It's been a little over a year since I picked up my RS 2, and in that time I have begun the slow transformation of my ride. As many are I am on a budget, and can't really afford to buy a turbo or anything really big at the moment. As of right now the engine is untouched. All of my changes are purely for look; nothing makes the car goes faster. I personally want to go turbo in the long run, so I am focusing on the look of both the outside and the inside of the car.

1)- definitely important, tint those windows. It was the first thing I noticed when leaving the lot. I personally have 20% all around. I think it's perfect, not too dark so you get pulled over, but nice.

2nd



Why not replace that antenna? That thing is long. I personally went for the S2K antenna that most buy. It gets pretty good reception, but I never use the radio.

3rd

Dome Lights/Maps lights: I really don't care for the slightly yellow light that comes with the stock dome lights. I swapped mine out with blue dome lights and white map lights. Sorry for not having a pic.

4)



Next I wanted to do something with those pedals, so I got your basic dress up pedals and cool Tc emblem dead pedal. (Dead pedal from Scionpro.com)

5)



I then decided to go for those Tc door sills (I just think they look nice), but expensive

6)





This to me was the most important change, but I had to save up some money and wait for some vacation time to take care of it. I did this in two parts, first doing the stereo and HVAC lights, then months later taking care of the gauges. I didn't want to go crazy with the colors, I just wanted to keep it simple. Jeremy over at Garage1217.com helped me out with those swaps. Like 1000% times better then the stock lights.

7)





I wanted to then focus on the shifter. I always felt that toyota stick shifts were too tall. I personally like something shorter, and so I went with the Doc Isotope's Gearswitcher Extreme. I didn't want to have to do any of the work; I just wanted to be able to swap out the cage assembly (and even that was a pain). It gives me a 2inch height reduction and 50% throw; the thing is awesome. At the same time I replaced added some things from Redlinegoods.com. They hooked me up with a new Alcantara-like boots for the shifter and ebrake. And I also got a cover for the center console top. (two other minor additions seen in pics - Tc Cigarette lighter & TRD shift ****)





Last thing I have added is the Oznium 3rd Tail Light. I wanted to get the red so it went well with the tail lights. The red isn't an exact match, but I think it looks awesome either way. Best part is the whole thing lights up.

Well that's a year or so of upgrades for you. Now that the appearance is somewhat where I want it that actual serious modding will begin. For me suspension is next in line. Since I eventually want to go turbo, I'm not going to waste my time with a CAI or headers. I hope this mini guide will give some new owners ideas of what they can change in their ride within a reasonable cost. Sure none of these things make the car faster, but both the inside and outside look better than a stock one don't they?

 

Where do I get an S2K antennae and how much?

 

http://www.hondacuraworld.com/Mercha...=39151-S2H-E01

 

NICE looking car. I went the other route, I've had my car for about exactly 1 year and my engine is tweaked unlike how you tweaked your exterior. Love it though. Nice job.

 

How much has all this cost you so far?

 

I too have an RS2. The only mod I did was to put a magnaflow exhaust. I didn't like the loss of torque so I put the stock back.

 

If any of you are in the San Fernando Valley, CA and is interested, I'm selling it. It's stainless steel. Fits any tC. I only put about 200 miles on it.

 

I ended up spending roughy 1000 bucks for everything; with a life time warranty on the tints. Still not completely done either. I still want the VRD fog lights and still debating on whether I should get the tcover.

 

You've done more than I have in terms of number of things. Im at almost 2k with an AVIC-D3, Alpine amp, Kicker Sub, Autopage alarm and 20% tint.

 

you forgot the most important mod of all mods: lowering springs.

 

ive had my car for 4 months... http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2780898

 

I know, I know. I definitely want to lower the car, but I've been holding off while doing other things first. I plan to go with TRD route for the most part. I live in NY, and I don't want to lower it too much with all the potholes and uneven roads around here. As I work around the suspension here are a few things I'm considering:

TRD struts/shocks
TRD lowering springs
TRD rear sway bar
Dezod Rear Endlinks
Toyo Proxes 4 (when tires are to be replaced)
might go with some new rims; really liking the TSW Vortex (17in)

As much as I would love to buy all of that stuff at once, I can't.....I must resist. This you might say will be the 2nd year goals.

 

so far everything is looking nice.. I think i might be changing all my interior lights to red ..

nice work kid..

 

Remember: stickers add hp! or something. >.>

 

kid? I don't consider someone who is 24 to be a kid. Reserve that for ungrateful 18 year olds who are given cars.

 

Listen junior....... kidding



I am still wanted to try the led swap but an scare to mess it up .hehe

 

nice ride, i got mine about a month ago. haven't started doing anything yet though.

 

Finally upgrading the stock tires. And I figured after my step father gashed up one of my rims pretty bad I would also replace those as well.

Here's what I just ordered:

Kosei K3 - 18 x 7.5
+35mm offset



Going to be wrapped in Goodyear Eagle F1 All Season tires. Will definitely take pics when I put them on.

 

The white HVAC and gauge lights look amazing. How much did that set you back and how long did it take to get completed?
Did you send in your panel and have them swap the leds or did you buy an additional panel? I think that looks the best by far.

 

Those rims will lookk sweet. Nice car man. modding on a budget FTW. LOL Im in the boat too. A lil slower but getting there. But you also got an RS2 the best tC in my book.