Acura CSX Short/DIY Air Intake
Sat May 29 23:44:06 2010 EDT (-0400 GMT)I’ve been looking for a modification for my new-to-me car to help make it my own. I searched around the forums that deal with the Acura CSX and the Honda Civic and quickly realized that the simple “bolt-on” modifications available for the Honda Civic don’t work with the CSX as it has a slightly larger engine that was borrowed from the Acura RSX.
I started to home in on the engine’s air intake as a good place to focus my efforts. An air intake that allows more air to pass into the engine can increase the power (a little bit), this is done by decreasing the amount of effort to draw air into the engine and ensure there’s always enough. Less restricted air intakes also tend to improve the sound of the engine by allowing more induction noise to be heard.
Some Acura CSX owners had tried applying other Honda Civic-intended air intakes, but they would tend to trip the Check Engine light. The solution a lot of owners were coming to was modifying the airbox top cover to fit a generic cone-type air filter. The modifications involved trimming away most of the cover’s plastic and attaching a standard 3′ flange cone-type air filter to the now exposed tube. This not only involves a better filter but allows air to be drawn from more locations than the restrictive tube that leads to the front of the car – this could be the cause of the cars not-so-great throttle response.
Many Acura/CSX forums detail this DIY process, CSX DRIVER (login required – probably the best how-to), Acura Forum and this YouTube video of an obnoxious kid.
I ordered a new airbox cover from Acura and when it arrived I sat in the backyard with my Dremel rotary tool and my jig saw and trimmed away the majority of the cover. I retained the collar that clips to the lower part of the old air box, with the exception of about most of the collar directly across from where the filter attaches to the intake tube. This was to give the filter enough space so as not to rub the plastic collar.
After all the little plastic bits had been cleaned up and I was happy with the work I installed it on the car. The original intake cover was unclipped and old filter removed – and saved. The new intake added was slipped down with the remnants of its collar and the actual intake tube attached. The air sensor had to be removed from the original and installed on the new one, which only involved two screws and transferring one wire clip.
Once the new intake was installed I made sure to rev the engine a few times. Here’s the video, you’ll notice that the engine note is a lot raspier and louder on wide open throttle. A quick drive rewarded me with way better sound on wide open throttle (sorry if that was your country home I went by at 70Km in 2nd gear) and whats more is the improved throttle response. This is what I really appreciate, as it helps when I’m matching revs on a downshifts.
That’s my upgrade. I’d recommend it to anyone with the interest and knowhow.
October 29th, 2010 at 08:06
From its race-inspired roots and track-tuned engineering to its advanced driver technology and amenities, the new CSX is driving excitement in its most athletic form. A serious dash of style. STYLING Beyond its bold new look, the CSX is also a textbook study in aerodynamics. From its aggressive, new, front styling and sculpted lines to its fluid, one-motion profile and sleek body paneling, suddenly everything else on the road seems quite square. E X T E R I O R STYLE SIDE MIRROR INTEGRATED TURN INDICATORS Eye-catching side turn indicators are integrated into the body-coloured power heated folding side mirrors. Offering function in its sleekest form, the CSX’s side mirror integrated turn indicators increase your visibility on the testking a+ street and indicate your turning intentions to other motorists and pedestrians. 17-INCH WHEELS Reinforce your feel for the open road with 17-inch, aluminum-alloy wheels. Augmented by a small wheel gap and a short fender overhang, the wheels enhance the vehicle’s wide stance and uncompromising urban style. H A N D L I N G It looks as sharp as it handles. AVAILABLE PADDLE SHIFTERS Experience the thrill of Formula One™- inspired performance and control with the touch of your finger.