Which Mods to start with

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Old Nov 25, 2012 | 08:19 PM
  #1  
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Which Mods to start with

Just downsized from a 2010 M3 to a 2011 RDX SH-AWD Tech. Its a great car but like most of the cars I have had in the past I want to add some mods to it. Just wanted to know what I should start with and what to look to add down the road.

Thanks!
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Old Nov 25, 2012 | 11:04 PM
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From: KCMO
Hondata is the first.

After that is preference... check out the 'Performance Parts & Modifications' section for more info.
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Old Nov 25, 2012 | 11:40 PM
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Originally Posted by CSHawkeye
Just downsized from a 2010 M3 to a 2011 RDX SH-AWD Tech. Its a great car but like most of the cars I have had in the past I want to add some mods to it. Just wanted to know what I should start with and what to look to add down the road.

Thanks!
Welcome...why the M3 to an RDX? That's a big change, but I'm sure there's a good reason behind the decision.

Like others have and will say, you will probably get the best gains starting with a Hondata ecu reflash. Your intake, DP and exhaust will probably be the next items. That ETS top mount intercooler also looks promising...

Last edited by k23a1; Nov 25, 2012 at 11:42 PM.
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Old Nov 26, 2012 | 05:25 AM
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Originally Posted by k23a1
Welcome...why the M3 to an RDX? That's a big change, but I'm sure there's a good reason behind the decision.

Like others have and will say, you will probably get the best gains starting with a Hondata ecu reflash. Your intake, DP and exhaust will probably be the next items. That ETS top mount intercooler also looks promising...

Just bought a house and rather have the extra funds and no car payment (ended up with 12K in cash as well when trading it in.) Car was the best car I ever owned but you know it goes sometimes its good to play it smart. Where is the best place to look for Hondata??
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Old Nov 26, 2012 | 10:15 AM
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Originally Posted by CSHawkeye
Just bought a house and rather have the extra funds and no car payment (ended up with 12K in cash as well when trading it in.) Car was the best car I ever owned but you know it goes sometimes its good to play it smart. Where is the best place to look for Hondata??
http://www.hondata.com/reflash_rdx.html

Good decision...I just got into the 35iS and still have a quite a ways to go.
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Old Nov 26, 2012 | 09:12 PM
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Originally Posted by CSHawkeye
Just downsized from a 2010 M3 to a 2011 RDX SH-AWD Tech. Its a great car but like most of the cars I have had in the past I want to add some mods to it. Just wanted to know what I should start with and what to look to add down the road.

Thanks!
I just bought my 09 RDX on Wed in Alexandria, VA. I went from an 06 rsx-s to this, needed more room and something awd. So far I enjoy it and from what I have read it seems like the hondata is worth it. Only downside is having to ship it out. It won't be an option to me until I get my extra car running.
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Old Nov 26, 2012 | 09:12 PM
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Originally Posted by trqless
i just bought my 09 rdx on wed in alexandria, va. I went from an 06 rsx-s to this, needed more room and something awd. So far i enjoy it and from what i have read it seems like the hondata is worth it. Only downside is having to ship it out. It won't be an option to me until i get my extra car running.
*08
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Old Nov 27, 2012 | 06:26 AM
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Originally Posted by TRQLESS
I just bought my 09 RDX on Wed in Alexandria, VA. I went from an 06 rsx-s to this, needed more room and something awd. So far I enjoy it and from what I have read it seems like the hondata is worth it. Only downside is having to ship it out. It won't be an option to me until I get my extra car running.

Oh where from?? Do you live in the area??
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Old Nov 27, 2012 | 09:42 AM
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I would start looking into tires if you still have the OEM Michelins on your 11 RDX. I went with the OEM size Conti DWS. The RDX is not as noisy, better grip on dry roads, less squealing when you engage the sh-awd, outstanding grip in wet/snow, and longer treadlife compared to OEM tires. I did not feel as confident driving my TSX or RDX with OEM Michelins when the road was a little wet.

I like (if you are planning to keep the RDX for a while):
- Hondata
- Tires
- Battery (OEM battery can fail anytime after 2.5-5 years)
- All weather floor mats (RDX stays clean and keeps car smelling like new)
- Tint the front side windows
- Clear bra for front end, hood, and side mirrors
- Clear bra for headlights (protects from rock strikes and keeps headlights from oxidizing over time)

I was able to install the Eibach springs a few years ago and I love them (+45,000 miles with Eibach springs). I’ve been fine with the OEM brakes with the way I drive.
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Old Nov 27, 2012 | 09:48 AM
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Originally Posted by k23a1
http://www.hondata.com/reflash_rdx.html

Good decision...I just got into the 35iS and still have a quite a ways to go.
OMG, those IS' are BEASTLY with the JB4.
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Old Nov 27, 2012 | 04:49 PM
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^
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Old Nov 27, 2012 | 04:56 PM
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Originally Posted by CSHawkeye
Oh where from?? Do you live in the area??
I bought the pearl white one from Passport Infinity, came with the front lip, roof rack, thule ski rack, rear diffuser, tow hitch, 84k miles. Has the oem fogs (already ordered 35w 3000k hid low beams from ddm tuning).

I live in Winchester, VA
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Old Nov 27, 2012 | 09:25 PM
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Originally Posted by mrgold35
I would start looking into tires if you still have the OEM Michelins on your 11 RDX. I went with the OEM size Conti DWS. The RDX is not as noisy, better grip on dry roads, less squealing when you engage the sh-awd, outstanding grip in wet/snow, and longer treadlife compared to OEM tires. I did not feel as confident driving my TSX or RDX with OEM Michelins when the road was a little wet.

I like (if you are planning to keep the RDX for a while):
- Hondata
- Tires
- Battery (OEM battery can fail anytime after 2.5-5 years)
- All weather floor mats (RDX stays clean and keeps car smelling like new)
- Tint the front side windows
- Clear bra for front end, hood, and side mirrors
- Clear bra for headlights (protects from rock strikes and keeps headlights from oxidizing over time)

I was able to install the Eibach springs a few years ago and I love them (+45,000 miles with Eibach springs). I’ve been fine with the OEM brakes with the way I drive.

Thanks for the list. Starting to work on this now (already have the all weather floor mats) When I got the car they threw in the parking sensors and roof rack in which they are installing on Thursday. I will setup the Hondata probably next week or so.
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Old Nov 27, 2012 | 09:53 PM
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Originally Posted by justnspace
OMG, those IS' are BEASTLY with the JB4.
No guts to modify it yet. It's already fast in stock form, and remapping the N54 will be too much for now...
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Old Nov 28, 2012 | 10:16 AM
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^theres a guy on our forums "bear-avhistory" with an IS and remapped the N54.
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?p=14178322
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Old Nov 28, 2012 | 11:02 AM
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Originally Posted by CSHawkeye
Thanks for the list. Starting to work on this now (already have the all weather floor mats) When I got the car they threw in the parking sensors and roof rack in which they are installing on Thursday. I will setup the Hondata probably next week or so.
I originally purchased the RDX because it looked cool, little more room, sh-awd, and turbo engine. It was basically had everything my TSX was missing. I have put more miles and gone on more vacations with the RDX because it is such a good hwy cruiser. I also purchase a cargo carrier to use with my OEM roof rack (Yakima Rocket Pro 14) and that really comes in handy for extra space. I am also considering a hitch next spring to carry bikes for weekend excursions.
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Old Nov 29, 2012 | 12:17 AM
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Originally Posted by justnspace
^theres a guy on our forums "bear-avhistory" with an IS and remapped the N54.
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?p=14178322
Hey, thanks for the thread referral! I should say hello to a fellow iS owner!
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Old Nov 29, 2012 | 12:56 PM
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:hearts: :rainbows: :hippies:
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Old Nov 29, 2012 | 06:46 PM
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TIRES AND BRAKES.. both stockers suck.
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Old Nov 29, 2012 | 08:06 PM
  #20  
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Originally Posted by BigHatch
TIRES AND BRAKES.. both stockers suck.
Suggestions, was also looking at the wheels too.
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Old Nov 29, 2012 | 09:07 PM
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Originally Posted by BigHatch
TIRES AND BRAKES.. both stockers suck.
How do you like your rotors?

Soon I plan on purchasing new front pads and rotors and will be looking for some recommendations.
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Old Dec 11, 2012 | 11:22 PM
  #22  
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Just installed my Hondata reflashed ECU: it is not a subtle improvement. In fact, I'd say it's the best $300 upgrade I've ever done on any ride, 2 or 4 wheels.

Bryan
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Old Dec 13, 2012 | 08:38 PM
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Originally Posted by TRQLESS
How do you like your rotors?

Soon I plan on purchasing new front pads and rotors and will be looking for some recommendations.
They've been great..and i've had em for a good while. no warping or issues of any kind if that's what you mean.
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