The Empire Strikes Back
Words and Photography by Andy Carter
Sequels aren’t supposed to be good. They almost always come off as a half-hearted attempt to recapture the look, the energy, and the magic of the original film. The Empire Strikes Back isn’t like that. George Lucas’ follow-up to Star Wars was not only better, it was darker. It gave America a reason to fall in love with the Dark Side.
Not only is this Joe’s second RSX, it’s his second bronze-wheeled, JDM-inspired, black RSX. But oh, is this one better. The exterior has been completely reworked into a Mugen adorned Type-R Integra: Mugen spoilers all around, Type-R lights, badges, visors, Benen tow hooks, and Top One front splitters. And these aren’t Mugen-style replicas, everything is off-the-boat authentic. All of the pieces have been covered in Honda’s own Nighthawk Black Pearl, giving the Acura a dark, sinister, Vader-esque aesthetic. The car has found its stance courtesy of Tanabe Sustec coilovers and a set of concave 18×9.5 (+30) Work Emotion XT7’s wrapped in Toyo 225/40/18 rubber. All things considered, this RSX creates a perfect marriage of the JDM and Stance styles.
Not wanting to be remembered a show queen, Joe has made sure to address each of the car’s areas of performance. The motors breathes easier thanks to the ever-popular Password JDM intake, a Buddy Club race header, and JDM-spec Apexi Exhaust. The chassis has been stiffened thanks to various Cusco, Carbing, D2, and OEM Type-R pieces. Brembo rotors and steel braided lines insure that the RSX stops when the need arises.
The interior is a JDM flawless victory. Everything is Type-R spec: front and rear seats, carpet, floor mats, pedals, console, knob…everything.
Some would have applauded Joe’s move to an Evolution after his first RSX, happy that he broadened his horizons beyond Honda’s firm grasp on the import scene. But it is wise to not underestimate the power of the Dark Side. Joe returned to the Honda world, striking back with this perfectly executed, well-rounded RSX. Chalk another point up for The Empire.
Exterior:
Authentic Mugen front
Authentic Mugen sides
Authentic Mugen rear
Jdm Type r Brake Ducts
Top One Splitters
Mugen Hood
Jdm Type r side marker lights
Benen Front Tow Hook
Benen rear towhook
Jdm Type r spoiler
Jdm Type r Tail lights (rare)
Jdm Type r Window Visors
Jdm Type r Badges, and side stickers
Interior:
Jdm type r carpet (red)
Jdm Type r Floor Mats (Red)
Jdm Type r Door Panels (red)
Jdm Type r Recaro Seats (red)
Jdm Type r Pedal Assembly
Jdm Type r Center Console
Jdm Type r rear Seats
Jdm Type r Steering Wheel
Jdm Type r Door Sills
Suspension/Brakes:
Tanabe Sustec Pro Coilovers
Cusco Front Strut tower bar
Cusco Rear Strut bar
Carbing Lower Tie Bar
Jdm Type r Lower Control Arms
D2 rear lower control arms
Brembo Front And Rear Drilled Slotted Rotors And Steel Braided Lines
Wheels/Tires/Lugnuts:
Work Emotion XT7 18×9.5 (Concave) +30
Toyo Hp Extensa 225/40/18 Tires
Project kics Neo Chro Lug Nuts
Engine:
Jdm Type r Valve cover
Carbon fiber intake and spark plug cover
Ingalls Torque Dampner
Hondata Kpro
Rc Injectors
Golden Eagle fuel rail
Buddy Club Race Header
Password Jdm Carbon Intake (battery relocated to the trunk)
Walboro 255 fuel pump
Jdm Spec Apexi Exhaust
Buddy club Short Shifter
