More power for CRX SiR

**SiR CRX** · 04-11-2004 02:25 PM

I have just imported a stock CRX SiR (DOHC B16A V-TEC) and I am very surprised by it's standard performance. However I have owned some pretty quick cars so I am in need of a bit more power. I have emailed Toda Racing about some of their products but they have not replied yet. Could anyone suggest what I can do for a bit more power without going to crazy (stroker kit out of the question). I was thinking some cams, cam gears, valve springs, timing belt, exhaust, vtec controller and air filter upgrade. What do you guys think about what I have listed? Any other suggestions would be great.

Cheers

**Setanta** · 04-11-2004 04:12 PM

I'd suggest getting a 2 1/4 inch mandrel bent exhaust, high flow catalytic convertor and high flow muffler as a starting point. If it's anything like mine, the cat is stuffed and restricting flow - and you might as well replace the rest of the system.

Get a custom made filter panel (you'll find stock replacement ones hard to find anyway). If you have some extra money put away - a DC sports header will make a big difference - steer away from aussie off the shelf B16A headers - the gen1 B16A stock header flows as well, if not better than them. Don't forget that when you change headers, you have 2x o2 sensors - unlike the aussie spec cars.

Forget the VTEC controller - gen1 B16As don't like them that much. They are pretty much a waste of money anyway unless you go extremely aggressive with the cams.

Toda cams are worthwhile - a few guys use them but you need to upgrade the valve springs etc. Don't expect much change from 1K for a second hand pair though.

Seriously, with the car you have, go the exhaust first - you'll notice the difference. Steer away from pod filters unless you go CAI - I trialled a pod v's my custom insert in the SiR box and saw no difference on the dyno under the same conditions.

BTW - where are you getting spares from... I have to ship from NZ or Japan for my SiR.

**SINISTR** · 04-11-2004 05:48 PM

Originally Posted by SiR CRX

I have just imported a stock CRX SiR (DOHC B16A V-TEC) and I am very surprised by it's standard performance. However I have owned some pretty quick cars so I am in need of a bit more power. I have emailed Toda Racing about some of their products but they have not replied yet. Could anyone suggest what I can do for a bit more power without going to crazy (stroker kit out of the question). I was thinking some cams, cam gears, valve springs, timing belt, exhaust, vtec controller and air filter upgrade. What do you guys think about what I have listed? Any other suggestions would be great.

Cheers

hey dude... whatz your name? We have a CRX club here in Perth in case you didn't know???

Mike

**SiR CRX** · 04-11-2004 07:43 PM

Thanks for the response guys.

Setanta, that sounds like a good starting point. Do you rate Top Fuel products? They do an intake system for Honda V-TEC engines and they are highly respected in Japan. They also do some nuts turbo kits, if only I had the money

SINISTR, I didn't know about that CRX club and I am very happy to hear about it. Tell me some more details about it if you can. I have only had my car a little while so I look forward to catching up with a few more CRX owners. What model is your car? Mods? BTW my name is Niall (pronounced like the Nile river)

**Setanta** · 04-11-2004 07:50 PM

Niall - I'd go a K&N or even a finer filter reusable panel. I had mine done by a performance shop that made the frame - then we ran finer filter foam on it.

Another option is to PM McChook, he and his dad have Jamex re-usable inserts which are ok.

Ultimately though - you get what you pay for and K&N is a good brand.

Cheers
Pete

**bumography** · 04-11-2004 11:40 PM

i found quite a gain on the stock k'n panel filter compared with the stock filter
it made my car sound a lot different and more responsive =)
or is it all psychological??
hehe

**SiR CRX** · 05-11-2004 02:58 AM

Just thought I would post this up as it seems relevant to the discussion. Here is some info about the Top Fuel Power Chamber for Honda V-TEC engines.

POWER CHAMBER SYSTEM makes intake systems on Hondas much more efficient. This product introduced in some of the Japanese car magazines has a swirl shaped air cleaner and this shape produces best air intake efficiency. Also the special shape of intake pipe produces air compressing action like turbo. Just fitting this product on your car, you'll get much more power easily. In the test at TOP FUEL, all the cars fitted with this POWER CHAMBER produced at least 5 hp more power than ones with original air filter. This kit comes with all the parts in the picture.

**Setanta** · 05-11-2004 06:56 AM

" At least" 5 bhp at the wheels from a unit that isn't a CAI and draws in hot air from the engine bay thereby reducing the density of the intake charge? I call bullsh|t. Don't waste your time with anything that has an exposed pod in your engine bay.

A cold air intake that runs from outside the engine bay or is sealed from the engine bay = great - that POS will just screw you over. It'll sound pretty - but that's it. I tested a simiilar setup on a dyno and it wasn't any better than a high flow panel - and that was without heat-soak.

BTW - it's VTEC... not V-TEC

**bumography** · 05-11-2004 09:11 AM

pod filter is not about hot air or cold air
its about MORE air coming in isnt it?

**SiR JDM** · 05-11-2004 09:54 AM

But the cooler the air the denser, helping combustion, and thus more power... basically

**geo41e** · 05-11-2004 10:06 AM

depending on ur budget....i/e/h are the first things to do...and from what l've heard, 2.25" madrel bend is the way to go...headers also play a part, and see if u can get some jap brand.

next step i rekon are cams, valve springs and adj cam gears along with an aftermarket ECU such as a power FC....after all that ur lookin round the...5K+ mark ?

u can also put in some forgies along with an itr intake manifold??