An efficient and good mod to do

jrhonda · 03-10-2008, 02:59 PM

Ok so this this weekend I spent Saturday and Sunday installing the following:

Mugen Low-Temp Thermostat
Mugen Radiator Cap
Hondata Intake Gasket (also put in stud kit made for our eninge to help compensate for the extra thickness of the new gasket)
T1R Radiator Hoses

I was going to install the Mugen Fan Switch but I couldn't find where to install it. I saw the one fan switch on the bottom of the radiator but thats not where you install this Mugen one. I guess there is another one in the EVAP Canister Purge Valve. So I have to do that sometime this weekend.

So let me tell you that I am very pleased with doing these modifications because now the engine takes half the time to warm up because of the new thermostat and the engine runs somewhere between 10-20 degrees fahrenheit cooler. I have an increase in power but more than that I've noticed a keep in power when the engine has been running for awhile and is running at warmer temperatures. Its very noticeable. Whats also nice is the new thermosat stabilizes the coolant faster so the engine warms up quicker allowing less idle time. But it's doing a fantastic job of keeping my engine nice and cool and I haven't even installed the fan switch yet. I guess the fan switch will allow the fans to turn on at 70 F instead of 93 F. I am very happy with these mods specifically because I want to make sure my engine stays healthy.

This weekend its oil change time and i plan to put Motul 300v 5w-30 along with the Mugen MT105 Engine oil treatment as well as a Mugen Oil Filter. Im also gonna stick a magnetized oil drain plug in. I was thinking of putting in Royal Purple but I figured I'd try Motul for now aand then try Royal Purple sometime down the road.

I still haven't got my T1R Exhaust which is really pissing me off since the people at T1R told me they would have it to me two weeks ago. Supposedly I should get it today but I have been hearing that for the past two weeks.

About the Hondata gasket. What its suppost to do is cool down the temperature of the intake system allowing cooler air to reach the engine. I guess if you pair it up with a Cold Air Intake, it should prove for ideal air temperature conditions getting sucked into the engine. Prior to installing the hondata gasket, i could not touch the intake manifold with bare skin(ouch very hot!) but after I installed it I drove the car around for about 3-4 miles and parked and touched the manifold again and it was warm to the touch. The Hondata gasket looks like some sort of plastic, i don't really know what it is. But the OEM gasket is metal and really thin. the Hondata gasket is about as wide as the scroll bar on your computer. Putting it in was a bit of work but really simple if you have a TSX service manual and patience. The hardest bit about this mod is unbolting the bar connecting the intake manifold to the engine. other than that it was supper easy. Now not to confuse, this gasket is the gasket between the engine and the 1st part of the manifold bolted to the engine (not the second part of the intake thats got the throttle body attached to it).

Overall, I think pairing up the Mugen thermo, rad cap hoses and the hondata intake gasket really proved to increase cooling of both the engine and the air getting sucked into the engine. I recommend these modifications to everyone, even more to daily drivers getting sucked into stop and go traffic, especially during summer.

Overall total cost:

400-500 dollars including everything (i.e shipping and Acura longlife antifreeze)

I purchased the Mugen thermo, rad cap and fan switch from www.kingmotorsports.com

I got the T1R radiator hoses on Ebay from a store in Canada that is really awesome. They have by far provided the best customer service. I would order something from someone in Los Angeles the same day as i would order something from the store in Canada (all products were in stock, I made sure) and I recieved the products from the Canada store two days prior than my order from L.A. I live about 80 miles south of L.A.!! www.hybridr.com

Acura Type 2 Longlife Antifreeze from local Acura Dealer.

When and if you decide to do this mod, don't forget to get a gasket for the intake mainfold (outside part). a couple of bucks at your local Acura Dealer.

tsxFTW08 · 03-10-2008, 10:00 PM

damm ur doing so many mods jrhonda nothing wrong with that just the little mods barely do anything no offense

jrhonda · 03-10-2008, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tsxFTW08

damm ur doing so many mods jrhonda nothing wrong with that just the little mods barely do anything no offense

I understand what you are saying but I have a different goal in mind than just power. I want longevity in my engine and If i can do anything about that I will. I built a Chevy 350 before and one of the most important things I learned with that experience is proper cooling and efficient cooling. Its what makes sure your engine stays strong in its natural high temperature operating levels. My goal with my TSX is to have a better breathing, more fuel efficient and better sounding with a little extra amount of horsepower above the stock TSX. And a cooler running engine that will make a difference in the long run. Besides there is no supercharger or turbocharger and even then, it does decrease the life of the engine. Even strapping on an exhaust does results in minor differences in whp, its greatest benefit is weight reduction. hope you understand my intentions for my TSX.

tsxFTW08 · 03-10-2008, 11:21 PM

oh sorry lol and does the cat-back exhaust loss whp or gaan? because it feels like i lost but im not sure.. i would have to feel the stock tsx again

Age · 03-10-2008, 11:38 PM

Nice summary of your mods so far.

Thanks for the information.

jrhonda · 03-11-2008, 01:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tsxFTW08

oh sorry lol and does the cat-back exhaust loss whp or gaan? because it feels like i lost but im not sure.. i would have to feel the stock tsx again

I've heard that certain cat-backs can have negative benefits as far as whp for certain vehicles. I don't really know what exhausts are good or bad for the TSX. I know that the one I ordered is going to benefit me, maybe 4-8 whp but I really bought it for the weight reduction, better breathing and sound but the extra whp is a nice topping.

jrhonda · 03-11-2008, 01:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Age

Nice summary of your mods so far.

Thanks for the information.

No problem, I just thought i'd share my experiences so far. I think TSXclub members should summarize parts of their work to help others. Its good to get insight into anything and everything about our TSX's. Just keeps mind open.

tsxFTW08 · 03-12-2008, 01:58 AM

yea i have the greddy evo2 i would have been happier if i just waited and did some research because these forums are helpful but when i got my exhaust and intake i dont think i was on any forum.. i kinda just got the greddy because it was for my 08 and a lot of people have it.. if i was to start modding over i def would have gotten the j's exaust looks cool