New TSX - Looking to Mod

11204 Views 21 Replies 12 Participants Last post by VQ30GTR, Nov 2, 2013

Fosco999

Discussion Starter · May 7, 2013

TSX Club,

I have recently aquired a 2005 Acura TSX - with < 30k miles.

I am interested in a cold-air intake and maybe some other things to increase the horsepower, I am open to suggestions that aren't too difficult to 'diy' / not 'too' expensive.

As for a cold-air intake, what would be best for my '05?

Kindest Regards,
df

1 - 20 of 22 Posts

Downshift

· #2 · May 7, 2013

If you're looking for a CAI, check out this article:

http://www.heeltoeauto.com/tech-articles/engine/intake-shootout-04-08-acura-tsx.html

A lot of guys, including myself, run the K&N typhoon CAI.

Headers will also give you a significant increase in HP (probably the most of any bolt on mod). Popular brands are Weapon R, CT engineering, or DC (if you're looking for something cheap).

Cat back exhaust is a fairly easy bolt on to DIY. Check out Fujitsubo, A'pexi, J's Racing, Tanabe (there are others).

Last but not least, Hondata reflash. Inexpensive, easy to install (Hondata does it for you) and a significant increase in performance when coupled with other bolt on mods.

http://www.heeltoeauto.com/ < your friend for buying and perusing.

Hope this helps.

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joker822

· #3 · May 7, 2013

If you want HP gains, check out Weapon R headers.

I saw some posts saying they gained ~20hp with the headers and test pipe:

http://www.tsxclub.com/forums/1st-gen-engine/62668-weapon-r-header-tp-review.html

BluLabelCL9

· #4 · May 7, 2013

Go for the reflash. Reflash - TSX

That's some nice mileage on a 05. My 08 is close to 80k. Nice find :tu:

theaznboywunder

· #5 · May 7, 2013

+1 on the mileage, what a great find! Post some pics when you can!

In my opinion, I would go down this list mod-wise to increase power:

1. CT Engineering Icebox (Cold air intake results for 50% of the price)
2. Hondata Reflash (You can't "see" the mod, but you'll feel it for sure!)
3. CT Engineering Header (Best bang for buck header that doesn't require modification to retain the stock catalytic converter)

An exhaust system won't net you as much gain compared to the mods above, so I would start with those.

Once those three mods are down, you can look toward an IMG (Intake Manifold Gasket) and Unorthodox Racing Pulleys to get a few more horsepower out of the TSX. They're a bit more difficult to install, but nothing you can't do at home!

Best of luck and welcome to the forums!

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tottenham12712

· #6 · May 7, 2013

theaznboywunder said:
+1 on the mileage, what a great find! Post some pics when you can!

In my opinion, I would go down this list mod-wise to increase power:

1. CT Engineering Icebox (Cold air intake results for 50% of the price)
2. Hondata Reflash (You can't "see" the mod, but you'll feel it for sure!)
3. CT Engineering Header (Best bang for buck header that doesn't require modification to retain the stock catalytic converter)

An exhaust system won't net you as much gain compared to the mods above, so I would start with those.

Once those three mods are down, you can look toward an IMG (Intake Manifold Gasket) and Unorthodox Racing Pulleys to get a few more horsepower out of the TSX. They're a bit more difficult to install, but nothing you can't do at home!

Best of luck and welcome to the forums!

Ill add to this too

The stock cat and exhaust system is pretty restrictive. Depending on how much power you wanna free up a high flow cat/cat delete and a nice 2.75"+ exhaust would see some nice gains coupled with the rest of the mods listed.

One note about the UR pulleys is I would not change the crank pulley as it is not dampened. Marcus at heeltoe disagrees with needing the stock dampener but honda put it there for a reason and I wouldnt remove it.

Fosco999

Discussion Starter · #7 · May 9, 2013

Wow! I really appreciate all the info and feedback! Here is a pick of it at the dealer:

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Fosco999

Discussion Starter · #8 · May 9, 2013

theaznboywunder said:
+1 on the mileage, what a great find! Post some pics when you can!

In my opinion, I would go down this list mod-wise to increase power:

1. CT Engineering Icebox (Cold air intake results for 50% of the price)
2. Hondata Reflash (You can't "see" the mod, but you'll feel it for sure!)
3. CT Engineering Header (Best bang for buck header that doesn't require modification to retain the stock catalytic converter)

An exhaust system won't net you as much gain compared to the mods above, so I would start with those.

Once those three mods are down, you can look toward an IMG (Intake Manifold Gasket) and Unorthodox Racing Pulleys to get a few more horsepower out of the TSX. They're a bit more difficult to install, but nothing you can't do at home!

Best of luck and welcome to the forums!

After some reading I think I will get the Icebox rather than the K&N.

Are these the headers you mention? - Comptech Header 04-08 TSX (3-Bolt Flange) 210-060 - HeelToe Automotive

Thanks again everyone

theaznboywunder

· #9 · May 9, 2013

Yup! Those are the ones! Car looks great!

Fosco999

Discussion Starter · #10 · Jun 5, 2013

I have some questions about the hondata reflash.

1 - Is there a guide for completing this mod?
2 - Will it always be plugged into my car?
3 - Do I need to purcahse anything else to make this happen?

Thanks again everyone,

Aragrev7

· #11 · Jun 5, 2013

Fosco999 said:
I have some questions about the hondata reflash.

1 - Is there a guide for completing this mod?
2 - Will it always be plugged into my car?
3 - Do I need to purcahse anything else to make this happen?

Thanks again everyone,

1. HONDATA has the details, here let me search the site for you

http://www.hondata.com/downloads/tsx_ecu_removal.pdf

2. Permanent-style mod (unless you reprogram it or swap for a stock one). Your car does not run without this part, modded or not. It is the BRAIN.

3. You need to purchase this upgrade thru a HONDATA dealer like HEELTOE AUTO, whom I recommend. You can look for locals too.
Then, you will remove the ECU, immobilizer unit, and provide one ignition key. (Details in link). This you will send off with a printout of your receipt etc from HT. (I THINK Marcus supplies a shipping label? - He provides instructions). It will return in a few days.

Be aware: your car is out of commission during this process over the days without the ECU!
Turn around for me from Winnipeg MB Canada was under 48 hrs (morning Monday shipped out, received morning Wednesday).

Sent from AutoGuide.com App

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greentrees

· #12 · Jun 7, 2013

Get the Hondata! All else is preschool unless you start spending some real money for both parts and install.

DVS

· #13 · Jun 7, 2013

Hondata Reflash and Ice Box, should cost you under $500

Fosco999

Discussion Starter · #14 · Jun 26, 2013

How do people feel about ebay headers? By companies like J2 and 'Top Speed'?

J2 Stainless Steel Racing Manifold Header Exhaust 04 08 Acura TSX CL9 2 4L K24A2 | eBay

Acura TSX CL9 2 4L K24A2 04 08 Performance Exhaust Header Headers | eBay

Kidnest Regards,

kewlliljethro

· #15 · Jun 26, 2013

Topspeed headers are an almost exact replica of DC headers in stainless steel, which means TS headers also have the flex pipe issue.

Replace the flex pipe that comes with the TS header with a double braided one at a good muffler shop and it should be good... for a while i think lol I was looking into those also

Fosco999

Discussion Starter · #16 · Jun 26, 2013

kewlliljethro said:
Topspeed headers are an almost exact replica of DC headers in stainless steel, which means TS headers also have the flex pipe issue.

Replace the flex pipe that comes with the TS header with a double braided one at a good muffler shop and it should be good... for a while i think lol I was looking into those also

Thanks for the info! Any idea how much a flex-pipe would cost / cost to be installed?

Kindest Regards,

Fosco999

Discussion Starter · #17 · Jul 9, 2013

Anyone have experience with these headers?

din9lebeRrY

· #18 · Jul 9, 2013

If you're looking headers in that price range, I would suggest trying to get Kiddracing/PLM headers and using spring bolts to account for movement/stress on the header.

If you search you will see someone contacted an ebay seller and got them down as low as $350 shipped. Its a full race header making more power than any ones you listed and doesn't have a flex pipe, so no flex pipe issues. It doesnt cost that much more.

If you spend a bit more than that, you can get a weapon R header, another race header that doesnt have slip joints and is based off the Toda race header. I have one and plan to install it..i think. lol

Fosco999

Discussion Starter · #19 · Jul 9, 2013

din9lebeRrY said:
If you're looking headers in that price range, I would suggest trying to get Kiddracing/PLM headers and using spring bolts to account for movement/stress on the header.

If you search you will see someone contacted an ebay seller and got them down as low as $350 shipped. Its a full race header making more power than any ones you listed and doesn't have a flex pipe, so no flex pipe issues. It doesnt cost that much more.

If you spend a bit more than that, you can get a weapon R header, another race header that doesnt have slip joints and is based off the Toda race header. I have one and plan to install it..i think. lol

I dont want to spend that much money but it seems that I may have to. Has anyone else had experience with this header? Or does anyone know how much the flex pipe and install would cost?

Thanks again!

tottenham12712

· #20 · Jul 9, 2013

Fosco999 said:
I dont want to spend that much money but it seems that I may have to. Has anyone else had experience with this header? Or does anyone know how much the flex pipe and install would cost?

Thanks again!

Anything from ebay is crap(if its not a legit brand). I originally bought one of those headers and it cracked at the welds, the flex pipe fell apart, and its not truly stainless.

Save your money for a quality product and you will only need to buy that part once

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