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Pundzter

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Just purchased '09 Aero, AWD v6, 56k miles. Bit disappointed as it doesn't slam me into the seat like (dare I say it) like the RDX did on a little test run. But perhaps as so many have stated, it is simply too smooth and under-utilized an engine; I mean duel-exhaust for heavens sake! I love the interior and it handles *very* well, indeed.

Anyway, would really like to hear any suggestions for good power upgrades that will provide a hard kick in the seat!

Regards
 
#4 ·
295 lbs of torque should NOT leave you wishing you had an SUV.
do basic maint. to bring it back up to snuff, and you should be good.
Do that, and run the tank of gas in it down to empty, and then refill with 93 and reset the ECU. Should Adapt it's way back up to being really fun.
 
#5 ·
The stock later Aeros never had the "slam back in the seat" torque low in the rev range, probably an intentionally delayed power delivery as it has been since 1979. It saves wear and tear on the drivetrain components, especially the transmission.

Based on my past experience with Honda's minivan powertrains, I'd be extremely wary of giving the RDX much mustard from a standing start. :)
 
#6 ·
Even at 280 horses which is what the later Aero XWD cars were the Haldex is heavy enough to take away some of the wow factor If you are east coast I would suggest reviewing the options offered by MikeD and Vtuner. The basic flash tunes are very inexpensive and you won't be smoking your tires but the power increase is noticeable and smooth across the power band. Generally a basic tune will give you about 320 horsepower and for only a few hundred dollars it's a bargain. If you spend more for a larger turbo and injectors you can approach the 400 mark.
 
#7 ·
everyon so far has hit it on the head,
1. basic maintenance
2. empty fuel tank filled with 93
3. reset ECU

also my 2.0T 2008 9-3 really pushes you into the seat once its going now that it has a light tune. absolutely contact mikeD once you have done basic maintenance and he can hook you up with a nice tune for your needs.

keep in mind that slamming you into your seat from a dig wears heavily on the drivetrain and really isnt a good thing unless you have lots of money to spend replacing/repairing things. No cars are really "designed" for that on a regular basis.
 
Discussion starter · #8 ·
Thanks for all suggestions. The car is properly serviced, but I don't understand what 'reset' the ecu means. That is to say, what has changed to need a reset? I am almost ready to pull the trigger on the Vtune from Brian in VT.
Regards

PS any suggestions for 314mm rotors up front?
 
#9 ·
I've been VTuned for 3 years now and it's worth the money especially since the price has been reduced.

Doesn't look like mike d does the Bosch tuning on the V6s.

I used R1Concept premium rotors all around on mine and I've been pleased.
 
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#10 ·
As said, Do the basic maintenance.


These v6 cars are really susceptible to misfires, and poor performance with old plugs. We had a Turbo X at the dyno day last fall put down only 160whp... it was still on the original spark plugs.

Get the better plugs, Denso IKH22 gapped at 0.8 (DENSO Part # 5345). Then get a tune. Talk with your tuner about misfiring coils, with the software they can detect which coils might be misfiring so you can replace only the bad ones instead of spending $$$ and doing them all.

You can also get the open air intake from GS but I think that's going to be more for the sound than anything.
 
#11 ·
Pundtzer, exactly! It's not like the old days where if you wanted more power you put on a 4bbl carb, headers, cam and a super or turbocharger.

The power for the most part is "in there" but the computer limits the power of the turbo boost and shift points and such". Take the basic Aero engine or the 2006 to 2008 era and it was 255 horses. In late 2008 that changed to 280 with the AWD package Aero. If you put the same tune on either the 255 or 280, you end up with 320 horsepower.

If you want to go higher then you start adding hardware like exhaust or larger turbo and bigger injectors.
 
#13 ·
To the best of my knowledge, you or I can't just reset an ECU. Someone like Brian of Vtuner can do it in about 15 minutes by loading his program. You can save a few bucks and have him just do it or buy a hand held that is "married" to the VIN, so you can go back and forth for say emissions or such.
 
#14 ·
Resetting the ecu is as simple as unplugging the positive side of the battery. Alternatively, there likely is a fuse fir the ecu that could be pulled, but disconnecting the battery for 2-3 minutes is pretty easy.
 
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