Hi everyone, this is the first thread I've ever started. I just got my TSX last month and I have yet to do any modifications to it. My previous car was a '96 civic that I crashed back in Feburary, which thus motivated me to get my TSX. My old civic was pretty much stock except for the intake which was some aftermarket brand, nothing fancy. I didn't have any problems cleaning the filter or taking it off and replacing the stock stuff for smog checks, everything just popped on and off.

Now that I have my TSX and reading up on the other forum threads I want to get the Injen intake, however, I'm just curious on how easy it is to clean the filter since it seems to be a somewhat laborous task to install it. I'm in CA where our Smog tests are a biatch, can somebody please advise me on what the proper procedure is when I do have to get my car smogged if I have the new intake in?

I'm also thinking about getting an '04 ECU for my '05 car since the '05s can't be reflashed yet. Is there anything else I need to know about this? If I get the extra ECU does this mean I won't have to worry about not being able to drive my car until it comes back reflashed or are there other parts I have to take off such as the imobilizer?

I'm new to the whole modding bit of things but I'd like to start learning how to do stuff on my own, any advice would be appreciated thanks!

oh yeah, and how easy is it to debadge your car yourself?

 

05's can't be reflashed?

 

05 models cannot be reflashed, for the moment. You will need the immobilzer as well as a key to do the reflash.

The Injen intake is CARB certified (or is in the process of certification) and thus should pass smog without issue.

 

how about taking out the filter in the injen to clean it? how much of a task is that?

 

Don't have one so I couldn't tell you. However, considering where it is located, I'd imagine it won't be easy.

 

Yeah, from what I've observed it doesn't seem like it would be too easy. Anyone have the Injen intake that can tell me what the process is to clean the filter?

 

:looksforDanMartin:

 

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22621

This should answer your question...cleaning the filter isn't so bad

 

I have a K&N CAI intake (same design as the injen) the fastest way to clean out the filter is to jackup the car and remove the driver's front tire. you can then pull back the plastic fender after removing a few bolts and then you will have access to the filter. its harder than getting to the stock filter, but hey its worth it.

also debadging is super easy, just need a hair dryer (or a hot day) and some fishing line or some floss...and maybe a little goo-gone for cleanup.

 

Thanks for the advice! I had a feeling the intake was going to be a bit more complicated. This sounds like this might be a good father daughter moment, although I don't know if its worth the potential lecture about installing aftermarket parts on my car!

 

Cleaning the intake isn't so bad if you have it in SRI mode. If it's CAI mode, though, you need to take off the front bumper (i don't recommend this) or the left front wheel (much easier, but still a lot of work for just cleaning a filter). If you can assure your dad that you can get the cleaning done yourself, he might not be so hard to convince.

Or you could just keep it SRI and save all the headache.

 

I did have a CL which had an Injen and it was easy to just reach under the car to mess with the filter, but don't know anything about the TSX yet. Just wanted to let you know that PsychoInDenial is cute but the name makes me not want to stay far away

 

You'll have to take off the immobilizer too. Hondata needs it to be able to unlock the ECU to write to it.

Just like everyone's saying, the filter isn't too bad to get to clean. You can get to it without even taking off the wheel.
What part of the Bay are you from?

 

[QUOTE=oh yeah, and how easy is it to debadge your car yourself?[/QUOTE]

I have never done this but I was told that the easiest way to debadge is to use a hair dryer to warm up the glue for a few minutes and then use a dental floss to scrape it off. Then still using the hair dryer to completely melt the glue, use paper towels to dab at the glue to suck it up. Do it soon after you buy the car b/c the sun will alter the paint color and you'll see a shadow of the letters.

 

hahaha thanks.. I think, but I'm psycho in a good way! :wink:

 

Decisions, decisions. I think I"m going to have to hold off on the mods for right now, I have other financial obligations to deal with, like a new widescreen TV I want to get for my living room.

I'm from all around the east bay, I work in Oakland, go to school and Hayward, and live out in the San Ramon Valley.

 

On second thought getting it in SRI mode doesn't sound too bad. As long as its not too difficult to change, that was my main concern, and as for my Dad, I would only bother him if I needed to remove a tire or a the bumper or something since he's a car nut as well. But I don't live with him.. I don't have a lot of tools and stuff where I live.

The install itself isn't too bad is it? I would either do it myself or get one of my friend to help me out.

 

widescreen? depending on your budget I'd definitely push for the Samsung DLP. It's the most bang for the buck. I got my 50" when it first came out for $3700 but I think costco carries it now for 2000. Or if you really want the largest screen for the buck, Panasonic and Pioneer have their DLPs for about 30% cheaper. I'd stay away from LCD Sony or plasma.

Or if you really want to get the most screen and best picture quality, go with a regular CRT screen. It's the best picture from the front. The side views get distorted but that's the price to pay. It's also bigger and heavier than a car.

 

^^ Agree get a DLP. I always see some good deals at Costco.

Also, you might want to look into a Comptech Icebox. It's gonna quieter than the SRI, and it's also very easy to get to the filter. Do you mind extra noise, or do you want to keep more of the luxory sound?

 

Yeah I saw the tvs at costco. Downside is those badboys don't fit in my car and I'd have to rent a truck and get some buffass guys (or butchy girls) to help me. So I've been putting it off. I have a 42" Toshiba plasma that I got for my room (but I'm not sacrificing my pornovision for the living room) and that thing is the bomb. I'm not looking to spend over $2000 for the one for the living room.. but then I would want surround sound.. decisions decisions. I know best buy has that no interest for 2 years.

Shoot pretty much I gotta think why my priorities are. The the TSX is easily taking first place.. well except for me finding a better job and graduating of course.

oh yeah and Kenny I'd rather go with the Injen intake. I need some loudness to my car. I'm obnoxious like that. I know of course that will lead to me wanting some headers and exhaust too.... :shakehead

 

saving money? hello anyone?

 

I should've piped in earlier. As long as you're not a wuss it's a cinch to remove and clean. Park the car with the wheels turned hard to the right. Take a flat blade screw driver, reach into the wheel well and remove the clip that anchors the narrow vertical trim piece against the engine bay wall. Use the same flat blade screw driver to remove the first two clips after the screw that secures the bumper to the fender.

Peel the plastic wheel well lining and voila!. Use the screwdriver to undo the ring clamp (provided you used common sense and positioned it for easy future access ) and work the filter out.

You can also do it without cranking the steering over by removing another clip from under the bumper, and a 10mm socket to remove 3 bolts. Then working through the fenderwall gap unscrew the filter and lower it out the bottom.

I have the OEM kit and was able to swap out filters on a dyno by using the latter method in about 15mins. Simple.

 

I'm hijacking my own thread... does anyone know where I can get the clearbra installed at in the bay area/northern cali? I was supposed to be in on a group by and it fell through. The sooner I can get this done the better, I already have a few pencil tip sized chips in the paint and I don't want to take her on any road trips until I get this done.

 

hey psycho :psycho:

debadge is easy.

leave your car in the sun (so the glue gets hot)

take some floss, and pretend you are flossing your teeth, just floss between the car and the emblems and it comes off.

you can use bug tar remover to get off the goo, just make sure you wash and rewax the area that you used the bug remover on.

cheers.