[Euro] - Ice ice baby - Comptech Icebox [Archive]

yfin

15-04-2005, 02:42 PM

how is the comptech ice box?

i've been thinking of getting one, i used to have a cai - a bit too loud for me nowadays - well not really.. just don't want my mum to hear me roar off when im around the house ;)

It sounds close to stock so it is very discrete. As for performance - I can't really comment - it would be better than stock but not as good as a full cold air intake such as the Injen or K&N typhoon. I imagine some of the gains would be from removing the restrictive resonator.

Peekay will be able to comment about performance - I am fairly sure he is happy with it. He has, however, upgraded the filter to something much better.

euro77

15-04-2005, 02:44 PM

I think Peekay has it.

tRipitaka

15-04-2005, 02:46 PM

Yspool has one, wrote a review on it..

http://www.ozhonda.com/forum/showthread.php?t=14077

although it was for his dc2..

yfin

15-04-2005, 02:52 PM

The one for the DC2 is more detailed as it includes new metal piping and a full air box. The Euro one is a very simple product - very few parts - retains bottom part of stock box - replaces lid with larger piece and includes an airhorn that draws air in. Remove resonator. Add new filter. That is it.

http://www.comptechusa.com/store/330135.html

Peekay34

15-04-2005, 06:15 PM

I am happy with it nice and quiet though you would get more from a pod filter in performance. I also changed the filter to an ITG panel filter which made quite a nice difference as well. If you want a reference site to purchase one let me know. It cost me $236 AUD shipped to Australia. The ITG filter retails for @ $150 but I think it is worth it and it fits. A mod (an internal plate) was required for the box though but I am sure the guy that sells these filters could lead you in the right direction if you want one. Overall I am very happy with the results after doing this. But if you want only to use the one supplied with the box still works ok.

VirIIx

16-04-2005, 12:50 AM

hey peekey,

it would be excellent if you could pm some info to me. why did you need to do a mod for an internal plate?

yfin

26-04-2005, 07:02 PM

I just got my Icebox delivered today - fitted friday. The quality of the plastics is better than I expected - everything is nice and smooth. Thanks to Nick for offering to help :wave:

The air box will be much larger and handle much more air. Also I was surprised to see the size of the airhorn which draws cold air from the fog light area - the opening is bigger than a CD! if that can't draw cold air in - nothing can.

Let you know how it goes.

http://www.ozhonda.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=508/620123.jpg
http://www.ozhonda.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=508/6201234.jpg

euro77

26-04-2005, 07:37 PM

That's it... it used Unifilter! I told you it didn't use comptech filter :D

let me know how it goes yfin. would love to see it in action.

yfin

26-04-2005, 07:43 PM

That is the service kit (purchased separately)- not sure who makes the filter - I assumed it was Comptech

EuroAccord13

26-04-2005, 08:20 PM

Holy Moly! Look at the size of the airhorn inlet.. I'm holding a CD in my hands now and WOW! Looks much smaller in the CompTech site LOL!

yfin

26-04-2005, 08:22 PM

Holy Moly! Look at the size of the airhorn inlet.. I'm holding a CD in my hands now and WOW! Looks much smaller in the CompTech site LOL!.

Yeah - I was really shocked - it is friggen huge! It is also quite long so it should reach the fog light cover opening.

Peekay34

26-04-2005, 08:46 PM

It is a Unifilter.....YFIN. In answer to the other question about the internal plate I got this so the ITG filter would fit as it is a different size to the unifilter. I did not think much of the Unifilter as it does not seem to sit right in the box (my opinion and that of the filter man at ITG who is a filter specialist). Any enjoy would be interesting to do a dyno run against yours yfin when I get a few more K's up to see how much the diference on a dyno is. The other thing is to put your Icebox in try it with your filter then try with mine. One day when we are both doing a dyno day like last time.

EuroAccord13

26-04-2005, 08:49 PM

We'll find out in.... Three Days :D... I'm curious as too see if I can adjust where the inlet faces like when it rains too heavily, angle it away from the front of the car etc....

Peekay34

26-04-2005, 08:51 PM

Nah mate not adjustable and is not a problem anyway I have driven in torrential rain ....Besides Comptech know what they are doing .Honda in the States warrantys cars with thier mods.

yfin

26-04-2005, 09:17 PM

Nah mate not adjustable and is not a problem anyway I have driven in torrential rain ....Besides Comptech know what they are doing .Honda in the States warrantys cars with thier mods.

Yes - but Peekay you have the fog lights - i was thinking of making holes in the fog cover to ram outisde air directly into the intake.

Nick - I was reading on the TSX websites about the Comptech and hydrolock - someone was saying beacuse it retains the lower part of the stock airbox hydrolock is remote. This is because there are vents in the bottom of the stock airbox to prevent hydro lock. Not sure if that is true - it would explain one reason why the Comptech gets lets power though as it is still pulling air from the vents (hot air in the engine bay).

euro77

26-04-2005, 09:26 PM

Peekay, where do you get the cold air from if you have the fog light?

yfin

26-04-2005, 09:29 PM

Peekay, where do you get the cold air from if you have the fog light?

It will suck air from the cavity behind the bumper - so will get whatever air it can - eg from under the car etc. It is still much better than short ram from the engine bay.

EuroAccord13

26-04-2005, 09:30 PM

Peekay, where do you get the cold air from if you have the fog light?

There'll still be cold air in the cavity behind the bumper as it is not in the engine bay, with the fog lights, it's just without the ram air effect...

euro77

26-04-2005, 09:41 PM

that's good to know, makes me want to get one :D

EuroAccord13

26-04-2005, 09:43 PM

Go Get One Then!!!

You know where to go to install it HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!

euro77

26-04-2005, 09:44 PM

one at a time, Nick... one at a time... :D

VirIIx

27-04-2005, 05:59 AM

i don't feel hydro lock would be an issue in any case unless you were to drive into 3-5 feet of water :p

i remember with my aem cold air intake on my old car i drove into some water with pretty big splash and lots of feedback and it slowed the car down too.. - never again.

but i reckon that would've been a foot at least in depth.

btw, how is it yfin? running well? notice anything much?

Pum[Z]

27-04-2005, 08:10 PM

Try getting a mugen Front bar.. I'm scared putting my Injen on CAI mode because of all the holes that are there for airflow. If it rains the rain will definetly touch the airfilter....

I'm scared even thinking if i wash my car with the Injen in CAI on with the mugen front bar... I'm pretty sure the water would come into my airfilter and soak it...

Peekay34

27-04-2005, 08:30 PM

On my rolla sportivo my filter was installed in side the guard just behind the spot light water got into this area but never had an issue.

euro77

27-04-2005, 09:01 PM

can by a "dry charger"...

anyone know where to buy from and how much?

I'm sure K&N sells it, Nick has it.

EuroAccord13

29-04-2005, 12:03 AM

Yes, K&N have Specific Dry Chargers for most of their filter line up, just take your model number of the K&N filter you have and check with them if they have the Dry Charger for that model :)

CHEERS..

I know it's late, but for some reason, I'm excited to see Yfin's IceBox when he comes over to my place in the evening LOL.. Can't wait to look at that massive FOGHORN live!!!!

yfin

29-04-2005, 10:43 PM

Ok, well my Icebox is installed. Thanks to Nick and Euro77 :wave:

So far the performance of the icebox exceeds all my expectations.

I went for a drive with both Nick and Euro77 in the car and despite the 2 extra passengers the car was more responsive than stock with no passengers.

As I was driving home from Nick's house the car was still improving. It really pulls much harder all through the rev range - 1st and 2nd gear especially. On one test I was cruising at 40kph in 2nd gear - I then floored the throttle - the response was so awesome I hit my head on the headrest. That has never happened before! :D It really pins me into my seat - a feeling I have never had in the Euro.

I am really impressed and highly recommend this mod to you if you don't want the more louder options of K&N Typhoon or Injen.

I know some of the TSX people haven't raved about the Icebox. I remember reading a thread about someone with a TSX who said they could not notice any performance difference. All I can say is you WILL notice the difference in the Euro - the car is more responsive everywhere.

Pros: Good gains, stock look, stock sound save for deep growl higher in rev range, low cost, no torque/power loss down low

Cons: slightly louder than stock, some resonance in the cabin at certain RPM from removal of resonator, removing air filter lid to clean filter is somewhat more complicated than stock as it is a tight fit

euro77

30-04-2005, 12:14 AM

Yes I can confirm yfin's car is damn fast!!! I'm loving every moment in it! :D

Peekay34

30-04-2005, 12:33 PM

You should try mine with the ITG filter and see what you think after the Ice Box is in compared to the one supplied with it. I certainly noticed the difference.

yfin

30-04-2005, 01:06 PM

You should try mine with the ITG filter and see what you think after the Ice Box is in compared to the one supplied with it. I certainly noticed the difference.

That sounds good to me! The only thing is taking the lid on and off is not as easy as the stock box - I should watch how you do it as we found it a bit tricky.

The other thing is we couldn't use 1 of the Comptech silver screw houses as the stock screws were not long enough to close the box. Apart from that everything went ok. The Comptech filter seems ok although it is a tight fit.

euro77

30-04-2005, 01:15 PM

yfin, post the piccies!!! :D

yfin

30-04-2005, 01:29 PM

Engine bay - finished product
http://www.ozhonda.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=508/620DSC01474.JPG

Intake hose

http://www.ozhonda.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=508/620DSC01472.JPG

Intake seen through fog light cover

http://www.ozhonda.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=508/620DSC01473.JPG

euro77

30-04-2005, 01:33 PM

http://www.ozhonda.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=508/620DSC01473.JPG

This will suck in a tennis ball LOL :D

EuroAccord13

02-05-2005, 11:53 AM

It already took my hand!

REV888

02-05-2005, 12:11 PM

If I did a setup like this in my Euro how would the power gains be like in an Auto any ideas ?

yfin

02-05-2005, 12:30 PM

If I did a setup like this in my Euro how would the power gains be like in an Auto any ideas ?

Very hard to say without trying it. I feel I have gained more than the peak 6hp at the wheels this Comptech chart shows. That chart is for the TSX which is slightly different as it has a different ECU plus other differences including gear ratios.

http://www.comptechusa.com/images/dyno/tsx_icebox.pdf

A few people have PMed me where I got the intake. It was from here - very happy with the service from this place.

http://stores.ebay.com/Acura-of-Escondido-Parts

qmjona

02-05-2005, 06:59 PM

yfin

02-05-2005, 07:07 PM

Thanks for all the info re the ice box.
The intake looks good - I can see how picking up cold air like that would help a lot, I have a question though, what is different about the air box to standard? greater volume? how does that help, isn't flow rate still limited by pipe dia. and filter resistance?
Also have you left the intake open like your picture? looks a bit messy, I put some mesh over mine just to tidy it up. http://www.ozhonda.com/gallery/data/508/2381AJ_intake_mesh-thumb.jpg

It is a bigger volume lid and less restrictions in the lid itself - eg see the internal plastic pieces on the stock box? (pic below) They restrict the flow of air.

I don't know exactly why a bigger volume box helps - someone will be able to answer that. Perhaps more air can be "stored" in the box and this provides air flow to the engine quicker - thus helping response?

I haven't left the front fog cover off - I put it back on. I haven't noticed much tangible difference with it on. It may be 1 or 2 hp on the dyno but not enough for me to notice on the street. I am planning to make small holes in the fog cover - does anyone know how much those covers cost at Honda parts? That way I can have both a closed and open one. Or if someone wants to be kind enough to sell me one cheap - i am interested.

http://home.comcast.net/~brian.galicia/mod2.jpg

qmjona

02-05-2005, 07:18 PM

Thanks for the pic.
To open the fog cover you can cut off the back of the ribbed section with a sharp blade. If you cut it off flush it makes a neat job and it still looks original.

Chris_F

02-05-2005, 07:35 PM

yfin

02-05-2005, 08:23 PM

I think the gains from the icebox would also have to do with the resonator not being there anymore. I can't see why else the stock box is so much more restrictive it draws air from the same area and is a very similar size etc.

Yes and no. REmoving resonator obviously helps. The stock box is not a similar size at all - photos are deceiving in terms of size. Also the stock box does not draw air from the same area - stock box draws air from behind the headlight near the engine bay.

I also remember an old post from Euroaccord13 - he removed his resonator with the stock box and couldn't notice much different at all. So the gains are definately not all in the resonator - the little things add up. Like I said - I didn't think much of the Icebox before I actually tried it installed in my car.

VirIIx

05-05-2005, 05:54 AM

I ordered my Comptech Icebox last night :D AUD $245 with express global shipping, hopefully it arrives in a few days and i'll join the Icebox club *cheers* :cool:

Nickt

09-05-2005, 11:02 AM

I'm thinking of ordering one also...let us know of your experiences VirIIx!

VirIIx

09-05-2005, 12:26 PM

apparently it's just arrived in the country - i've been hawking the tracking everyday lol

If i can pick it up in the next day or two, i'll give a write up about it :D

VirIIx

11-05-2005, 08:51 PM

Well I got it installed today..

and what can i say..

best $250 i've ever spent on the car!!!

the response is incredible, it doesn't feel sluggish anymore, it feels like the first time you jumped into the car when you moved on from your little 2.0L
Like yfin says, it really goes now when you give it some throttle and it doesn't hold back and it delivers - no question asked :)

Without the resonator, the cabin inside the car still feels clean, if not a lil smoother ride - i will have to give it a few weeks to see if it effects fuel economy (even if it is small).

It's not as loud as my older AEM CAI in my other car, so driving normally shifting at 2-3k rpm doesn't affect it much, but you can tell it's a bit throatier with a deep growl.
Especially in the higher rev's it's insane, quiet.. yet.. it sounds good and it turns heads as you show off your 7k redline - such sweet sound - I WANT MORE! NEED MORE!
Noise inside cabin isn't noticable unless you are looking for it, but you can tell it is slightly deeper, even driving changing at 4k rpm it's hard to notice the meaner/aggressive growl - and with music on you don't notice anything.
Guaranteed if your windows are open you'll hear it - and everyone else ;)

Inside the engine bay, it's clean and elegant, and you wouldn't be able to tell straight off it was aftermarket.

If people don't want to spend the money on the other cai systems out there, and would like somethine to look stock, and not sound loud. I definately recommend the comptech icebox mod :)

Chris_F

11-05-2005, 10:09 PM

good to hear your so happy with it - seems everyone with one is.

blkeuro

12-05-2005, 11:37 AM

hey VirIIx, sounds like a nice mod. Did you end up removing the front bumper or going through the foglight hole/wheel fender to remove the resonator?

VirIIx

12-05-2005, 12:03 PM

well i have the oem foglights fitted.. so it would be hard to go through them :)

baboo

12-05-2005, 12:59 PM

mmmm interesting....

I'm a bit tempted to go with Comptech icebox now...

INGEN is great, but it's quite loud under WOT.

MIRZ

13-05-2005, 09:47 AM

what kind of filter is used in this icebox? $250 includes that filter too or just icebox with fittings?

how often you will have to replace this filter and how much it will cost for replaceemnt< thanks.

i hope to get one for my 95 :)

Ronin

13-05-2005, 02:08 PM

EuroAccord13

13-05-2005, 02:33 PM

VirIIx

13-05-2005, 05:57 PM

Ok i just hit purchased on that ebay link that was previously posted.

Anyone know how much the delivery cost is?? I've emailed the supplier, but just incase, does anyone know? or what did u pay? thats the store on ebay.

roughly $30-35 USD,

i paid a total of $245 or so.

Express delivery, got it in 3-4 days in a nice little package.

Excellent service from the guy, and quick to reply with quotes for shipping and a tracking number as well.

yfin

14-05-2005, 10:15 AM

the response is incredible, it doesn't feel sluggish anymore, it feels like the first time you jumped into the car when you moved on from your little 2.0L Like yfin says, it really goes now when you give it some throttle and it doesn't hold back and it delivers - no question asked :)

Without the resonator, the cabin inside the car still feels clean, if not a lil smoother ride - i will have to give it a few weeks to see if it effects fuel economy (even if it is small).

It's not as loud as my older AEM CAI in my other car, so driving normally shifting at 2-3k rpm doesn't affect it much, but you can tell it's a bit throatier with a deep growl.
Especially in the higher rev's it's insane, quiet.. yet.. it sounds good and it turns heads as you show off your 7k redline - such sweet sound - I WANT MORE! NEED MORE!
Noise inside cabin isn't noticable unless you are looking for it, but you can tell it is slightly deeper, even driving changing at 4k rpm it's hard to notice the meaner/aggressive growl - and with music on you don't notice anything.
Guaranteed if your windows are open you'll hear it - and everyone else ;)

Inside the engine bay, it's clean and elegant, and you wouldn't be able to tell straight off it was aftermarket.

If people don't want to spend the money on the other cai systems out there, and would like somethine to look stock, and not sound loud. I definately recommend the comptech icebox mod :)

This is great to hear.

Ronin

23-05-2005, 09:30 AM

:wave: :wave: Ok I just picked up my Comptech box from the Post Office. Anyone here in Melb want to give me a hand installing it? Looks damn confusing the instructions. :confused:

Anyone? :o

ericjaii

05-06-2005, 04:51 PM

stephen8512

05-06-2005, 04:59 PM

Ordered mine on Friday along with short shifter and dc5r gear knob!

=)

by the way, on 2nd gear, the acceleration seems to slow after 5000 rpm or so, is that normal?

I have only done like 1600km... should I install the icebox after i run in my engine a bit more?

cheers

what do you mean acceleration seems too slow after 5000rpm? that should be just before VTEC engagement and it shouldnt feel slow.....

Im sure it wouldnt matter if u put in the icebox now but if i were you, i would wait till about 5000km (thats when i got my oil changed as well from Honda). im at 6800kms on mine and i ordered an injen cold air intake.

ericjaii

05-06-2005, 05:21 PM

well... like at around 5000 rpm... it feels as if i need to step on throttle a lot to accelerate further....

ericjaii

05-06-2005, 05:22 PM

also, u think the dealership minds when they see the comptech intake?

;p

or if anyone knows of any dealer in Sydney that doesnt mind? :cool:

stephen8512

05-06-2005, 05:44 PM

well... like at around 5000 rpm... it feels as if i need to step on throttle a lot to accelerate further....

hmm....maybe its just you, :p like maybe its just psychological....unless u absolutely know that u have to push the throttle a bit more.......then i'd get it checked out asap.

also, u think the dealership minds when they see the comptech intake?

;p

or if anyone knows of any dealer in Sydney that doesnt mind?

I'm not sure....i dont think they would mind too much... but if they do, take your car to HANNYs to get it serviced. apparently these guys service all types of hondas, from stock to done up :thumbsup:

Suntzu

07-06-2005, 02:07 PM

Any issues with water and hydro lock on the Comptech intake point? How low is it on the bumper?

ericjaii

08-06-2005, 11:34 PM

my icebox arrived... it looks like a simple setup.. but the instruction sure is confusing!!

Ronin

09-06-2005, 01:43 PM

I've been using it for 2 months now. Its been raining a lot and the pipe down in the bumber is usually wet on the inside... don't know how the filter is holding up.

Anyone checked the unifilter after installing the Comptech unit? I'll be interested to see how grotty or clogged (if any) it is because that thing sucks air in big time. No Hydro lock just yet.

albii

09-06-2005, 04:20 PM

can you use the k and n panel filter in conjunction with the comptech icebox?

adammet04

09-06-2005, 07:01 PM

Different box size on the comptech...the KN filter only fits stock box...based on what i saw at euro meet.

adammet04

29-06-2005, 09:03 PM

Just thought id revive this thread and say i just recieved my icebox,

Ill be doing install hopefully this w/e (weather permitting)

see if i can drag in a mate to help me too...

my biggest concern is breaking some clips etc...

not sure how to proceed if that happens, probobly buy some more (may should buy some for backup cases before install..

anyway cant wait to join the ranks of ice boxers :)

V205

29-06-2005, 10:20 PM

Has anyone just added an extension pipe to the stock inlet so the air is drawn from the bumper area instead? (no need to cut or bend anything from the OEM setup)

yfin

30-06-2005, 12:00 AM

Has anyone just added an extension pipe to the stock inlet so the air is drawn from the bumper area instead? (no need to cut or bend anything from the OEM setup)

No - but I have tried the Icebox horn with the stock air lid and stock filter (same thing as you are asking but probably a thicker pipe). There is definately noticeable torque lost down low with this set up. It sounded good though - nice low rumble!

The bigger airbox lid on the Icebox certainly helps.

yfin

03-09-2005, 07:28 PM

I cleaned my Icebox filter today. Whilst it is drying for a day or two I am using the stock Honda filter in the Icebox lid.

The car sounds so balsy with the stock panel filter! It is a really deep sound - like a V8.

Even my girlfriend who knows nothing about cars noticed (i didn't tell her - she just said your car is really loud today :D )

hehe - performance is probably worse but boy am I surprised how much difference in sound a different panel filter can make.