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Heh... There's truth to what you say... BUT...
Modified or not... header...exhaust... or not... the car is still controlled by the ECU.
The knock sensor is going to register detonation and knock... and ECU will retard or advance the timing to prevent damage (along with the TPS / CPS / CAS signals)...
Just because you have more air available doesn't mean the ECU is going to use it.
So, now you're talking about different cam profiles, and an aftermarket ECU signal modification product... which completely remaps your fuel map. (AEM EMS, VTEC controller, etc..etc...)
That's would be MASSIVELY modified... not a small or simple set of modifications. You're only going to need to replace your stock instock due to performance issues if you are running aggressive cams, or boosting.
The HP difference between the stock, the Hondata gasket, and the AEM CAI's show the AEM and the Hondata gasket are basically the same. It's most likely that the majority of the HP to the wheels gains is due to the lowering of the intake temperature... otherwise the AEM solution would generate signifcantly better results.
So.... for 90% of the people out there... the Hondata gasket is a better technical solution unless you want a colorful CAI to show off to your friends.
Me... I always perferred to speed in my Prelude... "A day without VTEC is like a day without sunshine." A nice QUITE seemingly stock ride doesn't attract the police...and that's what a CAI and VTEC will get you.
AEM CAI: $368.75, plus you have to cut the fender area to install it.
Hondata Gasket: $60.00, bolts right on. (Though you should use anti-vibration loctite on the IM nuts though.)
Gerhard
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