Tools Needed:

Introduction:

The RSX camber is not adjustable with the factory components, and does not have enough negative camber within its factory spec. While this is fine and dandy for the average driver of this vehicle, it is unacceptable for those of us who take the car to track days, autocross, and have an overall enjoyment of performance driving. There is a solution: Install an Ingalls camber correction kit.

With the stock suspension components and alignment, I noticed that I was wearing the outside edges of both my front street and race tires. Something needed to be done, and that fix was more negative camber. This can't really be done with the stock components, so I decided to look to Ingalls, who specialize in camber correction kits. (You can use factory "crash bolts", but this only allows for +/- 0.75 degrees of correction.)

For the front, there are 2 bolts per side on the RSX that can be replaced with the camber kits in order to change the camber. If you replace one bolt, you can achieve approximately +/-1 to 1.25 degrees of camber. Change both bolts and you get +/- 2 to 2.5 degrees. Since this is my daily driver, I opted for changing just one bolt and using the maximum amount of negative camber allowed. Running excessive negative camber on the street can cause the inside edges of tires to wear quickly, reduce acceleration and braking grip, and cause the car to hydroplane much easier. One bolt per side offered me just the amount of correction I desired.

From results I've seen from those who have lowered their cars, it appeared that the RSX gained negative camber and toe in considerably at the rear under compression. I opted to install the rear kit as well in order to flatten the tire out a bit more than what the factory alignment was showing. Plus, when changing suspension components in the future, a rear camber kit will probably be needed to compensate for lower ride heights and subsequent camber changes.

Slightly disturbing were the results of an alignment printout I had done just before installing the kit. With just ~5000 miles, 4 autocrosses, and a track event, I doubt the alignment would be out of whack, especially since I drive carefully to avoid bumps. It makes me wonder how Honda aligns the cars when it leaves the factory. You'll notice in the chart below that the right side toe is out of spec in both the front and rear. I have heard that the dealership will give you a free alignment within the first year of purchase should the alignment be off.

Alignment Before Installation:
Italics = out of spec
Note: Specs obtained without driver in car.

Copyright 2002, Temple of VTEC