As we've been developing products for both 2nd Gen TLX platforms, our team has received a bunch of inquires asking if/when we will have a High Volume Intake System for these vehicles. We wanted to explain our methodology regarding intake system development and explain why we will not be offering a HVI for either of these platforms.
Let's take a look at both 3.0T an 2.0T engine bays / air boxes.
Above we can see the Type-S's massive air box (featuring our Stage 1 Intake System). Simply put, this air box is HUGE, taking up every possible amount of space in the TLX engine bay. If we were to develop a new air box, it is likely that our version would actually supply a lower volume of air into the engine because of material differences; injection molded plastics (like the factory air box) typically require/utilize thinner wall specs than rotomolded air boxes offered in most aftermarket options. Also, we would face spacing constraints that would possibly leave customers with a poor fitting intake system. Acura did a fantastic job with this air box with the factory intake system, including the air ducting and front bumper cover design.
Above we can see the standard 2.0T TLX's engine bay / air box. While things may look quite a bit smaller, than big brother's intake, this intake is actually impressively large. When comparing this air box to previous similar 2.0Ts Honda offers (such as the 10th Gen Accord and FK8 Civic Type-R), it is the largest air box in the 2.0T family. We will dive further into this below. Again, Acura did a fantastic job with this air box with the factory intake system, including the air ducting and front bumper cover design.
To put things into perspective, we laid out 3 air filters for comparison. From left to right: 2017-2021 FK8 Honda Civic Type-R vs 2021+ 2.0T Acura TLX vs 2021+ Acura TLX-S 3.0T.
Honda's FK8 CT-R intake system worked quite well from the factory and is just one of the reasons this platform has been so successful. We can see that the 2.0T TLX utilizes a significantly larger air filter from the factory - about 17% larger in surface area to be exact.
The giant filter of the TLX-S is very reminiscent of the MKV Toyota Supra A90 / BMW B58 platform that worked well in the past during product development. Above is an example of our MKV Stage 1 Intake System.
2021+ Acura TLX Type-S Stage 1 Intake System PRL Motorsports (Now Available)
2021+ Acura TLX 2.0T Drop-In Panel Air Filter Upgrade PRL Motorsports (Now Available) - Complete Stage 1 Intake System and Silicone Intake Hose Upgrade (Coming Soon)
We have seen notable gains from silicone intake hose kits during previous product testing. The pleats found in factory intake hoses disrupt airflow, which limit power potential and throttle response. Our panel air filter upgrades increase filtration surface by 10-15%, which promotes a greater volume of air into the combustion chamber while still trapping particles as small as 5 microns (more information can be found on our site). For all of these reasons, we have put our focus into offering cost-effective intakes systems such as our Stage 1 Intake Systems (can be purchased as complete kit or individually as filter and silicone hose upgrade kit), and not a sales gimmick.
Comments (2)
I think its very telling that the plastic inlet pip of TLX’s 2.0 Trim will be problematic with air consistency in the long run. If I gotta guess how Acura downtuned the 2.0, it is those extruded block through the pipe. That’s alot of air flow deficiency lol
Sure, one can buy the whole pipe conversion kit with the hose/A bracket but I just hate the extra step to change the O2 sensor by buying another turbo/downpipe set that support different sensor mount point.
If only someone can make the inlet pipe in metal without changing O2 sensor position, and eliminate those blocky extrude points
I installed your stage-1 kit in my 2023 MDX type-s, and initially I received an emissions error message warning that dealer intervention was needed and to avoid excessive acceleration and speed. The error went away on its own after 3-4 restarts. Is this normal?