I'm looking to do all the cheap customizations to my car first. So far I put in a Comptech SS and the K&N Drop In filter. Nothing too spectactular, but I definitely notice a better sound, feel, and slight increase in speed. Next I'm considering the Hondata IMG, but I have a couple of questions.

1. Does it really gain the 3% (5.7 hp) that it claims? Or is it more modest? Some intakes claim to gain 12 hp, and I seriously doubt they get anywhere close.

2. How hard is it to install? I don't have much mechanical knowledge, but I'm not scared to put things on my car. I installed headlights and taillights on my own when I first bought the car, so I'm not completely DIY stupid. I also installed Comptech SS in about 10 minutes (btw, get it if you haven't, its cheap, easy to put in, and you feel the difference). Having said that, how hard is the IMG to install? Hour? Two Hours?

Thanks in advance everyone.

 

took me about 2 1/2 hours because i ran into some problems, and also working by myself id said with 2 poeple itd take about a little under 2 hours. its a good investment. you can tell a diffrence in intake air temperature, i.e. putting you hand on the IM. also when you do it bypass the coolant lines to the throttle body and my manifold doesnt get a 1/3 as hot as it used to

our cars dont run near full potential when its hot outside and you car sits for a little bit and the manifold temps get to like 300 degrees. so its worth it but i doubt it gains 5 hp

 

What if you dont bypass the throttle body? How much extra effort is required, and how many extra benefits do you see from performing the bypass? And finally, does bypassing the throttle body put any adverse effects on the car? (Well, besides voiding your warranty)

 

What kind of Honda are you install this on?

I put one in my 2006 SI and I can guarentee you, that you are not going to get that type of gain. Not on the top end at least. I got most of my gain in the mid-range. The gasket does do a good job of reducing the heat transfer from the head to the intake system, so the air stays cooling going in.

The mechanic that installed mine spend a little under 2 hours installing the gasket.

Hope this helps.

 

I did this on my Si and it was a breeze. Took me about to hours working very leisurly. I did both the IMG as well as the throttle body bypass. I can feel a slight difference in the midrange as well. If you have basic mechanical knowledge this shouldn't be a problem. And as for the bypass as long as you are there you might as well do it. It just consits of removeing two hoses from the TB and connecting them together. I was very happy with the mod. It is money well spent IMO.