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Hows it going fellow 2G RDXers out there. My wife and I picked up a 2015 RDX a month or so ago to supplement our 2016 ILX ASpec. And while I've been going down the mod list of potential things to do from wheels and tires to various lighting components, exterior visors, etc... it came to my attention that AEM actually does make an intake for the V6 very much like the TLX and Accord systems. AEM PN: 21-829C
Sure its just a heat shield with a MAF mounting location, but at least it uses the OEM front snorkel to direct some fresh air in. I haven't seen anyone post about it, so I'm wondering if anyone else has one of these. It lists its for the "2017" model, though there is no reason it wouldn't work with any of the 2013-2018 V6 models.
I'd love an extra bit of engine growl as it already sound good, could just use a bit more volume. I'll likely be picking one up for the summer months.
So it’s got a nice growl, people definitely know you have something when you get your foot in it. It was a real easy install and I’ve notice a 2 mpg increase, just going off my trip computer. So win win. Plus got a sweet deal on it, cheapest intake I’ve ever bought.
Ummm nobody has been talking HP gains, and who does a dyno run for an intake?! Everyone knows you only get marginal HP gains with an intake only anyway. No one is looking to build a race car out of an RDX just wanted to make it sound a little better.
Ummm nobody has been talking HP gains, and who does a dyno run for an intake?! Everyone knows you only get marginal HP gains with an intake only anyway. No one is looking to build a race car out of an RDX just wanted to make it sound a little better.
No doubt, but you would be amazed what people come up with on forums...all by the seat of their pants.
On one forum one clown asked "can anyone guess how much HP gain I will get". You don't guess because if you do, it is worth nothing. You measure. The manufacturer of the air filter system then got on the forum and said "zilch", its only good for intake sound, as you noted.
Honestly I only want it because of the sound. As it is, the induction note is so quiet that my wife often forgets how fast shes going on the freeway when passing someone, especially with how long the gears are compared to the 8DCT in our ILX.
looking to pick one up as well for my 2016. I just need to find a decently priced one in Canada.
How difficult was the install?
Can one of you post a sound clip?
I guess I can go outside this afternoon and take some silly iPhone sound videos lol.
All in All its a win-win for me in the sound and fun department.
Normal light throttle D driving, sounds stock and quiet (such as freeway driving)
Moderate Stop-Light acceleration in D, gives a slight almost Subi kinda burble (though obviously with 6 firing events instead of 4) so its smooth and good sounding.
S Driving is a bit interesting. When ever the engine is over 3500rpm, you can really feel the difference in the factory tuning and throttle characteristics, hek if you just look at the factory dyno, you can see they really hamper power delivery until 4000+rpm.
Taping the gas while at 4000rpm or higher, you feel an immediate throttle open event and power delivery, and downshifts from 4000 rpm or higher actually feel like they properly throttle blip reducing jaringjaring-ness of the sequential automatic downshift. The car really feels like a more sporty TL at higher RPMs' just with the added weight and heft lol.
Also seams to help fuel economy in general if you drive well since it has less restriction to deal with. Hot temps be damned I still saw a solid 2-3mpg increase per fill-up.
As far as the install. it was pretty easy. I only had some problems getting the heat shield installed with the intake pipe.
There is a certain order you need to do to get the heat shield to cover the battery while still getting the intake ducting around everything. i ended up removing the entire battery to get clearance to remove the factory air box and install the intake, then install the heat shield in the right order with the battery covers and hold downs.
Its pretty obvious when your installing it, but you might find yourself taking parts back off and on a few times to get things to clear. About 60min or less to install 1st time.
Oh man that sounds fantastic!. So I am not super really skilled at wrenching on cars, but this seems really easy. I went to AEM's website and read thru the install instructions and really does not seem that difficult,
just remove the horrible hood insulation...wow..that thing is sound proof 2inch minimum...
its day and night with the removal of this.....ouf...
now it really scream VTEC
trust me...they are truly the best you will ever think of!!!!!!
that vtec comes alive
and even in normal driving this growl is the best thing to my ears
05-16-2019, 11:53 AM
