Why people want them?
People have always desired the Recaro seats in a USDM DC5. The USDM DC5, commonly known as an Acura RSX Type goes beyond a mere wish. Many people have done it, they have placed a set of red, blue, or black Recaro SR4 seats in their Acura RSX. Why the fervor? Well, firstly, they are undeniably aesthetically pleasing.
These Recaro seats originally graced the Japanese DC5 Type R, a model that never made its way to the United States. Renowned for their sleek design, unparalleled comfort, and race-worthy performance in securely holding occupants, these DC5 Recaro seats have become increasingly elusive as they are no longer in production. Since the introduction of the DC5 Type R in Japan from 2001 to 2005, locating new Integra and RSX parts, especially OEM ones, has become a challenging task. Even stumbling upon a set of these DC5 Recaro seats secondhand is a stroke of luck, though they may exhibit signs of wear and tear.
Recaros in Honda: Comfort and Popularity
The Recaro seats found in the DC5 Integra Type R were not exclusive to that model; they were also featured in other Honda and Integra models. The SR4 style seats were adopted for the DC5, while the DC2 Integra Type R utilized the SR3 style seats, Recaro SR4distinguished by a larger logo and a different shape in the harness area. The DC5 Recaro SR4 seats are notably wider and larger. Although I didn’t acquire the official DC5 Type R colors (red, black, blue), I did secure the SR4 Recaros in a different two-toned fabric variant.
Considerations When Purchasing Used DC5 Recaro Seats
When opting for used DC5 Recaro seats, it’s essential to be aware of potential wear and tear issues. Notably, the side bolsters may exhibit tears, deformation along the foam support, or significant wrinkles in the Recaro suede fabric. Some seats might require repairs or even complete reupholstering. While materials for these tasks can be challenging to find, it’s not an impossible feat; however, authenticity may be compromised with non-genuine replacements.
Another crucial point to keep in mind during the search for DC5 Recaro seats is that they frequently lack of OEM seat brackets or are sold at a premium. Fortunately, aftermarket options are available, and personally, I opted for custom ones featuring wedge seat brackets with sliders. To showcase this modification, I have shared a detailed installation video on my YouTube channel, @revcircle.
Although installing DC5 Type R Recaros in the USDM RSX is feasible, it comes with a trade-off in terms of safety. The original RSX Leather and cloth seats are equipped with side airbags and SRS wiring harnesses that are interconnected beneath, designed to detect the presence of passengers and drivers. When opting for racing seats such as the DC5 Recaros or other aftermarket alternatives, it becomes necessary to disconnect these components, leading to the illumination of the SRS light on the dashboard. This not only disables the side airbags but also renders the driver’s steering wheel airbag and the passenger dash airbag non-functional. To address this issue, a 2-ohm sensor can be employed to eliminate the SRS light on the dashboard, ensuring the proper functionality of the steering wheel and the front passenger airbag. I have also created a tutorial video on this topic, available on my YouTube channel as well for removing the seat sensor tutorial and using a 2 OHM resistor to resetting the SRS System.
DC5 Recaro Seat Pricing
Acquiring these seats comes at a cost, with prices starting at a minimum of $2100 a pair as of 2024, contingent on their condition. Given their scarcity, their value has been appreciating over time.
The demand for these seats extends beyond RSX cars, encompassing various models. Notably, they have found their place in earlier Honda generations such as DC2 Integras, EK and EP3 Civics. Surprisingly, they have even made an appearance in a 2003 Subaru WRX STI at WekFest San Jose 2023.
