Increasing milage of RDX

[gerrdxfan]

Hello folks,

I have a 2007 RDX (import from U.S.) and I love it drinving down the highways in Germany (often no speed limit :-D). But: this car sucks down the gas! For most of german cars there is a software to tune values of the electronic engine controll. Any idea about something similar for Acura? My local Honda dealer in Collogne can't perform tuning for Acura, they does not have such software.

Georg

[nsxt2000]

I don't know the answer to your question and hopefully one of our forum member techs will have suggestions.

I would assume that your RDX is a fairly rare sight on German roads. Do you know of very many in country?

Also I was wondering if there was a great deal of paperwork to import it. Many years ago I tried to import a new Mercedes from Spain and the hassel made it just not worth the effort. I finally stopped the process and wrote off the money I had in it.

Thanks for participating in the forum.
-Mike S.

[gerrdxfan]

Mike,

they are some pcs on german roads, I guess less then 100. I know of two dealers importing RDX and MDX, one in Collogne where I bought my one and one in Munich. No infos about the paper work, but it seems to contain the extent. Anyway, there are a couple of dealers importing U.S. cars in Germany, so it seems to be a rewarding business.

Georg

[scottRDX]

Hello Georg,

I'm so jealous that you get to drive your RDX with no speed limits, how fun! Three things come to mind to help increase fuel economy in your RDX.

1. Get an aftermarket intake. I bought one from a company called cp-e (Custom Performance Engineering). http://www.cp-e.com/ The fit and finish is excellent, and I've had no problems with check engine lights or bad codes or anything like this. I've seen about a 1-2 mpg increase since I installed it and it gives small power increase with reduced turbo lag. The only downside is that sometimes the noises it makes can be a little obnoxious. You hear every whoosh, whistle and sound the turbo makes. It's great for scaring small children and innocent bystanders (just kidding). Check out this thread on the install:

http://www.acuraforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1018

2. Get a reflash of your ECU from a company called Hondata http://hondata.com/
I haven't done this yet, but I've heard many good things about it from other RDX owners. They say you get a pretty decent increase in mileage plus a big power increase. They lean out the AF ratio, increase the redline to 7200 rpm in sport mode, and bump up the boost at high rpm.

3. Aftermarket turboback exhaust. There are a couple that are in development, but the results sound promising. The stock exhaust is extremely constrictive and inefficient.

I hope this helps, enjoy your RDX!

Cheers!

[nsxt2000]

I knew you were out there ScottRDX. Thanks for the input.
-Mike S.

[gerrdxfan]

Hello Scott,

thanks for your input, it brings me on the way ordering the intake from cp-e. A reflash of my ECU should cut the car guarantee (I live in Germany, such thing is important here ;-). Changing the exhaust could be another solution, could you give me a company working on this?

Georg

[scottRDX]

Hello Georg,
I'm happy to hear you ordered the cp-e intake, I think you will really like it. It makes me smile everytime a floor the pedal, lots of whooshes, whistles, and pphhssttss, lol! Another good thing about it is it comes with a reusable air filter that you simply clean with soap and water.

As far as exhaust systems go, there are a couple, but they are still in development. I believe cp-e is working on one, and another company called Acura TL Parts. I am very excited about this one. This is a small company in southern California who has done a lot of work on Acura TL. Here is the website:

http://www.acuratlparts.com/

The reflash will probably net you the most gains in performance and fuel economy. Good luck, and let us know when you finish the mods!

[nsxt2000]

My wife had her MDX serviced yesterday and the loaner was an '08 RDX. We have been given these before and they are a fun driver with pep. I noticed that for expected mileage the sticker said - City 17 mpg / Highway 22 mpg / Expected combination 19 mpg.

Frankly I think those figures must have been recorder going downhill. For the little time we had it - two days - it used more fuel than her MDX, and a LOT more than my NSX. When she dropped it off at the dealership and mentioned the fuel situation the service writter said that is the biggest complaint he gets about them.

Yes fun to drive, but at a fuel cost.
-Mike S
.
P.S. - And speaking of fuel cost, premium in the Atlanta area is down to $2.27 or so. A far cry from several weeks ago after the huricane when I paid $4.69!