Question for the guys with modded TL's.... does anyone have just the:
1. Long-tube J-pipe and
2. CTE ice box.

DO THESE 2 MODS EFFECT LOW RPM THROTTLE RESPONSE OR TORQUE? In other words, does the car feel a little more sloppy in responsiveness down low on the rev range?

And in the absence of dyno data, would you say the car's 50mph-100mph time was improved significantly?

I really like the low-end responsiveness of the motor and would hate to gain some top end HP at the expense of low rpm mid-throttle responsiveness.

I also personally think the Crank pulley does a good job of helping the motor spin up faster; its one of those mods that has a great subtle effect on the character of the motor.

 

BECAUSE our engines are MADE to make peak power at 6k RPM, Any modding you do, short of F/I WILL, I repeat, WILL move the power band upward!

this means you wont lose torque down low. Butt, you'll make more power up top past 4K RPM.


its just like your CL, man.
Exactly like the J32.

 

I am happy to report both mods are now done.

To recap:
- bought 2009 TL SH about 2 months ago (waited about 3 years since my CLS6 was written off).
- added XLR8 V2 J pipe about 2 weeks ago
- added CT icebox today

So far, very pleased. I would say mid range torque "without a doubt" has been noticeably increased. The j pipe definitely let the car rev harder and the icebox has made the car feel snappier. With the icebox, I can tell that right after a gear shift is completed, the car surges easier.

I will provide a more comprehensive review in the coming days.

The biggest issue with the car truly is........ It isn't a 6 speed manual.
These cars/motors beg for a close ratio 6 speed manual.

No matter what you do, after the 3rd gear is maxed, the party is over.

I have put easily 2,000 miles (Several round trips from Victoria BC to Port Alberni BC on Vancouver Island) on the car the past 4 weeks in some severe conditions (mountains, significant rain, snow) so feel that I know the character of the gearbox and engine well now.

I will provide a fuller review soon.

Next mod: Lightweight pulley. Let me know if anyone feels this is a bad idea. On the CLS6, it was a nice improvement to the reviness of the motor.

 

what do you mean by "rev harder"? I havent heard that before...

 

I think the motor spins up quicker and can actually hit/bounce-off the 7k rev limiter. Before mods, it would run out of breath by 6,000 and lazily shift at 6,500.

After I do the LW pulley I will be done with power mods.

I'd like to believe the car can trap at 100mph now but probably unlikely.
Pretty sad considering a bone stock CVT V6 Altima can trap at 95-99 and a V6 Accord the same.

Having said that, SH-AWD has given me thrills that faster cars I've driven can't match. The ability to rip through twists or take sweeping turns is exhilarating.

I think the blend of all-weather performance, interior layout/space, and engine character (amplified by mods) makes this a unique car worth buying.

Again, just wish it was a 6MT but that isn't an option for me at this stage if life with family considerations.

 

On one hand, I wish I had gotten the 6-MT...but then I look around at how much it costs to replace the clutch and I'm like . Thanks but no thanks. I'm trying to get my RL J-Pipe sold so I can get the CT Icebox for my car next.

 

OP, would you say the power band moved up? do you feel more low end torque (below 3k) with the jpipe alone?

 

Any chance you can post an audio clip of this combo? I am curious about the sound of the icebox. But I am looking for lots of induction noise, kind of leaning toward the takeda.

 

I have no empirical data to back this up, but my thoughts are:
- J Pipe added power at top of power band. No power was lost but low rpm throttle response was slightly affected making an impression of lost torque.

- CT Icebox restored throttle response and added a bit of power throughout powerband

My general concern right now is that the ECU might be undoing the gains.

I think both mods are worth it depending on what your goal is. My goals were:
1. Bring the character of the engine out more without making it obnoxious
--> accomplished. You cannot tell anything is modded on the car unless you give it some throttle and rev over 3,000rpm

2. Get the car to make more power when being wound out
--> accomplished. The car is way more fun to wind out through a few gears especially over 5,000rpm

 

Cant place a clip but induction noise is minimal. Because I had the J pipe first, I cannot discern the difference between the intake sound of the Icebox versus J Pipe alone. The combo definitely sounds mean when you want it.

I would recommend the Takeda to you if you want that classic J series wail however it might not give you much gain.

 

Nice! I'm looking to put in the RV6 jpipe and PCDs in the next few months. If you're looking, I've got a brand new UR lightened crank pulley for sale if you're interested.

 

Interested in the pulley. I live in Van, BC too. PM me

 

This is on my list too. Just curious, why are you not installing it?

 

 

Wasn't sure if I wanted it installed then I just never got around to it.

 

do a sound clip / video and upload it!

 

The pulley is one of those great "invisible" mods. You get the benefit of a bit more acceleration without NVH drawbacks! I'd install it Have one on my MDX and think it was a good addition.

 

how much does the pulley cost / how much to get installed?

any possible risks / harms to the car/engine by installing a pulley on a TL?

 

They are a couple hundred bucks:
http://www.heeltoeauto.com/xlr8-performance-stock-diameter-crankshaft-pulley-2009-14-acura-tl-fwd-sh-awd-ua8-ua9.html

You'll get a lot of people giving you warnings but on your modern Honda engine there is literally NOTHING that should keep you from doing it. They don't hurt the engine.

 

Ran LW pulleys on my CLS6 no problems whatsoever. Made the car rev easier without a doubt.

However on the TL, Honda has already lightened up the crank pulley quite a bit over the J32. Therefore, I feel the returns are diminishing.

 

As Heeltoe said, our lightweight aluminum crank pulley is a great addition and won't cause any harm or imbalances.

XLR8 Aluminum Pulleys - Excelerate Performance - Japanese and European Performance Specialists!!

 

Do you feel the J pipe was worth after these few months?

 

Short answer: Yes
- stock exhaust just sounds so much better
- climbing through the revs sounds so much better
- can't comment on power increase because I've had it on literally since I bought the car
- I would do the j pipe again a heartbeat. Especially if you want an exhaust upgrade without swapping out the car back
- note: I paid under $300 for mine but am so curious to swap it out and try the RV6 one.

Also, I love the CT Icebox. If nothing else, it makes the car sound right.

I think both mods together just make the car more enjoyable. The sounds they make TOGETHER are subtle when you want and aggressive when you want.

I will post a video of a tunnel run sometime soon.