ProsThis year marks a new era for the Acura TSX, as a number of refinements and styling enhancements were implemented on one of America's most popular sport compact sedan. Boasting 205hp (5 more horsepower over the previous models) and 164 lb-ft of torque, the 2006 TSX 2.4-liter K24A2 received a larger throttle body, improved intake valve design, larger intake ducts for improved air flow and a more aggressive cam profile. Along with a high-flow catalytic and larger diameter exhaust piping, the TSX offers consumers a series of performance and luxury amenities all nestled into one package.
ConsWe noticed the factory ECU tuning on the 2.4-liter engine was less than impressive when spun on the dyno. The graphs showed a significant drop in horsepower at 6000rpm. Torque figures were adversely affected before the low cam to high cam transition of VTEC, as a gradual decline of more than 25 lb-ft of torque from 145 lb-ft to 120 lb-ft was recorded before the VTEC secondary lobes were finally engaged, increasing torque once again. What's the reason for the excessively high 6000rpm VTEC engagement you ask? We imagine it's nothing more than a ploy by Acura to showcase their VTEC to the average Joe. Consumers are more interested in feeling the secondary VTEC lobes kick in and pin you to the back of your seat. This jolt of power is a mental assurance among TSX owners that VTEC is readily present and can deliver horsepower with a simple romp of the pedal.
NotesWith 2500 miles on the odometer, the TSX was delivered to 2NR with only minor exterior modifications performed. A set of 18-inch Volk GT-U rims ride on TEIN Flex coilovers, while a showroom condition engine served as a perfect candidate to conduct testing for our power pages.
Dyno 2:K&N TyphoonCold Air IntakePEAKHP 183.8 / PEAKTQ 151.0
HORSEPOWER GAIN1500 to 3500 HP range: -3 to 33500 to 5500 HP range: 5 to 75500 to redline HP range: 5 to 8
TORQUE GAIN1500 to 3500 TQ range: -4 to 10 3500 to 5500 TQ range: 6 to 13 5500 to redline TQ range: 5 to 8
ProsIf it's horsepower you crave, consider an air intake for your K-series engine. The easy-to-install K&N cold-air intake system is an affordable, yet effective modification that can yield some serious ponies under your hood. Sporting a highly polished aluminum exterior, the mandrel-bent construction reduces intake restriction that's often associated with the factory air box setup. A simple installation or removal of the two piece intake pipe can easily transform the Typhoon Air Intake System into either a short ram setup or a highly effective cold air intake system. We liked the fact that K&N stands 100 percent behind their products and offers a lifetime warranty to the vehicle's original owner and sports a 50-state CARB approved certification. Does the thought of climactic weather shower your head with doubts on purchasing a cold air intake? Fear not my friend. The K&N intake comes complete with a nylon fiber designed cover called a dry charger. The dry charger is installed over the K&N filter to safeguard against water and light sprinkles but don't be a fool and attempt to submerge your car underwater. It's a car, not a submarine
ConsInstalling the intake system does require the removal of the driver-side wheel and tire, under panel pieces, and some acrobatic stunts to squeeze your hands and fingers inside the cramped engine bay area. Although it's not the fault of K&N that the TSX was redesigned in 2006 with a small front bumper duct that proved to be a complete pain in the ass to remove, the cold-air kit does require the owner to take off the duct cover to access the reservoir box and bolts that reside under the bumper.