Acura RSX 2002-2006 Drivetrain Specifications
Acura RSX 2002-2006

Acura RSX 2002-2006 Drivetrain Specifications

Detailed technical specifications and documentation for the 2002-2006 Acura RSX drivetrain system, including transmission, differential, axles, and related components. Essential for maintenance, repair, and performance tuning.

Updated

Drivetrain Specifications Overview Specifications

This document provides a comprehensive overview of the drivetrain specifications for the 2002-2006 Acura RSX. It includes detailed information about the engine, transmission, drivetrain components, and related systems. Use this guide to understand the technical aspects of the vehicle's drivetrain, identify key components, and reference specifications for maintenance or upgrades. Navigate through the sections to find specific details, and use the quick reference section for fast access to key data.

How to Use

To search for specific information, use the search functionality by entering keywords related to the drivetrain component or specification you are looking for. Results will highlight relevant sections and subsections.

Navigate through the document by exploring the major sections listed in the table of contents. Each section contains subsections with detailed technical points. Use the quick reference section for a concise overview of key specifications.

Key Specifications

Engine Type

Inline-4 cylinder (K20A3/K20A2)

Displacement

2.0L (1997 cc)

Horsepower (Type-S)

200 hp @ 7,400 rpm

Torque (Type-S)

142 lb-ft @ 5,700 rpm

Transmission Options

5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, 5-speed automatic

Available Specifications

Engine Specifications

The Acura RSX is powered by a high-revving inline-4 cylinder engine, known for its performance and reliability. This section details the engine's technical specifications, including displacement, horsepower, torque, and fuel system details.

Engine Type and Displacement
  • K20A3 engine (base model)
  • K20A2 engine (Type-S model)
  • 2.0L inline-4 cylinder
  • Displacement: 1997 cc
Performance Metrics
  • Base model: 160 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
  • Type-S model: 200 horsepower @ 7,400 rpm
  • Base model: 141 lb-ft torque @ 4,000 rpm
  • Type-S model: 142 lb-ft torque @ 5,700 rpm
Fuel System
  • Multi-point fuel injection
  • Dual-stage intake manifold
  • High-flow fuel injectors
  • Required fuel: Premium unleaded (91 octane)

Transmission and Drivetrain

The Acura RSX features a front-wheel-drive layout with a choice of manual or automatic transmissions. This section covers the transmission specifications, drivetrain components, and final drive ratios.

Transmission Options
  • 5-speed manual (base model)
  • 6-speed manual (Type-S model)
  • 5-speed automatic with SportShift
  • Manual transmissions feature a limited-slip differential
Drivetrain Components
  • Front-wheel drive (FWD)
  • Helical limited-slip differential
  • Drive shaft: High-strength steel
  • CV axles with constant velocity joints
Final Drive Ratios
  • Base model (manual): 4.20
  • Type-S model (manual): 4.77
  • Automatic models: 4.20
  • Final drive ratio varies by transmission type

Suspension and Chassis

The RSX features a sport-tuned suspension system designed for handling and performance. This section details the suspension components, chassis specifications, and steering system.

Suspension Type
  • MacPherson strut front suspension
  • Double-wishbone rear suspension
  • Stabilizer bars front and rear
  • Sport-tuned damping and spring rates
Steering System
  • Electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering
  • Steering ratio: 15.11:1
  • Turning circle: 36.1 feet
  • Steering wheel turns: 2.74 turns lock-to-lock

Brakes and Tires

The braking system and tire specifications are critical for the RSX's performance and safety. This section includes details on brake components, tire sizes, and wheel specifications.

Brake System
  • Ventilated front brake discs
  • Solid rear brake discs
  • Dual-piston front calipers
  • Single-piston rear calipers
  • ABS with electronic brake distribution
Tires and Wheels
  • Base model: 16x6.5-inch alloy wheels
  • Type-S model: 17x7-inch alloy wheels
  • Base model: 205/55R16 tires
  • Type-S model: 215/45R17 tires
  • Spare tire: Temporary use only

Component Specifications

Overview

Type
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Configuration
Transverse-mounted inline-4 cylinder engine
Platform
Honda Civic Platform (Shared with Acura RSX)
Material
Aluminum alloy engine block and cylinder head
Location
Front-engine, front-wheel drive layout

Dimensions

Wheelbase
101.2 inches (257 cm)
Front Track
59.8 inches (152 cm)
Rear Track
60.4 inches (153 cm)
Overall Length
173.2 inches (440 cm)
Overall Width
67.9 inches (172 cm)
Ground Clearance
5.3 inches (13.5 cm)
Curb Weight
2,639 lbs (1,196 kg)

Materials

Engine Block
Aluminum alloy with cast iron sleeves
Transmission Case
Aluminum alloy
Driveshaft
High-strength steel with CV joints
Axles
High-strength steel with constant velocity (CV) joints
Differential Housing
Aluminum alloy

Features

Engine Features
  • DOHC VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control)
  • Dual-stage intake manifold
  • Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
  • 4-wheel independent suspension
  • Helical limited-slip differential (optional)
Transmission Features
  • Close-ratio 5-speed manual transmission
  • 4-speed automatic transmission with Grade Logic Control
  • Short shifter with precise gear engagement
  • Lightweight flywheel and clutch assembly
Drivetrain Features
  • Advanced traction control system
  • Electronic power steering (EPS)
  • Stability assist system
  • Torque-sensing limited-slip differential
Suspension Features
  • MacPherson strut front suspension
  • Double-wishbone rear suspension
  • Stabilizer bars front and rear
  • Sport-tuned dampers and springs
Exhaust Features
  • High-flow catalytic converter
  • Dual-tip exhaust system
  • Lightweight exhaust components
  • Optimized muffler design for reduced backpressure

Safety Features

Active Safety
  • Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)
  • Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD)
  • Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
  • Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Passive Safety
  • Dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags
  • Side airbags with occupant position detection
  • Side curtain airbags
  • Rearview camera (optional)

Comfort Features

Driving Comfort
  • Smooth power delivery with VTEC
  • Low NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness)
  • Ergonomic driver-focused cockpit
  • Weight distribution optimized for handling
Convenience
  • Power steering with variable assist
  • Cruise control
  • Automatic climate control
  • Steering wheel-mounted audio controls
infotainment
  • AM/FM/CD audio system
  • 7-speaker premium sound system
  • Auxiliary input jack
  • XM Satellite Radio (optional)

Accessories

Performance Accessories
  • Performance air filter
  • Lightweight alloy wheels
  • High-performance tires
  • Suspension upgrades
Maintenance Accessories
  • Oil filter wrench
  • Transmission fluid pan gasket
  • Spark plug set
  • Air filter cleaning kit
Replacement Parts
  • Timing belt kit
  • Water pump
  • Drive belts
  • Brake pads and rotors

Maintenance

Service interval
  • Miles: 5,000 miles, Months: 6 months, Items: Oil change with synthetic blend oil,Tire rotation,Brake inspection,Fluid level check,Air filter inspection, Note: Recommended for normal driving conditions
  • Miles: 15,000 miles, Months: 12 months, Items: Spark plug replacement,Timing belt inspection,Driveshaft boot inspection,CV joint inspection,Suspension inspection, Note: Intermediate service recommended
  • Miles: 30,000 miles, Months: 24 months, Items: Transmission fluid change,Differential fluid change,Brake fluid flush,Coolant replacement,Hoses and belts inspection, Note: Major service recommended
  • Miles: 60,000 miles, Months: 48 months, Items: Timing belt replacement,Water pump replacement,Drive belt replacement,Fuel injector cleaning,Exhaust system inspection, Note: Critical service for long-term reliability
Maintenance Notes
Follow recommended maintenance schedule for optimal performance and longevity.

Warranty

Basic Warranty
Miles: 36,000 miles
Years: 3 years
Coverage: Bumper-to-bumper coverage
Powertrain Warranty
Miles: 60,000 miles
Years: 5 years
Coverage: Engine, transmission, and drivetrain components
Corrosion Warranty
Miles: 60,000 miles
Years: 5 years
Coverage: Perforation of body panels
Accessories Warranty
Miles: 36,000 miles
Years: 3 years
Coverage: audio, navigation, and other accessories

Production Details

Manufacturer
Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
Manufacturing Process
  • Casting and forging of engine components
  • Machining and assembly of transmission
  • Welding and assembly of drivetrain components
  • Quality control inspection at each stage
Quality Control
inspection: Multi-stage quality control checks
Testing: Performance and durability testing
Certification: Meet or exceed industry standards
Sustainability Practices
  • Use of lightweight materials for fuel efficiency
  • Recycling of production materials
  • Emission reduction in manufacturing process
  • Energy-efficient manufacturing facilities
Production Metrics
Units Produced: Over 400,000 units during production run
Production Years: 2002-2006
Assembly Plant: Suzuka, Japan
Quality Rating: 4.5/5 reliability rating

Service Information for drivetrain Service

Maintenance and service requirements specific to this component

5,000 miles
6 months
  • Oil change with synthetic blend oil
  • Tire rotation
  • Brake inspection
  • Fluid level check
  • Air filter inspection

Recommended for normal driving conditions

15,000 miles
12 months
  • Spark plug replacement
  • Timing belt inspection
  • Driveshaft boot inspection
  • CV joint inspection
  • Suspension inspection

Intermediate service recommended

30,000 miles
24 months
  • Transmission fluid change
  • Differential fluid change
  • Brake fluid flush
  • Coolant replacement
  • Hoses and belts inspection

Major service recommended

60,000 miles
48 months
  • Timing belt replacement
  • Water pump replacement
  • Drive belt replacement
  • Fuel injector cleaning
  • Exhaust system inspection

Critical service for long-term reliability

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about torque specifications

Q1

What type of drivetrain does the 2002-2006 Acura RSX use?

The 2002-2006 Acura RSX is equipped with a front-wheel-drive (FWD) system. It features a transversely mounted engine connected to a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission, depending on the trim level.

Q2

What is the gear ratio for the 2002-2006 Acura RSX manual transmission?

The 2002-2006 Acura RSX with a 5-speed manual transmission has the following gear ratios: 1st gear - 3.266, 2nd gear - 1.900, 3rd gear - 1.360, 4th gear - 1.034, 5th gear - 0.787, and a final drive ratio of 4.388.

Q3

What is the torque capacity of the RSX drivetrain?

The 2002-2006 Acura RSX drivetrain is designed to handle up to 142 lb-ft of torque for the base model (2.0L K20A3 engine) and 152 lb-ft for the Type-S model (2.0L K20A2 engine). Exceeding these limits may cause premature wear or failure.

Q4

How often should the transmission fluid be replaced in the RSX?

Acura recommends replacing the manual transmission fluid every 30,000 miles or 2 years, whichever comes first. For automatic transmissions, the fluid should be replaced every 60,000 miles or 4 years. Always use Honda/Acura Genuine MTF or ATF for optimal performance.

Q5

What is the recommended differential fluid for the RSX?

For the 2002-2006 Acura RSX, Acura recommends using Honda/Acura Genuine Dual Pump Fluid II (P/N 08200-9006) for the differential. This ensures proper lubrication and performance of the front-wheel-drive system.

Factory Service Resources

Access official service manuals, technical documents, and repair guides. These resources provide detailed procedures, specifications, and diagrams directly from the manufacturer.

Acura RSX Service Manual

Coming Soon

Official service manual for the 2002-2006 Acura RSX, covering detailed drivetrain maintenance and repair procedures.

Drivetrain Maintenance Guide

Coming Soon

Step-by-step guide for maintaining the RSX drivetrain, including fluid changes, inspections, and troubleshooting tips.

Transmission Fluid Specifications

Coming Soon

Detailed specifications for manual and automatic transmission fluids compatible with the 2002-2006 Acura RSX.

Common Drivetrain Issues and Solutions

Coming Soon

A troubleshooting resource addressing common drivetrain problems in the 2002-2006 Acura RSX and recommended solutions.

About the Author

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Alan Montanye - Automotive Technical Specialist
ASE

Alan Montanye

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