Engine Mod Options
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Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Dothan
Engine Mod Options
Have about 200 miles on my 2002 Black/Red. (Crappy weather here has foiled my plan to quickly get beyond the 600 mile break in.....)
Anyway, I have been reading posts here, am considering minor engine upgrades and have a few questions about bang for the buck.
1) A recent post on a custom heat shield seems to imply that 6-10 HP gains are to be had with the addition of this $155 piece of CF. While I understand the theory, this seems way too good to be true. Is this gain with the stock intake or including an aftermarket CAI? Comments?
2) I like the look and concept of the AEM CAI, particularly since the dyno charts seem to show some HP/torque gains in the lower RPM. Is there a downside here?
3) I assume that I don't want/need that air bypass valve that AEM sells? Normal driving here, but will be in some rain....
4) If I install the AEM CAI will this void my warranty with Honda? Anyone have any experience with that?
5) Are there other $$ reasonable mods to consder?
Anyway, I have been reading posts here, am considering minor engine upgrades and have a few questions about bang for the buck.
1) A recent post on a custom heat shield seems to imply that 6-10 HP gains are to be had with the addition of this $155 piece of CF. While I understand the theory, this seems way too good to be true. Is this gain with the stock intake or including an aftermarket CAI? Comments?
2) I like the look and concept of the AEM CAI, particularly since the dyno charts seem to show some HP/torque gains in the lower RPM. Is there a downside here?
3) I assume that I don't want/need that air bypass valve that AEM sells? Normal driving here, but will be in some rain....
4) If I install the AEM CAI will this void my warranty with Honda? Anyone have any experience with that?
5) Are there other $$ reasonable mods to consder?
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,052
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From: Sugar Land
Congrats on the purchase, you'll love the car.
Some answers:
1) I honestly don't think you can get 6-10hp from a head shield, but that's my personal opinion.
2) Downsides to AEM: you have to cut your trims in the wheel well. Potential for water damage, though not like. And filters down where the AEM is place gets dirty fast, so you have to clean them pretty often.
3) you don't really need the bypass. In my CRX and Maxima, I've been running cold airs for over 3 years... and it pours here... no issues. You just have to slow down and drive more carefully, which you ought to be doing in the rain anyways, IMHO.
4) No, well shouldn't, but it'll depend on your dealer. But legally they have to prove that your mod caused the issue they are trying to repair.
5) Hmmm www.stongard.com would be my number 1 choice for additions.
-S
Some answers:
1) I honestly don't think you can get 6-10hp from a head shield, but that's my personal opinion.
2) Downsides to AEM: you have to cut your trims in the wheel well. Potential for water damage, though not like. And filters down where the AEM is place gets dirty fast, so you have to clean them pretty often.
3) you don't really need the bypass. In my CRX and Maxima, I've been running cold airs for over 3 years... and it pours here... no issues. You just have to slow down and drive more carefully, which you ought to be doing in the rain anyways, IMHO.
4) No, well shouldn't, but it'll depend on your dealer. But legally they have to prove that your mod caused the issue they are trying to repair.
5) Hmmm www.stongard.com would be my number 1 choice for additions.
-S
Originally posted by Sumtoc2
Have about 200 miles on my 2002 Black/Red. (Crappy weather here has foiled my plan to quickly get beyond the 600 mile break in.....)
Anyway, I have been reading posts here, am considering minor engine upgrades and have a few questions about bang for the buck.
1) A recent post on a custom heat shield seems to imply that 6-10 HP gains are to be had with the addition of this $155 piece of CF. While I understand the theory, this seems way too good to be true. Is this gain with the stock intake or including an aftermarket CAI? Comments?
2) I like the look and concept of the AEM CAI, particularly since the dyno charts seem to show some HP/torque gains in the lower RPM. Is there a downside here?
3) I assume that I don't want/need that air bypass valve that AEM sells? Normal driving here, but will be in some rain....
4) If I install the AEM CAI will this void my warranty with Honda? Anyone have any experience with that?
5) Are there other $$ reasonable mods to consder?
Have about 200 miles on my 2002 Black/Red. (Crappy weather here has foiled my plan to quickly get beyond the 600 mile break in.....)
Anyway, I have been reading posts here, am considering minor engine upgrades and have a few questions about bang for the buck.
1) A recent post on a custom heat shield seems to imply that 6-10 HP gains are to be had with the addition of this $155 piece of CF. While I understand the theory, this seems way too good to be true. Is this gain with the stock intake or including an aftermarket CAI? Comments?
2) I like the look and concept of the AEM CAI, particularly since the dyno charts seem to show some HP/torque gains in the lower RPM. Is there a downside here?
3) I assume that I don't want/need that air bypass valve that AEM sells? Normal driving here, but will be in some rain....
4) If I install the AEM CAI will this void my warranty with Honda? Anyone have any experience with that?
5) Are there other $$ reasonable mods to consder?
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,898
Likes: 1
From: Fort Worth
Some answers:
1) You won't get 6-10 from just the head shield, but you could probably get that with the head shield and the homebrew "rad mat" that people have made here. Also, keep in mind that this isn't "adding" power as much as it keeps hot weather from robbing that 6-10HP.
3) The bypass is only necessary if you will hit puddles that are deep enough to bury your front bodywork. If you sumberge the filter, which sits just behind the splash shield in front of your right front wheel, you will likely ingest water and crater the motor. As Shingles mentioned, slow down and avoid puddles and you will be fine.
4) Legally no, but the dealer can make your life hell. It's best to consider every mod a "grain of salt" to take with warranty claims.
1) You won't get 6-10 from just the head shield, but you could probably get that with the head shield and the homebrew "rad mat" that people have made here. Also, keep in mind that this isn't "adding" power as much as it keeps hot weather from robbing that 6-10HP.
3) The bypass is only necessary if you will hit puddles that are deep enough to bury your front bodywork. If you sumberge the filter, which sits just behind the splash shield in front of your right front wheel, you will likely ingest water and crater the motor. As Shingles mentioned, slow down and avoid puddles and you will be fine.
4) Legally no, but the dealer can make your life hell. It's best to consider every mod a "grain of salt" to take with warranty claims.
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