Notices
Engine Management and Tuning Crome, NepTune, Hondata, AEM, MOTEC

Vtec Tuning and cold air intakes

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 04-05-2008, 10:58 AM
  #1  
moderator emeritus
Thread Starter
 
98vtec's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Cantonment, FL
Posts: 16,357
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Default Vtec Tuning and cold air intakes

For this example I am using two h22 motors. Both of them are stock and have pretty much the same exact mods besides one having a skunk2 intake manifold and one having a EuroR intake manifold.

I found it pretty interesting when I did a cold air intake test versus a modified stock short ram intake. This graph shows a change in a fully tuned motor. On the last run I decided to put my 3" cold air/BPi flowstack on his car and just see what happened. The results were very intriguing.



Peak power did not increase much but look at ~4000 rpm!!

I had the vtec crossover for this motor at 5000 rpm. Hmmmm, what happens if you start lowering the vtec crossover towards that peak at 4000?

Well here you go:

This is the other motor. The one with the Skunk2 manifold but with my 3" cold air/BPi flowstack.

on the runs showed here, you can see the progression of the vtec crossover. Gaining more and more midrange.



So in this aspect, the intake you decide to run for your car will dramatically change where the vtec crossover needs to be. And that my friends requires tuning.

Get your damn cars tuned you filthy animals!!
Old 04-05-2008, 01:51 PM
  #2  
Member
 
rebo0t's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Oakland, CA
Posts: 4,574
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

tuning is key! i tell that to everybody.. dont use buy it now on ebay lol
Old 04-05-2008, 07:05 PM
  #3  
Honda-Tech Member
 
Accord-Guy's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Chicagi, IL, USA
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: Vtec Tuning and cold air intakes (98vtec)

I think you are right about tuning Because I have changed my exhaust to tanabe smh, headers to DC Sports, intake to AEM short Ram, and I really do not see a big difference in power increase, compared to when it was stock. The car is 2002 accord V6. And in Illinois there really isn't too many tuning shops
Old 04-05-2008, 09:06 PM
  #4  
Honda-Tech Member
 
arc_55's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Oakville, Ont, Canada
Posts: 343
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: Vtec Tuning and cold air intakes (98vtec)

in the first graph it shows leaning out at around 4000 rpm to almost 14:1 may be helping it to be a higher pronouced spike in tq/hp. I am assuming this was corrected after correct vtec cross over was established? Good write up to start this section off well as it can show the significance of tuning even if the car is nearly stock.
Old 04-06-2008, 04:43 PM
  #5  
Honda-Tech Member
 
ilikehonda's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Springfield, mo, usa
Posts: 1,556
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Default

subscribed
Old 04-06-2008, 04:54 PM
  #6  
moderator emeritus
Thread Starter
 
98vtec's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Cantonment, FL
Posts: 16,357
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Default Re: Vtec Tuning and cold air intakes (arc_55)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by arc_55 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">in the first graph it shows leaning out at around 4000 rpm to almost 14:1 may be helping it to be a higher pronouced spike in tq/hp. I am assuming this was corrected after correct vtec cross over was established? Good write up to start this section off well as it can show the significance of tuning even if the car is nearly stock.</TD></TR></TABLE>

the first chart and second chart are not the same engines. The first chart was just showing what a fully tuned engine setup for a short ram would do when a cold air intake was installed. No changes were made after that run because it was my cold air intake, the short ram was put back on his car.
Old 04-08-2008, 08:02 PM
  #7  
 
pkboy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: alhambra, ca, usa
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: vetch controller setting

hi there i installed the vetch controller but doesnt really know how to set the setting so see if you know how to do it
Old 04-08-2008, 08:33 PM
  #8  
moderator emeritus
Thread Starter
 
98vtec's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Cantonment, FL
Posts: 16,357
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Default Re: vetch controller setting (pkboy)

it's VTEC. and if you dont know how to do it, let someone that knows how to tune the particular controller do it.

you didnt even mention what kind of vtec controller it was so how do you expect people to help you?
Old 04-10-2008, 05:59 PM
  #9  
Junior Member
 
eg6_itb's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: menifee, cal, 92585
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: Vtec Tuning and cold air intakes (98vtec)

THANX FOR THE INFO....
Old 06-16-2008, 01:09 PM
  #10  
moderator emeritus
Thread Starter
 
98vtec's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Cantonment, FL
Posts: 16,357
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Default Re: Vtec Tuning and cold air intakes (eg6_itb)

got my car off the dyno a few weeks ago and here is the vtec crossover consensus with the h23vtec motor

Old 06-19-2008, 06:26 AM
  #11  
Honda-Tech Member
 
G2IntegraGS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Baton Rouge, LA, U.S.A
Posts: 544
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: Vtec Tuning and cold air intakes (98vtec)

So CAI= lower vtec crossover, SRI= higher?
Old 06-20-2008, 04:55 AM
  #12  
moderator emeritus
Thread Starter
 
98vtec's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Cantonment, FL
Posts: 16,357
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Default Re: Vtec Tuning and cold air intakes (G2IntegraGS)

based on the evidence I have seen with 4 different h22 engines, yes.
Old 06-20-2008, 06:54 AM
  #13  
Honda-Tech Member
 
GhostAccord's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: East Coast 506, Canada
Posts: 11,399
Received 67 Likes on 67 Posts
Default Re: Vtec Tuning and cold air intakes (98vtec)

I imagine that it works the same as if you where to lengthen the runners in your manifold....

long runners will move tq Lower in the rpms,
short runners will move tq higher in the rpms.

That is why one should consider the entire intake system when doing a build and not just the individual pieces. For example if someone goes out and buys and short runner intake manifold, to try and raise the tq curve, and then throws a long tube CAI on it. You would reduce the projected gains of the short runners. Although there would still be a bit better throttle response with the short runners if the throttle plate is closer to the valves.


Modified by GhostAccord at 3:09 PM 6/20/2008
Old 06-20-2008, 09:48 AM
  #14  
moderator emeritus
Thread Starter
 
98vtec's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Cantonment, FL
Posts: 16,357
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Default Re: Vtec Tuning and cold air intakes (GhostAccord)

i spent some good money coming up with the "best" intake setup for my motor.

only parts i havent tested are different sized throttle bodies. That'll come eventually i suppose.
Old 06-20-2008, 10:19 AM
  #15  
Honda-Tech Member
 
GhostAccord's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: East Coast 506, Canada
Posts: 11,399
Received 67 Likes on 67 Posts
Default Re: Vtec Tuning and cold air intakes (98vtec)

You said it all right there. "best intake setup for my motor" It should be about what works best for your engine not what looks best or costs more. In the end it may cost you a lot to find that perfect setup or it may not. It all depends on your motor setup.

I think that the same principles will carry over to the TB sizes as well. can't wait to see your results.
Old 06-20-2008, 06:11 PM
  #16  
Junior Member
 
norconex's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Ringwood, NJ, USA
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: Vtec Tuning and cold air intakes (98vtec)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 98vtec &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">based on the evidence I have seen with 4 different h22 engines, yes.</TD></TR></TABLE>

the actual point of running a COLD AIR intake isnt going to be as pronouced on a Dyno where either intake is sucking hot air from around the same general area. my guess is your intake temps were about the same on either of those runs and something else caused the differences you saw.

If you want your test to be a little more valid, you are going to need to post the graphs with logs of the actual intake temps since the point of running a cold air intake is going to be that you are getting colder air.

Old 06-20-2008, 09:07 PM
  #17  
moderator emeritus
Thread Starter
 
98vtec's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Cantonment, FL
Posts: 16,357
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Default Re: Vtec Tuning and cold air intakes (norconex)

theres got to be more to it than that.

tuning the intake resonance comes to mind.
Old 06-21-2008, 04:41 AM
  #18  
Junior Member
 
norconex's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Ringwood, NJ, USA
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: Vtec Tuning and cold air intakes (98vtec)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 98vtec &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">theres got to be more to it than that.

tuning the intake resonance comes to mind. </TD></TR></TABLE>

No doubt...but how many of these Cold Air companies do you think are actually tuning resonance frequencies
Old 06-21-2008, 08:22 AM
  #19  
moderator emeritus
Thread Starter
 
98vtec's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Cantonment, FL
Posts: 16,357
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Default Re: Vtec Tuning and cold air intakes (norconex)

maybe the h deuce got lucky
Old 09-12-2008, 08:09 PM
  #20  
Honda-Tech Member
 
ChevelleSSLS6's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Grand Rapids, MI, USA
Posts: 307
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: Vtec Tuning and cold air intakes (GhostAccord)

it doesn't seem to me a shortram or cai intake tubing would make much difference in torque characteristics, although if intake air temp is different between the two, the CAI would make more power throughout the engine operating rpm range.

After the tb (or carb in old engines) that's where I think plenum volume, and runner length become a concern, as does the intake port characteristics in the cylinder head- large ports help flow, but reduce intake velocity (torque) and vice versa... too small though will kill any power altogether of course.
Old 09-15-2008, 03:25 PM
  #21  
Junior Member
 
hondahead814's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: 845 ny
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

i agree 100 % tuning is key!!
Old 09-17-2008, 01:12 AM
  #22  
Honda-Tech Member
 
HdeucedeuceA's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Clatskanie, OR, USA
Posts: 711
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: Vtec Tuning and cold air intakes (ChevelleSSLS6)

[QUOTE=ChevelleSSLS6]it doesn't seem to me a shortram or cai intake tubing would make much difference in torque characteristics, although if intake air temp is different between the two, the CAI would make more power throughout the engine operating rpm range.QUOTE]

The temputures from a CAI and SRI are almost the same once the car is moving. The term "cold air" is just a marketing thing to sell products. The reason for the mid-range torque gain is due to the length of the intake pipe; resonance tuning.
Old 09-17-2008, 04:20 AM
  #23  
moderator emeritus
Thread Starter
 
98vtec's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Cantonment, FL
Posts: 16,357
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Default Re: Vtec Tuning and cold air intakes (HdeucedeuceA)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by HdeucedeuceA &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">[QUOTE=ChevelleSSLS6]it doesn't seem to me a shortram or cai intake tubing would make much difference in torque characteristics, although if intake air temp is different between the two, the CAI would make more power throughout the engine operating rpm range.QUOTE]

The temputures from a CAI and SRI are almost the same once the car is moving. The term "cold air" is just a marketing thing to sell products. The reason for the mid-range torque gain is due to the length of the intake pipe; resonance tuning.</TD></TR></TABLE>

i've logged 20* differences in intake temps.
Old 09-17-2008, 01:30 PM
  #24  
Honda-Tech Member
 
HdeucedeuceA's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Clatskanie, OR, USA
Posts: 711
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: Vtec Tuning and cold air intakes (98vtec)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 98vtec &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

i've logged 20* differences in intake temps.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Someone logged like a 2-4* in there civic. Of course that was a civic not a prelude. I would look for the thread but I don't even remember what forum it was on.
Old 09-19-2008, 05:16 AM
  #25  
Honda-Tech Member
 
baller status's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Western Hemisphere
Posts: 655
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: Vtec Tuning and cold air intakes (HdeucedeuceA)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ChevelleSSLS6 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

The temputures from a CAI and SRI are almost the same once the car is moving. The term "cold air" is just a marketing thing to sell products. The reason for the mid-range torque gain is due to the length of the intake pipe; resonance tuning.</TD></TR></TABLE>

It's true. Air temp is overrated when talking about one intake and another. The most important factors are intake tubing length and diameter. On some intakes (V2), AEM revised their design to make them more like short rams. Even though they're drawing in under-hood air, they make more power.

The only company I know of that is seriously pursuing resonance valve tuning is AEM more so with their V2. They actually took advantage of the primary AND secondary pulse waves to give you two peak efficiency points. In other words, more area beneath the total curve.


Quick Reply: Vtec Tuning and cold air intakes



All times are GMT -8. The time now is 11:21 AM.