Like Father, Like Son?: Luis Torres' 2003 Acura RSX Type S

Vehicle Features Adam Gordon

Photography by Nhu Nguyen

Sometimes an enthusiast’s love for cars runs in the family, and that certainly seems to be the case with Luis Torres. When he was much younger, his father used to bring him out to cars shows and the drag strip, so it’s only natural that Torres developed an affinity for cars. His father was all about muscle cars, but Torres is the other side of the coin: he’s all about his imports.

Featured in PASMAG Issue #145 (Oct/Nov 2017). Click here to order.

Torres has long been a fan of Japanese cars, and held a particular soft spot in his heart for the DC5 Honda Integra Type R. In the U.S. market, the equivalent is the RSX, so he pulled the trigger on a 2003 Acura RSX Type S. With intentions to build a show car right from the start, he was looking for aftermarket parts in no time.

Featured in PASMAG Issue #145 (Oct/Nov 2017). Click here to order.

The most treasured aspect of this build for Torres is the BuddyClub WTCC kit, an extremely rare and well made body kit. When he saw it for the first time, he knew it was the one for him, and he contacted BuddyClub USA. Unfortunately, by the time he had gotten in contact, BuddyClub had sold out of the kit, and hadn’t planned on making any more. “I left them my contact info and told them if they ever made a couple more to let me know,” says Torres.

Featured in PASMAG Issue #145 (Oct/Nov 2017). Click here to order.

Almost a year later, his prayers were answered. BuddyClub had reproduced a limited amount of the WTCC kits, and they had one with Torres’ name on it. He purchased it immediately. Combined with his front end conversion, Type R spoiler, Top 1 diffuser, BBS RS wheels, and retrofitted headlights, the car’s look had been completely transformed.

Featured in PASMAG Issue #145 (Oct/Nov 2017). Click here to order.

Although he started out building a show car, Torres’ time with the car has slowly given him the need for speed, and he says he finds himself wanting to track the car more and more. There is a transition we can get behind!

Featured in PASMAG Issue #145 (Oct/Nov 2017). Click here to order.

With 17% of the Popular Vote, Luis Torres with his 2003 Acura RSX Type S won the Tuner Battlegrounds #TBGLIVE award category competition at Hot Import Nights: Dallas at Market Hall in Dallas, TX!

Featured in PASMAG Issue #145 (Oct/Nov 2017). Click here to order.

ESSENTIALS

VEHICLE: 2003 Acura RSX Type S
OWNER: Luis Torres
LOCATION: Garland, TX
ENGINE: Honda K20A2 2.0L I4

SOCIAL
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/luigi.torres.338
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dc5_luigi/

Featured in PASMAG Issue #145 (Oct/Nov 2017). Click here to order.

ENGINE

Hondata KPro

DRIVETRAIN

Exedy stage 3 clutch

Featured in PASMAG Issue #145 (Oct/Nov 2017). Click here to order.

WHEELS/TIRES/BRAKES

BBS RS wheels – 18x10 +10 (f/r)
Federal 595-RR tires – 265/40/18 (f/r)

CHASSIS/SUSPENSION

BC Racing NA coilovers with Swift springs

Featured in PASMAG Issue #145 (Oct/Nov 2017). Click here to order.

EXTERIOR

BuddyClub WTCC widebody kit
2005-2006 RSX front bumper conversion
Type R spoiler
Top 1 diffuser
Mini H1 retrofitted headlights
Morimoto lighting

Featured in PASMAG Issue #145 (Oct/Nov 2017). Click here to order.

INTERIOR

Suede headliner
Diamond-stitched accents
Blox shift knob
Vertex steering wheel
DC5 Recaro seats
Takata harnesses
Carbon fiber trim

Featured in PASMAG Issue #145 (Oct/Nov 2017). Click here to order.

SPONSORS

Rolling Art, Tru Photography, JoeDaddys Customs, CS Bodyshop, Elite Ride Accessories

Featured in PASMAG Issue #145 (Oct/Nov 2017). Click here to order.

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