Performance Boost

I drove an RTL and found it to be a bit doggie even tho the salesperson kept telling me it was 255 hp. It is slower than a Tacoma and much, much slower than my New Beetle Turbo S.

Are there options out there to boost the power (chips, turbos, etc) that might make up a little difference in the performance area either for the Ridgeline or the same engine in a different model Honda?

Also, is there any suggestions as to any kind of weight reduction - wheels, tires, etc that might help on the performance and/or mileage?

I love the truck (certainly not the claimed mileage) but would like it a little quicker.

You are comparing an apple to an orange and a pear. Tacoma curb weight 4100 lbs. Ridgeline curb weight 4498 lbs. The Beetle comparison is ridiculous. How many sheets of 4x8 ply can you fit in your Beetle?

Your analogy is reversed.

The correct question "How many Beetles can you fit on a sheet of plywood? :p

-W

As a proud new owner of a Ridgeline RTL, I can attest that there is plenty of power available from this V6. Also, read up on demonstrations that Honda staged for the press prior to introduction. It's engine kept it close with a 5.4 liter V8 Ford F150 during a hauling demo. This is not a sports car. It's a light duty truck that is gutsy and refined at the same time.

I haven't tried yet but I'll bet I could squeeze a New Beetle into the trunk-in-the-bed!

Hey Ridgeman...have you driven the Ridgeline for an extended period? Well, if you have the chance, you will notice that there is plenty of power in the truck. I drove 4 adult passengers for 200 miles and it did not feel like it was lacking any power. What surprises me the most about this truck is it is soooo quiet. You're cruising on the highway and the next thing you know you're driving 80+ mph!!!

Duh about the apples and oranges and pears. Do I want a Tacoma - no. Do I want a Ridgeline with a little more poop, damned right!

You all dissed me but none of you answered my question. Obviously you haven't had your ride long enough to get over the "thrill" of your new acquistion which I might add is VERY, VERY understandable.

However, there is a thread about someone wanting a V8 for a little more power. Perhaps coming from another dog to this ride makes everyone happy and fuzzy warm but I am still wondering if there is a way to chip this engine, delete a little weight, etc., to not only up the "thrill" factor but also increase the gas mileage. I have read a lot of complaints (the Ody gets better mileage and is only 200 pounds lighter) about the gas mileage as well.

Look, I'm looking at getting one of these but it is NOT the perfect ride so if someone has any knowledge about making it better for ME then I would be interested in hearing about it. The VW Audi engine in my bug can be chipped for $600 - ups the hp by 29, torgue by about 50 and the gas mileage increases 2-3 mpg. This does not include headers, different exhaust, different air intake, etc, etc, etc, just a chip.

I do a LOT of driving, the Bug is GREAT but I need more room and love the looks of the Ridgeline. And as all of you know the interior is absolutely great. So, anyone have answers to my questions or do you just want to bring up how many sheets of plywood my beetle can or can't haul.

Oh, and did you read the part that said, yes, I have driven the Ridgeline? My feelings are still there about the power. Try automobilemag.com and they say it doesn't "charge onto the freeway" either.

Is it great? I think so, just want my questions answered if any of you have answers. Do any of you think it would be SUPER if it were a couple of seconds faster and got the same mileage or perhaps a little better. C'mon guys, you know you would.

Just returned from a 1,000 + mile trip from Kansas City, Kansas, to Jonesboro, Arkansas and found no lack of acceleration in my RTL - actually it was surprisingly 'rapid' (and embarassingly so in some situations).

Caravaning with a hot-shoe Miata was no problem. At one point we departed from 'traditional routing' and took to the back roads - twistys with sudden elevation changes (check map for 14 going east to 63 out of Ozark, MO).

At no time did the RTL 'require' slowing to the yellow 'suggested' speed limits through the curves: my daily drive is a Road Racing prepared Miata so my driving style is a 'bit' agressive (for a 'truck').

The RTL handled everything so well I actually had to slow down at times as the lead Miata was driven with 'less road racing' experience. The only 'issue' I'd comment (to Honda about) is the need sometimes to double-punch the accelerator to downshift while the RTL wanted to upshift due to momentum: needs front sensors to 'see' the next upgrade.

Result is like 'ridgeman' - I'll be looking into additional 'tuning' adjustments PLUS a 'lowering kit' - not much disconcerting swaying on the twistys (guess I was too wrapped up in the adrenaline rush of high speed off camber curves to worry about the sway factor) - but (even for everyday driving) sure would like a stiffer suspension and a slightly lower center of gravity.

I guess overall after 8 hours down (yea, fun 2 hours doing the 'Road Racing Test' going down) and 6 hours back (2 stops - the Miata holds 1/2 the fuel) I've gotton past the 'new' excitement and now into 'preference modifications'.

OH - will reveal - if you do drive a Ridgeline like a two-seater sports car - MPG Stinks - but that was a drive for fun not economy.

AND - am looking for steel braided brake lines - the large looping rubber ones sure look like anything other than soft grass when off-roading might not be a comfort providor. Plus with age, driven like a sports car, with lots of 'pre-lock' braking not sure if the 'standard usage' brake lines will last me too long.

Would love to get this thing on a true road course (avoid the worry of on coming traffic), to really put the RTL through its paces! They would not let me Autocross it at the Solo II National Tour event :(. Now THAT would have been a 'sway' test.

I think that the truck is too new for anyone to have developed performance enhancing products like computer chips, headers, etc.

Maybe in time some companies will step up to the plate and we will see some of these products become available.

Two choices when buying a car, if you buy an older model it may not have all the latest features or handle as well as a new model, but there will be tons of aftermarket parts. Or you go with a new model and are forced to weight for the aftermarket to catch up.

I think the big question wille be how many RL are made? (how large a customer base for aftermarket parts)

With a stock RL I am a bit surprised that it has as much low end torque as it does, sure it's not a big block V8 but I find it powerful. Of course I drive it like a truck.....I keep my sport driving to my sports car.

Hey Ridgeman - I wasn't dissing you in any way, just challenging your argument.

Based on my experience with a first-year Pilot, I believe that the Ridgeline will follow the same kind of incremental development path. There were several changes in the second-year Pilot that appear to be based on owner feedback:

Adjustable rear seat
Squeaky driver's seat track
Sagging leather seat cover
Heated seats
More horsepower

I would expect that the current crop of Ridgeline complaints will be addressed in the 2007 Ridgeline, although I would expect the wind noise issue to be solved at the dealer. I'm referring to more HP and the trip odometer, for example.

As a proud new owner of a Ridgeline RTL, I can attest that there is plenty of power available from this V6. Also, read up on demonstrations that Honda staged for the press prior to introduction. It's engine kept it close with a 5.4 liter V8 Ford F150 during a hauling demo. This is not a sports car. It's a light duty truck that is gutsy and refined at the same time.

I haven't tried yet but I'll bet I could squeeze a New Beetle into the trunk-in-the-bed!

The 5.4L Ford is not a strong powertrain. The numbers seem good on paper for the Ford but they just don't put it to the pavement. Even the reviews on the Ford state that with the 5.4L the truck still feels anemic.

I would not look for any performance enhancing ECUs in the near future. The Acura TSX has been manufactured for two years now and Hondata has just this month come out with a re-programmed ECU. The TSX community has been asking for this since the car was introduced.

Really appreciate the comments by gallopingbassets. Unfortunately I can only afford one ride so try to get double duty out of it. I had a 94 Toyota 4x4 pickup and found that I really could throw it into corners (within reason) and it was fun to drive, just a bit small for my frame.

Also, had a 96 T100 for 6 years and could do the same thing but like you were saying, the gas mileage sucked (but then I generally always drive 10 - 15 over on the road and generally do have a heavy foot).

I do realize this is a brand new vehicle but thought maybe because the engine is not new there might be a "relatively" inexpensive way of upping the horse power and maybe eeking out a few extra miles per gallon - I think we're going to find 16-19 is what we're going to get even driving like reasonable? people. I too think some suspension modifications might be in order (if you want to drive it like its not suppose to be driven ((S2000)).

I only drove the RTL about 10 miles on and off the freeway in Albuquerque and maybe the performance was a little deceiving (better than I thought) because several of you guys seem to think it is pretty good. I generally keep a vehicle 5-8 years and just want to be as sure as I can be before buying the Ridgeline. I am forced to get rid of the bug because of an adopted 1 year old baby girl which was NOT planned (try to get that little tyke in and out of a car seat in the back of a bug not to mention pac n play, toys, diaper bag and all her clothes for a week).

Appreciate also the comments made about how quiet it is and how easy it gets to 80 +. Could be that I am just so used to my small bug and the kick of the turbo (when it kicks in) that I just didn't "feel" the kick of the Ridgeline and it was deceiving.

Agree also that it is so new and different not too many companies are stepping up to engineer performance/suspension goodies until they see how it will sell. Since Honda only plans 50,000 units the first year, it may be a year or two before we see anything unless you want to take it to a custom shop.

Damn! It's just so good looking and I LOVE the spacy interior. I even warmed up to the front door grips by the time we got back to the dealer's lot.

Thanks for all your comments (-:

BTW, I don't recommend Garcia Honda in Albuquerque. They offered me $1,500 less than low book for my Turbo S and wanted MSRP for the Ridgeline. My 03 Turbo S is immaculate - no chips, no dents, no dings, no stains, 17,800 miles, clear bra on front and all windows professionally tinted plus over $100 for VW rubber mats all around. Retail (NADA) was $18,000. They make 3 grand on the Ridgeline and another 3 on mine (selling it even for $16,500) - gee must be good to be a car dealer (-: I'll sell it myself and then go shopping - have bought our last three cars in Denver and have to say they're serious about selling cars up there!

Correct me if I am wrong but any modificatons that are non Honda will void warranty ? So risk my Honda Care Coverage for some horse power and MPG s improvments . I would need to weigh the risk .

I do not yet have me Ridge but looking at the engine compartment it seems that there is plenty of room for a roots blower (Anyone know the compression of this engine?)... :) Does anyone know what the engine series is? I know it isn't a K-series because it isn't i-VTEC, just curious what it is because that could give you some insight into what you may be able to tweak right off the bat, until they start making things specifically for the Ridgeline. I am also willing to bet that it won't be long before there is a filter availible from K&N. Depending on how well the exhaust flows a custom exhaust could also be an option. I wonder what the Ridge would sound like with some nice big pipes coming out the back :D

Correct me if I am wrong but any modificatons that are non Honda will void warranty ? So risk my Honda Care Coverage for some horse power and MPG s improvments . I would need to weigh the risk .

Just read your post and know a non-Honda product does not necessarily void your warranty. However if the product you put on the Ridgeline is in any way connected to an issue down the road you may have issues with the warranty.

I have a short shifter on my RSX and when I took it in for notchiness in the tranny they fixed it under warrenty because it was a known problem with that model year.
They also can't argue that an intake is going to cause your truck to leak oil...
Basically the law requires that they be able to prove that that product caused the malfunction, question is do you want to try and go against their lawyers?

Very Helpful Link About Warranties:
http://www.enjoythedrive.com/content/?id=8124

I do not yet have me Ridge but looking at the engine compartment it seems that there is plenty of room for a roots blower (Anyone know the compression of this engine?)... :) Does anyone know what the engine series is? I know it isn't a K-series because it isn't i-VTEC, just curious what it is because that could give you some insight into what you may be able to tweak right off the bat, until they start making things specifically for the Ridgeline. I am also willing to bet that it won't be long before there is a filter availible from K&N. Depending on how well the exhaust flows a custom exhaust could also be an option. I wonder what the Ridge would sound like with some nice big pipes coming out the back :D

The engine ID is J35A91. It's 10-1 compression, pretty high, think I might start using mid grade 89 octane just to be sure it's not leaving carbon deposits. I'll probably throw a catback on when one come out from Borla or maybe Gibson as they are pretty inoculous. I'm not the type to monkey around too much from stock so I won't be doing headers or blowers myself.

As for K&N, I've used them for decades without thought, just being a sheep falling for their marketing. Just recently I started to research the hell out of air filters. I've seen every comment, test and opinion about them posted on the net and there's alot, spent several months digging up all the info I could find. My conclusion, I will never use K&N again. It's not that they are so terrible but you get very little gain and at that it's only when you're rpms are quite high, 4000rpm or more the increased air flow they provide make any difference and again it's not much I've found. The downside is they don't filter as good, not by much, but paper media still does a little better job, contrary to what K&N says. They are also quite expensive although they claim they'll last 50,000 miles. With that info I decided to stick with traditional paper media but then I had to research which brand is the best for that, uhg, more researching. In the end I decided Wix will be the one I'll be using. So there you have my 2 cents, food for thought.

Now we're talkin' - minor mods to a blower? Wow. I know there are a lot of folks who are just fine with a stock vehicle just as there are those who just cannot help but piddle around until they break something. I guess I fall somewhere in-between. I don't have the funds to put a blower/supercharger, turbo etc but sure would love hearing about someone who had the money and guts to do it. The Honda engine is a great engine and not being an engineer, I'll bet it is being very conservatively tuned.

I know that if I had chipped my bug one dealer flat out told me it would void the warranty while another said no big deal because it wouldn't hurt it. So... don't know about Honda. I would think it would void the warranty if someone put a blower, turbo, etc on their Ridgeline, while a K&N air intake, catback exhaust, etc. surely wouldn't.

I was really hoping there might be a chip out there which would bump the hp 20-30, torque a little and not hurt and maybe even help the gas mileage. The "kids" out there love the older Honda's to trick out, bump up and race. Where there's smoke there must be fire, no? Then again, perhaps it's time I slowed down a little and started driving a pickup? like a pickup. Ah, hell, it's not that time yet. I'd still love to see the Ridgeline with a few more hp and some trick suspension parts. I can't think of anything that would touch it.

I would like to thank this forum and everyone who participates in it. I've learned a lot and you've let me air my opinions. Thanks

I currently own a V6 TRD-Tacoma and am trading it in on a Ridgeline. I have an extended cab and with two kids need a bigger vehicle. I am still waiting for mine to come in but I did not notice any difference in power during my test drive. I test drove another Tacoma quad cab the same day too, and noticed no appreciable difference. I was carefully paying attention to this detail since I previously owned an '02 CRV which was short on power. I was actually quite impressed with the ridgeline power and it is alot quieter and softer ride than my tacoma. I love my tacoma but the Ridgeline is a much better fit for my family.

Ridgeman I have personally been into hondas for a while now upgrading them quite a while with motor swaps and bolt on parts.....however the parts for this truck are gonna come much later the only suggestions I could say is take it to a performance shop they can certainly make you an intake to suck cold air from somewhere and any exhaust shop can open up the stock exhaust with some bigger pipes its gonna sound better and its get better gas mileage with a small hp increase....as far as for now the only thing i could suggest since it is a VTEC motor for a noticeable hp increase would be to install a Vtec controller but this requires some modifications to the ecu via wiring the controller up. This would allow the VTEC to kick in much earlier and you could see wider power band. I currently don't own a ridgeline I am looking to get on in the near future so thats why i am joining the forums to see what people think about the truck and I am also interested in the performance portion of the forums especially since Comptech has reportedly said they are planning on a supercharger for the hottest truck to come out in a while. Car and Driver and most mags I have seen are saying nothing but good things about the Ridgeline and if its like any of the hondas I have owned it will last you well over 8 years like you are looking for....I currently still own a Honda accord with 220k miles on it with not major mechanical problems at all. And I have seen a few with well over 300k on them just to reassure you a HONDA is bought for life. lol. Anyway theres my 2 cents worth hope that helps a bit.

I was reading everyone's reply, i've read or heard somewhere that Honda will never build a V8 and put it in their vehicles, in exception to F1 racing/professional type vehicles. So, either honda will put out a larger displacement V6 i.e. 4.0L or 4.5L V6 engines? You just don't know. Or formulate and squeeze more juice in current engines with intake/exhaust modifications. My 2 cents.

The easiest boost in power can be achieved by filling it with premium = + 10 hp.

The easiest boost in power can be achieved by filling it with premium = + 10 hp.

And pay .20 more cents per gallon? I don't get it. My RL's acceleration seems fine with good old-fashioned regular in the tank. My typical fill-up has been app. 17 gallons. I don't need to spend another $3.40 for what is likely a marginal increase in power.

I'd like to see the dyno results to back up the premium fuel argument.

I'd also like to bet anyone that thinks that Honda will never power a truck with a V8.

Denver,
Go to the Acura web site and check the horsepower specification of the MDX. They are from the same engine family and share the structure (both have the switch valve in the intake manifold).

The MDX is rated at 265hp on premium. The Ridgeline is rating is based on regular fuel.

The easiest boost in power can be achieved by filling it with premium = + 10 hp.


This would be achieved as the electronic timing would advance itself to the optimim timing. Not only would you get a little more power but also an increase in mpg. The quandry is would the cost per mile be better with premium verses regular. I was told it was least using premium for the Ridge but not under what conditions, perhaps just highway miles, not sure the conditions make a difference.

take it to a performance shop they can certainly make you an intake to suck cold air from somewhere

Honda already built that in! :D

It is a bit serpentine, but my guess is that is to create an even airfllow to all cylinders.

I will agree with the horsepower boost on premium. I could tell in my MDX mid grade to Prem. The motor will adjust itself to eliminate spark knock too from the cheaper gas.

My guess is Honda won't produce a V8 shov, I think they will make or adapt a V6 that will eventually produce the same results or very close to it. I wouldnt doubt when they made this engine that they came up with many different configurations to produce even more horsepower out of it than 265.

JMHO of course

I noticed on Ebay yesterday that someone was offering a performance chip for the Ridgeline, I think they suggested a ten percent performance boost by adjusting fuel schedule and timing advance.

I am not interested but there may be some of you out there that may find this increases your sperm count.

:) I'll hold you to that prediction, bellteck. :)

Has anybody installed a K & N filter(if they make them yet). If so....opinions??

:) I'll hold you to that prediction, bellteck. :)

I figured you would :D That's ok, Ive been wrong before many times. We talking about for the 07 year? 08? 2025? :eek:

I believe I said within the next five years. Deal?

Loser has to fill the winner's trunk with beverage of choice and ice, right?

Done deal.

Well ..ok then. Was trying to figure out a way to put this in my budget incase I lost.. but then I had a brain storm :D

i've noticed that the new Acura RL has the same engine type? 3.5L v6, i was wondering if the same engine are used with a different output Hp/lbs torque. Can the Engine in the Acura RL be used as a template for performance output on the honda RL all models? Acura RL's engine output is about 300+ hp? Can anyone confirm this for a peformance engine template? :confused:

Denver,
Go to the Acura web site and check the horsepower specification of the MDX. They are from the same engine family and share the structure (both have the switch valve in the intake manifold).

The MDX is rated at 265hp on premium. The Ridgeline is rating is based on regular fuel.

What would you figure the hp would be with the V8 I hear Honda is designing for the RL if you were to speculate? Thanks for the fuel tip.

I'm a racecar & racebike junky to the bone!! But I'm leaving my nice quiet, solid RL just the way it is (Power Wise). It's perfectly suited for what I bought it for. If I wanna bash something offroad I'll go out in my buddy's rock-rail, or his brothers trophy truck, If I want to drag knees around corners I'll hop on my street bike. My Ridgeline is what it is.....pure perfection in a midsize truck :D .

Didn't know if anyone said this already, but AEM has released a brute force intake system for the ridgeline. This is the website http://trucks.aempower.com/. Also in my research for intakes on the ridgeline i have also looked at http://www.comptechusa.com/store/330140cl.html. I know the comptech air box is for a CL type S, but the airbox setup is very similar to the ridgeline. All you have to do is remove the ram air pipe near radiator and remove the pipe from the bottom of the intake box. Then replace your filter with K&N and you get a quite cold air intake with less chance of getting water in the intake system. I have already made a cold air intake system from using a cold air system for a 2001 acura TL type S i did have to modify it a little bit but would be glad to help anyone out. if you have questions please Email me at asiangl@sbcglobal.net for help on intakes.

Didn't know if anyone said this already, but AEM has released a brute force intake system for the ridgeline. This is the website http://trucks.aempower.com/.

Look at the dyno chart:
http://trucks.aempower.com/pdf/dyno/21-8600D_Honda_Ridgeline_V6.pdf

Its hard to beleive the stock power loss to the wheels is 70HP! I would like to see some comparitive dyno runs.

SEMA is about a month away and Honda is the featured marque so there will be tuned Ridge's there.

Comptech is working on a variety of tuning parts, including a Roots SC that should be on a truck at SEMA.

nitrous is your best bet.

cheap
safe
easy to install.

Nitrous is NOT cheap in relation to a supercharger. Granted, there is not a S/C available yet, but when it does become available, it will be a better value overall. Nitrous is about $40-50 for a 10lb bottle. That bottle will get you 4 or 5 quarter mile passes, but the problem is, you want the power all the time, so you find yourself spraying whenever you want a better kick, and before you know it, you're empty. Nitrous is for drag racing, not for everyday street-driven cars, or even trucks for that matter. If you want more power, save your money and buy a supercharger when it becomes available.

I would liked it if there was a little more HP. According to Sport truck magazine Honda is working with several perfomance companies. Everything from billet to turbo's from Greddy. There's a site that chips Honda ECU's. Not doing Ridgelines yet. Comptech is suppose to be coming out with a S/C later this year.Duh about the apples and oranges and pears. Do I want a Tacoma - no. Do I want a Ridgeline with a little more poop, damned right!

You all dissed me but none of you answered my question. Obviously you haven't had your ride long enough to get over the "thrill" of your new acquistion which I might add is VERY, VERY understandable.

However, there is a thread about someone wanting a V8 for a little more power. Perhaps coming from another dog to this ride makes everyone happy and fuzzy warm but I am still wondering if there is a way to chip this engine, delete a little weight, etc., to not only up the "thrill" factor but also increase the gas mileage. I have read a lot of complaints (the Ody gets better mileage and is only 200 pounds lighter) about the gas mileage as well.

Look, I'm looking at getting one of these but it is NOT the perfect ride so if someone has any knowledge about making it better for ME then I would be interested in hearing about it. The VW Audi engine in my bug can be chipped for $600 - ups the hp by 29, torgue by about 50 and the gas mileage increases 2-3 mpg. This does not include headers, different exhaust, different air intake, etc, etc, etc, just a chip.

I do a LOT of driving, the Bug is GREAT but I need more room and love the looks of the Ridgeline. And as all of you know the interior is absolutely great. So, anyone have answers to my questions or do you just want to bring up how many sheets of plywood my beetle can or can't haul.

Oh, and did you read the part that said, yes, I have driven the Ridgeline? My feelings are still there about the power. Try automobilemag.com and they say it doesn't "charge onto the freeway" either.

Is it great? I think so, just want my questions answered if any of you have answers. Do any of you think it would be SUPER if it were a couple of seconds faster and got the same mileage or perhaps a little better. C'mon guys, you know you would.

Best boost for my Ridgeline? I traded it in for a Fronty.Now I can go offroad without things breaking!

Best boost for my Ridgeline? I traded it in for a Fronty.Now I can go offroad without things breaking!
Who is this guy? First post claims he traded in his Ridgeline.

Sorry Ardy. I don't believe you ever owned one! I'm calling BS.

Hey guys! I use to be in the Honda drag racing scene. and if you know some things about vtec, than you should take a look into the vtec controller. This here makes vtec kick in at whatever rpm desired. So the juice is there when ever you need it. check this out! http://www.robearracing.com/pd_apexi_vtec.cfm

My Ridge definitely ain't the fastest thing on the road but I've had a few experiences with it lately that have convinced me that it's definitely got some serious torque for its size. Firstly I've taken the wife and kids down to D'land twice and, both times, it handled the Grapevine with ease on the way back. One time in particular was during CA's mid summer hot spell. The temp was from 110-115 outside and my Ridge plowed right up the Grapevine at 70mph+ w/AC blasting without the temp gauge even reaching the halfway point. Pretty awesome in my book.

Secondly, I towed a few loads of wet concrete a few weeks back, (around 4000lbs), and it hanldled it much better than my old Durango (5.9, over 8k lbs tow capacity), handled 4500-5000. It was shocking how well this little thing pulled the load.

I wouldn't hold my breath for a V-8 from Honda. Latest word is going towards performance diesel for the heavier duty applications.
Have an RTL being built 15-19 Nov time frame. Anyone have a good source for extended mirrors? Have an 8' wide trailer that requires them.

wish they had a v8 everyone knows about their high performance out put engines and crap..and how they want to be honda consistant good mpg truck bla bla watever you read we all hear it. i just wish they had a v8 to keep up with my friends haha with their titans and silverados and ****. its all good very pleased but would be ecstatic if they come out with a v8 in 2nd generation ridges

nitrous is your best bet.

cheap
safe
easy to install.

I totally agree......

I had nitrous in my Civic. I got 8 to 9 passes in the quarter mile. I guess with a V6, the amount used will be slightly higher, but who stays on the spray for long anyway? All you need is a little at the start to leave a Taco or "Fronty" standing still at the lights.

I would go with a progressive controller so it won't come on all at once (and break stuff). Nitrous Express has a drive by wire setup that looks good.

You really need to know what you are doing as far as installing it yourself. Actually, let me take that back. It's pretty easy to set up........What you really need to keep in mind is to keep yourself from overdoing it. All you need is a small amount to give you the edge. On my Civic, I found myself wanting to increase the jet sizes all the time. It is very addictive. Still, IMHO, cheaper than going with an expensive blower like the Comptech.

I bought a used Jackson Racing supercharger for the Civic after the year or so of nitrous. Power was always there with the JRSC, but nowhere near the excitement of nitrous (being pushed back in your chair kind). The JRSC cost me under 2 grand, so it made sense to go that route. I have a feeling the Comptech is going to be more like 6 grand plus. That's a lot of nitrous bottle refills.

I guess nobody will take nitrous seriously until someone actually installs a system in their RL successfully. Hmmmmm........ I'm like so tempted. I have two nitrous filling stations within 5 minutes of my house.:D

put it on the bottle buddy.

nitrous is an unwise decision for a honda v-6. there have been many many stories of the v-6 powered accords firing pistons through there hoods with 50-hp shots.

with sema starting this week many new products will be coming to light that should enhance the ridgelines performance.

Or with the possibility of being upgarded to the 3.7l from the mdx next summer maybe it's better to wait for the aditional 55hp.

if done right, nitrous is SAFE for any engine.


all the horror stories are bad installs or a bad tune.

thats just it you can tune the ridgeline currently. the rods in the v6 arent terribly strong either.

it's only money. hahahaha ;)