Honda Integra DC5 / Acura RSX.
The coilover guide.
Shop the coiloversStart with the market, trim and parts already fitted. Honda Integra and Acura RSX share the DC5 family, but the application rows and recommended lowering figures need separate checks.
The Integra generation that became the RSX.
The DC5 has front struts, independent double-wishbone rear suspension and a compact three-door hatch body. A modest drop and well-chosen wheels can suit it without leaving the tyres short of room. Decide how much usable travel and clearance you need before choosing a height.
Current listings include TEIN FLEX Z and Mono Sport alongside AST and MOTON references. The manufacturer application tables distinguish Japan, UK-listed and US-market cars. Confirm the exact kit against your car’s original market, model year and actual suspension, especially after an import or conversion.
Honda launched the DC5 Integra in Japan in July 2001. The iS had a 160PS engine, while the Type R had 220PS and a six-speed manual gearbox. In North America, Acura sold the related car as the 2002-model RSX: 160hp in the ordinary model and 200hp in the Type S. Japanese PS figures and US horsepower ratings belong to their respective specifications.
The long doors, triangular rear quarter windows and sloping hatch distinguish this car from the earlier DC2 Integra. Its front suspension also changed: the DC5 uses a control-link MacPherson strut arrangement. The rear remains independent double wishbone, with the coil spring around the damper.
For Japan’s September 2004 update, Type S replaced iS. Honda revised the lamps and bumpers and gave the Type S and Type R their own suspension settings. The Japanese Type S name does not identify an American RSX Type S. Acura’s 2005 update also revised the exterior and suspension; check build details when a car wears replacement panels.
On a modified DC5, wheel offset, tyre size and the amount of earlier lowering are useful starting points. A wing or Type R badge tells you little about changed arms and dampers. Photograph the parts underneath and keep the chassis and market details with your enquiry.
Start with your Integra DC5 / Acura RSX.
Match the model year, engine and body style before comparing brands.
Honda Integra Type R: check the market
TEIN lists DC5 Type R applications for Japan and separate GBR year entries. FLEX Z VSA02-C1SA1 and Mono Sport GSA02-71SS1 both appear in those rows. A UK-listed row still needs the car’s original market, build year and fitted hardware checked.
See the Honda Type R listings
Acura RSX: identify the actual grade
The FLEX Z manufacturer table has US RSX DC5 entries for 2002 to 2004 and 2005 to 2006, with the grade field blank. Confirm the actual base or Type S specification before ordering. AST’s RSX TYPE R catalogue wording must not be read as a factory American Type R model.
Inspect the listed RSX FLEX Z application
Facelift Honda: use the build date
Honda’s September 2004 revision changed the suspension settings as well as the body details. TEIN separates the later Japanese Type R and Type S rows from the earlier Type R and iS. Include the original market and build date; ask for a specific check on an iS or Japanese Type S.
Check my facelift DC5 application
Changed parts or uncertain history?
Send the chassis details and photographs of the existing struts, rear dampers and mounts. Include any arm, hub or steering changes and the wheel dimensions. An engine swap or replacement bodywork cannot establish the suspension application.
Check my modified DC5What do you want
from the car?
Road miles, circuit weekends or a car built around the lap. Start with how you drive.
Choose the right baseline for the height you want.
Read the buying advice
FLEX Z VSA02-C1SA1 is a current example with manufacturer rows for Honda Integra DC5 and US Acura RSX. TEIN lists nominal 8kgf/mm front and 10kgf/mm rear springs. Its recommended lowering is 20 to 40mm at each end for the Honda rows and 35 to 55mm for the US RSX rows. Discuss the car’s current height and intended use before ordering.
- Check the market-specific height figures
- Allow for wheels, tyres and spacers
- Confirm the retained mounting parts
Discuss the tyres and spring rates together.
Read the buying advice
Mono Sport GSA02-71SS1 is a listed Honda DC5 option with nominal 12kgf/mm front and 14kgf/mm rear springs. Those figures alone cannot predict ride comfort or lap time. Describe the tyres, road mileage and circuit plans so the application and setup can be checked. Confirm a separate Mono Sport application for an Acura RSX before ordering.
- Confirm the Honda market and build year
- Agree springs around the actual tyres
- Record height and alignment changes
Specify the whole car before selecting the dampers.
Read the buying advice
The current AST and MOTON references include separate circuit-oriented ranges. Give the builder the event rules, tyres, vehicle weight and mounting changes, then agree the spring and damper package. Confirm included top mounts and any remote-reservoir installation requirements on the exact kit. A shared DC5 application code does not settle the complete competition specification.
- Include rules and vehicle specification
- Confirm mounts and reservoir requirements
- Agree the setup with the builder
A rear spring around the damper.
The rear spring surrounds the damper on a standard Honda Integra DC5 / Acura RSX.
Component layout only. Mounts, dimensions and adjusters vary by kit.The DC5 has independent double-wishbone rear suspension. The original RSX service manual shows the rear coil spring surrounding the damper and resting on its spring seat, with an eye at the lower connection.
At the front, the DC5 uses a control-link MacPherson strut layout. TEIN’s application note limits front camber adjustment to the range that also permits correct toe. Have the fitter check both together, plus steering and tyre clearance at the planned height. Use the exact kit instructions for mountings and adjustment.
Understand ride height and preload
Leave room for the tyre to move.
Bring the wheel width, offset, tyre size and spacer thickness. Ask the fitter to check clearance through steering and suspension movement at the intended height. A tidy parked arch gap does not show what happens under compression or with steering lock applied.
Inspect the retained arms, bushes and joints before setting alignment. Record what is fitted now and any previous lowering. TEIN also flags a left-hand thread on the front-left spring seat and lock; the fitter needs the exact instructions before adjusting it.
Wheels, tyres and arch clearance
Keep the actual dimensions with your enquiry. Wider wheels, spacers and tyre-profile changes alter the clearance check; use the fitter’s movement checks before agreeing the final height.
Steering, camber and toe
A camber-adjustable top mount does not remove the DC5’s toe-setting constraint. Discuss the complete alignment with the fitter and identify any changed steering or suspension parts.
Mounts and existing conversions
Photograph the parts underneath if the history is uncertain. Confirm which top mounts and mounting hardware the exact kit supplies or reuses, and identify any previous conversion.
The current Integra DC5 / Acura RSX range.
Compare the controls and hardware included in each range.
The listed FLEX Z VSA02-C1SA1 and Mono Sport GSA02-71SS1 have different nominal spring rates and market coverage. FLEX Z includes US RSX entries; confirm a separate Mono Sport application for an Acura. Use the current supplied specification and the correct recommended lowering baseline.
View TEIN Integra DC5 / Acura RSX kits
The current listings include 5100 Street, Street Performance and Clubracing references, plus 5200 and 5300 ranges. AST’s original product finder separately names Honda Integra Type R DC5 and Acura RSX TYPE R DC5. Confirm the actual car and kit contents; that wording does not create an American factory Type R trim.
View AST Integra DC5 / Acura RSX kits
Two-way and three-way DC5 references are currently listed. Agree the application, spring package, mounts and reservoir requirements with the builder before selecting a circuit package. Use the exact product configuration for current price and availability.
View MOTON Integra DC5 / Acura RSX kitsFind your Integra DC5 / Acura RSX coilovers.
Prices include UK VAT. Choose an application and brand, then open a kit for its current options and availability.
9 listings
Match the engine, body style and axle-load limits on the product page before ordering.
AST · ACT-H1502S
AST 5100 Street Performance Coilovers for Acura, Honda Applications - ACT-H1502S
Check the exact application
TEIN · GSA02-71SS1
TEIN MONO SPORT Coilovers for Honda Integra Type R DC5 - GSA02-71SS1
Honda Integra Type R: check the market / Facelift Honda: use the build date
MOTON · M 504 050S
MOTON 2-Way Motorsport Coilovers for Acura, Honda Applications - M 504 050S
Check the exact application
AST · RIV-H1502S
AST 5200 2-Way Motorsport Coilovers for Acura, Honda Applications - RIV-H1502S
Check the exact application
TEIN · VSA02-C1SA1
TEIN FLEX Z Coilovers for Honda Integra Type R DC5 - VSA02-C1SA1
Honda Integra Type R: check the market / Acura RSX: identify the actual grade / Facelift Honda: use the build date
MOTON · M 504 051S
MOTON 3-Way Motorsport Coilovers for Acura, Honda Applications - M 504 051S
Check the exact application
All Integra DC5 / Acura RSX kit links and part numbers
- AST · ACC-H1502S: AST 5100 Clubracing Coilovers for Acura, Honda Applications - ACC-H1502S
- AST · ACT-H1502S: AST 5100 Street Performance Coilovers for Acura, Honda Applications - ACT-H1502S
- AST · ACU-H1502S: AST 5100 Street Coilovers for Acura, Honda Applications - ACU-H1502S
- AST · RAC-H1502S: AST 5300 3-Way Motorsport Coilovers for Acura, Honda Applications - RAC-H1502S
- AST · RIV-H1502S: AST 5200 2-Way Motorsport Coilovers for Acura, Honda Applications - RIV-H1502S
- MOTON · M 504 050S: MOTON 2-Way Motorsport Coilovers for Acura, Honda Applications - M 504 050S
- MOTON · M 504 051S: MOTON 3-Way Motorsport Coilovers for Acura, Honda Applications - M 504 051S
- TEIN · VSA02-C1SA1: TEIN FLEX Z Coilovers for Honda Integra Type R DC5 - VSA02-C1SA1
- TEIN · GSA02-71SS1: TEIN MONO SPORT Coilovers for Honda Integra Type R DC5 - GSA02-71SS1
Before you order.
Identify your car
Identify the original market, chassis, actual trim and build year; distinguish Japanese Integra Type S from American RSX Type S.
Match the kit
Match the exact manufacturer application and supplied mounting parts, including any previous suspension or steering conversion.
Check what’s included
Agree the height using the correct market baseline and leave enough working travel for the planned use.
Check your modifications
Record wheel width, offset, tyres and spacers; have steering, arch clearance, camber and toe checked together.
Plan fitting
Plan fitting and alignment with the exact instructions, including the TEIN front-left thread note and any reservoir or circuit requirements.
See what the adjustments do.
Choosing coilovers for road and track
Compare the kit against your roads, tyres and setup plans before counting adjusters.
Ride height and spring preload
Understand the two adjustments before choosing a lowering range.
What spring rate tells you
Compare force and movement, read the units and choose a spring with the damper in mind.
Spring rates and top mounts
Read the front/rear figures and check which mounts come with your kit.
Questions about Honda Integra DC5 / Acura RSX coilovers.
Check the details before choosing your kit.
Can I use Honda Integra DC5 coilovers on an Acura RSX?
Check the exact manufacturer application for your market, model year and actual trim. Some references list both DC5 versions, including FLEX Z VSA02-C1SA1, but each application still needs its own check. Japanese Integra Type S and American RSX Type S names do not describe the same specification.
Was there a factory American Acura RSX Type R?
Acura’s US sources identify RSX and RSX Type S. AST’s product finder uses RSX TYPE R as an application label, so that catalogue wording needs checking against the actual car. A badge, wing or supplier title cannot establish a factory trim.
Which TEIN kits are listed for the DC5?
Current listings include FLEX Z VSA02-C1SA1 and Mono Sport GSA02-71SS1. The FLEX Z manufacturer rows include Honda Integra DC5 and US Acura RSX. Confirm a separate Mono Sport application for an Acura, and check the market, year and fitted parts before choosing either kit.
How much lowering does the DC5 FLEX Z application recommend?
TEIN lists 20 to 40mm front and rear for the Honda rows and 35 to 55mm front and rear for the US RSX rows. These are recommended figures from each original vehicle baseline. Previous lowering and changed parts need checking before deciding the final height.
Is the DC5 rear spring separate from its damper?
The original RSX rear damper assembly has the coil spring around the damper, within independent double-wishbone suspension. The compact illustration identifies those component positions. Exact mounting hardware and adjustment still come from the kit’s own instructions.
Does a higher spring rate make a kit the better choice?
Choose around the car’s tyres, weight, use and damper setup. The listed TEIN nominal rates differ, but the numbers alone do not establish comfort or circuit performance. Discuss road mileage and track plans before choosing a package.
Can adjustable top mounts settle the front alignment on their own?
TEIN notes that front camber adjustment is limited by the range that allows correct toe. Have the fitter check both settings together, along with steering movement and tyre clearance. Identify any modified steering or suspension parts before ordering.
Will the vehicle finder identify the changes on my DC5?
The finder helps identify the vehicle; it cannot inspect converted arms, steering parts or earlier lowering. Include the original market, chassis details and photographs of the current suspension, plus wheel and tyre dimensions when asking about a kit.
Let’s talk suspension.
Find your DC5, then include its original market, actual trim and build details. Tell us about the wheels, tyres and suspension already fitted, along with the height and use you have in mind.