RRM Short Ram Intake and Piggyback ECU Installed

[AFREaKA.Man]

Hey guys, I just realized that although I posted this in the DYI section, it probably would've been posted here. So, here's some of my post regarding my impression of the SRI and Piggyback ECU:

I managed to install the Road Race Short Ram Intake and the Road Race Piggyback ECU on Sunday. First I removed the stock air induction system and the drop-in K&N air filter, then I installed installed the SRI. Before going any further, I decided to give it a test drive for comparison's sake.

Thoughts? Well, the best way to compare the SRI to the drop-in K&N filter is to like this... basically, whereas the drop-in K&N filter provided some slight improvement to the stock air filter in regards to responsiveness, the SRI provides a slight improvement to the drop-in K&N filter in regards to responsiveness, with the added bonus of a lower growl (engine note) from the engine. Next, I installed the Piggyback ECU and have been driving for two days now with it.

Thoughts? Well, first off, it's a noticeable improvement with the lag that everyone with the CVT is experiencing. Also, it seems like I can now spin my wheels if I'm pulling out from a stop and making an immediate right or left turn. Additionally, it seems like the car does a better job pulling from 6th gear at lower RPMs. So basically, with both items installed, it's noticeably more responsive with an arguably better engine note. However, thus far I'm not seeing an improvement in average MPG.

Verdict: Is it worth the money?

Well, that's a relative question... here's my answer:
Yes.

And simply put, here's why:
Ya see, I wasn't fooled into thinking that I was buying a fast car. And let's all be honest, the Kizashi isn't fast. However, it's a great handlng car that provides a fun drive for the daily driver. What once was a boring drive to the grocery store now becomes an enjoyable race to the super market finish line! These additions (SRI and Piggyback ECU) add to the fun factor, and really, isn't that one of the main reasons we bought this exclusive car? If we wanted the norm, we'd have gotten an Accord, but we didn't, 'cause WE aren't the norm. Bottom line is this car could really use a turbo, but the Road Race parts I installed has definitely helped the Kizashi's cause, and in my opinion, they were worth the cost. Think about how much a dealer would charge for parts if they were available there--I find this the best way o keep things in perspective.

Next I plan on applying my bumper blackout strip. After that, I'd still like to try the light-weight pulley. It just seem to me that the lighter weight will provide less resistence, save some HP normally lost to power the stock pulley, and maybe even allow the engine to work less hard at normal cruising speeds--just a hope on my part... maybe someone in the know can chime in on that and tell me if that's possible.

ROCK, I'd love to get your thoughts on this as well as what benefits I could expect from having a Catback exhaust installed.

Thanks for reading,

AFREaKA.Man

[ROCK]

A pulley and catback will finish things off nicely. CVT cannot be turbo ever so this is the right way to go and the fact that you can spin tire now like that means something. With pulley etc.. expect that to be even better. Car is gonna get even quicker over the first 100 miles too!!!

ROAD/RACE

[AFREaKA.Man]

Thanks for chiming in, Rock.

Yeah, I was afraid that would be the case of the CVT's ability to safely use a turbo. Oh well, at least I can honestly say that I'm pleased with my current upgrades and look forward to adding on to it with hopefully the lightweight power pulley and the catback exhaust. Can you tell me approximately what HP and torque range I'd be in if I added those two upgrades to what I already have?

AFREaKA.Man

[kegard]

Would a pulley have any benefit with the CVT?

I'm from the Subaru world and had a WRX that I modified. Putting the lightweight crank pulley did help mine with the MT. But from everything I read, putting a lightweight crank pulley on a car with an auto trans either has no effect or causes problems, due to the programming of the auto trans being unable to compensate for the lower rotational mass.

I know that Subies could/would through a CEL if you did so.

[Moto]

I hadn't heard that, but it sounds logical.

[ROCK]

We have had no issues with the pulley and it does make a noticable difference even though there are arguments for it. Wait till Car and Driver posts their review of the long term loaner with all these items on it. Aaron Robinso is a very honest writer and will tell it like it is. HE verbally told me he was quite impressed with these add ons and that it tranformed the car. Listen to people with the products, not so much the theory guys. I practice that myself, and find it to be more accurate than the guys hypothizing!

ROAD/RACE