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I'm owner of RDX 3.5 2013 and I decided to start modding it a little bit ( mainly because this model is sharing the same base engine as the Accord V6/ TL ).
Performance mods:
K&N typhoon SRI ( 3.5" ) + air filter heat shield
ZDX (3.7L) Intake Manifold
ZDX (3.7L) Throttle Body
MDX spacer ( Intake manifold spacer )
P2R "thermal" intake manifold gasket
Custom JPipe ( 3rd cat deleted )
Future mods:
KTuner ( not available yet )
Replace my 3.5" SRI for a CAI. Worth it?
Stock size light crank pulley?
HFFCs ( For now, I prefer wait for a K-Tune )
The car is running great!!! The best mods were the MDX instake manifold spacer, the J37 IM/TB and the JPipe. The K&N SRI was my first addition and helped the throttle response but I would like to test someday a CAI setup ( to avoid heat soak ). After testing I've kept my stock IM cover vs the ZDX one ( in closed position for extra tq ) because of bad mpg.
Thanks for posting here. This was needed. Curious to know what kind of gains you have received over factory. How much do you have invested if you don't mind posting. Also summer setup looks good!
Thanks for posting here. This was needed. Curious to know what kind of gains you have received over factory. How much do you have invested if you don't mind posting. Also summer setup looks good!
K&N typhoon SRI ( 3.5" ): 200$ + air filter heat shield ( ebay 20$ )
Best part! This mod really helped opened up the other mods ( ~12-15whp/10tq )! low end / mid range power increased significantly
At idle the car is still quiet and on wot the sound is really nice!
At this point I really need a tune to get the more of all theses mods and my project will be completed (except maybe a light pulley ~200$)! ( I will post dyno results sheets at this time! )
Note: I'm not trying to change the RDX into a beast machine just wanted to add more ponnies on an already great V6 engine/Tranny (6 AT) combo.
Nice not the biggest investment. Hopefully ktuner pulls thru for you. I have my 2014 TL SH with CT icebox, xlr8 v2 Jpipe with 3rd cat delete, ATLP exhaust and have RV6 precat deletes to install soon. I also have the ktuner but haven't opened it yet as I'm waiting on the deletes install so I can get a custom tune. I bet it has some decent gains though on the RDX. Nice build. In for dyno results.
You want a real cold AI, keep it stock, it is set up to get air form the outside from both pipes, just put in a K&N drop in filter, cheaper and better off in the end. I did those so called CAI before on many cars and performance always got worse once the engine was hot and it was 70+ outside, even with heat shields in place, think about where the air comes from, just by looking at it, and if there are any openings to the engine bay, it will make it worse when hot.
You want a real cold AI, keep it stock, it is set up to get air form the outside from both pipes, just put in a K&N drop in filter, cheaper and better off in the end. I did those so called CAI before on many cars and performance always got worse once the engine was hot and it was 70+ outside, even with heat shields in place, think about where the air comes from, just by looking at it, and if there are any openings to the engine bay, it will make it worse when hot.
Yes you are absolutely right. But the sound is so nice
Nice not the biggest investment. Hopefully ktuner pulls thru for you. I have my 2014 TL SH with CT icebox, xlr8 v2 Jpipe with 3rd cat delete, ATLP exhaust and have RV6 precat deletes to install soon. I also have the ktuner but haven't opened it yet as I'm waiting on the deletes install so I can get a custom tune. I bet it has some decent gains though on the RDX. Nice build. In for dyno results.
Nice mods! I might remove the mid muffler for sound.
I just want to let you guy know that the light pulley worth every penny! Def. rev quicker!
The muffler replacement with the Magnaflow added a couple of ponnies and a sportier sound ( not loud, no drone ). I've done a road test on the highway without any muffler and it was terrible.
Is there a difference between the ZDX and MDX 3.7L intake manifold and Throttle bodies? ZDX parts look much more expensive. There is much more used MDX stuff available. I have a 2015 RDX stock except for a K&N.
Is there a difference between the ZDX and MDX 3.7L intake manifold and Throttle bodies? ZDX parts look much more expensive. There is much more used MDX stuff available. I have a 2015 RDX stock except for a K&N.
I believe theres no differences between the MDX and ZDX ( J37 ) intake manifold and throttle body. The TL SH-AWD ( J37 ) throttle body is a bit larger compare to the two other ones.
With both intake manifold ( MDX & ZDX ) you will be able to reuse your RDX IM top plate cover without any problem. If you buy the MDX or ZDX IM top pate you will gain more low end torque with the internal plate closed ( ~5lbs tq ) but will loose some high end power. I've tried this setup but my gas mileage have increased too much.
I'm owner of RDX 3.5 2013 and I decided to start modding it a little bit ( mainly because this model is sharing the same base engine as the Accord V6/ TL ).
Performance mods:
K&N typhoon SRI ( 3.5" ) + air filter heat shield
ZDX (3.7L) Intake Manifold
ZDX (3.7L) Throttle Body
MDX spacer ( Intake manifold spacer )
P2R "thermal" intake manifold gasket
Custom JPipe ( 3rd cat deleted )
Future mods:
KTuner ( not available yet )
Replace my 3.5" SRI for a CAI. Worth it?
Stock size light crank pulley?
HFFCs ( For now, I prefer wait for a K-Tune )
The car is running great!!! The best mods were the MDX instake manifold spacer, the J37 IM/TB and the JPipe. The K&N SRI was my first addition and helped the throttle response but I would like to test someday a CAI setup ( to avoid heat soak ). After testing I've kept my stock IM cover vs the ZDX one ( in closed position for extra tq ) because of bad mpg.
Here some pics:
J37 IM / MDX IM spacer / P2R IM Thermal gasket:
J37 IM/TB / MDX IM spacer / K&N SRI:
Custom JPipe:
Summer setup on 20" Ruffino Chronos wheels:
Please comments feel free to comments!
Originally Posted by chupp
I believe theres no differences between the MDX and ZDX ( J37 ) intake manifold and throttle body. The TL SH-AWD ( J37 ) throttle body is a bit larger compare to the two other ones.
With both intake manifold ( MDX & ZDX ) you will be able to reuse your RDX IM top plate cover without any problem. If you buy the MDX or ZDX IM top pate you will gain more low end torque with the internal plate closed ( ~5lbs tq ) but will loose some high end power. I've tried this setup but my gas mileage have increased too much.
Nice Mods! I'm about to get a 2013 RDX fwd and wondering if your mods would make the same effect on fwd and awd. Also, what's the gas mileage you have now after all these mods? If I don't want my gas go too bad, what's the best mods I should go for from your list? Thank you!
Nice Mods! I'm about to get a 2013 RDX fwd and wondering if your mods would make the same effect on fwd and awd. Also, what's the gas mileage you have now after all these mods? If I don't want my gas go too bad, what's the best mods I should go for from your list? Thank you!
Thanks! I believe it should have the same effect on a fwd or awd model. The best bang for bucks as per me so far:
Dang Chupp finally someone did some awesome damage to doing some dope stuff to their rdx!!! i will have to follow the leader on this mod. I have a 2014 rdx, I wouldn't think it is any different than 2013. Would it matter what year zdx you chose for the intake manifold and the throttle body? i just wanted to know before i dive into this mod.
Dang Chupp finally someone did some awesome damage to doing some dope stuff to their rdx!!! i will have to follow the leader on this mod. I have a 2014 rdx, I wouldn't think it is any different than 2013. Would it matter what year zdx you chose for the intake manifold and the throttle body? i just wanted to know before i dive into this mod.
any year ZDX or MDX 2010-2013 are the ones you want.
Hmmm Chupp,,,what's up with all of this. Just thinking I need to do some wrenching and have parts available for such as this. Haven't seen an update on the goings on since November of last year,,,,is the vehicle still a rolling ?
My RDX is still running strong!
Bad news, Ktuner has still not release a tune for our RDX. It seems that their main focus is on the new Civic turbo platform...
My final and latest mod was a SprintBooster v3. I really like it. I made this decision based on a lot of reviews from the 4G TL & TLX guys.
And those would only be of any value if they were taken before and after any mod and under the same temperature conditions. That tells you if any gains were actually made.
I just bought a 2014 AWD yesterday and will be shamelessly copying your build, starting with the custom jpipe. Did you get it done locally? Is it completely custom or a modified pipe from a different application like the TL or Accord?
No problem at all. Yeah i've custom made my JPipe by a very good local exhaust shop.
Like I previously said i'm really disappointed that Ktuner didn't release at least a stage 1 tune for our car even If we nearly have the same engine as found in the TL, Mdx and Accord. Ive been sending email for over a year (still in beta version ).
Overall I really like how my Rdx behave. With all.my mods and Sprintbooster it is really fun to drive. Great low/mid range power!
Yeah, I was really hoping ktuner would come through for us. I'll start bugging them too.
Got the IM, TB and spacers bolted on this evening but I'm stuck getting the wiring harness to reach the TB since the wire is about an inch too short. May I ask how you got it to reach?
Thanks for the info on the jpipe. I'm thinking I might pick up an ATPL pipe for the 08-12 accord and have it modded to fit.
