| zoro |
| Are there any for a 2003 Pilot? |
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| N_Jay |
quote:
Originally posted by zoro
Are there any for a 2003 Pilot?
What type of improvement do you want?
What do you want to spend?
Most "performance" mods, aren't! |
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| iivtecracerii |
get the comptech supercharger for the ridgeline when it comes out, and make it fit on your pilot. :2:
blehh...brain fart. just remembered after i clicked "submit" that comptech is out of business. :( |
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| tangotango99 |
quote:
Originally posted by iivtecracerii
get the comptech supercharger for the ridgeline when it comes out, and make it fit on your pilot. :2:
blehh...brain fart. just remembered after i clicked "submit" that comptech is out of business. :(
I believe the is a member with The Turbonator installed,do a search and ask the member about the stratospheric power increase:D |
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| rocky |
If you install smaller overall diameter tires, you get that closer to the ground sports car feel.
But wait theres more!!
At no extra charge after installing smaller overall diameter tires, your acceleration will improve because you've lowered the gearing.
You can also get more HP by buying an 05. |
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| Ferdball |
| What they're trying to say is that you got the wrong car. However, there is this video of a guy with NOS in his Pilot. |
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| zoro |
I know the Pilot is really a minivan with dull looks and atrocious handling but since there is a section for Performance I thought I would ask the question.
Based on other responses I've read on here I wasn't surprised by the chuckleheads and their responses.
Next time I will wait until I have a question about side steps, cargo covers or wheel locks. |
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| N_Jay |
quote:
Originally posted by zoro
I know the Pilot is really a minivan with dull looks and atrocious handling but since there is a section for Performance I thought I would ask the question.
Based on other responses I've read on here I wasn't surprised by the chuckleheads and their responses.
Next time I will wait until I have a question about side steps, cargo covers or wheel locks.
I guess you missed my post. ;) |
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| rocky |
quote:
Originally posted by N_Jay
I guess you missed my post. ;)
and the search button, but then he was asking about a Pilot, not this forums features..... |
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| tfrain |
quote:
Originally posted by zoro
I know the Pilot is really a minivan with dull looks and atrocious handling but since there is a section for Performance I thought I would ask the question.
Based on other responses I've read on here I wasn't surprised by the chuckleheads and their responses.
Next time I will wait until I have a question about side steps, cargo covers or wheel locks.
Most people use the pilot to haul their kids or stuff around. It is an SUV (as I'm sure you know) - Yes it is built off a minivan platform and provides some of same utility without actually being a van. It isn't a performance vehicle and there aren't many if any performance mods for it because there isn't a market for it. If you want to do performance mods on an SUV you would need something with a Chevy V8 in it. There just aren't enough "ricers" out there who want to spend the money on a Pilot that can't handle the corners.
And I would appreciate it if you didn't refer to folks on here as "chuckleheads" - this is one of the most helpful forums out there without a lot of egos or arguments - we're good peeps!! |
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| andrewfather |
According to Consumer Reports, both the Odyssey and the Pilot are rated at 0-60 in 8.2 seconds....So in that sense, a Pilot is a suped-up minivan. It's like the Odyssey in acceleration, but also has AWD, spoilers, and a projector headlamp...I think the chicks really dig it! LOL
That having been said, I'll take the Pilot anytime! I think the performance of the car is good for a vehicle of its size. I also think it's a greatlooking car, and the only thing I would ask of it is better mileage! |
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| tfrain |
quote:
Originally posted by andrewfather
According to Consumer Reports, both the Odyssey and the Pilot are rated at 0-60 in 8.2 seconds....So in that sense, a Pilot is a suped-up minivan. It's like the Odyssey in acceleration, but also has AWD, spoilers, and a projector headlamp...I think the chicks really dig it! LOL
That having been said, I'll take the Pilot anytime! I think the performance of the car is good for a vehicle of its size. I also think it's a greatlooking car, and the only thing I would ask of it is better mileage!
I agree -(except the chicks dig it part - well unless I count my wife as a chick - I guess you can do that). |
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| tangotango99 |
quote:
Originally posted by zoro
I know the Pilot is really a minivan with dull looks and atrocious handling but since there is a section for Performance I thought I would ask the question.
Based on other responses I've read on here I wasn't surprised by the chuckleheads and their responses.
Next time I will wait until I have a question about side steps, cargo covers or wheel locks.
Please do not take the chuckleheads personally we do sometimes rear our "ugly head" all in fun but great information is forthcoming in this forum. |
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| switch |
Forget engine modifications. They can be done, and have a small effect, but the cost is exponential to the power increase.
However, a "performance" mod that would be useful is one that deals with the suspension. The Pilot "wallows". You can easily feel this by driving at speed (at least 30mph) and turn right/left quickly; the body rotates on the horizontal plane a fair bit. Part of this is probably due to the large profile tires - has anyone noticed an improvement with lower profile tires? Part of it may not be the tires, and if so, does anyone know of a suspension modification to eliminate some of the wallowing? |
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| tfrain |
quote:
Originally posted by switch
Forget engine modifications. They can be done, and have a small effect, but the cost is exponential to the power increase.
However, a "performance" mod that would be useful is one that deals with the suspension. The Pilot "wallows". You can easily feel this by driving at speed (at least 30mph) and turn right/left quickly; the body rotates on the horizontal plane a fair bit. Part of this is probably due to the large profile tires - has anyone noticed an improvement with lower profile tires? Part of it may not be the tires, and if so, does anyone know of a suspension modification to eliminate some of the wallowing?
You know, I noticed that during a lane change the other day when some "chucklehead" started to get over right on top of me. Felt a little squirrelly for a second.
I would think those with 17" rims and lower profile tires would notice an improvement in this. |
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| switch |
quote:
Originally posted by tfrain
You know, I noticed that during a lane change the other day when some "chucklehead" started to get over right on top of me. Felt a little squirrelly for a second.
I would think those with 17" rims and lower profile tires would notice an improvement in this.
I like the term chucklehead. I envision on of those bobble head dolls with a strange head. Do you know if I could buy one for the rear window?
Less squirmy tires would be nice, but the trade-off is always increased body roll and a harsher ride. Since the bump absorption is already not the best, I don't want to give that up. |
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| tfrain |
me neither.
Pilots suck! |
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| Jacques |
quote:
Originally posted by tfrain
Most people use the pilot to haul their kids or stuff around.
Ditto. My Prelude is my "ricer" car for weekends and when I race/track it (legally of course :)).
quote:
Originally posted by switch
Part of it may not be the tires, and if so, does anyone know of a suspension modification to eliminate some of the wallowing?
You could go for higher spring rates and complement it with some decent aftermarket shocks/struts. The catch though is that the ride will certainly become harsher.
Edit: A quick browsing around finds me KYB GR-2 shocks that should have better dampening than the OEM's. For those not on the know, KYB is popular in the tuner crowd, especially imports. What else...Edelbrock Street Rod shocks (surprised they made them for Pilots), DJM lowering shocks Rancho series of shocks, Trailmaster, and Skyjacker. I couldn't find any spring choices, but I'm probably not looking hard enough. |
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| N_Jay |
quote:
Originally posted by tfrain
me neither.
Pilots suck!
'
Sell it! |
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| tfrain |
quote:
Originally posted by N_Jay
'
Sell it!
Ha ha! - No way man!
Pilots Rule! |
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| tfrain |
I wonder if there are any progressive dampening shocks available - you know the kind that progressively become firmer the farther the travel on the shock. I think Rancho makes some like that but don't know if for the pilot or not.
Also, it would prob. be possible to install air shocks that you can control yourself. |
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| sjlee |
Just to clear something up...
The Pilot does indeed share a platform with the Odyssey and MDX, but it is NOT a minivan platform... all three are built off Honda's global light truck platform.
Also, remember that the Pilot was actually designed for some light off-road use. By stiffening up the suspension and going with lower profile tires, you will lose some of that ability. Of course, I also do realize that most people will never take the Pilot anywhere more "strenuous" than the mall. |
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| TheEaglePilot |
quote:
Originally posted by sjlee
I also do realize that most people will never take the Pilot anywhere more "strenuous" than the mall.
Hey, you should see how people drive in mall parking lots around here...
...or is it just me?
Chris |
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| tfrain |
I bought the 4wd Pilot because I didn't want the VCM, wanted the additional safety of the 4wd, and will be doing some towing.
That being said, even though the Pilot was designed for some light offroading, it would have to be some VERY LIGHT offroading. The ground clearance is OK, but the width of the vehicle and wheelbase makes it have poor approach/departure angles.
I personally don't think I would take the truck on anything much more than I would take my civic on. I know others do, however. |
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| switch |
I've used progressively wound springs on a car, such as the Eibach Prokit. They definitely improve diving/squatting, and don't effect very small bump absorbtion, but if you hit a small pothole it will be harsher.
I've not heard of progressive shocks, unless a progressive shock is a coilover. In that case, the result would be the similar.
I'm going to buy a dozen cans of rubberized asphalt and coat the underbody very well. I've also ordered internal padding. A bump is only annoying if it rattles things, reverberates, or is tansmitted to the driver. If it is muffled, that's fine.
It snowed on top of the mountain a couple days ago, so I took the new Pilot up for a first run in the snow. There's a huge parking lot that was void of vehicles, so I had plenty of room to play. I was really impressed with start traction. Little slippage and good accleration. One thing I found strange was the VSA. I've not driven a system like this before, and it was an unusual feeling. The system worked fairly well, but the throttle/brake disabling is what gave a strange feeling. |
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| JimB823 |
| I'm not sure what you mean by wallows, but if it means the rear end feels like its trying to catch up with the front end when changing lanes, yeah, I've noticed that. To me it always feels like you have a low tire somewhere |
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| tangotango99 |
quote:
Originally posted by JimB823
I'm not sure what you mean by wallows, but if it means the rear end feels like its trying to catch up with the front end when changing lanes, yeah, I've noticed that. To me it always feels like you have a low tire somewhere
agreed! |
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| zoro |
The handling could be improved, if you clipped the springs 1.5 in. that would lower the center of gravity and firm up the springs which are too soft. Then 17 or 18 inch wheels, at least 7 inches wide with corresponding 60 or 50 series tires, along with bigger sway bars would help a lot.
But the basic problem is front wheel drive torque steer which gets worse the heavier and more power that the front needs to handle IMHO. |
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| TheEaglePilot |
quote:
Originally posted by zoro
The handling could be improved, if you clipped the springs 1.5 in. that would lower the center of gravity and firm up the springs which are too soft. Then 17 or 18 inch wheels, at least 7 inches wide with corresponding 60 or 50 series tires, along with bigger sway bars would help a lot.
But the basic problem is front wheel drive torque steer which gets worse the heavier and more power that the front needs to handle IMHO.
All true. Still, I'm not sure I would want to ride in a dropped Pilot with 18-inch wheels, unless I only drove on newly paved roads...
Chris |
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| Jacques |
quote:
Originally posted by zoro
The handling could be improved, if you clipped the springs 1.5 in. that would lower the center of gravity and firm up the springs which are too soft.
I wouldn't recommend cutting the springs. You run the risk of adversely affecting the spring rates as the rate is determined by the diameter and height of the springs. It won't help the stock shocks/struts any either because now since they're more compressed it gives it a good chance to blow. I don't recommend going this route with cars, and especially with a 4400lb+ SUV where the chances of blowing the shocks are even greater. Take it from someone that races cars for close to a decade...never, ever make shortcuts with suspension modifications. |
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| sjlee |
quote:
Originally posted by zoro
But the basic problem is front wheel drive torque steer which gets worse the heavier and more power that the front needs to handle IMHO.
That's only true on the FWD Pilots. If you've got the AWD model, you won't notice any torque steer at all.
Come on people, this is a heavy SUV... you can only improve the handling so much. |
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| jimmyhauser |
quote:
Originally posted by sjlee
Come on people, this is a heavy SUV... you can only improve the handling so much.
Tell that to the FX45...
But I agree, the Pilot is not a 'Bahn Burner. It is a minivan in SUV clothing. And it is very very good at it. |
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| BlueRiverPilot |
quote:
Originally posted by switch
Forget engine modifications. They can be done, and have a small effect, but the cost is exponential to the power increase.
However, a "performance" mod that would be useful is one that deals with the suspension. The Pilot "wallows". You can easily feel this by driving at speed (at least 30mph) and turn right/left quickly; the body rotates on the horizontal plane a fair bit. Part of this is probably due to the large profile tires - has anyone noticed an improvement with lower profile tires? Part of it may not be the tires, and if so, does anyone know of a suspension modification to eliminate some of the wallowing?
Take a look at this thread...It has helped my Pilot...
http://www.hondapilot.org/forums/sh...&threadid=14481 |
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| sski |
I have a 2003 Pilot (240hp). A little more "get up go" on the highway would be nice. My daily driver is an Altima (155hp) which is no power house by any means, but its also a fraction of the weight. I usually only drive the Pilot on the weekends heading to the cottage and I always have to remind myself I can't just jump into those spots in traffic the way I can with the Altima. I get on the pedal then figure out "Hmm, I'm not going out run this tractor-trailer. Better back off and wait for a bigger spot"
Back to your original question. I found handling improved when I replaced the original Goodyear Intergrity tires. The Integrities are ride biased so the handling is squishy. I removed the Integrity's early on and replaced them with Cross-Terrians...much better handling. I ran those for a couple years. They were done last fall and I decided to put dedicated snows on. Well, come spring I needed summer tires, but I just bought the snows and didn't want to spend $$ on more tires. Pulled the "practically new" Integities out of storage and put them on. They are OK as a summer tire but the handling difference again is very obvious. Once the Integrities have run their course I think I will be putting on a set of Pirelli Scorpion STR's as my three season tire. |
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| N_Jay |
quote:
Originally posted by sski
I have a 2003 Pilot (240hp). A little more "get up go" on the highway would be nice. . . . .I can't just jump into those spots in traffic . . . .
Are you sure you are stepping all the way down on the gas?
I have an '03 and never have trouble getting into traffic where and when I want to. (and I am not shy about it). |
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| BlueRiverPilot |
quote:
Originally posted by sski
Once the Integrities have run their course I think I will be putting on a set of Pirelli Scorpion STR's as my three season tire.
I had the Scorpion STR's on my previous 2002 Toyota Highlander after running through my Integrity's as well as a set of Geolanders. The STR's were the best of the bunch, but I have heard MANY MANY good things about the Goodyear Fortera Triple Treads on this website as well as the Goodyear Fortera Silent Armors. Both of these tires are ranked better than the STR's on Consumer Reports and I plan to put the Silent Armors on after the Pilots Integrity's run out. The Silent Armors are also supposed to be the quietest on the road while only giving up a slight amount of performance on the Triple Treads. They also cost a few bucks less. |
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| BlueRiverPilot |
quote:
Originally posted by sski
I have a 2003 Pilot (240hp). A little more "get up go" on the highway would be nice. I get on the pedal then figure out "Hmm, I'm not going out run this tractor-trailer. Better back off and wait for a bigger spot"
Also, I know my 07 Pilot smokes my previous 02 Highlander. Although I always want to have more power (since I use to drive a 99 Volvo S80 T6 (twin turbo)); I would love to have more torque/HP, but we are driving large SUV's and not sports sedans. |
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| sjlee |
quote:
Originally posted by sski
I have a 2003 Pilot (240hp). A little more "get up go" on the highway would be nice. My daily driver is an Altima (155hp) which is no power house by any means, but its also a fraction of the weight. I usually only drive the Pilot on the weekends heading to the cottage and I always have to remind myself I can't just jump into those spots in traffic the way I can with the Altima. I get on the pedal then figure out "Hmm, I'm not going out run this tractor-trailer. Better back off and wait for a bigger spot"
What kind of acceleration are you expecting out of the Pilot? I have yet to find myself having problems merging into traffic. Once you're moving, the weight of the Pilot isn't as big of an impact than if you're starting out at a stop.
Car and Driver had these acceleration numbers for the 2003 Pilot...
0-60 mph = 8.1 seconds
1/4-mile = 16.3 seconds
FYI - That's as fast, if not faster than your Altima. |
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| sski |
| The acceleration of the Pilot is quite acceptable for what it is (a 5000lb SUV, once you get it all loaded up). Maybe I should clarify what I was referring to. I find the Altima a bit more "right now" when you hit the pedal. Once the Pilot gets rolling the speedo moves up quite swiftly. Its simply a matter of getting all that weight moving. It just takes the Pilot a split second longer to get moving. |
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| sjlee |
quote:
Originally posted by sski
The acceleration of the Pilot is quite acceptable for what it is (a 5000lb SUV, once you get it all loaded up). Maybe I should clarify what I was referring to. I find the Altima a bit more "right now" when you hit the pedal. Once the Pilot gets rolling the speedo moves up quite swiftly. Its simply a matter of getting all that weight moving. It just takes the Pilot a split second longer to get moving.
Get a friend and drive both vehicles next to each other on a deserted road. I think you'll find that the Pilot accelerates as well or better than your Altima.
The Pilot may not "feel" like it is accelerating as quickly, but it is.
Besides, why are you trying to compare a fully loaded midsize SUV to a relatively empty compact sedan?
I'd love it if the Pilot had more power (with the same fuel economy), but I wouldn't say that it is lacking. |
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| sjlee |
quote:
Originally posted by Ferdball
Beware of CA. (Hope this isn't a repost)
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/...hedhotrods.html
Stock Altima vs. a stock Pilot going only up to 60 mph... yeah, watch out for the cops... they might mistake you for street racers. :rolleyes: |
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| sski |
Street Racers...lol
I find the cops generally don't look twice at either vehicle. |
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| switch |
quote:
Originally posted by BlueRiverPilot
Take a look at this thread...It has helped my Pilot...
http://www.hondapilot.org/forums/sh...&threadid=14481
Thanks.
I read that a week or so ago and within a day put my in an order for the part with hondacuraworld. Also ordered a couple other goodies since the pricing was good :)
On the point of the Pilot's acceleration, I've found it to be very good.
On the point of an Altima being better/easier to pass with, it might be due to the size of the vehicle. A car like an Altima will feel a lot more nimble and zippy, even though it's acceleration is no better. |
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| Jacques |
quote:
Originally posted by sjlee
Car and Driver had these acceleration numbers for the 2003 Pilot...
0-60 mph = 8.1 seconds
1/4-mile = 16.3 seconds
Not too shabby, I'd say. Still not as fast as my Prelude though, but it'll get up and go when needed. :p |
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| bluesdog64 |
I've never bought an SUV to burn holeshots. I've always liked the flexibility and utilitarianism of my overgrown "station wagons". Plus, I like the availability of AWD/4WD.
The Pilot's a big vehicle but, for my money, it has plenty of "get up & go". Not to mention the fact that I traded in my '99 Blazer with about 190hp. So, compared to before, my '06 Pilot's a real Barn-burner! :roadtrip:
Gonna take it on Sunday for a trip from NJ to the Berkshires (a couple hundred miles). I want to see what I'll be getting for mileage. |
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| nolan65 |
| I was at a light last week and a kid in a Prelude with a coffee can exhaust tip, a huge wing and a lot of racing logo's all over his car wanted to race. Here I am in a Pilot with mom,dad,2 kids and 2 dogs. When the light changed I just got on down the road, not quickly, just with the flow of traffic. At the next light, we pulled next th the same kid, who rolls down his window and yells, "You wanna go again!" Go again? Did we go the first time? |
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| Jacques |
quote:
Originally posted by nolan65
I was at a light last week and a kid in a Prelude with a coffee can exhaust tip, a huge wing and a lot of racing logo's all over his car wanted to race. Here I am in a Pilot with mom,dad,2 kids and 2 dogs. When the light changed I just got on down the road, not quickly, just with the flow of traffic. At the next light, we pulled next th the same kid, who rolls down his window and yells, "You wanna go again!" Go again? Did we go the first time?
Oy...damn kids and their Preludes!
*as I hide my Prelude in the garage* :p |
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