[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!!!!!

 

[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.

 

[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.

 

[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.