Having spent extensive time in an AV6 6MT Coupe and dyno'd a few, I can tell you the engine is definitely producing well over 240 hp when on premium gas (and yes, the timing does get pulled out on lower octane through Honda's knock retard methodology).

The car we dyno'd at TOV put down 217 whp, which is 1 hp off the Acura CL-S 6spd we dyno'd last year with the same size wheels and tires. That was a legit 260 crank hp car. That's also a good 15-18 hp more than the average S2000 dyno'd on the same dyno. I tested another AV6 at my shop and it dyno'd 232 whp whereas the average 00-01 S2000 puts down 212 whp and the average 02+ is around 217 whp.

The Accord is also 100 lbs lighter than the CL-S and we were able to rip off consistent 14.5@96 mph runs in the CL-S on an 85 F/90% humidity night near sea level. I suspect that the Accord could easily go 14.2@98-99 on a cool day at sea level.

While those aren't a match for top S2000 times, they're near enough to keep it close on anything but a hard launch from a dead stop. Unfortunately, from the perspective of an S2000 owner, the Accord is all engine. Not that it handles or brakes poorly for a FWD car, but compared to an S2000 there is, well, simply no comparison.

UL

 

Thank you, UL, for confirming the "rumor" about more than 240 crank hp on premium gasoline.

I wish I liked the styling of the Accord Coupe, because the V6 MT 6 speed luxed out would be a nice replacement from my almost 11 year old G4 Prelude if I ever replace the Prelude. Somehow, with only 58,500 miles on the odometer, I think I'm just getting it broken in.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by jbbrann
[B]I would have taken an S2000 over my Accord any day, but until I can afford to buy two cars I need something other than a two-seater convertable.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Barry WY Silver/Black '01
[B]
I wish I liked the styling of the Accord Coupe, because the V6 MT 6 speed luxed out would be a nice replacement from my almost 11 year old G4 Prelude if I ever replace the Prelude.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by VTEC_Junkie
[B]

i've always understood that higher octane gas merely serve the function of having a higher resistance to detonation.

 

I test-drove a Mini Cooper S, and if you are on the throttle from the start, no torque steer. If you are cruising, downshift and nail it, ahh, yes torque steer and a lot. So they pretty much have torque-steer a non-factor, especially if you are ready for it.

 

Did you dyno it on regular? If not, then there is no proof to substantiate the claim. Honda could lowball the HP number for insurance reasons, they wouldn't be the first or the last to do this.

Other dyno results on other vehicles have shown no difference or a decrease in power with higher octane then what Honda specified. Take some premium and some race fuel and mix it, then you can get more power.

My experience in the matter.

The Cl had a 3.2-liter engine. The 3.2 also had a 240 HP variant as well as the 260 HP version. Last years (2002) 3 liter V6 had 200 HP, this year (2003) 240 HP. The 3.5 has 240 HP as well, next year I expect more, like 260 HP or more and more torque.

Honda knows motors very well.

 

From what I understand the car is not faster than the S, but it sure can hang. Awesome car. I convinced my fiance' to get one, but she didn't want a manual. Oh wells, I still think it's a great car.

T

 

Octane is there to prevent engine knock(preignition). However, with our 9000RPM and 11:1 compression ratio engines, typical premium pump gas still falls short. While premium pump gas is still the best "average" choice available to us, choosing the proper race fuel is a step UP in performance. One of the most easily attainable fuels is from VP. You can even order it over the internet and have it UPS'd to your home if you like. If you want to experience a little more kick when your engine hits 6000 RPM, then try one of their unleaded fuels designed for high RPM applications. These fuels are NOT cheap are not practical for everyday use, BUT if you want to have a bit of fun every now and then, you won't be disappointed. If you subtract the price you normally pay for pump premium from what you'll pay for a 5 gallon pail of VP fuel, you'll find that it's not all that bad. You gotta buy gas anyway.

 

You cannot use RPM or compression ratio to say what the octane requirement is. Motorcycles have engines that rev higher then 9,000 RPM and have 11.0:1 or higher compression and they do not require premium. The octane requirement deals more with engine, more specifically the combustion chamber then directly with compression.

Where do you think most of the engine technology came from that Honda used in the S?