The Foundation: What Makes Coilovers Different from Strut-and-Spring Systems?

The stock suspension on the RSX Type S is a well-engineered MacPherson strut front and multilink rear setup, but it’s designed for a broad market with compromise. Factory dampers are tuned for comfort and will fade under sustained aggressive driving. Coilovers like those from BC Racing replace the entire strut-and-spring assembly with a single, integrated unit. BC Racing uses a monotube high-pressure gas design that dissipates heat more efficiently than the stock twin-tube design. This reduces oil aeration and maintains consistent damping forces during long track sessions or repeated canyon runs.

Unlike simple lowering springs that rely on the stock dampers, coilovers offer fully adjustable ride height via a threaded spring perch and lower bracket. This adjustment does not affect suspension travel—a critical advantage over lowering springs that often bottom out. Additionally, BC Racing units include 32-click adjustable damping for both rebound and compression (depending on the model). This allows the driver to change the suspension character from compliant street cruiser to a firm track setup in minutes.

Benefits of Upgrading to BC Racing Coilovers on the RSX Type S

Improved Cornering and Reduced Body Roll

The most immediate benefit after installing BC Racing coilovers is the dramatic reduction in body roll. With spring rates typically ranging from 8 kg/mm front to 6 kg/mm rear (on the popular BR series) compared to the stock rates of approximately 4.5 kg/mm front and 3.5 kg/mm rear, the chassis stays flatter through corners. This allows the RSX Type S to carry more speed through turns without the inside rear lifting or the front washing out. Owners frequently report that turn‑in becomes sharper and the steering wheel feels more connected to the road surface.

The adjustable damping further refines cornering performance. By increasing rebound damping, you reduce chassis roll after the initial turn‑in, giving a more planted feel. On the track, stiffer settings help the tires maintain contact patch through transitions like slaloms or chicane sequences. For daily street use, softening the dampers provides enough compliance to manage bumps while still keeping the car composed.

Enhanced Traction and Launch Performance

Lowering the ride height by 1 to 2 inches lowers the center of gravity of the RSX Type S, which shifts weight distribution slightly forward under acceleration. This reduces weight transfer to the rear tires during aggressive launches, improving front‑wheel drive traction. Combine this with the ability to increase low-speed compression damping to control squat, and the car launches harder with less wheel hop. Many owners report consistent 2.0‑second 0‑60 ft times after proper corner weighting and alignment.

Additionally, BC Racing coilovers maintain suspension travel even at lowered heights. This prevents the bump stops from engaging prematurely, which often causes the front tires to lose grip during hard acceleration over uneven pavement. The result is a more predictable and faster launch, especially on street tires that are sensitive to sudden weight changes.

Adjustable Ride Height for Aesthetics and Performance

The independent ride height adjustment on BC Racing coilovers means you can lower the car for a aggressive stance without sacrificing travel. This is ideal for RSX owners who want a “track‑oriented” height for events and a slightly higher setting for daily driving. The adjustment range is typically 1–3 inches from stock height, allowing you to dial in the ideal balance between visual appeal and clearance for speed bumps and driveways.

Proper ride height also affects suspension geometry. Lowering too much without adjusting other components can introduce bump steer or excessive camber loss. However, BC Racing's design includes monoball top mounts (available as an option) which allow for additional camber adjustment. Many owners pair these with adjustable rear camber arms to optimize tire wear and cornering grip.

Customizable Damping for Street or Track

The 32‑click damping adjustment is one of the most praised features of BC Racing coilovers. On the RSX Type S, you can set the front dampers 10–15 clicks from full stiff for a sporty yet livable daily ride. For autocross or track days, turning the adjusters to 5–10 clicks from full stiff sharpens response significantly. The rear dampers often benefit from being 2–3 clicks softer than the front to maintain a neutral handling balance. This adjustability makes the BC Racing kit a versatile upgrade that can adapt to a driver’s evolving skill level and varied driving conditions.

Technical Specifications: Choosing the Right BC Racing Coilovers

BR Series vs DS Series vs ER Series – Which One for Your RSX?

BC Racing offers several series for the RSX Type S. The BR series is the most popular, featuring monotube dampers, 32‑click adjustable damping, and a threaded body for ride height adjustment. It comes with standard 6/4 kg/mm spring rates but can be customized to 8/6 or even 10/8 for aggressive setups. The DS series adds an external reservoir that allows separate adjustment of high‑speed and low‑speed compression damping, ideal for serious track enthusiasts who want finer control over bump compliance and squat.

The ER series is a budget‑minded option with non‑adjustable damping but still offers ride height adjustability. For most RSX Type S owners who want the handling improvements described above without breaking the bank, the BR series strikes the best balance. If you do regular track days, the DS series provides additional tuning range that can pay dividends in consistency.

Spring Rates and Shock Valving

Choosing the correct spring rate is critical. For a street‑driven RSX Type S that sees occasional autocross, rates of 8 kg/mm front and 6 kg/mm rear are a common sweet spot. These rates maintain good bump compliance while drastically reducing body roll. For a dedicated track car, rates of 10/8 or even 12/10 are used, but this stiffening requires corresponding changes to sway bars and alignment to avoid understeer. BC Racing can valve the dampers to match your chosen spring rates, ensuring the damping forces are optimized for the spring natural frequency.

Warranty and Rebuild Options

BC Racing offers a one‑year warranty against defects, and their coilovers are rebuildable. The ability to service the dampers (replace seals, oil, and re‑valve) extends the lifespan well beyond typical fixed‑strut setups. Many owners report 40,000–60,000 miles before needing a rebuild, depending on usage. This serviceability makes BC Racing a long‑term investment rather than a disposable upgrade.

Installation and Setup Considerations

Tools and Skills Required

Installing BC Racing coilovers on the RSX Type S is moderately difficult. Required tools include a spring compressor, a torque wrench, socket set, and jack stands. The process involves removing the stock strut assemblies, disassembling the top mounts, and transferring them to the new coilovers. If you’re inexperienced with suspension work, a professional installation is strongly recommended. Improper pre‑loading of the spring or cross‑threading the adjusters can cause clunks or alignment issues.

Corner Weighing and Ride Height Adjustment

After installation, the car must be corner‑weighed to achieve a balanced setup. This involves adjusting each corner’s ride height until the cross‑weight (wedge) is as close to 50% as possible. For the RSX Type S, a target front ride height of 13.5 inches (from center of wheel to fender edge) is a common starting point, with the rear 0.25 inches lower to reduce understeer. The process can take 1–2 hours on a precision scale kit.

Post-Installation Alignment Specs

A proper alignment is essential to fully realize the handling benefits. Use these recommended specs for a lowered RSX on BC Racing coilovers:

  • Camber: –2.0° to –2.5° front, –1.5° to –2.0° rear (for street, use the lower end)
  • Caster: As much positive as possible (5°+ is ideal, reduces steering effort)
  • Toe: 0° total front, 0.10° total toe‑in rear (stability under braking)

Adjustable upper control arms are often needed in the rear to achieve the desired camber without sacrificing tire wear. Many owners pair these with Energy Suspension bushings to further tighten the chassis response.

Real-World Owner Experiences

“Installed BC BR coilovers on my 2006 RSX Type S at 8/6 spring rates. The car transformed from a twitchy, body‑rolling daily driver into a go‑kart that begs to be thrown into corners. I can brake deeper and turn in later with total confidence. On the highway it’s stiff but not punishing—I’d say it’s a 7/10 on the harshness scale. My lap times dropped by 2 seconds at my local track. Best bang‑for‑buck mod I’ve done.” – Mike T., RSX Owner since 2010

“I was worried about ride quality, so I ordered the DS series with the external reservoirs. After a full corner balance and alignment at a performance shop, the car feels planted even over Michigan’s terrible roads. The separate high‑speed compression adjustment lets me dial out the harsh hits while keeping the low‑speed firm for cornering. Highly recommend for anyone who uses their RSX as a daily driver and track car.” – Sarah K., Track Enthusiast

Forums like ClubRSX and Honda‑Tech echo these sentiments. Common themes include improved turn‑in, eliminated understeer, and a more direct feel from the steering wheel. Owners also note that the adjustable damping allows them to fine‑tune the car for different tire compounds—stiffer sidewall summer tires can be paired with softer damping for grip, while a more compliant all‑season tire benefits from firmer damping to control sidewall roll.

Potential Downsides and How to Mitigate Them

No upgrade is perfect. The stiffer spring rates can cause a harsher ride over broken pavement. This is manageable by keeping damping on the softer side for street use. Another issue is increased road noise – the monotube design transmits more vibration compared to the stock struts. Adding sound deadening material to the rear hatch area or opting for the BC Racing rubber top mounts (instead of the pillow ball mounts) can reduce noise. Some owners also report a slight clunking noise from the front when the dampers are set very firm; this is often due to pre‑load adjustment, not a defect.

Bump steer can become noticeable if the ride height is too low without adjusting tie‑rod ends. The fix is to install steering rack spacers or tie‑rod ends that correct the steering angle. Finally, remember that lowering the car too much without upgrading the sway bars can lead to excessive roll stiffness imbalance. A 22 mm front sway bar and a 19 mm adjustable rear sway bar are common complements to BC Racing coilovers, giving a balanced cornering attitude.

Conclusion

Upgrading the RSX Type S to BC Racing coilovers delivers transformative improvements in handling and acceleration. The combination of adjustable ride height, 32‑click damping, and higher spring rates directly addresses the car’s factory shortcomings in body control and traction. With proper installation, corner weighting, and alignment, you can unlock a new level of performance that still remains daily‑drivable.

Whether you choose the entry‑level BR series or the advanced DS series, BC Racing coilovers offer a cost‑effective path to sharper reflexes, faster lap times, and a more engaging driving experience. For any RSX Type S owner serious about extracting the chassis’ potential, this upgrade is one of the most impactful you can make.

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