[Acura3]

I don't know about everybody else, but since I have had my X, on road trips, driving in town, etc., inevitably folks in other SUV's will either begin tailgating or pulling up next to me and wanting to informally "drag race". True, one of the reasons I purchased the X was the added power of the V-Tec and the notion that I would be getting 0-60 in the high 7's to mid 8's, much safer for merging into bay area traffic. I guess it is sort of a compliment when ML 320, 4-Runner, RX, or Tahoe drivers want to test the X's acceleration. I even had an X-5 3.0 try one time. The X, needless to say blew them all away, either at stop or on a freeway stretch from 66-85. The X-5 was the closest competition at a stop light, but traffic began to thicken at the next light, so we both "wimped" out. I was satisfied that I had him at the first 100 yards. I know I have to stop this behavior, but sometimes I feel the need to uphold the honor of the X. With a bevy of high performance SUV's coming out: BMW 4.6, Turbo Volvos, ML AMG's, etc., the X is in for some heavy competition as far as the HP wars go. The X is stock, no headers or K/N air filters. I noticed Fireblade has headers on his. Anyone else?

 

[DaleB]

I would be concerned about warranty claims if you had headers. I suppose you could switch them back if there's problem before going to the dealer. That would be a real hassle but in the case of any Acura probably not a very likely scenario (having a serious problem, that is).
I always used K&N s in my vehicles, but that is not a big hp gain by any means. The way engines are engineered these days, I don't believe you get a whole lot more out of them although exhaust is the usual way to get some since there is some compromise in the interest of reducing noise. But when you see how many newer cars have 'duals' and 2 way mufflers (Maxima) in the interest of providing a bit more go when there's high demand for power, they are addressing that to some extent too.
You know the old saying, 'there is no substitute for cubic inches'.. so maybe a 2003?

 

[DaleB]

Maybe Acura should do what TRD does for Toytota, provide factory approved superchargers.

 

[vicpai]

First off........

........I agree perfectly with Acura3 about tailgaters JUST CAN'T STAND THEM....here comes road rage ..... .....getting back to the horsepower issue, the above discussion will be moot if the 2003 model gets that bump in displacement to 3.8Liters and around 280bhp or so......will put a BIG smile on my face

 

[MIKEinTN]

Rubberneckers

I agree too, there are a lot of tailgaters out there looking at the MDX.

In my eight days of MDX ownership, I have noticed much more "rubbernecking" as people turn their head as they pass my black MDX.

There are still not that many on the road here in NE Tennessee, so people are still not sure what they are.

I have not had the opportunity to test my MDX against a X5 or any other SUV and I doubt I will if I have the chance. I enjoy the Tbird commerical where the two guys rev at the light and the girl waves a scarf for them to race. The hot rod roars off and the Tbird inches forward and the girl gets in with the other guy.

While I already have a cute girl in my car, I like the quiet confidence the Tbird driver has, and I try to assume the same thing with the MDX. We know it's better and we don't have to prove it to all the wanabees that pull up next to us at redlights.

MIKEinTN

 

[Fireblade6]

I would be concerned about warranty claims if you had headers. I suppose you could switch them back if there's problem before going to the dealer. That would be a real hassle but in the case of any Acura probably not a very likely scenario (having a serious problem, that is).
I always used K&N s in my vehicles, but that is not a big hp gain by any means. The way engines are engineered these days, I don't believe you get a whole lot more out of them although exhaust is the usual way to get some since there is some compromise in the interest of reducing noise. But when you see how many newer cars have 'duals' and 2 way mufflers (Maxima) in the interest of providing a bit more go when there's high demand for power, they are addressing that to some extent too.
You know the old saying, 'there is no substitute for cubic inches'.. so maybe a 2003?

For the record- Dale is correct...and also INCORRECT in terms of warranty voids if you install headers on your Acuras/Hondas. Here is an example:

If you buy a COMPAQ computer and you go to Office Depot to purchase Kingston memory to speed up applications on your computer...would that void your warranties? Absolutely NOT.
If you go to a NO name store and purchased uncertified memory for your COMPAQ, will that void your warranties...Absolutely YES.

As in buying an ACura/Honda....if you go out and get performance headers and exhaust from MUGEN who by the way is a division of Honda in Japan. The nephew of Hichiro Honda started the company. Like AMG which is an APPROVED aftermarket performance division of Mercedes as in Mugen is an APPROVED aftermarket division of HOnda.
Now if you go out and start to slap on NON-certified components in your Acura I would tend to agree that it can affect your manufacturer's warranty.

So...modifying your electronics to improve your stereo and installing mobile video...I think is taking more of a risk to void warranties on your electrical system on your Acura then putting headers on your MDX from a certified aftermarket performance component manufacturer.

So...Yes if you go out and not do your research and put on aftermarket performance components can potentially void your warranties.

 

[DaleB]

If you go to a NO name store and purchased uncertified memory for your COMPAQ, will that void your warranties...

As in buying an ACura/Honda....if you go out and get performance headers and exhaust from MUGEN who by the way is a division of Honda in Japan. The nephew of Hichiro Honda started the company. Like AMG which is an APPROVED aftermarket performance division of Mercedes as in Mugen is an APPROVED aftermarket division of HOnda.

First of all, I think you mean 'no name' memory, not a 'no name' store, I can purchase memory like Crucial, Kingston, etc. from anybody I wish, Compaq only cares it's a recognized equivalent brand name replacement.


If you read an earlier post, you will notice I mentioned TRD which manufactures performance parts by and for Toyota. I was not aware Mugen was in the same category as TRD, AMG Hammer, Dinan BMW in the Bay Area, Ford Motorsport Racing, etc. which are sold by dealers who act as agents in the sales, and/or arranging installations of those accessories. But if they are, I might consider it myself.

 

[Fireblade6]

Dale-


Yeah...Mugen is actually a racing test bed for Honda in Japan. On the Honda motorcycle side...HRC(Honda Racing Corporation) provide the racing R&D for Honda.

Mugen is quite popular in the SCCAA racing circuit in Europe and Japan and also here in the states.

 

[DaleB]

I understand all that, Fireblade but unless something is written in the Acura or Mugen warrranty that will accept those parts as 'factory approved' not affecting a new car warranty, I think one would be skating on thin ice.
But again, I think the risk is low, for one thing the header is not going to do any damage to the rest of the vehicle, unless it was not installed properly.
And if the header becomes defective, it is Mugen's problem, not Acura/Honda's, blood relative or not .

 

[MDXcrazed]

Hi Fireblade6:

Where did you get the Mugen header for MDX from? Kingmotorsports.com does not show it. Any installation and performance tip? Thanks.

 

[Emerald01]

Fireblade, I've noticed several time people have asked you where you got your header, exhaust, chip mods for your MDX. And I don't believe you replied. I've tried some searches for such products and was not able to find these types of items for the MDX. Is there a reason why you don't want to tell anyone? Share the with your MDX family!