I have a '98 Prelude and want to increase power without modifying the engine (turbo, supercharger, etc.). So far, all I've done is add an APEX exhaust which - according to a few guys - may or may not have increased horsepower. What about a cold-air intake system? Which one(s) should I look for and which one(s) should I not bother with. Also, I'm considering a module (Hondata), but does anyone have any info about the best deals available? Thanks for any help.

 

intake, headers, exhaust are the basic bolt-ons

you have tuning (hondata as u mentioned), cam gears, bigger tb or ITB's..

and theres things you can remove which frees up more power/ reduces weight.
these are some items that can be removed- (suit yourself)
power steering
air conditioning
Fast Idle Thermo Valve (only if your area doesn't get too cold)

 

Go with a CAI first, as it's the easiest upgrade to do, and is relatively cheap.

Getting a good filter is more important than getting an expensive pipe. If you read up on CAIs, there's alot of argument over whether intakes like the AEM V2 are actually worth the money.

I'd recommend getting a CAI off of ebay, and buying a K&N filter to put on it, instead of the cheap-o one that will come with it.

 

You can do basic upgrades. I/H/E For starters. You can actually add a hondata system on that set up, and if its tuned right, there will be gains.

 

convert to odb1 with a a converstion harness for like 80 bucks
get a chipped ecu for like 150-180 and someone who can tune it and you'll c gains fo shoooo
but im not talkin about turbo gains, lol but enough where the money pays off

 

Definately get a CAI, AEM make great ones. You will notice a mild increase in torque and power and the prices are relatively cheap.