ANY performance mods?

[carguy07]

MDX has the third row, just two across instead of three. I think the main difference in HP comes from a bump in compression ratio, hence the need to use premium fuel.

[EmptyTank]

Originally Posted by carguy07

MDX has the third row, just two across instead of three. I think the main difference in HP comes from a bump in compression ratio, hence the need to use premium fuel.

Ah, yes, that's plausible -- although it's gotta be the RDX's engine we compare the Pilot's to, since that is 3.5L -- the MDX has a 3.7L.

[carguy07]

Originally Posted by EmptyTank

Ah, yes, that's plausible -- although it's gotta be the RDX's engine we compare the Pilot's to, since that is 3.5L -- the MDX has a 3.7L.

True, but even the 1st gen MDX was a 3.5 and verry similar and still made more HP with the higher comp ratio.

[EmptyTank]

Originally Posted by carguy07

True, but even the 1st gen MDX was a 3.5 and verry similar and still made more HP with the higher comp ratio.

Interesting, because I had been under the impression that the Gen 1 MDX did not require premium fuel.

[N_Jay]

Originally Posted by EmptyTank

Interesting, because I had been under the impression that the Gen 1 MDX did not require premium fuel.

If I am not mistaken Acuras have always "required" premium.

I am also fairly sure that there is little to no compression difference between similar size/year Honda and Acura engines.

[Im2c0oL]

I'm going to slap on twin turbo on mine, tuned for 87octane!!!

[carguy07]

Sorry, it's the newer ones that got the bump in compression ratio. 11.2 on the MDX vs 10.5 on the Pilot

[EmptyTank]

Originally Posted by carguy07

Sorry, it's the newer ones that got the bump in compression ratio. 11.2 on the MDX vs 10.5 on the Pilot

Okay cool. But the RDX (apparently) also has a compression ratio of 10.5 : 1 .

2013 RDX - Powertrain - Honda.com

So what does the RDX do differently from the Pilot, since the displacement and compression ration are the same? iVTEC , VCM, Single Overhead Cam on both too.

And yet, the RDX claims 273 HP. How do they do it? More air, like Armystrong is investigating, or more aggressive valve timing, or both, or something else entirely?

[tangotango99]

Originally Posted by GatorTrae

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.

The MDX is a 3.7 l engine and there is a 3rd row seat

[EmptyTank]

Right, so the Acura RDX is the more enticing comparison. Does the RDX's engine just rev faster?

[N_Jay]

Originally Posted by EmptyTank

Right, so the Acura RDX is the more enticing comparison. Does the RDX's engine just rev faster?

What do you mean by "rev faster"?

We are talking a 10% difference, probably not noticeable by most people.

[tay-fu300zxtt]

Im about to get rid of my MDX . I need a extra seat!
The MDX has a bigger engine and has a 3rd row, but the Pilot 3rd row is bigger.

[jamesgarner83]

I think I may have to kick my own ass for saying this about a Honda Pilot but the most hp per $ for a Pilot would probably be a dry NOS system.
ZEX? EFI - Dry
These kits are very easy to install and are universal fit.

75hp for ~$500

[EmptyTank]

Originally Posted by N_Jay

What do you mean by "rev faster"?

We are talking a 10% difference, probably not noticeable by most people.

Just what it looks like it means -- peak HP at higher RPM. Remember the Honda S2000? It only had a 2.0L 4-cyl. but it got 240 HP at 7500 RPM. Red line was 9000 RPM.

So I just looked it up. The Pilot is spec'ed as 250 HP at 5700 RPM. Red line is 6300 RPM. Meanwhile the RDX is spec'ed as 273 HP at 6200 RPM, red line at 6800 RPM. So, the RDX peaks at 500 RPM faster. That's what I mean.

And 10% might be meaningful -- every little bit helps. I for one would prefer 273 HP over 250 HP. Besides, there is still question of how the RDX does it. (I saw an RDX on the road today, and it had a "Turbo" badge on it, but I don't know if all RDX's are turbo or not.) Armystrong was going to look into the intake manifold. Maybe the RDX gets more air. We already know it requires premium fuel so that gives the RDX an opportunity to get aggressive on valve timing. Now we know it revs faster at peak HP.

[rocky]

Dunno which year Pilot you have Emptytank, but I have a 2005. For comparison purposes I've always been intrigued by the way the 2005 Acura RL had 300hp, 3.5V6, and AWD.
So clearly some opportunities to improve tune existed back then.

It goes to prove that sometimes its worth looking over the Fence