A few days ago I finally took the plunge in gutting my stock airbox! (my first "mod" btw). It was very very easy, it only took about 15 min to do and I will have to say I don't know what honda's intentions were with the stock airbox But it is very restrictive from the factory as everyone knows.

Impressions: From the first pull I did notice a slight increase in sound, very subtle tho, and as I pulled through to 9k I did actually notice a lil extra power, but mostly I think it was the throttle response that improved the most.

I just wanted to share my good experience with my first FREE "mod." Butt dyno =

 

They designed it to keep engine noise down, and to give smooth flow.

 

I think you actually lose some hp from what i've read; This is not accurate but check this out...

I Raced my buddies turbo focus (6 runs). 3 runs without airbox and 3 runs with airbox (From 2nd gear 65000 rpm to 5 th gear). I was even in the first 3 runs, in the last 3 where I put my airbox back on, I was actually losing him slowly.

Take it for what's it's worth. The sound is really nice. However I doubt you actually see improvement.

 

Airbox lid off will definitely hurt -- you lose the nice pressurization effect.

Gutting it really doesn't do much except make it louder.

 

I did this too
It probably doesnt ad any noticable amount of power but it certainly did make the intake sound more agressive which was all I was hoping for and for free Id deffinately do it again..
OP did you also remove the wall in the center on the top of the inside of the lid?

 

post some pics I just removed the lid for a better sound lol it'll hold me over till i can bank enough spare cash for a CAI

 

your^ not driving around without the lid on are you?

 

Sounds like he is...which will probably slow him down a bit.

 

i bought my car with the airbox already gutted.. i love the sound. but when the box is off its sounds even better! Ive actually put off gettin exhaust since it sounds very nice as it is.

as far as power goes.. Ive seen several threads claiming a 1-2HP loss with the lid OFF. but really.. you cant tell the difference and the way it makes the car sounds is definatley worth it.

if your worried about power here people, just get an aftermarket intake.

 

ill post some pics tonight if i remember too.