Project Acura TSX Part 2

Stainless tubing and cans are meticulously TIG welded to produce a quality exhaust with a mean tone.

Stainless tubing and cans are meticulously TIG welded to produce a quality exhaust with a

Regardless of the peak numbers as modified, Project TSX makes serious power under the curve, where it counts. Above 5200 rpm, the TSX's power production simply soars, making as much as 30-wheel hp more than stock. Skunk2 plans to sell a complete tuning package-a solution that provides the consumer a known and proven quantity.

There's still a long way to go before the TSX can match an M3 in a straight line, but luckily, Skunk2 still has more firepower to throw at it. Dave Hsu, owner of Skunk2, believes there's plenty of power to be made with a set of street-grind cams, which Skunk2 currently has in development. And, depending on your definition of the word streetable, a lot more power can be had with more aggressive cams-more like those Skunk2 uses on its racecars.

You may notice Project TSX looks a bit more menacing since the first time you saw it. A Ken Style-style one-off fiberglass body kit, procured from a company that shall remain nameless, was painted to match. There are fitment issues with the genuine Ken Style JDM Accord body kit when fitted to the USDM TSX, so another solution was sought, which yielded a good-looking result that came packaged with bad service. If you like the look, we suggest buying the genuine kit and having it modified to fit by a reputable body shop.

Skunk2's stainless-steel header uses a Tri-Y design with a step in the primaries; Skunk2 claims 9 hp from just this mod.

Skunk2's stainless-steel header uses a Tri-Y design with a step in the primaries; Skunk2 c

The new front bumper continues the Acura DNA while adding a deep air dam. The side skirts are full and low, accentuating the lowered stance of the car and large wheels. The rear bumper maintains the low-slung appearance carried by the side sills and incorporates more vertical area. Project TSX simply looks bad-ass. The addition of the body kit makes the 18-inch Volk wheels look even larger and the polished lip even deeper. Eyes glued to our red sled belong to enthusiasts and heretics alike, and span the economic and sociological spectrum. It seems we outfloss the preppy German in our new threads.

Looking the part is great, but the SCC credo places substance first. As is often the case when horsepower and torque are increased everywhere, and in a linear fashion, Project TSX doesn't feel hugely faster. All that matters is that it is, as evidenced by the acceleration numbers.

The most noticeable change is in VTEC, where even the wide, sticky BFGs fight for traction in the lower gears, and the steering wheel does its best to wrench from your grasp. More importantly, the driving experience has changed from a nimble, grip-generating machine in need of an engine to a balanced driving package.

Click to Enlarge Chart

Where do we stand in relation to the M3? We're still 1.5 seconds and 10 mph behind in the quarter mile, no small deficit. We need more power, and Skunk2 is confident it can deliver. We're competitive in the stick and stop categories, but tweaks like the installation of a limited-slip differential, rear anti-roll bar and rear brake pads should give us a forged Katana to best Wusthoff steel in combat.