africanstar

I need to know if anyone has had problems with the Ice Box intake? I've got an '02 tl (non-s) and I'm getting the Comptech Ice Box intake installed tomorrow morning. Whats the worst thing that could happen? Whats the best thing I could get out of it?
Please let me know if I should go ahead with it or if I should back out.
Thanks

fla-tls

It was pretty straight forward. Be aware that you will have to trim one of the plastic pieces in the engine (I has to do the battery cover a little as well), so have a fine toothed saw handy (I used a jig saw).

Take your time. Don't do it when you're in a rush.

Also - lay the pices out loosly connected beforhard and make sure you have everything. Make sure your tubes are the right diameter (Type S is 3 inch vs. 2.75 inch on the TL-P) - you could have inadvertantly gotten the wrong kit.

-edit-

Are you installing it? If not - I'm not aware of any problems. You have to clean the filter once every 6000 miles though, so keep in mind that there's more maintenance.

africanstar

So...should I go ahead and have it installed?

fla-tls

Sure. I have one and it works great. Is there anything that leads you to think otherwise?

africanstar

I heard something about the idle getting all messed up after having it installed.
how much extra hp does it give. where/when do you feel it?

`ill*tl

The idling problem should go away after your ECU learns to adapt to more air-flow into your intake. HP #'s...I believe they're somewhere around 10hp-12hp, but I may be wrong. And you should hear your Icebox at when VTec kicks in.

tlsblack

I agree with fla-tls - install it. I bought one in October and was nervous at first too but it is a very safe modification. In fact, the shop that installed mine cut the plastic so that from a top view, you cannot tell it is cut at all. It looks a bit different from most installs. If I ever go back to stock (and I can't imagine why I would), I could without having to replace the plastic part.

It is a high quality product in every way. I have a noticeable increase in torque throughout the band - my automatic does not downshift out of 5th on certain hills I drive every day to work that it used to before the install. Expect your computer to take a week to fully adjust and you to realize maximum gains. It is also designed to avoid the hydrolocking problems associated with some of the other conical filter intakes. I like a sleeper car (too many tickets when I was younger) and it does not change the sound of the car at all except for a very slight change during VTEC and it is a good sound. My fuel ecomony is unchanged although some people report a slight increase.

After you have had it a few months, you will want to buy the Comptech headers too

fla-tls

tlsblack nailed it on the head.

I don't remember where I saw it (could have been the instructions), but the icebox is supposed to be tested to not suck in water at a vacuum of 4x what the engine could muster at WOT with the tube entrance submerged. This assumes the car's not moving. Cramming water up the tube at a higher speed would certainly change that.

If you get into that sort of mess - you deserve to hydrolock.

TeeKaa

What has been the difference for gas mileage for everyone using the CT icebox?

LacViet

I also just install Icebox 2 weeks ago and I love it! You won't regret it once you drive one. Haven't notice any gain in gas mileage, but certaintly not decrease. Have fun with your new mod.

pej7445

Where is the best place to get an IceBox for my 03 TL-S? How much do they cost (average) and how long does it take to install? Thanks for the help, I can't wait to get one!

tlsblack

I bought mine from Comptech and paid $279 + shipping. I have seen them on ebay going and for sale here on the forum for a bit less - maybe $250 or so?

As far as installation goes, I have read posts by people that have done it themself in 1-1/2 hours but I received two quotes from Boston area dealers for 2-3. I had a local trusted mechanic do it for me and it took 2-1/2. I did tell him to take his time though.

pej7445

Was it worth it?

tlsblack

Definitely. It won't give you supercharger like gains, but it won't cost you a supercharger price either. When you consider that you get a small amount across the whole powerband, especially down low where you actually use it most of the time, it is a great bang for the buck. If you plan on doing other power mods in the future (exhaust, headers, SC), I understand that it is complementary to them as well.