[MaD-X]

Am I the only one who revs up this suv like crazy after every red light? I've been working really late these days, and when going home late at night, I can't help myself from flooring the gas on this thing after every red light. Am I the only one with this problem? I never thought that I would have this problem when I was first considering an SUV! I guess my problem could be much worse than this one, hehehe

 

[IRONED]

MaD-X

Hey, you're not alone. Sometimes, you just have to put the pedal to the metal. Just let the "X" do it's thing and SMILE!!!

 

[Fireblade6]

VTEC

Who wouldn't want to rev the V-TEC engine...Honda has been developing this technology in their Formula One racing cars for YEARS!!!!...

Vtech was built to be punished and REV...VTEC engines only perform when it reaches certain RPMs...I LOVE HOW the valves lift in the engine and roars...its this searing Formula one sound...I love it...MUSIC to my ears...If you guys really really want to hear a BAD ASS VTEC engine...Test drive an NSX or a Honda S2000. The engine in those cars are AWESOME!!!!!

 

[jskibi]

Vroommmm!

All of this engine talk is making me drool.

Does anyone recommend swapping out the air filter for a high performance filter? Does Acura make a computer chip that can also be swapped for increased performance? Any other performance tips? Or is this a bad idea?

 

[Fireblade6]

Re: Vroommmm!

All of this engine talk is making me drool.

Does anyone recommend swapping out the air filter for a high performance filter? Does Acura make a computer chip that can also be swapped for increased performance? Any other performance tips? Or is this a bad idea?

Here is some things you can do to the MDX to improve performance:

1) take out the Honda air filter and install the K&N air filter- This will allow cooler air to enter the Vtec engine. Let it breathe easier..NO REALLY BIG increase in horsepower but...will let your Vtech engine perform a littel cooler.

2) Install the Japanese Mugen header and exhaust for it. VERY expensive but WELL WORTH it. You will see 275 horse power on the dyno from 240 horse. The exhaust will be a little throatier than the OEM.

3) Am waiting from DINAN to come out with the performance chip for the MDX. I think I may use the DINAN chip made for the TL. I think the engine on the MDX is the same as the TL...I have to confirm that with DINAN engineering.

 

[jskibi]

Thanks fireblade...

I'm assuming that you installed (had it installed by someone) the header and exhaust. What was the cost and time to do so? Does it affect the warranty? Pass inspection at the DMV?

Does installing the chip have any adverse effects?

Always lookin' for the upgrade

 

[MaD-X]

I'm interested in those upgrades too,

keep us posted. I test drove the new RSX Type-S as a loaner (yes, as a loaner with manual transmission - I had to ask for it though). It's got the new i-VTEC, which sounded very different. I wasn't actually too pleased with the sound. It reminded me of a large vacuum cleaner (no offense). Need to test drive the NSX sometime, but not too crazy about S2000 (some low end torque would be nice).

 

[roadrunner]

V-TEC Sound Is No Accident

That throaty (some say reedy) V-TEC sound is designed carefully into the engine. I remember a long ago discussion:

I think Creme was right on. I did not respond to the initial thread because I was waiting to get my MDX to investigate. These are called Helmholtz Resonators and are very common in new vehicle intake systems in tuning noise. When you accelerate, the growl you here is coming mostly from the intake system, not the exhaust system. Here's an interesting item on intake noise and tuning from http://www.sae.org/automag/globalview_12-99/04.htm:

But be that as it may, I too love the sound and look forward to busy traffic when feeding on to the Interstate because it gives me a good excuse to stand on the pedal and let RoadRunner HOWL.

Meep Meep

 

[Fireblade6]

Re: Vroommmm!

All of this engine talk is making me drool.

Does anyone recommend swapping out the air filter for a high performance filter? Does Acura make a computer chip that can also be swapped for increased performance? Any other performance tips? Or is this a bad idea?

SKIBI-

1)The K&N airfilter will in no shape or form void your warranty. Been using them in my cars and motorcycles for YEARS!!! Excellent product!

2) The Mugen performance exhaust system is kinda tricky and this is where you need to pay attention to my information. Mugen was started by the nephew of Hichiro Honda(The founder of HONDA CORPORATION) This division is solely for racing ONLY. Now...Die hard Honda and Acura fans want to have the same proven racing components in their cars. The headers and exhaust system can be installed in two ways.
a)MUGEN Header to OEM Catylic Converter then to Mugen pipes to Mugen muffler to exhaust tips -this is the way to go to NOT void your vehicle's warranty and to also let you pass DMV SMOG inspection. This set up will allow you only like a 15 horsepower increase.
b)MUGEN hearder to a direct flow to MUGEN pipes to Mugen Muffler to Dual or single exhaust tips...-This is the way if you really want SERIOUS horsepower increase to your vehicle. With this set up you run the risk of failing the SMOG inspection. Usually with a 35 horsepower increase.

*The Mugen high performance system costs anywhere from $1875.00 to $4,500.00 per system depending on whether you want Titanium, carbon fibre or aluminum.

3)As for the DINAN chip. This is where you can seriously tweak our engine because this performance chip basically reprogram the way the on-board computers on your MDX will regulate fuel intake, air intake, air and fuel dissipation etc etc etc...The result is decrease in MPG, increase in acceleration.(this is when you want to make a determination if you want to risk of voiding warranty or not.)

I have the airfilter install and the Mugen system installed but still doing some research on the compatibility of the chip for the MDX engine. Since DINAN has it for the TL engine and I know that the engine in the TL is almost the same am waiting to hear from DINAN's engineering on the plausibility of installing it in the MDX. They have an MDX there at the DINAN facility undergoing testing now.

 

[jskibi]

Thanks!

Thanks for the insight on the upgrades. Apparently you are more handy than I am on installing components...I'll probably just stick to the air filter.

If you have any more tips, keep us informed

 

[Sandman]

The DINAN chip in my GSR really didn't do much unless the VTEC was engaged when I dyno tested it about a 1-5hp gain across all rpm ranges. This was before my other upgrades to the Comptech exhaust and headers, which gave out 2-9hp increase in HP (depends on RPM) and a throater all around sound(comptech claims 1-5), which can be quieted for an extra $20. On my GSR it only took about 20 minutes to switch the old exhaust with the new and bout an 1-1.5 hrs for the header change.

Actually when I put in the DINAN, I actually got better gas mileage than stock. There are also several aftermarket VTEC tuners out there that you can do yourself. The only concern I would have with replacing a chip would be with the ODB (I think III is used in the MDX), it would have to be reset and tuned to the vehicle. I think with ODBI you just start up the car rev the engine let it run idle for 5 minutes shut off and restart and everthing worked. The DINAN chip replacement involved sending out the computer to DINAN and installing it after it came back. I don't know how they do it now.

You could also probably find someone like Jackson Racing
http://www.supercharger.com/pages/sprchrgracu.html
and see if they are coming out with a supercharger for the MDX, usually those need a E.S.M. (Electronic Signal Modifier).This adjustable switch is commonly used to keep the ECU from seeing a boost signal from the MAP Sensor when you are adding
a turbo or supercharger.

At the 2000 SEMA Show, I remember a a tuned and styled Acura MDX equipped with aftermarket modifications someone posted pictures of it I believe.It had one-off 19-inch wheels with cross-drilled brake rotors, a custom coil-over suspension, and dual stainless exhaust to spice up the new SUV. Other additions include a custom paint job and fender flares, roof rack, and grille from the Acura accessories catalog.

 

[bbsilver]

<The DINAN chip in my GSR really didn't do much unless the VTEC was engaged when I dyno tested it about a 1-5hp gain across all rpm ranges. This was before my other upgrades to the Comptech exhaust and headers, which gave out 2-9hp increase in HP (depends on RPM) and a throater all around sound(comptech claims 1-5), which can be quieted for an extra $20. On my GSR it only took about 20 minutes to switch the old exhaust with the new and bout an 1-1.5 hrs for the header change. >
The Integra, S2K, NSX VTEC were designed for performance. The MDX and other cars were designed for fuel economy and emissions. Two different animals. The S is basiclly topped out N/A. It requires a FI to make a serious increase. I would say an ECU change would be needed for maximum increases. Also, double the amount of time for the install. We have a V6 not an I4. Twice the work.

<The only concern I would have with replacing a chip would be with the ODB (I think III is used in the MDX), it would have to be reset and tuned to the vehicle. I think with ODBI you just start up the car rev the engine let it run idle for 5 minutes shut off and restart and everthing worked. The DINAN chip replacement involved sending out the computer to DINAN and installing it after it came back. I don't know how they do it now.>
ODBII, just had mine hooked up. ODBI(I) is just an interface and language. I don't believe it acutally specifies how the computer learns. That is up to the manufacturer. From expereience on my S, it defaults to the factory. It took 20 minutes of driving to get a proper correction.

<You could also probably find someone like Jackson Racing
http://www.supercharger.com/pages/sprchrgracu.html
and see if they are coming out with a supercharger for the MDX, usually those need a E.S.M. (Electronic Signal Modifier).This adjustable switch is commonly used to keep the ECU from seeing a boost signal from the MAP Sensor when you are adding
a turbo or supercharger.>
I don't think it is as much of a problem with this engine, but Jackson couldn't come up with a viable design for a S/C setup for the S. Comptech is the only company out there that has mass produced an S/Ced S. There is a Turbo setup, but only two that I know of.

 

[Xtreme MDX]

The MDX has more low end than the GSR Integra...

The MDX VTEC kicks in at a lower preset point than the GSR, The low end kick will not be a problem if the Dinan chipped is swapped compared to that of the GSR. The GSR could have benefited with a VTEC controller to manually set the VTEC activation, but as far as I remember these controllers are only compatible with 4 cylinder VTEC motors at the time I was inquiring about it couple of years ago. There was another company that specializes on Porshe (the company was called The Program) but they did do one for the Accord V6 when no one else was doing one. If anyone is thinking of getting the headers, and aftermarket go fast goodies but are afraid to mess with the oem computer chip maybe a more cost effective way is adding a fuel pressure regulator. Of course this will not give the same hp and performance compared to the chip swap but it is a viable option. If you really want your intake to sound better with the addition of the K&N filter, take out the resonator box located inside the front bumper and probably save a couple of pounds while you're at it. The resonator box could be replaced with a dryer exhaust hose which you can buy at your local hardware store, which can be easily attached via ring clamps, route the hose towards an opening somewhere towards the front bumper and you have a home made ram intake. The only drawback is that your intake will sound like a blow off valve upon quick accelaration and during idle it sounds like it's humming like a superharger. For some of us these are pluses not drawbacks. For about $ 30- $ 40 you have a cold air intake system.

 

[Xtreme MDX]

Question for Fireblade...

Did you get the Mugen headers from King Motorsports? How much was your set up? I was looking into doing this because I have a friend that works at a local Midas shop that is willing to do a dual exhaust set up for me from cat-back. The cat can be replaced with a higher flowing unit from Thermal Research most likely but this is illegal unless the oem cat was defective or damaged somehow which of course can be easily arranged. This would be the right set up I'm looking for. Can you let us know what car the headers was originally meant for. Was it for the CL or TL, and was there any modification done on the headers to accomodate the 3.5 engine?

 

[Fireblade6]

Re: Question for Fireblade...

Did you get the Mugen headers from King Motorsports? How much was your set up? I was looking into doing this because I have a friend that works at a local Midas shop that is willing to do a dual exhaust set up for me from cat-back. The cat can be replaced with a higher flowing unit from Thermal Research most likely but this is illegal unless the oem cat was defective or damaged somehow which of course can be easily arranged. This would be the right set up I'm looking for. Can you let us know what car the headers was originally meant for. Was it for the CL or TL, and was there any modification done on the headers to accomodate the 3.5 engine?

Good Morning Xtreme-

Actually..Kings Motorsports is the only North American distributor that can get the headers and exhaust system or for that matter any Mugen components that you wish you buy for Hondas and Acura vehicles. I however back then taken the delivery of the 2001 MDX and at that time the headers and exhaust from Mugen was not available from King. I had to contact the Mugen Performance and Engineering facility in Japan to get it. I have a friend that is currently a resident in Japan so he picked it up for me and shipped here where I had to pay U.S customs and taxes and such to receive it. It was an expensive way to go but I wanted aftermarket performace products that was meant for Hondas and Acuras. I know that Jackson Racing, HKS and other companies had produce aftermarket performance components but it isnt the same personally... It took a LONG time but I got it. But am sure you can contact Kings now and get it from them.

 

[Xtreme MDX]

Hi Fireblade....

How much was the part? I am a Customs Broker by trade and I sure can get this part through Customs with no problems and shipped here cheaper from the company I work for. I also have contacts here that can get practically any part for JDM cars for wholesale if not close to wholesale prices even engines and trannys but for Honda my contact deals with Spoon I have to check with him if he can deal with Mugen. What was the part# anyways? This would be the easiest way for me to track a source overseas. Thanks for any help you can give me though.

 

[EXCALIBUR]

Question?

The MDX VTEC kicks in at a lower preset point than the GSR, The low end kick will not be a problem if the Dinan chipped is swapped compared to that of the GSR. The GSR could have benefited with a VTEC controller to manually set the VTEC activation, but as far as I remember these controllers are only compatible with 4 cylinder VTEC motors at the time I was inquiring about it couple of years ago. There was another company that specializes on Porshe (the company was called The Program) but they did do one for the Accord V6 when no one else was doing one. If anyone is thinking of getting the headers, and aftermarket go fast goodies but are afraid to mess with the oem computer chip maybe a more cost effective way is adding a fuel pressure regulator. Of course this will not give the same hp and performance compared to the chip swap but it is a viable option. If you really want your intake to sound better with the addition of the K&N filter, take out the resonator box located inside the front bumper and probably save a couple of pounds while you're at it. The resonator box could be replaced with a dryer exhaust hose which you can buy at your local hardware store, which can be easily attached via ring clamps, route the hose towards an opening somewhere towards the front bumper and you have a home made ram intake. The only drawback is that your intake will sound like a blow off valve upon quick accelaration and during idle it sounds like it's humming like a superharger. For some of us these are pluses not drawbacks. For about $ 30- $ 40 you have a cold air intake system.

Q: Are there any special tips or procedures to remove the air resonator box from the MDX?

 

[Pauls MDX]

Am I the only one who revs up this suv like crazy after every red light? I've been working really late these days, and when going home late at night, I can't help myself from flooring the gas on this thing after every red light. Am I the only one with this problem? I never thought that I would have this problem when I was first considering an SUV! I guess my problem could be much worse than this one, hehehe

I drive with a lead foot also, that's why I get 12-14 mpg.

 

[xfactor]

Re: Re: Vroommmm!

Here is some things you can do to the MDX to improve performance:

1) take out the Honda air filter and install the K&N air filter- This will allow cooler air to enter the Vtec engine. Let it breathe easier..NO REALLY BIG increase in horsepower but...will let your Vtech engine perform a littel cooler.

2) Install the Japanese Mugen header and exhaust for it. VERY expensive but WELL WORTH it. You will see 275 horse power on the dyno from 240 horse. The exhaust will be a little throatier than the OEM.

Fireblade6,

What is the approx cost for the above mods. Where would/did you purchase these from?