So, my Vit tune's going pretty well, pretty much knock free, and knock is not reproducible on pulls now. Definitely feeling that extra thrust! So now that it's hitting approx 300 at the crank, based on dyno /and/ edyno results, it's time to take a moment and enjoy just how terrific the RDX design is as a practical enthusiast's car. It /does/ respond well to good treatment, modding, and tuning, just like a Honda should. Its engine clearly has a lot left on the table from stock and this platform deserves all the love we're giving it.


I've been carefully picking the low hanging fruit, so I think I've managed to do pretty well on mod costs.


So this is what I've got going: Hondata Flashpro with a VitViper tune, 800cc injectors, a K&N drop-in filter with the snorkel replaced with 3" performance pipe, RV-6 downpipe with high-flow cat, ETS intercooler, EBC Redstuff pads, steel braided brake lines, Eibach springs, Progress RSB, Toyo Open Country H/T P235/55/R18 tires.


And here's the pics! (And yes, those /are/ OEM all weather floor mats, cargo tray, cargo organizer, and nose mask! Couldn't resist)

 

Nice car I have been thinking of getting one of these.
How much power would you say you gained off the hondata flashpro only with no other mods?

 

Depends on the max octane of the fuel in your area.


Without supporting mods, I'd say you can tune for 25hp improvement on flashpro alone, probably, if you live in an area with 93 octane. But it's not just about HP improvement. The boost spools up at lower RPMs and stays there. So it's just as much about reducing turbo lag.

 

There isn't anything that drives nearly as good in this category until you start getting into Audi Q5s and BMW X-drives. I tested other 'sporty' ones, a Mazda CX-7, a Volvo XC60 R Design, newer RDX, Audi Q5, BMW X5 w/X-Drive. They all felt chunky, tall, and heavy by comparison. Only the Q5 and the X5 drove as good, and they cost 50k new and are German. Sure, they're more powerful out of the box too. But I'd never drive German. What makes the difference is that the 1st gen RDX's center of gravity is super low for the category, thanks to the 400 pound SH-AWD unit hanging off the bottom between the rear wheels, in addition to the fact that it does genuinely work: you can feel the butt wiggling out when you'd understeer in an FF car. I even drove a FF RDX and I'd stick with SH-AWD despite the 400 extra pounds.