user65

Hey all,

New member here. I've owned my 07 Tech for about 6 months now. After about the first month I knew this would be in my lineup for the rest of my life. I'm 6'7 and the Accord Coupe just wasn't cutting it for me. I sold the Accord and haven't looked back since getting into the RDX.

I never really planned on doing any mods to it with the little there is out there but I've decided to start my journey to hit 25 mpg. I currently average 20.? It's somewhere between 20.3 and 20.7 miles per gallon. I drive a a pretty close split of freeway and city. I'm somewhat conservative with my pedal, but like to have fun on the freeways every once in awhile.

My plans are as follows:
K&N Typhoon Intake
Hondata reflash from Church
Eibach Springs

Nothing too special as you see. I'm hoping these simple upgrades will help boost 4-5mpg pushing me into the 25mpg range. One thing I'm considering is an upgrade to some OEM 19" wheels. I'm still debating this as I'm trying to push for fuel efficiency.

I'll be sure to report back after each install and after at least 1-2 fillups from the gas station. I'm not going to keep track after the Hondata install because I know I will be testing it out a bit. Once I settle back down I'll report back and see if I've been able to hit my goal.

Thanks for watching!

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

Dont think you'll see your goal!
but sub'd for your build!!

user65

Haha, thanks bud. I hope to prove otherwise, and that's what this is all about!

I meant to add, any input on other mods to increase MPG would be appreciated. From my research I believe a down pipe will help a little, but there is some sensor issues I guess.

Here's a timeline for my mods:

K&N Typhoon - today. 10/10/12

Hondata - tomorrow. 10/11/12

Eibach Springs - Within a week of their arrival, eta unknown but have secured a set from Canada.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

after doing mods to my car, I noticed that MPG's dont increase thaaaat much.

lightening the car had the biggest impact on gas mileage

user65

Sucks newb's can't edit posts... My ADD kicks in on forums pretty hard.

Here's a pic of my ride shortly after I got it from the dealer. Not the best shot...

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...54007033_n.jpg

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

Cool, what color is that?


and i bet the RDX would look great with some body modifications

user65

Thanks man.

It should be Carbon Bronze Pearl.

Here's a bunch more:
https://www.google.com/search?q=carb...NYmK2wXF4YCYBg

mrgold35

I have Hondata, Eibach springs, K/N drop-in filter, Conti DWS tires, lighter 18 inch RonJon rims and front spoiler. My mpgs combined average went up from 19 mpgs to 20 mpgs after I did Hondata (zero change with everything else).

Other than slowing down on the hwy, limiting the turbo boost when accelerating, getting extra junk out of the vehicle and making sure all maint is done; there isn't much you can do about the mpgs. Getting anything over 20 mpg combined is above average for RDX with sh-awd.

The difference between 20 mpg and 25 mpg is about $480 per year or $40 month or $10 per week (12,000 miles per year & gas at $4.00 per gallon). I spent about $3,000 for everything I listed above just for a 1 mpg improvement; which, I consider a bonus on top of improving the look and handling of the RDX (primary goal).

The new 2013 RDX could do 25 mpgs with no problems; but, it will cost you $35,000 to save $10 a week.

wspy

Downpipe gives the most mpg improvement.

user65

Ouch... The odds aren't looking too good for my journey... 2-0 now

Lanesky_OH8RDX

Letting the turbo breathe I would imagine helps a lot. Ill be getting one once the damn CEL is figured out.

Mr Marco

DRR98

Trade it for a CRV. The RDX's slower twin.

user65

I don't fit in a CRV and dislike them very much. I wouldn't call them a twin, they have their differences. I wouldn't even call them fraternal twins... I never wanted a slower car, or really care for much better gas mileage. I'm just trying to improve upon what I have and keep a log of what is possible for those that might be interested. I knew what I was getting into when I bought the RDX. Besides, if I really want better MPG, I'll hop in my 64 vdub.

Back to the task at hand:

After installing the intake I noticed a jump to 21.7 mpg on a short 90 mile trip today. This was playing from 80-90 on the freeway. Best MPG I've seen out of the lil turbo.

Got the ECU reflashed today by Church. Highly recommended outfit as everyone else on here I'm sure agrees. Sean is a incredible guy and still turns a wrench when necessary.

From the reflash - Noticeable increase, much more so than just an intake. (as expected) Of course my MPG did drop down to 20.2 on that same trip back, but hey as stated above I'm not really keeping a real reference on shortly after the install since I knew I'd be testing it out. So in retrospect I'd say 20.2 isn't bad for punching it on the way home. (111+/- mile trip)

Had a lot of fun on the freeway, had great mid end power and I'm very I'm satisfied with the reflash.

I'll take a real measure on a long distance trip this weekend to see how the MPG turns out.

DRR98

Well good luck to you. I wish I had a nickel for every post about mpg on this RDX forum.

There are even posters here who claim they got 33mpg. So you got them on your side. I just like to think of an RDX as more performance than economy. Where the CRV is more economy than performance.

chrischabot81

Here how to get over 30 mpg/

1. Find a large hill.
2. go down hill with the car turned off. 100MPG+

Just a Joke, I try all the time to see what I can get for MPG I got about 25 a few times on a 80 mile trip. But I really like driving the car fast and kicking the turbo in. I am OK with 17-19 MPG when I can have fun.

XIS

Hondata improved my HWY mpg about +1 and decreased my CITY mpg -1 (because it got more fun to drive)

R*D*X*

Just save your money and trade your 07 rdx to 2013 RDX..... you'll get better mpg

user65

Let's see, spending $900 or $20,000...

-

After the long trip I had some varying MPG logs. Around the city and hill driving I averaged 18.6. I have nothing to compare this to as I generally don't do a lot of city/hill driving. I take this trip about 2 times a year and this is the first with the RDX.

From gas station to gas station on the freeway to my destination I averaged 21.7 MPG.

Vice versa back to my home I averaged 20.7. I raced a lincoln navigator and I'm not sure how impressed I am. Went from 70-80 to 100+. I beat em, but I'm not sure how impressed I am. It was only by one car length. I don't know the weight of a navigator, but I'm going to say probably 6,000 pounds? I'm assuming it has a V8. Not bad but I guess I was hoping to hands down smoke em. Sort of caught me at a funny speed though, I noticed the pickup wasn't that great at 90+

Hard to judge fuel efficiency after the upgrades since as I mentioned above, I'd be testing out the hondata. Overall MPG wasn't too bad considering how I drove it.

Eibach Springs are being delivered today and I should have them installed tomorrow or the day after if all goes well. I should be back in about a week or two with a report on how it does in more normal driving scenarios.

user65

Time to check in on the ol' Turbo MPG log.

Well, it was worth a shot but impossible unless you drive like a grandma.

For those looking to get more out of their stock RDX, your best bet is the K&N intake with eibach springs. Springs are going to be hard to find but I did notice the reduced drag or lower profile made things slightly more efficient by about .5-.7 mpg.

I now have the following mods getting about 20.7 - 21.2 mpg. So in the end, I have a much sportier looking/acting RDX and get the same MPG. I'd say it's a fair trade off.

K&N Cold Air Intake
Hondata
Eibach Spings
TSW Nurburgring 20x8.5 on 275/40/20's

I'd say the wheels dropped my MPG, but only about .5

I'll check in after the intercooler install to see if that does anything to my averages.

Lanesky_OH8RDX

downpipe and a proper exhaust will help ALOT. especially when trying to get away from another vehicle while already rolling. some of the lack of pull you fell I bet was the turbo not being able to get rid of the exhaust fast enough.

matttrue

Thanks for the info! Appriciate your input

REVTEC

Updated pics?

user65

Here's a pic after the eibach's revtec:
Attachment 111067

I got some Megan Coilovers because my passenger front strut was getting noisy and when I looked up OEM struts/shocks all around it was going to cost at least $600. None of the shocks have been replaced and the vehicle has just over 100K.

I found the prototypes Megan made for only $625. The front strut noise is gone and it rides better than springs but that's probably because my shocks were shot.

I still have a little more adjusting to do since I'm rubbing in front. I'm hoping I don't have to go too much higher otherwise I might rework the plastic or roll the fenders.

The coilovers have 32 levels of adjustment. That's all I can really say about em at this point since I haven't gone to crazy with it needing an alignment and further adjustment. With the little I have driven it, I must say it's bad ass.

If I were looking at eibachs or coilovers for an upgrade, you might consider saving up and getting the BC's or Megan's since you'll be upgrading your stock suspension. There's a dude on ebay that will sell these megan's for $850 shipped.









Coming up next:
Crank and power steering pulley's
front spoiler/lip
exhaust

wrestrepo

I really like the look, the aggressive wheels and color suit the car very well. Front window tint next? I'm sure you can get 1mpg out of that

tc5280

I'm confused? My wife's gets 20 driving around the city and just got 30 on a 300 mile highway trip. First one we have taken it on since purchase. Not sure where you are but I would think being in Colorado mileage would be worse

737 Jock

Bronze Nurburgring wheels look great on the Carbon Bronze car.

user65

TC - I think the main difference is I (a man with a heavy foot) drives my RDX versus a wife.

20 and 30 are more than capable, I just refuse to drive the speed limit.

Thanks 737, they are actually gun metal though. Almost paint matched to the car tho in certain light.

Haha wrestrepot, window tint was next.


I adjusted the coilovers for the least amount of rubbing. I still rub when taking bumps to fast, so I might raise it another 1/8" or so.

user65

TC - Is your wife's RDX SH-AWD or FWD? That might be the reason she's getting good gas mileage.

tc5280

SH. She is coming from an element so she mobs that shit from time to time.

737 Jock

From the TSW "view wheels on your car" web-site, I was guessing bronze, but the gunmetal does match well.

Now I wonder how the bronze wheels would look on the actual CBP car.

user65

Installing the down/mid pipes today and look what I saw, or didn't see.

Lanesky_OH8RDX

I'm not a mechanic yet but dare I say you're missing a bolt?

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

fell out on it's own? Great looking RDX, man!

user65

Definitely missing a bolt. The 2nd bolt was not torqued to spec either. That was my first question rockstar, going on 110k miles so I'm sure it fell out on its own. Was wondering if one of the previous owners had a downpipe but it's unlikely.

user65

It's been a fun ride fellas, but I'm gettin out of the RDX.

There will be a part out as I'm going to try to sell the vehicle mostly stock except maybe with suspension/wheels/rotors.

I'll be listing at least the following in the black market: ETS intercooler, downpipe/midpipe, turbosmart bpv, crank pulley, k&n intake, new NGK plugs, acura shop manual, and a case of tranny fluid.

wrestrepo

Did you ever see a mileage improvement? anything significant? and the mandatory question is, what are you getting next?

user65

Nah, went down to 19ish after flash pro and the other mods I installed.

i found a white 14 STI hatch for a good deal.

Thank you.

rdx158

i might be interested in the IC and DP shippped to victoria bc. let me know the total $. thx, kp

rdx158

btw if you buy an rdx who t!! f!!!! cares about the mileage????