Just bought a 2009 cpo rdx with tech in PMM/Taupe. After reading this board for many months, finally pulled the trigger after finding a low mileage (15K miles) first gen rdx at my local dealer no less.

Now, the important questions is what mods should i start with? I'm thinking performance wise the Hondata ecu reflash that i'm reading about is the way to go. Not sure how the process works as there are no local dealers near me. Can I pull the ecu and send it in and have it back plug and play?

I'm also thinking about the 19" oem upgrade wheels in either chrome or silver sparkle. Any thoughts on which i should go with my polished metal metallic?

Yeah, I've been "testing" the turbo boost and man it is awesome! along the the sh-awd of course make it that much better.

BTW, I was driving a 12 year old honda crv so this is definitely an upgrade for those that think this is just a fancier version of the crv.

I'll post some pics soon.

 

Congrats on the RDX! I have my CPO 08/tech for 2 months and I'm loving it, wish I bought this 3 years ago.

 

congrats - hondata can either reflash your current ECU by sending it to them thru an authorizes hondata dealer or you can buy a flashed ECU to swap out when you want.

 

Congrats. I have a deposit down on a 2011, but haven't picked it up yet (NY DMV takes forever to issue out of state titles!! so I can't trade in my TSX yet). I want my new car, dammit!

I hear you about the upgrades. Even my 04 TSX doesn't have many of the features of the RDX w/ Tech, I can't imagine a 12 year old CR-V.

 

Congrats!

Just picked up a brand new 2010 myself!

 

Yes. Hondata and Eibach springs.

 

Diverstar,

You didn't mention where you live but you can either visit a local dealer and have them do it for you, or mail off your ECU to a dealer. Check the Hondata website for dealers. I'm getting the reflash done this coming Wednesday, August 25th. I live about an hour from Church Automotive which worked with Hondata on the tune for the reflash. I going to drive there and they will pull the computer for me, drive it to Hondata who will reflash it and then Church will reinstall it in my RDX. Check out the performance page on the RDX section for my post. From what I hear from guys that have already done the reflash you get a noticeable increase in power and a slight increase in fuel mileage. Fuel efficiency is really my only complaint with the RDX, but it is very heavy when you consider it's a SUV with AWD. I'll be sure to post my post reflash summary on the performance page.

If you upgrade the tires and wheels your drivability will suffer due to the ride getting stiffer. Also it will probably cost you a small fortune for the entire package.

 

I was able to do reflash+K/N drop-in filter+eibach springs+ronjon 18 liquid graphite rims on my RDX for less money compared to 19" OEM Acura rims+new tires.

I'm not a big fan of the Acura 19" rims compared to some of the aftermarket offerings like from RonJon Sport Design. http://ronjonwheels.com/wheels.html

Other than the reflash, other engine mods will give you a low return on your "bang-for-the-buck" power increase compared to cost meter. The RDX drives very well with the standard suspension and sh-awd. Upgrading your tires+eibach springs would be a good addition with the extra reflash power.

I haven't looked into upgrading my brakes, I'm still on the original pads. This might be another area for upgrade (brakes/lines/rotors).

Aftermarket support really suck for the RDX. I think the only vehicle that has a worst aftermarket support is the MDX. We all really appreciate Hondata for offering the reflash AND lowering the price a few months ago (was $800, now $300).

 

"We all really appreciate Hondata for offering the reflash AND lowering the price a few months ago (was $800, now $300)."

Amen to that! That is the only reason I am getting the reflash now. Lowering prices increases demand. Simple economic principles that our government has forgotten.

 

Congrats on your new RDX, I love mine and will also be getting the reflash as I love the K-Pro I have in my RSX.

 

congrats to all that own this awesome vehicle, i just picked up mine on sat aug 21st and wow i'm glad i did. now i have to see what are the best things to do with it. so i will be reading all the upgrading threads. good luck to all and drive it the way it was meant to be driven!

 

Congrats!

 

Okay Guys Iam looking at an 07 RDX i was wondering what can you do for mods on it and how hard is it to do a new deck and subs in it if you could give me some insight that would be awsome its between an RDX or Forester XT both turbo so get back to me with suggestions