Hondata RDX Reflash - End User Reports!!!
04-03-2011, 10:10 PM
#161
7th Gear
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Mrgold35 - when you say "This is just one person out of hundreds I’ve heard of having problems with the reflash." do you actually mean "that out of the hundreds that have had the reflash [without problems] this is the only one you have heard of [that did have problems]??
I figured you did - but just clarifying...
I figured you did - but just clarifying...
04-04-2011, 08:48 AM
#162
mrgold35
Mrgold35 - when you say "This is just one person out of hundreds I’ve heard of having problems with the reflash." do you actually mean "that out of the hundreds that have had the reflash [without problems] this is the only one you have heard of [that did have problems]??
I figured you did - but just clarifying...
I figured you did - but just clarifying...
I was going to get Hondata for my TSX; but, decided against it because gains were very small compared to the RDX reflash. I would still need intake, header, and exhaust to maximize the TSX reflash just to be 1 or 2 tenths faster in my 5AT TSX. If I was going to spend that much $$$ for that minor gain, I should save up for the comptech S/C for some real performance gains.
The RDX reflash makes real performance gains you will feel instantly. The time it took me to get to 75-80 mph with the old ECU now gets me to +90 mph with the reflash. Your RDX will be easier to drive with the extra power. I've notice I don't push the engine as hard as before because I can reach the same speed with less effort. I hope the reflash does not affect the longevity of the engine, 5AT or sh-awd. There should be members with +80,000 reflash trouble-free miles out there. I only have 15,000 miles out of 50,000 miles total with my RDX on the reflash with zero problems.
04-04-2011, 12:02 PM
#163
I also wanted to try this mod but im hesitate that it might affect the longevity of the turbo,, ... based from hondata website it will raises the boost level about 1-1.5 psi under 4500 RPM and raises the boost level 3.5-4 psi at redline. As a result the turbo spools faster at lower RPM leading to better off the line performance...
If something happen to your turbo or engine this will def void your warranty...
04-05-2011, 08:53 AM
#164
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Understand that is it is a risk -- but there ususally isn't a benefit in life without some kind of cost.
From the research I've done on this (Sean Church and others) it seems the boost increase on the stock RDX engine was set originally by Acura to minimize warranty risk (across all the produced RDX's) and the flashed increase is still moderate and within the margin of reliability.
Plus, once you get outside the warranty (i.e. more mileage) then in the case of any problem you are paying for repairs out of pocket as it is.
Overall the combined "costs" for this flash still seem to be worth it from what I'm hearing.
From the research I've done on this (Sean Church and others) it seems the boost increase on the stock RDX engine was set originally by Acura to minimize warranty risk (across all the produced RDX's) and the flashed increase is still moderate and within the margin of reliability.
Plus, once you get outside the warranty (i.e. more mileage) then in the case of any problem you are paying for repairs out of pocket as it is.
Overall the combined "costs" for this flash still seem to be worth it from what I'm hearing.
04-06-2011, 07:25 AM
#165
2008 Acura RDX
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Thats correct, and furthermore, the miniscule increase in boost provided by the reflash, is way way within the ability of the turbos efficiency and durability parameters!
Before you are able to run the turbo in a " questionable parameter area ", the ECM (flashed or not) will go into 'limp' mode to protect the system! And again you can check with Sean about that, which he found out during the testing and research for the reflash!
Before you are able to run the turbo in a " questionable parameter area ", the ECM (flashed or not) will go into 'limp' mode to protect the system! And again you can check with Sean about that, which he found out during the testing and research for the reflash!
04-13-2011, 11:32 PM
#168
Instructor
Folks,
I just got my ECU from Hondata.
I will post my initial results. The RDX is actually my wife's car.
I drive a Subaru Forester 5-sp. My engine mods are a VF-39 Turbo, STi intercooler, turbo back exhaust. I am custom tuned to run 19.5psi. The car puts out a good amount of power (325ft-lbs @ 3250RPM....this makes for a fast 3300 pound car). I am stating this so that you know where I am coming from. I am used to a car with a good amount of turbo power.
After the ECU install, I took the car out for a spin.
The turbo spools up almost immediately. I am definitely not used to this. Seems unnatural that a turbo can spool up so fast. The car before that tune was what I am used to in a turbo. Lag.....and then wham. I can see how some people might say that they can't feel the difference because the turbo spools up so early you don't get that turbo kick. The turbo is already spooled up when you expect the turbo to kick in. So it drives less like a turbo car and more like a larger displacement vehicle.
While the car might not seem faster to some people, it is faster. It just might not feel that way to some since they don't get that turbo kick at 2500-3000rpm.
There is one thing I don't like. This is something that is my personal preference. So some folks may agree and some disagree with me. I noticed that when driving casually and not using full throttle, the turbo still hits full boost. On my Forester, I had it tuned so that the turbo doesn't hit full boost unless the throttle is wide open. With the Forester, I didn't like when I was just driving casually and the turbo would hit full boost. So my tuner made the turbo boost somewhat dependent on throttle. Which I like. So with the RDX, I was making a U-turn at a slow normal pace with the throttle maybe halfway depressed. The turbo hits full boost and I had to straighten the wheels quickly as they started to squeal. Again, this is MY personal preference. Since the turbo spools up so early in RPMs it is nowhere near as noticeable as it was with the Forester. With that car, I'd be driving casually and the turbo would hit and literally snap your head back since you weren't expecting it. (Glad I had the tuner fix that)
I haven't had the ECU long enough to comment on fuel economy.
I'd like to do the K&N cold air intake next but I am so Subaru ingrained that I am still hesitant to do it. With my custom tuned Subaru, I can't add an air intake without getting the car retuned so that I can have my A/F ratio "touched up".
Dino
I just got my ECU from Hondata.
I will post my initial results. The RDX is actually my wife's car.
I drive a Subaru Forester 5-sp. My engine mods are a VF-39 Turbo, STi intercooler, turbo back exhaust. I am custom tuned to run 19.5psi. The car puts out a good amount of power (325ft-lbs @ 3250RPM....this makes for a fast 3300 pound car). I am stating this so that you know where I am coming from. I am used to a car with a good amount of turbo power.
After the ECU install, I took the car out for a spin.
The turbo spools up almost immediately. I am definitely not used to this. Seems unnatural that a turbo can spool up so fast. The car before that tune was what I am used to in a turbo. Lag.....and then wham. I can see how some people might say that they can't feel the difference because the turbo spools up so early you don't get that turbo kick. The turbo is already spooled up when you expect the turbo to kick in. So it drives less like a turbo car and more like a larger displacement vehicle.
While the car might not seem faster to some people, it is faster. It just might not feel that way to some since they don't get that turbo kick at 2500-3000rpm.
There is one thing I don't like. This is something that is my personal preference. So some folks may agree and some disagree with me. I noticed that when driving casually and not using full throttle, the turbo still hits full boost. On my Forester, I had it tuned so that the turbo doesn't hit full boost unless the throttle is wide open. With the Forester, I didn't like when I was just driving casually and the turbo would hit full boost. So my tuner made the turbo boost somewhat dependent on throttle. Which I like. So with the RDX, I was making a U-turn at a slow normal pace with the throttle maybe halfway depressed. The turbo hits full boost and I had to straighten the wheels quickly as they started to squeal. Again, this is MY personal preference. Since the turbo spools up so early in RPMs it is nowhere near as noticeable as it was with the Forester. With that car, I'd be driving casually and the turbo would hit and literally snap your head back since you weren't expecting it. (Glad I had the tuner fix that)
I haven't had the ECU long enough to comment on fuel economy.
I'd like to do the K&N cold air intake next but I am so Subaru ingrained that I am still hesitant to do it. With my custom tuned Subaru, I can't add an air intake without getting the car retuned so that I can have my A/F ratio "touched up".
Dino
04-14-2011, 12:32 AM
#169
Instructor
Coming from a subie you should know a K&N is bad juju.. the oil from the filter flying on the maf usually degrades the performance. i would just go with a amsoil filter. I have one in the STi and its been great. What are you tuned with on your forester? Im trying to get more tuning options set up as i do not see myself paying 500 for a base map.
04-14-2011, 05:46 AM
#170
2008 Acura RDX
Join Date: May 2008
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Folks,
I just got my ECU from Hondata.
I will post my initial results. The RDX is actually my wife's car.
After the ECU install, I took the car out for a spin.
The turbo spools up almost immediately. I am definitely not used to this. Seems unnatural that a turbo can spool up so fast. The car before that tune was what I am used to in a turbo. Lag.....and then wham. I can see how some people might say that they can't feel the difference because the turbo spools up so early you don't get that turbo kick. The turbo is already spooled up when you expect the turbo to kick in. So it drives less like a turbo car and more like a larger displacement vehicle.
While the car might not seem faster to some people, it is faster. It just might not feel that way to some since they don't get that turbo kick at 2500-3000rpm.
I haven't had the ECU long enough to comment on fuel economy.
Dino
I just got my ECU from Hondata.
I will post my initial results. The RDX is actually my wife's car.
After the ECU install, I took the car out for a spin.
The turbo spools up almost immediately. I am definitely not used to this. Seems unnatural that a turbo can spool up so fast. The car before that tune was what I am used to in a turbo. Lag.....and then wham. I can see how some people might say that they can't feel the difference because the turbo spools up so early you don't get that turbo kick. The turbo is already spooled up when you expect the turbo to kick in. So it drives less like a turbo car and more like a larger displacement vehicle.
While the car might not seem faster to some people, it is faster. It just might not feel that way to some since they don't get that turbo kick at 2500-3000rpm.
I haven't had the ECU long enough to comment on fuel economy.
Dino
04-14-2011, 04:43 PM
#171
Instructor
Coming from a subie you should know a K&N is bad juju.. the oil from the filter flying on the maf usually degrades the performance. i would just go with a amsoil filter. I have one in the STi and its been great. What are you tuned with on your forester? Im trying to get more tuning options set up as i do not see myself paying 500 for a base map.
My tuner uses Cobb. You don't have to pay anything for the Cobb base maps. You'll need a Cobb Accessport though. The off the shelf Cobb map (free) was running 17psi. I am at 19.5psi after the custom tune.
On the RDX...So far the fuel economy is dropping. I attribute that to the fact that I am driving a little more heavy footed. One thing I can't seem to ever get used to is the Honda exhaust. This of course has nothing to do with the Hondata flash. I am just hearing the exhaust more at high RPMs now since I am driving at WOT. The only 4 cylinder exhaust I can tolerate is...surprise, surprise, the Subaru boxer engines. (I went to Subaru from having a Cobra Mustang with a Bassani exhaust, so I am partial to V8 exhaust notes)
Dino
04-23-2011, 12:32 AM
#172
Copy cat shinobi
Get 2.5 inch piping to avoid drone if you don't mind then 3.0+ on your system. Use magnaflow 7-5 inch resonators near the cats and a magnaflow 1 in 2 out turbo muff and put some tips on it call it done! The oem exhaust sounds tinny and snarls like a chihuahua. Put this on and turn some heads in the parking lots... Hehe I get it alot!
06-08-2011, 10:22 AM
#173
mrgold35
Have any of the 2010-2011 RDX owners done the reflash yet? Hondata has it available:
http://www.hondata.com/
http://www.hondata.com/
06-08-2011, 12:39 PM
#174
Burning Brakes
06-10-2011, 02:27 PM
#175
Have any of the 2010-2011 RDX owners done the reflash yet? Hondata has it available:
http://www.hondata.com/
http://www.hondata.com/
It's solid.
...and totally worth the day or two down time.
06-10-2011, 03:40 PM
#176
mrgold35
I found the RDX is A LOT easier to drive with the extra power in all situations. My son and I always looking for situations to turbo boost and use sh-awd. We have to chill out when the wife in the car, she doesn't like sliding across the seat and hanging on for dear life like our son.
06-20-2011, 09:24 AM
#177
2nd Gear
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: IL
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06-21-2011, 09:25 AM
#178
Lizard King
the only time mileage improves slightly is HWY driving when turbo is not as engaged... Otherwise it is very similar. On a road trip to Cal, I got about 22mpg VS 20 pre-reflash. City is still 17-18. It is still so very very very worth it.
YMMV... litterally!
YMMV... litterally!
06-23-2011, 01:35 PM
#179
Have any of the 2010-2011 RDX owners done the reflash yet? Hondata has it available:
http://www.hondata.com/
http://www.hondata.com/
Wish there was more for our fun CUV.
08-08-2011, 06:59 PM
#180
Instructor
I would like to see what 94-octane gas without ethanol would do with this mod. 
The improved fuel economy is due to the mixture slightly thinned, but that would require a very close watch on the quality of fuel.
Locally Shell has the only tier-1 91 premium without ethanol.
Chevron these days has gone over to the dark side and lowered their premium from 92 to 91 as well as adding ethanol to it.
But Chevron still sells 94 without ethanol, so it would be interesting to see how a reflashed RDX would do with that fuel.
The improved fuel economy is due to the mixture slightly thinned, but that would require a very close watch on the quality of fuel.
Locally Shell has the only tier-1 91 premium without ethanol.
Chevron these days has gone over to the dark side and lowered their premium from 92 to 91 as well as adding ethanol to it.
But Chevron still sells 94 without ethanol, so it would be interesting to see how a reflashed RDX would do with that fuel.
Last edited by red00tl; 08-08-2011 at 07:02 PM.
08-17-2011, 10:15 PM
#181
Cruisin'
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people in NYC area, what Hondata dealer did u use? and do they have to ship ECU or they can actually flash on the spot?
coming from VW/Audi crowd, the flash used to be done over OBD port in 10-30 mins...
coming from VW/Audi crowd, the flash used to be done over OBD port in 10-30 mins...
08-18-2011, 08:58 AM
#182
He response to emails and calls.
I tried rpmnyc.com and the rep got back to me almost 2 months later. lol
The worse for customer service and responding IMO.
08-18-2011, 09:48 AM
#183
Cruisin'
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do they have to send ECU out? that is so annoying. coming from VW/Audi side - used to do re-flashes through OBD port on the spot (10-20 mins) since 2005....
08-18-2011, 11:01 AM
#184
The cost will cover the reflash and unit being ship back to you.
PM if you have any questions.
Turn around time is quick though - like 2 to 3 days max.
Got my unit within 2 days. (Just make sure to overnight Hondata the unit so they have time to work on it early)
08-19-2011, 01:19 PM
#185
Cruisin'
have done reflash to my tsx dont know why i havnt done it yet to rdx i guess i just think about warrenty anybody know if it is noticeable by the dealer ? or of any problems if things break ?
08-19-2011, 04:03 PM
#186
Lizard King
DO IT !!!
No and no... watch your redline and have fun. Have not heard of one single issue other than happiness.
No and no... watch your redline and have fun. Have not heard of one single issue other than happiness.
08-19-2011, 04:46 PM
#187
Just curious to know if anyone has tried or hears about this as a substitute to the Hondata reflash (http://www.jetchip.com/shop/shopdisp...sppp=10&vall=1) only talking about the top item the one for $329; or if anyone just replaced the MAF sensor, the last item on the page.
Any thoughts?
Any thoughts?
08-25-2011, 03:27 PM
#188
08-28-2011, 12:08 AM
#189
10th Gear
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Hondata... link is broken.
Agreed, there is only one option for the RDX when it comes to a tune.
It is unfortunate there are no alternatives. Competition might have resulted in more tuning options for us such as a hand held programmer and multiple tunes for different mods.
I am glad that Church/Hondata was able to provide us a tune. Thanks guys!
Agreed, there is only one option for the RDX when it comes to a tune.
It is unfortunate there are no alternatives. Competition might have resulted in more tuning options for us such as a hand held programmer and multiple tunes for different mods.
I am glad that Church/Hondata was able to provide us a tune. Thanks guys!
08-28-2011, 03:29 PM
#190
http://hondata.com/reflash_rdx.html
08-29-2011, 12:59 PM
#191
The reason the link was broken is that this site filters out the word c l u b r s x. Copy and paste the link and remove the spaces.
http://forums.c l u b r s x.com/showthread.php?t=144424
Here you will learn the testing done to prove that a customer's paid for reflash was a ECU stock program. (i.e. nothing had changed)
http://forums.c l u b r s x.com/showthread.php?t=144424
Here you will learn the testing done to prove that a customer's paid for reflash was a ECU stock program. (i.e. nothing had changed)
Last edited by hondata; 08-29-2011 at 01:07 PM.
08-29-2011, 04:17 PM
#193
I wish Hondata would release the RDX reflash program to their authorized dealers and just charge them a royalty fee when ever they perform a reflash on a customers' vehicle. From a business point of view I think they would earn more $$ and incur less FEDEX/UPS expense and the dealers would be able to sell additional services as well.
How can we get Hondata to buy off on that idea?
Just a thought
How can we get Hondata to buy off on that idea?
Just a thought
08-29-2011, 04:18 PM
#194
We need to keep doing it this way! =P
Even the honda accord found a way to get a harness to work on their car for the Hondata K-pro unit.
08-31-2011, 05:57 PM
#195
08-31-2011, 06:41 PM
#196
09-01-2011, 06:08 PM
#197
Copy cat shinobi
Does it even matter if you stay?
Hondata is not even listening????? The price for reflash vs flash pro, is what? I'd save that few hundred extra for it. It'd be money better spent.
About Jet Performance (1968), The internet is a source of just about anything negitive as well as positive, look hard enough you'll find that someone with 8th gen civic questioning their reflash.
Hondata is not even listening????? The price for reflash vs flash pro, is what? I'd save that few hundred extra for it. It'd be money better spent.
About Jet Performance (1968), The internet is a source of just about anything negitive as well as positive, look hard enough you'll find that someone with 8th gen civic questioning their reflash.
Last edited by Kaze66218; 09-01-2011 at 06:19 PM.
09-02-2011, 10:44 AM
#198
Does it even matter if you stay?
Hondata is not even listening????? The price for reflash vs flash pro, is what? I'd save that few hundred extra for it. It'd be money better spent.
About Jet Performance (1968), The internet is a source of just about anything negitive as well as positive, look hard enough you'll find that someone with 8th gen civic questioning their reflash.
Hondata is not even listening????? The price for reflash vs flash pro, is what? I'd save that few hundred extra for it. It'd be money better spent.
About Jet Performance (1968), The internet is a source of just about anything negitive as well as positive, look hard enough you'll find that someone with 8th gen civic questioning their reflash.
O please bring this to our community!
My down and mid pipe should be heading my way.
I need bigger fuel injectors to support it! =T
09-02-2011, 03:20 PM
#199
Lizard King
09-14-2011, 01:44 PM
#200
...I was going to get Hondata for my TSX; but, decided against it because gains were very small compared to the RDX reflash. I would still need intake, header, and exhaust to maximize the TSX reflash just to be 1 or 2 tenths faster in my 5AT TSX...The RDX reflash makes real performance gains you will feel instantly. The time it took me to get to 75-80 mph with the old ECU now gets me to +90 mph with the reflash. Your RDX will be easier to drive with the extra power. ..
Get 2.5 inch piping to avoid drone if you don't mind then 3.0+ on your system. Use magnaflow 7-5 inch resonators near the cats and a magnaflow 1 in 2 out turbo muff and put some tips on it call it done! The oem exhaust sounds tinny and snarls like a chihuahua. Put this on and turn some heads in the parking lots... Hehe I get it alot!
Yep. Why would a smart business person post a comment like that? Oh, nevermind.