Why Turbocharge Your 2.0L RSX?

The Acura RSX (especially the Type-S with the K20Z1 or base model K20A3) has long been a favorite in the tuner community thanks to its lightweight chassis, double-wishbone suspension, and high-revving K-series engine. While naturally aspirated builds can yield respectable gains, a properly selected turbo kit offers the biggest power-per-dollar increase for the 2.0L platform. For many owners, adding forced induction transforms the RSX from a spirited daily driver into a legitimate performance machine that can hang with modern sport compacts.

Beyond the obvious horsepower and torque gains, a turbo kit improves throttle response under boost, broadens the powerband, and can even improve fuel economy during light cruising when tuned correctly. However, not all turbo kits are created equal. Choosing the right kit for your goals, budget, and mechanical ability is critical to achieving reliable, repeatable performance. This guide breaks down the best 2.0L RSX turbo kits from premier brands like Kompressor, Greddy, AEM, and Rev9, along with the supporting modifications and tuning strategies needed to get the most out of your build.

Top 2.0L RSX Turbo Kits from Premier Brands

1. Kompressor Turbo Kit

Kompressor has built a reputation for producing well-engineered, complete turbo systems tailored to specific chassis and engine combinations. Their RSX turbo kit is designed specifically for the 2.0L K20 engine, using a precision journal-bearing turbocharger that spools quickly and delivers strong mid-range pull. The kit includes a cast-iron exhaust manifold, T3/T4 flange, 44mm wastegate, blow-off valve, high-flow intercooler, and all necessary piping and hardware. One of the standout features is the integrated oil feed and drain system, which simplifies installation and reduces the risk of oil leaks. The Kompressor kit is tuned conservatively out of the box, producing around 280–320 whp on a stock internal engine with proper fueling and tuning. Owners report excellent fitment and factory-like reliability when installed correctly.

  • Turbocharger: T3/T4 hybrid 50 trim with .63 A/R turbine housing
  • Manifold: Cast iron with T3 flange
  • Intercooler: Bar-and-plate 600×300×76mm core
  • Wastegate: Tial 44mm MVR (included)
  • Blow-off valve: Tial Q (included)
  • Piping: 304 stainless steel with silicone couplers
  • Tuning support: FlashPro base tunes available from Kompressor

For RSX owners who value a turnkey solution with minimal fabrication, the Kompressor kit is an excellent choice. The cast manifold reduces the chance of cracking compared to tubular designs, and the included wastegate and BOV are proven components. Pricing typically falls in the $2,500–$3,000 range, which is competitive given the quality of included parts.

2. Greddy Turbo Kit

Greddy (Trust – GReddy) has been a staple in the Japanese performance aftermarket for decades. Their RSX turbo kit is a bolt-on system that uses a Greddy TD06SH-20G turbocharger – a reliable, medium-frame charger known for strong midrange and top-end power. The kit comes with a stainless steel exhaust manifold, large front-mount intercooler, Greddy blow-off valve, and all necessary lines and fittings. Greddy’s design prioritizes ease of installation; most parts are direct-fit without needing to relocate the battery or modify the AC lines. The kit is typically paired with Greddy’s own electronic boost controller and a reflash or piggyback ECU. On a stock motor with 440cc injectors and a fuel pump, the Greddy kit can achieve 300–340 whp safely. Many owners push higher with upgraded internals.

  • Turbocharger: TD06SH-20G with 8cm² turbine housing
  • Manifold: T304 stainless steel tubular with T3 flange
  • Intercooler: Greddy V-Spec 21.6” wide bar-and-plate
  • Wastegate: Greddy Type-R (integrated into manifold or included external)
  • Blow-off valve: Greddy Type-RS (plumbed or vent-to-atmosphere available)
  • Piping: Aluminum mandrel-bent with silicone hoses
  • Optional tuning: Greddy e-Manage Ultimate or K-Tuner package

The Greddy kit shines for those who appreciate a comprehensive package with brand-name components and a proven track record. The TD06SH-20G spools earlier than larger frames and provides excellent street manners. Installation time is roughly 6–10 hours for a skilled mechanic. Pricing lands around $2,800–$3,500, depending on included options.

3. AEM Turbo Kit

AEM is synonymous with high-performance engine management and air intake systems, and their RSX turbo kit reflects that engineering expertise. The AEM kit uses a Garrett GT3076R or a proprietary AEM-branded turbocharger (depending on generation) along with a cast aluminum intake manifold, 1000cc injectors, and a comprehensive fuel system upgrade. What sets the AEM kit apart is the inclusion of their Infinity Series ECU or a plug-and-play FlashPro module preloaded with an AEM-calibrated tune. This eliminates much of the guesswork around tuning. The kit supports up to 450 whp on built internals and is designed for serious power. AEM includes a high-flow catalytic converter option for those who need to pass emissions.

  • Turbocharger: Garrett GTX3071R Gen II (latest revision)
  • Manifold: AEM cast stainless steel equal-length
  • Intercooler: AEM competition bar-and-plate with cast end tanks
  • Wastegate: Tial MV-S 44mm
  • Blow-off valve: AEM high-flow BOV
  • Fuel system: 1000cc injectors, Walbro 450LPH pump, AEM fuel rail
  • Engine management: AEM Infinity 508 or FlashPro tune included

The AEM kit is more expensive – typically $4,500–$5,500 – but it is a comprehensive system that includes premium fuel, tuning, and engine management components. It is best suited to owners who intend to build the motor or run higher boost levels (20+ psi) later. The included Infinity ECU allows for flex-fuel, boost-by-gear, and data logging right out of the box.

4. Rev9 Turbo Kit

For RSX owners on a tighter budget, the Rev9 turbo kit provides an affordable entry into forced induction without completely sacrificing quality. Rev9 is known for offering complete systems that use a T3/T4 turbocharger (often a 50 trim or 57 trim), a stainless steel manifold, an intercooler, and piping, all for well under $1,500. The kit includes a mechanical boost controller, wastegate, and blow-off valve – though these are generic units. While the Rev9 kit requires more finesse during installation (piping alignment can be finicky and some hardware may need replacing), many users report solid results when paired with proper tuning and a good fuel system upgrade. Power gains typically fall between 250 and 300 whp on stock internals with a conservative tune.

  • Turbocharger: T3/T4 50 trim .63 A/R (unbranded)
  • Manifold: T304 stainless steel tubular with T3 flange
  • Intercooler: 550×225×65mm bar-and-plate
  • Wastegate: Generic 38mm external (upgrade recommended)
  • Blow-off valve: Generic push-type (upgrade recommended)
  • Boost controller: Mechanical manual boost controller
  • Piping: Aluminum with silicone couplers and T-bolt clamps

The Rev9 kit is a strong option for enthusiasts who enjoy fabricating and upgrading as they go. Replacing the wastegate and BOV with name-brand units (Tial, TurboSmart) and investing in a quality intercooler core can transform the kit into a reliable setup. Total cost with upgrades still stays under $2,000. However, first-time turbo builders may find the installation challenging due to less refined fitment.

Comparing Kompressor vs. Greddy vs. AEM vs. Rev9

When choosing between these four kits, the biggest differentiators are price, included components, tuning support, and the intended power level. The Kompressor kit offers the best balance of quality and value with a cast manifold and quality wastegate/BOV included. The Greddy kit is ideal for those who want a well-known brand with good customer support and a proven manifold design. The AEM kit is the premium option that leaves little to be desired – it practically includes everything needed for a high-horsepower build except for engine internals. The Rev9 kit is the budget-conscious choice that can be made reliable with upgrades and careful attention.

All four kits work with the 2.0L K20A3 (base RSX) and K20Z1 (Type-S) engines. The base engine uses a less aggressive cam profile and lower compression, which actually makes it more tolerant of boost on a stock bottom end. The Type-S benefits from better flowing head and stronger rods, but tuning is more critical due to higher compression (11.0:1). Regardless of kit choice, fuel system and tuning are non-negotiable for safe operation.

Essential Supporting Modifications for a Turbo RSX

Installing a turbo kit alone will not guarantee reliable power. The following supporting modifications are critical for achieving safe, consistent performance:

  • Fuel system: Upgraded fuel pump (Walbro 255 or 450 LPH), larger injectors (440cc minimum, 750–1000cc for higher boost), and a fuel pressure regulator. The stock RSX fuel system runs out of capacity around 240 whp.
  • Cooling: A high-flow radiator (Koyorad, Mishimoto) and upgraded fans help manage increased heat under boost. An oil cooler is also recommended for sustained track use.
  • Exhaust: A free-flowing 3” downpipe and cat-back exhaust reduces backpressure and spool time. Many kits include a downpipe, but a cat-back should be added separately.
  • Intake: A cold air intake or short ram intake ahead of the turbo compressor inlet ensures clean, dense air. The kit’s included intake piping usually suffices, but using a quality filter (K&N, AEM DryFlow) matters.
  • Engine management: Hondata FlashPro or K-Tuner is essential for tuning the K20 engine. Piggyback ECUs like the Greddy e-Manage can work, but modern flash tuning is safer and offers more features like wideband integration.
  • Clutch: The stock RSX clutch slips around 250 whp. An upgraded clutch (Exedy Stage 1 or 2, ACT, Competition Clutch) is recommended if you plan to use the power.
  • Motor mounts: Stiffer mounts (Hasport, Innovative) reduce engine movement under load, protecting the turbo piping and intercooler connections.

Tuning should be performed by a professional on a dynamometer or via remote tuning using datalogs. A safe air/fuel ratio of 11.5:1 and conservative ignition timing will help the stock bottom end survive 300+ whp for years.

Installation Considerations and Costs

Turbo kit installation requires intermediate to advanced mechanical skill. Most kits are designed to be bolt-on, but expect to invest 8–16 hours for a first-time installer. Common challenges include routing the intercooler piping (especially on the base RSX without fog lights), securing the turbo downpipe without hitting the steering shaft, and running oil lines correctly. The Kompressor and Greddy kits have the best fitment, often requiring no drilling or cutting. The Rev9 kit may need trimming of the lower bumper support.

Professional installation at a reputable shop runs $800–$1,500 for labor, depending on the shop’s hourly rate and whether any custom fabrication is needed. A full dyno tuning session adds $500–$800. All-in, expect to spend between $3,500 and $6,000 for a complete, safe turbo setup using a mid-range kit like Kompressor or Greddy, including supporting mods and tuning.

Tuning Your Turbo RSX

Proper tuning is the single most important factor for reliability and performance. The K20 engine’s variable valve timing (i-VTEC) adds complexity, but tuning tools like Hondata FlashPro and K-Tuner allow full control over fuel, ignition, cam angles, boost, and knock detection. Most reputable turbo kit sellers offer base tunes that get you started, but a custom tune is strongly advised. Mail-order tuning is an option if you have wideband O2 sensor data logging capability, but in-person dyno tuning remains the gold standard.

If you plan to push past 350 whp, serious consideration should be given to forged internal engine components (pistons, rods, crank). The stock K20Z1 rods are good for about 350 whp with a safe tune, but exceeding that risks rod failure. The K20A3 rods are slightly weaker, topping out around 300 whp. A built bottom end opens the door to 400–500 whp with a turbo the size of a GT3076R or larger.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I run a turbo kit on a stock RSX engine?

Yes, but within limits. A stock K20 (base or Type-S) can handle 280–320 whp with proper tuning and fueling. Beyond that, reliability decreases. Always use premium fuel (93 octane or higher) and avoid aggressive boost maps.

Do I need to upgrade the transmission?

The RSX 6-speed manual (Type-S) is stout enough for 350+ whp with gentle driving. High torque loads and aggressive launches can break gears, especially 2nd and 3rd. An LSD (limited-slip differential) is a highly recommended upgrade for traction.

Which brand has the best customer support?

Kompressor and AEM are known for responsive technical support. Greddy’s support is good for genuine parts, but tuning support is limited to their own e-Manage. Rev9’s support is minimal – the kit is more of a DIY platform.

None of the kits listed are CARB-EO approved for street use in California unless specifically noted. AEM offers a CARB-legal supercharger for the RSX but not a turbo kit. Check local laws before purchasing.

Conclusion

Selecting the best 2.0L RSX turbo kit depends on your budget, performance goals, and willingness to upgrade supporting components. The Kompressor kit delivers a complete, reliable package that is easy to install and tune. The Greddy kit offers proven Japanese engineering with strong name-brand parts. The AEM kit is the premium choice for those who want a turnkey high-horsepower system. The Rev9 kit provides a low-cost entry into turbocharging, though it demands more effort and component upgrades. Whichever path you choose, remember that the foundation of a successful turbo RSX lies in proper fueling, cooling, and professional tuning. Invest in these areas, and your 2.0L RSX will reward you with exhilarating boost and lasting durability.

For further reading, check out Kompressor’s official RSX turbo kit page (Kompressor RSX Turbo Kit), Greddy’s product catalog (Greddy RSX Turbo Kits), and AEM’s tuning resources at AEM Electronics. For community insight, the RSX forums on site like ClubRSX (ClubRSX) provide extensive build threads and real-world dyno results.