Power Pages: 1994 Honda del Sol S

Owner: Import Tuner
Dynamometer Model: XS Engineering Dynojet 248

DYNO 1: Baseline
Air temp @ 68 Degrees Fahrenheit

Peak HP: 92.4
Peak TQ: 94.2

Dyno notes: The Del Sol came equipped with 18-in. wheels, which are significantly larger than the 14-in. stockers found previously on the vehicle. The larger wheels indirectly affected the drive ratio of the drivetrain, making the car feel even slower and making the engine take even longer to reach redline.

Baseline Horsepower: 92.4
Baseline Torque: 94.2 lb-ft

Pros: Although the "Power Pages" section of the magazine has been an ongoing part on the magazine since day one, we still get readers e-mailing us regarding the "low" horsepower figures we publish. The question that always arises is: "I thought the factory engine made more horsepower?" Then we explain the horsepower readings we publish are invariably power readings at the wheels, and not at the flywheel, which is where power is measured at the factory. Wheel horsepower ratings are always lower due to losses through the drivetrain. That said, we measured our 1994 Del Sol S at 92.4 hp and 94.2 lb-ft of torque on our Dynojet chassis dyno.

Cons: Even with the fairly light curb weight of the Del Sol (2,300- to 2,475 lb.) the performance output of the 1.5-liter D15B engine is far from amazing. Below 4500 rpm, power is almost nonexistent. And don't expect your head to be thrust back when smashing the throttle, unlike on the twin-cam B16A variant found in the dohc VTEC model.

Tools required for installation: N/A

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DYNO 2: Injen Short Ram intake
Air temperature @ 69 Degrees Fahrenheit
Temperature difference from previous run: +1 degree Fahrenheit

Peak HP: 95.5
Peak TQ: 97.1

2000 to 3500 HP Range: 0-2
2000 to 3500 TQ Range: 0-4
3500 to 5500 HP Range: 1-3
3500 to 5500 TQ Range: 1-3
5500 to Redline HP Range: 1-2
5500 to Redline TQ Range: 1-2

Peak Horsepower: 95.5
Peak Torque: 97.1 lb-ft

Dyno notes: None

Part includes: Lightweight mandrel-bent 2 1/2-in. polished piping, high-flow cotton-gauze filter, red silicone hoses, five hose clamps, Injen license plate frame and Injen stickers

Pros: The installation was very straightforward. Instructions were very well written and came complete with accompanying photos to take you through the process. After we removed the factory intake system, the Injen intake fit perfectly with no problems at all.

Cons: Although the installation was very straightforward, removing the factory resonator box can be a bit difficult if the vehicle isn't jacked up. Besides the resonator, everything was fairly easy to remove.

Tools required for installation: Phillips screwdriver, 8mm and 10mm sockets, ratchet, 3-in. extension and needle-nose pliers.

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DYNO 3: Skunk2 Racing exhaust system
Air temp @ 69 degrees Fahrenheit
Temperature difference from previous run: 0 degrees Fahrenheit

Peak HP: 99.4
Peak TQ: 99.3

2000 to 3500 HP Range: 0-2
2000 to 3500 TQ Range: 0-3
3500 to 5500 HP Range: 1-4
3500 to 5500 TQ Range: 2-3
5500 to Redline HP Range: 3-5
5500 to Redline TQ Range: 2-4

Peak Horsepower: 99.4
Peak Torque: 99.3 lb-ft

Dyno notes: None

Part includes: Polished stainless-steel muffler section and mid-pipe, two exhaust gaskets, four pairs of nuts and bolts, and Skunk 2 stickers.

Pros: In order to remove the factory muffler section, the rear wheels have to be completely off the floor to maneuver the piping through the rear suspension. The system is an excellent piece, with robotic TIG welds and CNC-cut flanges.

Cons: Be sure to allow the vehicle time to cool off before you try to remove the exhaust, unless you like the smell of burning flesh. Use WD-40 on the bolts to help ease the removal process.

Tools required for installation: 12mm and 14mm combination wrench, 12mm and 14mm sockets, ratchet and 6-in. extension.

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DYNO 4: DC Sports header
Air temp @ 70 degrees Fahrenheit
Temperature difference from previous run: +1 degree Fahrenheit

Peak HP: 102.9
Peak TQ: 101.8

2000 to 3500 HP Range: 2-3
2000 to 3500 TQ Range: 3-4
3500 to 5500 HP Range: 2-3
3500 to 5500 TQ Range: 3-4
5500 to Redline HP Range: 3-5
5500 to Redline TQ Range: 2-3

Peak Horsepower: 102.9
Peak Torque: 101.8 lb-ft

Dyno notes: None

Part includes: Ceramic-coated one-piece header, 02 wire extension and DC Sports stickers.

Pros: The construction of the DC Sports header is exceptional. The fit of the unit was like stock, with everything going into place without a problem. Be sure to wipe down the header with Windex or any window cleaner to prevent any stains.

Cons: Using a lift is highly recommended when you install the header, but it can also be done using jack stands. However, life is much more difficult without a lift. Every house needs one.

Tools required for installation: 12mm and 14mm combination wrench, 12mm and 14mm socket, ratchet and 3-in. extension.

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The Parts:

1- Injen Short Ram Intake $180.00
2- Skunk2 Exhaust $638.00
3- DC Ceramic Coated Header $395.95

Total: $43.21

Conclusion: We were pleasantly surprised that all three performance products made about equal power on the dyno, registering about 3+ horsepower and 2+ lb-ft of torque. The combination of all three products made a substantial gain in power compared to the stock dyno graph. We were most impressed with the overall power increase throughout the powerband and not just peak power. The added power has made driving the Del Sol much more fun than before. Until next time, keep the rpm up!

Hotbox

DC Sports
(909) 734-2030
www.dcsports.com

Injen Technology
(909) 839-0706
www.injen.com

Skunk2 Racing
(909) 808-9888
www.skunk2.com

XS Engineering (Dyno Facility)
(714) 698-8300
www.xs-engineering.com