ANY performance mods?

[EmptyTank]

It'd be nice to have a "Sport Mode" button once in a while. If it's a throttle by wire system, then maybe someone will offer a way to reduce the lag when the 18-wheeler is barreling down on us at the end of the interstate entrance ramp...

[Strate L O S S]

hondata flashpro tunes the throttle.

It's almost a guarantee they won't make one for the pilot but we can each email them with our interest.


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[Kenspilot]

Originally Posted by Strate L O S S

hondata flashpro tunes the throttle.

It's almost a guarantee they won't make one for the pilot but we can each email them with our interest.


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GL on that.
They won't touch us with a stick.
Look around this forum and see what people are interested in doing to their Pilot and it sure isn't performance. Would be nice but I gave up and went to a different platform for performance. At least the Pilot is comfortable.

[tangotango99]

New2015 Pilot with ED will address power issues, funny the RDX HP is 273 with the same engine

[Strate L O S S]

Originally Posted by Kenspilot

GL on that.
They won't touch us with a stick.
Look around this forum and see what people are interested in doing to their Pilot and it sure isn't performance. Would be nice but I gave up and went to a different platform for performance. At least the Pilot is comfortable.

I agree.


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[EmptyTank]

Yeah obviously the Pilot is not destined for the drag strip, and the target market that is willing to accept a 6000-lb.-ish vehicle with a 6-banger in it, is not the same target market as the turbo and nitrous crowd. With a few exceptions Honda is unlikely to help us out, since they would probably prefer we shell out more for an Acura (and the premium fuel) instead

[N_Jay]

Originally Posted by EmptyTank

It'd be nice to have a "Sport Mode" button once in a while. If it's a throttle by wire system, then maybe someone will offer a way to reduce the lag when the 18-wheeler is barreling down on us at the end of the interstate entrance ramp...

Step on it faster.

[EmptyTank]

Originally Posted by N_Jay

Step on it faster.

Oh don't worry; I have no qualms about mashing the pedal into the floor in an eye blink, if that's what the situation calls for. Even though I try to avoid such situations where possible, it'd still be nice to have a livelier response. A button -- whether it says "Sporting Mode" or "Giddy-Up" or "Hammer Time" or whatever, that invokes a hop-up chip, would be something I'd be willing to pay for. As others have said here, we're still a tiny minority.

We almost bought a Toyota Highlander instead, as it's a little zippier off the line. But it felt more cramped and disorganized inside, and I didn't care for the steering response, or lack thereof. The Pilot is comfy and relaxed -- just not well suited for a "drive it like you stole it" attitude.

[Strate L O S S]

try the D3 driving mode.

It keeps it in lower gears which are still plenty tall.


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[Armystrong]

I am wondering if the intake manifold chambers are bigger on the RDX than the Pilot. As with my 05 Honda Accord I could interchange the 04 Acura TSX intake manifold and whalla....more torque. Pretty easy bolt on application too. Time to do some research.

[EmptyTank]

Originally Posted by Strate L O S S

try the D3 driving mode.

It keeps it in lower gears which are still plenty tall.


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Good advice, and I have been trying that out today. In the end, we still can't fight the physics. F = ma . There is only so much a 250-hp engine can do to push 6000 lbs. along.

[EmptyTank]

Originally Posted by Armystrong

I am wondering if the intake manifold chambers are bigger on the RDX than the Pilot. As with my 05 Honda Accord I could interchange the 04 Acura TSX intake manifold and whalla....more torque. Pretty easy bolt on application too. Time to do some research.

That's a good thought. How does the Acura RDX get 273 hp out of its 3.5L V6, while the Pilot only gets 250 hp? Does the RDX require premium fuel like the MDX's 3.7L V6 does?

Do the RDX and Pilot share the same engine block, or is it only coincidence that they both a 3.5L V6? I would expect them to be the same...

[N_Jay]

Originally Posted by EmptyTank

That's a good thought. How does the Acura RDX get 273 hp out of its 3.5L V6, while the Pilot only gets 250 hp? Does the RDX require premium fuel like the MDX's 3.7L V6 does?

Do the RDX and Pilot share the same engine block, or is it only coincidence that they both a 3.5L V6? I would expect them to be the same...

The block has very little to do with the output power.

I would guess the difference could just be the tune.
After all it is only 10%.

Or might be the intake and exhaust and tune, or could be cams, or even a compressions ratio difference. (none requiring a different block.)

Yes, Acuras call for premium gas.

[EmptyTank]

Originally Posted by N_Jay

The block has very little to do with the output power.

I would guess the difference could just be the tune.
After all it is only 10%.

Or might be the intake and exhaust and tune, or could be cams, or even a compressions ratio difference. (none requiring a different block.)

Yes, Acuras call for premium gas.

I am aware that the block doesn't have much to do with power; I was asking because of Armystrong's idea of transplanting an RDX manifold. If the block is the same, then the idea has a better chance of working.

I knew the Acura MDX requires premium fuel (that's why we didn't test drive one); had not heard the same of the RDX. With premium fuel the variable valve timing can get a little more aggressive without risking knocking. That might be part of how RDX can get more HP from what could otherwise be a similar power plant.

[GatorTrae]

Originally Posted by EmptyTank

Oh don't worry; I have no qualms about mashing the pedal into the floor in an eye blink, if that's what the situation calls for. Even though I try to avoid such situations where possible, it'd still be nice to have a livelier response. A button -- whether it says "Sporting Mode" or "Giddy-Up" or "Hammer Time" or whatever, that invokes a hop-up chip, would be something I'd be willing to pay for. As others have said here, we're still a tiny minority.

We almost bought a Toyota Highlander instead, as it's a little zippier off the line. But it felt more cramped and disorganized inside, and I didn't care for the steering response, or lack thereof. The Pilot is comfy and relaxed -- just not well suited for a "drive it like you stole it" attitude.

Wow could not have said it better myself. I was liked the Hammer Time link. That's great. I read this to my wife, she didn't get it. The MDX is a sporty version of the Pilot, but it's missing the third row, so not an option for me. Anyways, I'll have to do some digging to find the differences in the Honda and MDX engines. Hopefully it's something easy like a larger intake manifold BUT it's probably, all in the fuel and ignition mapping. Between the Ridgeline and the MDX there's got to be enough market for performance parts.
I have a little one who has to climb in and out. I know running boards are the easy option. but it would be great to lower it by 3 inches or so. There has to be a way to get the air in and out a little better to bump up the HP. Time to start some research. Search button here I come.