shivaswrath

Excelerate in Branford CT was running a Hondata Reflash special, so I asked if they could install my ETS intercooler and DP prior to the flash on my 2010 base SH-AWD (they also changed my plugs since I had about 70k on the clock).

I'll have to say, since it was all done at once, the transformation was night and day, and I can't figure out which specific mod was better. Here's a breakdown of how it feels/drives now:
-the turbo spools virtually all the time now
-throttle response was improved immensely
-the turbo spool noise is more evident, and quite welcomed
-theres a little lag when driving from 70-90 mph, unsure if it's the larger core?
-40-70mph is amazingly responsive, great amount of torque and power through the range.

This was all with the base map, as the TL Hondata PRO cable wasn't capatable with my RDX (Excelerate refunded me the difference and flashed the truck with a base map instead). TAKE NOTE THE HONDATA SITE LISTS THE WRONG PART NUMBER FOR THE HONDATA PRO, make sure your part number is US RDX____.

Props to Excelerate who is a sponsor on our site for good customer service, and for guinea pigging these RDX mods with me...

Props to RV6 for endeavoring into making us a DP, there is at least 15 awhp unlocked at the wheels from that mod, and that doesn't account for the newly characteristic spool, throttle response, and top end fun. If you live in the northeast, get it coated black, it's a work of art!

bluecarbonfiber

any idea on the numbers you were throwing down??

shivaswrath

I'll dyno soon, I want to know badly!

RZANYS2K

Great write up same mods I have pending install. How much did they charge you for labor on the Downpipe and I/C? Also how does it feel from 70-90mph does it fully boost but doesn't go anywhere? I feel the same way with the flashpro basemap it does have a lot of dead spots.

Slow98teg

The lag you may feel would be fixed with a dyno tune.

shivaswrath

DP came to 3 hours.
IC/Plugs 1.25 hours.

Yeah, the additional $300 for the Flashpro Tool was worth it if they had it...but I also don't trust myself in tuning on my own (and the lack of a PC doesn't help my situation; I use a MAC).

RZANYS2K

What was the hourly rate?

TheWrench116

iTrader: (1)

do you have spark plug part numbers?

bluecarbonfiber

NGK part number for spark plugs is SILKR8A-S 1402 set of 4 will cost around 60 bucks

shivaswrath

Yes, that's it...I paid $70 installed.

shivaswrath

$100/hr.

rxtreme

For the DP, he quoted 4 hours...that's almost as much as the DP. Since it's kind of a bitch to install I am not surprised at the cost, but I would rather do it myself with a little help and pay in beer instead.

TheWrench116

iTrader: (1)

holy shit that shop rate is nuts. the work needs to be guaranteed for life at that rate. O_O

RZANYS2K

Any update on how the car feels after a week of driving? I know the weather has been shit in the northeast.

shivaswrath

Agreed, I did some neogtiating, so it wasn't that bad.
My DP was like $6xx something after the coating, so it was an expensive addition, but WELL worthwhile.

shivaswrath

Funny you ask...I've been driving it ALL the more given the crap weather!

So the extra power is great, and apparent across the band.
Day to day hasn't been too drastically changed, and one plus has been the increase in the small, but subtle turbo whine when driving around - it's pretty awesome.

The flat spots are a little annoying across the band, and that's probably because of the tune; I honestly don't mind it too much, it's just noticeable because the surge of power from a dig is crazy, but when you hit the 50-70, it's like "huh", and then it picks up again....I don't have a PC or patience/know how to tune, so I'm fine with the vanilla-safer approach of this.

The lag I initially thought I had from the IC might have just been an ECU thing, as it's pretty much not there now.

Overall, it's been the easiest, most reliable upgrade I've done to any car - I need to dyno it, but if I gained an additional 50 whp from it, my total cost was $2808 ($808 for RV6 DP with black ceramic, $750 for IC, $350 for tune, $70 for spark plugs, $80 for tire balance and rotation) gives me about a cost of $38/hp.

bluecarbonfiber

notice an increase in MPG with the downpipe added? and did you get the straight pipe version or did you have the CAT added??

shivaswrath

So, not much of a change. On the highway, def 2 mpg better, I'm getting 24-26mpg at 60 mph with snow tires, so should go up with my all seasons!

Around town, I'm pegged at 19mpg now, which is pretty awesome.

Most of this is probably due to the tune; it is catted.

Vinnyd00

I only got my rdx on Monday and it has been kinda snowy here so I haven't gotten I to the engine bay much but I am not sure why you couldn't put a bigger turbo on. Space restrictions, tuning issues, drivetrain failure or lack of parts would be my only assumptions

bluecarbonfiber

the way the turbo bolts to the block is different then those you see done by turbonetics and stuff.. it would have to be a custom made turbo for it to line up

Vinnyd00

Lol, that post was totally meant for another thread but I had an argument with my iPad and it ended up here. That being said though What would prevent you from pulling the turbo out or finding a core, sending it to someone like bnr super cars and them putting a billet wheel or larger compressor inside the stock housing?

bluecarbonfiber

there hasnt been a place willing to step up and do an R&D for our turbo. here is a photo that gives you an idea what it looks like out of the vehicle http://www.ebay.com/itm/Turbo-2007-Acura-RDX-W-42K-/111179735692?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Make%3AAcura%7CModel%3ARDX&hash=item19e2d4228c&vxp=mtr#ht_3402wt_923

bluecarbonfiber

here is another.. http://www.ebay.com/itm/07-08-09-10-11-12-ACURA-RDX-TURBO-SUPERCHARGER-2-3L-4-CYL-578397-/291052425036?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Make%3AAcura%7CModel%3ARDX&hash=item43c4138f4c&vxp=mtr#ht_2438wt_1010
as you can tell it mounts straight to the block, there isnt a true manifold for the turbo

Vinnyd00

Judging from activity level of this forum I think the performance minded people are such a small group that finding anyone to do work on any major products will be tough.

bluecarbonfiber

yup. until more start showing up at car shows and tracks getting more attention then it will be hard to get anything done

tc5280

I just paid $40 for these and they were here in a few days.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/251382958952...84.m1497.l2648

What is wrong with this?

shivaswrath

So, for literally 24 hours, I had a check emissions light on.

The tune should've overridden this, correct?

I'm wondering if my O2 sensor is on its way out? I'm at 70k miles.

RZANYS2K

You would need a flashpro to delete the check engine light

BU

Pull the code
Clean MAF
Clear it

see if it come back
I have almost identical modifications as yours & install RV6 DP on Feb. 04
No CEL yet

BU

shivaswrath

How are our MAFs cleaned? Don't want to spray something on that shouldn't be used...

I'll see if I can run over to autozone to get the code pulled.

Slow98teg

Pick up a can of MAF cleaner while your are at AutoZone

bluecarbonfiber

did you get the code? should still be saved in the ecu if it threw one.. might be air in the fuel line that caused it (happens all the time) if you can go to a auto parts store they should beable to check for you for free

GaDunk

So this is probably a newbie question... but i though it was unwise to run a DP with the Hondata reflash. is that not the case anymore?

bluecarbonfiber

depends on the bolt on setup of the vehicle.

GaDunk

So in this case, DP/IC/Reflash = OK? not running too lean to cause issues...

shivaswrath

I have the reflash, that's what's confusing.

Mind you the reflash and the FlashPro are the same base calibration.

I haven't pulled the code yet, have driven easily another 600 miles since the code and hasn't come back...unsure if it was the freezing weather or if I hit some ice that knocked the the defouler around??

Where the hell is the defouler with the DP? Maybe I'll go under the truck and tinker around once it warms up...

bluecarbonfiber

this setup is ok yes.. adding the intake and exhaust not ok.. adding just the exhaust still ok.. the intake is what makes it run leaner unless you live in aspen or Alma colorado then you might be ok.. just dont travel out of the city =)

defouler should be at the second bend here is a photo what it should look like and location http://rv6-p.com/catalog/product/gal...ge/670/id/239/

Lanesky_OH8RDX

Good to know full exhaust is still ok on a factory tune. That's all I want to do engine wise really... maybe a new TMIC someday too.

shivaswrath

Thanks, I'll take a look, the Check Engine came on again...I think it's on its way out.

Would be curious to hear about others, I'm figuring the extra flow fried the O2, I just hope I don't have to keep on replacing them...

bluecarbonfiber

it happens.. dont beat yourself over it.. just get a good replacement and you shouldnt have issues..