
Cleaning your RSX’s throttle body and idle air control valve (IACV) helps improve response and MPG
After spending about 3 hours cleaning the idle air control valve and the throttle body of the Acura RSX, I noticed immediate throttle responsiveness and an increase in MPG. This is after 7 years of owning the RSX and at 84,000 miles. The clean-up was performed because I’ve experienced erratic idle-stalling problems upon start up after a long drive. I’ll…
Happy New Year 2012
I just returned from our 10-day road trip to Northern California. Suffice to say, it was a refreshing and respite retreat from the hectic life of Los Angeles. Shaggy, our adopted guinea pig survived the 1,600+ mile round-trip and was glad to be home. I am surprised to find that all the plants and all the fishes, with exception to…
DIY: OEM JDM DC5 rear taillights replacement guide (2005-2006 only)
The OEM JDM taillights is a direct swap with the USDM taillights. There are a few minor noticeable difference to be aware of. The OEM JDM taillights come with a slightly different taillight gasket. It has an adhesive backing that adheres to the rear firewall. Since the JDM Integra DC5 rear chassis has minor differences, the OEM JDM taillight gasket…
DIY: Honda OEM side marker lights install guide (video included) on your Acura RSX
Most folks install side marker lights by cutting off the 2-pin female plug from the OEM side marker lights and splicing the two wires from the lights to the corresponding wires of the front signal lights. You can do this if you want, but the guide will show you how to execute an OEM-style install without the need to modify…
DIY: How to add a UKDM Honda DC2 rear fog lamp to an RSX
As with all my recent DIY guides, I try to keep the installation of non-OEM options appear as OEM as possible. With this in mind, the steps involved are meticulous and detailed. If you do not care for OEM-spec installation and just want to get the fog light functional, you can can simply skip the steps and optional parts and…
EDM/UKDM DC2 rear fog light installed on a 2005 Acura RSX
I’ve seen ’02-’04 Acura RSX with the rear fog light installed. To date, I have not seen an ’05-’06 Acura RSX with the rear fog light installed. So, if you’re wondering what it looks like on an ’05+ RSX, click on the following image for an enlarged version: I decided to install the rear fog light because I drive through…
DIY: Honda Access door visors installation guide
The Honda Access door visor is a handy accessory that allows you to cruise with your window slightly down without being blasted by wind noise. It’s especially helpful during the rain as it allows the driver to roll the window down just enough to alleviate interior fog build up and keep the rain (or snow) out without turning on the…
DIY: How to add daytime running lights (DRL) to your RSX
This DIY mod has been updated, simplified and ported to 2010-2014 Toyota Prius. For updated instructions, read http://blog.machanon.net/2013/06/01/diy-how-to-add-daytime-running-lights-to-a-2010-2011-prius/ Ever wanted daytime running lights on your USDM Acura RSX, but can’t seem to find any do-it-yourself articles to execute the installation? Most newer cars have DRLs installed at the factory. The added visibility during the day without compromising instrument visibility…
DIY: How to install Acura OEM A-Spec front underbody spoiler (aka front lip) on your 2005-2006 RSX
This is part three of a three part install series. Allow up to an hour and 45 minutes to complete this install. If you have an assistant, it will take you approximately one hour with all the right tools. Before we proceed with the install, let’s make sure that all the parts are received: 7 stepped bolts 7 flanged nuts…