2008 Engine VCM features in Odyssey that may benefit Ridgeline

[rhody]

I heard on a local TV add that Honda introduced cutting of fuel to cylinders (called VCM technology) on the new 2008 Odyssey, and after some searching found this technical description:

"The Odyssey EX-L and Touring models feature a 3.5-liter, all-aluminum, SOHC i-VTEC® V-6 engine with VCM for enhanced fuel efficiency. This engine produces 241 horsepower at 5700 rpm and 242 lb-ft. of torque at 4900 rpm.

For 2008, a new generation of VCM provides the additional capability to selectively deactivate either two or three of the engine's six cylinders during cruising and deceleration (instead of three, exclusively). Similar to the new VCM system available on the 2008 Accord, the Odyssey's new VCM engine expands the cylinder deactivation operating range, which helps to increase fuel efficiency in a wider variety of driving conditions and speeds. An "ECO" indicator light illuminates on the instrument panel when the vehicle is operating at an optimal level of fuel efficiency. The Odyssey EX-L and Touring models achieve an EPA-rated city/highway fuel economy of 17/25 mpg."

Link: Temple of VTEC Rumors and News - 2008 Honda Odyssey Showcases a Freshened Style with New Premium Features

My next question is, is this technology available to existing 2007 Ridgeline's engine systems ? and if so, what improvements over stock engine/mpg can be achieved ?

I currently get about 18-19 mpg on the highway with 11 K miles on my 2008.

Obviously, a cost/benefit analysis would determine whether to spend the money (if a kit were available) for such an improvement. If the cost couldn't be reclaimed in a year or two of additional fuel cost expense, it would not be worth it.

Thanks in advance....

[25 Year Honda Owner]

Originally Posted by rhody

I heard on a local TV add that Honda introduced cutting of fuel to cylinders (called VCM technology) on the new 2008 Odyssey, and after some searching found this technical description:

My next question is, is this technology available to existing 2007 Ridgeline's engine systems ? and if so, what improvements over stock engine/mpg can be achieved ?

Thanks in advance....

No, not currently availble on the RL. Also I think the Oddy introduced the VCM in 2005!!

[zero]

That is correct. The refresh in for the 2005 model year featured the VCM. I know this because I have a 2005 Ody with this feature. I think I have heard that an updated version is going to be introduced in the next model year Ody.

I have no idea if this feature will make it into the Ridgeline's engine bay or not.

[ChrisM]

Originally Posted by zero

That is correct. The refresh in for the 2005 model year featured the VCM. I know this because I have a 2005 Ody with this feature. I think I have heard that an updated version is going to be introduced in the next model year Ody.

I have no idea if this feature will make it into the Ridgeline's engine bay or not.

I would say that it won't. There main reason is aerodynamics. The Ridgeline is about as aerodynamic as a brick. The RL would immediately slow down and be super underpowered while running on 3 cylinders. I speculate that it may be able to run on 4. I would be very curious as to what the cD of the RL is but I would suspect it is not very low. The Oddy on the other hand has a very respectable cD of about .25 - .30 depending on what model year you are looking at. I would guess that the RL's cD is in the range of .35 to .40 which is the difference between a Toyota MR2 and a Dodge Durango.

If Honda would remap the fuel curves for increased torque while on 4 cylinders it may work but I seriously doubt it. The tradeoff may be 2-3 mpg while on pancake smooth terra firma. Cylinder deactivaion would never kick in if you throw a hill into the equation.

[Tcape]

I was very disappointed to see the cylinder deactivation wasn't available on the '08 RL. Especially when I saw the new Accords have it. But what ChrisM says makes perfect sense. Just might not work on the RL. Hmmm...wonder if I should just pull two or three plug wires??
Tom

[SilverRidge08]

They offered this feature on the front wheel drive Pilot also. A friend of mine is a tech at Honda and said that this option would not work on Honda vehicles with 4 wheel drive due to the load on the drivetrain while driving. He said our Ridgelines require too much power from the motor for this system to work. Just what I heard, so take it for what it is!

[25 Year Honda Owner]

Originally Posted by SilverRidge08

They offered this feature on the front wheel drive Pilot also. A friend of mine is a tech at Honda and said that this option would not work on Honda vehicles with 4 wheel drive due to the load on the drivetrain while driving. He said our Ridgelines require too much power from the motor for this system to work. Just what I heard, so take it for what it is!

Sounds like a winner to me!!! Like Chris said, like pushing a "brick"!!

[jimmychoi]

ChrisM...do you think the possible introduction of the 3.7 L(detuned of course) into the RL would allow VCM to be a possibility???

Originally Posted by ChrisM

I would say that it won't. There main reason is aerodynamics. The Ridgeline is about as aerodynamic as a brick. The RL would immediately slow down and be super underpowered while running on 3 cylinders. I speculate that it may be able to run on 4. I would be very curious as to what the cD of the RL is but I would suspect it is not very low. The Oddy on the other hand has a very respectable cD of about .25 - .30 depending on what model year you are looking at. I would guess that the RL's cD is in the range of .35 to .40 which is the difference between a Toyota MR2 and a Dodge Durango.

If Honda would remap the fuel curves for increased torque while on 4 cylinders it may work but I seriously doubt it. The tradeoff may be 2-3 mpg while on pancake smooth terra firma. Cylinder deactivaion would never kick in if you throw a hill into the equation.

[shovelhd]

I do, FWIW