Performance Boost

[ridgeman]

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.

[shovelhd]

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?

[Whaleya]

Your analogy is reversed.

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

-W

[denvrfan]

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!

[bongus]

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!!!

[ridgeman]

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.

[GallopingBassets]

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.

[zero]

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.

[Whaleya]

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.

[shovelhd]

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.