[wavyywess]

So after reading multiple threads and 100’s of opinions on what improves performance and what doesn’t, I wanted to get opinions on if y’all think Ktuner/Hondata tune + PRL Downpipe would be a good start and if so, should I get a new exhaust system to go with the downpipe upgrade ? Just for reference, I am going for power, not strictly sound, not trying to get crazy with it, but would like my car to feel and sound more fun. Basically I don’t want to make unnecessary upgrades on performance if it really won’t make a difference, because after this I want to focus on cosmetics. Any feedback or recommendations would be appreciated, thanks !

 

[SGT Schultz]

Interested in the answers you get.

I've read about some claiming the exhaust isn't the airflow limiting factor with the OEM turbo and others claiming that it is.

It'd be nice to get some clarity

Maybe asking Hondata or KTuner what they would recommend would be the place to start?

 

[AntWrig]

The exhaust is purely cosmetic. Work on the engine tune, downpipe.

 

[Vegashybrid]

You def want an aftermarket ic. Aftermarket ic will increase airflow and cooling which will be needed after increasing boost pressure. If you really want to max out bolt ons and cooling get water meth system and run a race file daily. Wm systems are awesome and I saw 20drg C below ambient when I was testing the install. For your size engine your going to want something around a 300ml/he nozzle.

 

[eddie c]

Im full bolt ons and i can recommend you getting a catless down pipe & hondata. These two parts will get you gains. You might wanna get the intercooler as well since your car will be running 2x hotter.

 

[Vegashybrid]

Im full bolt ons and i can recommend you getting a catless down pipe & hondata. These two parts will get you gains. You might wanna get the intercooler as well since your car will be running 2x hotter.

Where exactly are you getting your numbers from showing temp doubling?

 

[eddie c]

Its common since your pushing your turbo at a higher psi. These engines get heat soaked.

As prl states: Honda’s newer turbo platforms are extremely susceptible to heat-soak, especially when retaining the factory intercooler. Excessive heat-soak increases the risk of detonation and causes major power-loss due to high charge air and cylinder temperatures. These issues become even more prevalent with spirited driving and/or increased power outputs.

 

[Vegashybrid]

Its common since your pushing your turbo at a higher psi. These engines get heat soaked.

As prl states: Honda’s newer turbo platforms are extremely susceptible to heat-soak, especially when retaining the factory intercooler. Excessive heat-soak increases the risk of detonation and causes major power-loss due to high charge air and cylinder temperatures. These issues become even more prevalent with spirited driving and/or increased power outputs.

You didn't answer the question so I'll ask again. Where are you getting you data that shows that temps are doubling?

 

[eddie c]

Does it matter? Where

 

[Vegashybrid]

Does it matter? Where

You made a statement as fact, so why is it so hard to answer the question?

 

[eddie c]

I have experienced it myself and have taken datalogs before. This should answer your question.

 

[Vegashybrid]

You cant "experience" the temperatures doubling. I would like to see the logs. In 20 years of modifying turbo engines I have never seen a simple flash or even a slightly bigger turbo do what your saying and double you temps. Your not doubling the psi with a flash. If what your saying is true your car would not run and the entire cooling system would be insufficient not just the intercooler.

 

[eddie c]

Your not doubling your psi but you are raising it. The factory intercooler does not get the job done if you are running bolt ons & apart from that the power out drops. So yes i have experienced it myself before running prl's intercooler. I also installed a turbo blanket to help with this my IAT'S look drastically better. On a 60 degree weather they are now 15 to 20 degress above it. Before it used to be higher. Perhaps you should get hondata and a intercooler to see for yourself?

 

[Vegashybrid]

You finally stated a truth. The average air to air intercooler upgrade, properly sized and of quality design, is going to show roughly 10-20F deg temp drop. Furthermore you will also see more power because it will be flowing more air.l which you will see in the grams per sec on the mass airflow readings from the log. I say properly sized because too big and you will see too much of a pressure drop.
Also some of the heat in an air to air setup comes from when the vehicle isn't moving. if you started logs after sitting on the side of the road for a couple mins, you data is inaccurate as even a vehicle with stock boost pressure will show high temps until airflow resumes. So again you are not doubling your temps with a flash. What you experienced is intercooler heatsoak not your temps doubling.
Now as I already stated if you want sub-ambient intake temps you need a WM system, of which I would be more than happy to share my logs.

 

[eddie c]

Yeah WM would be great but for cvt trans wouldnt be worth it. 250-260 tq is all the transmission can handle. Unless someone is running a manual transmission or 10speed on the 2.0 that would be interesting to see for a first

 

[Vegashybrid]

Yeah WM would be great but for cvt trans wouldnt be worth it. 250-260 tq is all the transmission can handle. Unless someone is running a manual transmission or 10speed on the 2.0 that would be interesting to see for a first

If that's the case you may also have to worry about the rods, especially with smaller turbos where torque comes on hard and fast early on.

 

[Jrandy]

If you were wanting more power.. why didn’t you buy a 2.0?? It already has more power than After doing all of those upgrades to the 1.5.. just wondering

 

[ellisd27]

Does it matter? Where

Yes.

 

[Corozaleno]

So after reading multiple threads and 100’s of opinions on what improves performance and what doesn’t, I wanted to get opinions on if y’all think Ktuner/Hondata tune + PRL Downpipe would be a good start and if so, should I get a new exhaust system to go with the downpipe upgrade ? Just for reference, I am going for power, not strictly sound, not trying to get crazy with it, but would like my car to feel and sound more fun. Basically I don’t want to make unnecessary upgrades on performance if it really won’t make a difference, because after this I want to focus on cosmetics. Any feedback or recommendations would be appreciated, thanks !

I have a catted PRL downpipe withi a new gasket and hardware. If you're interested, message me.