How much horsepower...?

[GrayCar]

So after reading these forums for a while now, I have a question...

My stock '90 EX puts out about 130hp (or I still hope it does), how much total horsepower can I look forward to after some of the standard engine upgrades?

Mainly a CAI and a cat-back system.

It seems the stock EX headers are about as good as it comes.

TIA

[Jarrett]

Well, the amount of horsepower a motor has is relative to the mileage that's on it. But to answer your question, only expect about 5whp from something like that. That number can be higher with better parts or lower with crappier parts.

[Jarrett]

Well, the amount of horsepower a motor has is relative to the mileage that's on it. But to answer your question, only expect about 5whp from something like that. That number can be higher with better parts or lower with crappier parts.

[GrayCar]

Ok, I've seen some places advertise and some reviews say that a CAI system alone adds 5-10% to your output.

And the cat-back boys will also say the same.

If the realistic gain is only 5whp for upwards of $400 worth of parts, why do tuners do it?

[punkrockimport]

to squeeze that extra little bit out. plus, if you are going with an exhaust, go with custom piping. most cat-backs are nice and shiny, but how much of the actual exhaust piping are people gonna see? so i would rexomend saving money and get bigger piping ran back, instead of an expensive cat-back. and yea, the power gain is just a little better if you hgave mandrel bends which i think all cat-backs do, but really, i wouldn't pay the difference.

to answer your question, power is expensive. if you are seriously wanting a fast car, you will be paying money. if you aren't worried about gaining power, save your money.

[GrayCar]

It seems like the only really effective way to juice this puppy up is to do the H22 swap or a turbo.

Otherwise you're mainly getting looks and sound.

[ZigenBallZ]

Re: How much horsepower...?

Originally posted by GrayCar
It seems the stock EX headers are about as good as it comes.

The myth that just won't die...

[GrayCar]

What's the myth that just won't die?

[ZigenBallZ]

Originally posted by GrayCar
What's the myth that just won't die?

edited my post...


does it make more sense now?

[GrayCar]

Ok, now i see it.

So then, are you saying that an entire I/H/E upgrade would be worth the time and money in regards to a horsepower increase?

[ZigenBallZ]

Originally posted by GrayCar
Ok, now i see it.

So then, are you saying that an entire I/H/E upgrade would be worth the time and money in regards to a horsepower increase?

It depends on how far you go...


at some point even the almighty OE 4-2-1 exhaust manifold will become a bottleneck... exactly when is debateable...

HP gains are proportional...and that's not just me trying to sound all smart... the more you increase peak HP levels.. the more you would gain from each mod... it's not linear of course but still...

but my opinion would be that with just mild bolt ons such as I/E running stock compression on the stock cam(and yes that includes even the supposedly better A6 cam), the OE 4-2-1 is merely OK or acceptable... unbelieveably better than the LX 4-1 manifold but I'd think mod for mod an aftermarket 4-2-1 would probably outflow the stock piece...and be slightly faster...

It might be splitting hairs and a minor increase in power but the people that argue that side are cheap hippocrits IMO... why put on an intake that's only going to gain 3-5 hp and an exhaust that'll gain you 3-5... it's all fractions of power due to the stock parts being bottlenecks... it all adds up at some point... minimal gains are still gains... the HP to dollar ratio of hondas is extremely bad in comparison to some other engines so I'll never understand the arguement I guess...

and to reiterate the point... mild setups probably wouldn't see much of a gain...maybe 2-4 peak... but past a certain point it will hold you back...

maybe try and locate an H23 upper manifold... the lower doesn't fit but the upper would be a larger diameter and would give a stepped effect that would maximize low end tq and still be big enough to flow at higher F22 rpms...just a suggestion that would seem to be the best compromise between cost and power...

Those are just my opinions and I bet I'll catch a ton of shit for saying it in public, esp here... but it seems to me that people are doing more and more A6 conversions as of late and thinking that it's so much better than anything aftermarket.... the only area I'll concede to that point on is the dual runner manifold... everything else can be outdone by other means...

the ECU, the Cam, and the 4-2-1 exhaust manifold...

[Sho Nuff]

Originally posted by ZigenBallZ
the HP to dollar ratio of hondas is extremely bad in comparison to some other engines

Oh my lord is this so true, i have friends with vw getting 50 horses with a damn chip .

But technically after every mod you do you are suppose to tune the engine to adjust to the changes. Resting the ecu helps a bit but you need better control to fine tune it. Also peak horsepower isnt the only important part to look at. The curve is just as if not more mportant than the peak. Different intakes and exhaust make different curves and benefit at different rpms.

[Fearit22]

I don't know where the thread is on here, but there was a link in it to an Accord with i/h/e upgrades and a dyno run after each one. I think after i/h/e it ended up gaining close to 15 peak whp. That is nothing to frown on. It's a pretty big difference.

[Nycxeracer]

Personal experience w/F22a6: First mods I did were I/E, I didn't find that an aftermarket header would be worth it, considering I already had an EX header anyway (the gains would be mininmal). I never did a dyno, but I did feel output towards the mid-high range. Only proof I had was running against another stock EX 93 Accord (a friends). I pulled on him towards 45mph. After this I did the hi-flo cat, and followed it up with the unorthodox racing pulleys, and lastly my recent additition a 260 regrind from Delta. After the pulleys I felt some real gains, no joke, they're definitely worth the money. Than the regrind just made me feel like my car was really worth it again. I haven't been to the track, but I G-teched a 15.89 @87mph. BTW i removed, all trunk accesories, including the matting. I will dyno/run @ e-town this summer. I really hope the G-tech was accurate, because that isn't a bad time considering I am an auto w/F22a6. Anyway, Good Luck to you. I actually have an Auto H22a sitting in my cousins garage that I'm still debating installing (if I can find a manual tranny I might) I'm also debating getting the new V6 accord 6 speed, which would surpass an H22a stock vs. stock. Anyway, the choice is yours. peaCe.

[shanman]

every little bit helps- h22 helps alot