CP-E CAI Install
03-14-2008, 02:12 AM
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CP-E CAI Install
Here is some eye candy for you all to enjoy. It was fun doing the install.
Here's all the parts to the CP-E CAI.
Stock airbox.
Intercooler cover removed.
Ahhh!
here's airbox, resonator, and battery removed. This was the trickiest part of the whole project, removing the resonator box, very tight fit.
Here's all the parts to the CP-E CAI.
Stock airbox.
Intercooler cover removed.
Ahhh!
here's airbox, resonator, and battery removed. This was the trickiest part of the whole project, removing the resonator box, very tight fit.
03-14-2008, 02:17 AM
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Ohhh...Im jealous, I just got the notice in my P.O box today but I cant pick it up till saturday morning because I have to work at the exact same time as the post office opens and closes!!....
03-14-2008, 02:19 AM
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More pics.
All the parts of the stock intake. All in all, probably removed 10 pounds out of the engine bay. Lol!
Here's the new CP-E Intake installed before reinstalling the battery.
Everything put back together.
Closeup of the air filter.
All the parts of the stock intake. All in all, probably removed 10 pounds out of the engine bay. Lol!
Here's the new CP-E Intake installed before reinstalling the battery.
Everything put back together.
Closeup of the air filter.
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dr427 (02-09-2013)
03-14-2008, 02:33 AM
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Here are a series of videos of stock and CP-E Intakes. First of all, remember, these videos were made for the sound, not picture quality. Ok, so I'm not so good at taking videos, but you try holding a camera, manually shifting, dodging cyclers, and going around switchbacks, lol! 
Oh, and you might want to grab some Dramamine, you might get a little quoozey, lol.
Oh, and you might want to grab some Dramamine, you might get a little quoozey, lol.
03-14-2008, 02:42 AM
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Originally Posted by hyspeed808
Ohhh...Im jealous, I just got the notice in my P.O box today but I cant pick it up till saturday morning because I have to work at the exact same time as the post office opens and closes!!....
Hang in there, it will be worth the wait, trust me.
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RZANYS2K (12-27-2013)
03-14-2008, 05:58 AM
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nice! FedEx has been stupid and it took them 5 days to actually ship mine once they got it. Then they said I wasn't here yesterday when they tried to deliver, except, I didn't leave the house all day, so that was a lie. FedEx is pissing me off! But, I should be able to get it installed this weekend, at least.
03-14-2008, 09:46 AM
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Originally Posted by JGard
nice! FedEx has been stupid and it took them 5 days to actually ship mine once they got it. Then they said I wasn't here yesterday when they tried to deliver, except, I didn't leave the house all day, so that was a lie. FedEx is pissing me off! But, I should be able to get it installed this weekend, at least.
JGard,
That sucks about FedEx, sorry to hear that. Mine was shipped out on Mon. and I got Thurs. Btw, I think after you install the new intake, you won't have anymore desire to put on a blowoff valve. You're gonna hear everything that turbo is doing, lol. It kind of sounds a little like Darth Vader breathing?
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03-14-2008, 10:57 AM
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Originally Posted by scottRDX
JGard,
That sucks about FedEx, sorry to hear that. Mine was shipped out on Mon. and I got Thurs. Btw, I think after you install the new intake, you won't have anymore desire to put on a blowoff valve. You're gonna hear everything that turbo is doing, lol. It kind of sounds a little like Darth Vader breathing?
That sucks about FedEx, sorry to hear that. Mine was shipped out on Mon. and I got Thurs. Btw, I think after you install the new intake, you won't have anymore desire to put on a blowoff valve. You're gonna hear everything that turbo is doing, lol. It kind of sounds a little like Darth Vader breathing?
03-14-2008, 03:27 PM
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Success!! I'm so happy to hear such positive reviews from the first few (most appreciated) customers!! And thanks so much for the new order mcgoo25!
Thanks especially to Scott for taking those before and after pics/vids. We would have loved to do so, but we had such limited access to RDX's that it made it difficult to pull off. So thanks a million for sharing!
I wonder what bystanders will think when they see a sedate looking RDX driving by, and then they hear the turbo, "Woooosssh-Pfffff!!!"
Thanks especially to Scott for taking those before and after pics/vids. We would have loved to do so, but we had such limited access to RDX's that it made it difficult to pull off. So thanks a million for sharing!
I wonder what bystanders will think when they see a sedate looking RDX driving by, and then they hear the turbo, "Woooosssh-Pfffff!!!"
03-14-2008, 04:41 PM
#12
Very, very nice. It would be good to hear any comments regarding mpg once you lead-boots calm down a little!
As I mentioned before, I am highly interested in the CP-E/Hondata evaluation.
Keep those reports coming, folks!
As I mentioned before, I am highly interested in the CP-E/Hondata evaluation.
Keep those reports coming, folks!
03-15-2008, 08:44 PM
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Thanks for all the replies guys. I've had the new intake for a couple days now, and have made a few observations. Regarding gas mileage, I've been driving around like a bat out of hell with a lot of on off, on off, throttle applications just because it's so much fun, lol, and the MID display says i'm getting 18 mpg. I'll have to give it a couple tankfulls to get a more accurate average though. The sound the engine makes at WOT is addictive. You get a lot of turbo whooshes and whistles, and intake noise, along with an enhanced vtech growl. On the otherhand, other than the turbo sounds, the engine still sounds refined and smooth.
I can't wait till an aftermarket exhaust system comes out for the RDX. I think it will complement this CAI very nicely. Now the next test will be to see if my Acura dealer accepts it, so I can retain my warranty. I go in on Mon. to get a seat heater and a buzzing speaker repaired.
Have fun with your RDX!
On the otherhand, other than the turbo sounds, the engine still sounds refined and smooth. I can't wait till an aftermarket exhaust system comes out for the RDX. I think it will complement this CAI very nicely. Now the next test will be to see if my Acura dealer accepts it, so I can retain my warranty. I go in on Mon. to get a seat heater and a buzzing speaker repaired.
Have fun with your RDX!
03-16-2008, 10:04 AM
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I'm very curious on the actual "seat of your pants" power you felt up here at 5000ft of elevation. The sound is definitely cool, but what about actual noticeable power increase?
03-16-2008, 11:37 AM
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Originally Posted by LuvMyRDX
I'm very curious on the actual "seat of your pants" power you felt up here at 5000ft of elevation. The sound is definitely cool, but what about actual noticeable power increase?
Even with the recalibration, you'll likely see some peak gains at the top end of the rev range, and probably some torque loss down low.
It would be nice to hear the turbo a little more, though. Its probably worth it for the aural experience.
03-16-2008, 12:20 PM
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After about 150 miles of driving with the new intake...few observations.
Under partial throttle, the car is MUCH more responsive. I find it hard to acheive moderate acceleration now because the car just GOES more rapidly than it did with minimal pedal push.
Full-throttle acceleration does seem a bit quicker, but that could just be me telling myself that it's faster. I have no way of proving it right now.
I checked my trip computer and I have Trip B still calculating mileage from when I purcahsed the car. It was sitting at 19mpg for the past two weeks with mixed driving. After last night, it's up to 19.6. Current gas mileage on the recent tank of gas is around 19mpg because I have been heavier on the throttle.
Under partial throttle, the turbo-whine is LOUD. Almost obnoxiously so. There's also sometimes a horrible metallic grumbling kind of noise that comes from the intake and I'm not sure what it is...it doesn't sound good, though. It's not a frequent occurrence, but it happens. Under full throttle/boost, you really can't hear any whine at all...not sure why the noise just goes away.
the stock recirc/blow-off valve is much louder now. As mentioned earlier, an atmospheric blow-off valve is completely unnecessary now.
Overall, I like it! Knowing how Honda would want to keep their cars as quiet and nice as possible, I can see how the stock intake would seriously restrict power and fuel economy in the effort of sound.
Under partial throttle, the car is MUCH more responsive. I find it hard to acheive moderate acceleration now because the car just GOES more rapidly than it did with minimal pedal push.
Full-throttle acceleration does seem a bit quicker, but that could just be me telling myself that it's faster. I have no way of proving it right now.
I checked my trip computer and I have Trip B still calculating mileage from when I purcahsed the car. It was sitting at 19mpg for the past two weeks with mixed driving. After last night, it's up to 19.6. Current gas mileage on the recent tank of gas is around 19mpg because I have been heavier on the throttle.
Under partial throttle, the turbo-whine is LOUD. Almost obnoxiously so. There's also sometimes a horrible metallic grumbling kind of noise that comes from the intake and I'm not sure what it is...it doesn't sound good, though. It's not a frequent occurrence, but it happens. Under full throttle/boost, you really can't hear any whine at all...not sure why the noise just goes away.
the stock recirc/blow-off valve is much louder now. As mentioned earlier, an atmospheric blow-off valve is completely unnecessary now.
Overall, I like it! Knowing how Honda would want to keep their cars as quiet and nice as possible, I can see how the stock intake would seriously restrict power and fuel economy in the effort of sound.
03-16-2008, 12:59 PM
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Originally Posted by Fishbulb
Its essentially a noisemaker. There'll be a bunch of people that will figure their engine is stronger because of the extra sound coming out of the engine bay, but unless the ECU is recalibrated, you're not going to see much, if any, power.
Even with the recalibration, you'll likely see some peak gains at the top end of the rev range, and probably some torque loss down low.
It would be nice to hear the turbo a little more, though. Its probably worth it for the aural experience.
Even with the recalibration, you'll likely see some peak gains at the top end of the rev range, and probably some torque loss down low.
It would be nice to hear the turbo a little more, though. Its probably worth it for the aural experience.
03-16-2008, 09:09 PM
#29
Originally Posted by JGard
There's also sometimes a horrible metallic grumbling kind of noise that comes from the intake and I'm not sure what it is...it doesn't sound good, though. It's not a frequent occurrence, but it happens.
03-16-2008, 11:34 PM
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Originally Posted by LuvMyRDX
I'm very curious on the actual "seat of your pants" power you felt up here at 5000ft of elevation. The sound is definitely cool, but what about actual noticeable power increase?
On a side note, this turbo sounds different than any other turbo I've driven, even with the stock intake. And I wonder if it has something to do with the variable flow turbo. The sound changes dramatically, from partial boost to full boost. just a thought.
03-16-2008, 11:37 PM
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Originally Posted by neo1738
did you run out of gas on that second video...lol saw ur light on and the range said 1 mile...lol good job with the updates!
I filled up shortly afterward.
03-17-2008, 04:17 AM
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I noticed the dramatic sound difference from partial boost to full boost also, must be related to the gate in the turbo? My jetta sounds the same from partial to full and it whistles alot louder than the acura...can't wait to get a exhaust and hondata next!!
03-17-2008, 09:49 AM
#34
Very Nice!!
03-17-2008, 09:12 PM
#35
smoke and mirros...?
Originally Posted by Fishbulb
Its essentially a noisemaker. There'll be a bunch of people that will figure their engine is stronger because of the extra sound coming out of the engine bay, but unless the ECU is recalibrated, you're not going to see much, if any, power.
Even with the recalibration, you'll likely see some peak gains at the top end of the rev range, and probably some torque loss down low.
It would be nice to hear the turbo a little more, though. Its probably worth it for the aural experience.
Even with the recalibration, you'll likely see some peak gains at the top end of the rev range, and probably some torque loss down low.
It would be nice to hear the turbo a little more, though. Its probably worth it for the aural experience.
It is actually much more than a "noise maker" The turbo is getting some serious amounts of air it was not getting in stock form. If you recalibrate the ECU you would see even more power gains. The good people @ CP-E dyno'ed the intake and everyone saw what the hp and tq gains were. Don't doubt it cause our RDX's are faster than yours..?
03-21-2008, 12:38 AM
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Good news. I just got my RDX back from the dealer with some warranty repairs, and they didn't have a problem with the new intake. I was sweating there for a few days. I'm so happy to have my RDX back, I've been driving an MDX all week. Very nice car, but it feels slow and cumbersome compared to the RDX.
04-01-2008, 08:25 PM
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Originally Posted by scottRDX
Good news. I just got my RDX back from the dealer with some warranty repairs, and they didn't have a problem with the new intake. I was sweating there for a few days. I'm so happy to have my RDX back, I've been driving an MDX all week. Very nice car, but it feels slow and cumbersome compared to the RDX.
Not that I believe the CPE CAI has any detrimental functionality(***), or for that matter any functionality at all above OEM, but dealers and manufacturers are always on the lookout for ways to void your warranty.
*** Actually, since it is now pulling in engine compartment air any period of long idle followed but a quick jump to be "on-turbo" heavy acceleration might very well be seriously detrimental to the engine, especially on a hot August day in the Sun belt.