Owner: Stephanie Makino
Dynamometer model: R&D Dyno Service Dynojet Chassis Dyno 248C
DYNO1
BASELINE
Air temp @ 71.9 Degrees Fahrenheit
Peak HP. 82.8
Peak TQ. 87.5
Baseline Horsepower: 82.8
Baseline Torque: 87.5
PROS
The Scion xA and xB models have become an increasingly popular vehicle among import enthusiasts. With the release of both models on the East Coast, we are sure the Scion craze will continue to increase, along with the creation of more aftermarket products.
CONS
The only drawback to the 1.5-liter, 16-valve, inline-4 engine is the marginal power output rated at 105 hp at the flywheel with the five-speed manual transmission. The automatic version comes in approximately 10-hp less due to drivetrain loss. With 30-mpg city and 33-mpg highway efficiency, the Scion wasn't built for high performance or speed... but then again, who wouldn't want a little kick on the downshift from time to time? Lo and behold, we test three new products in the market to see if our Scion can smoke some tires at the end of the day.
DYNO NOTES
This stock Scion xB needs more power!
DYNO2
AEM Cold Air Intake
air temp@ 73.0 Degrees Fahrenheit,br> Temperature difference from previous run: 1.1 Degrees Fahrenheit
Peak HP. 87.7
Peak TQ. 91.7
| |
| 2000 to 3500 HP range: 1 to 2 | 2000 to 3500 TQ range: 2to 3 |
| 3500 to 5500 HP range: 2 to 5 | 3500 to 5500 TQ range: 3 to 5 |
| 5500 to redline HP range: 5 to 6 | 5500 to redline TQ range: 5 to 6 |
| Peak Horsepower: 87.7 | Peak Torque: 91.7 |
|
PROS
Removing the restrictive factory air filter and resonator box proved to be beneficial for the Scion and its 1.5-liter engine. The intake pipe is available from AEM in red, blue, chrome and silver.
CONS
Alterations involving the battery need to be made to provide sufficient room for the larger intake pipes to fit. Moving the battery and pushing the unit farther back in its factory tray was done in less than a minute.
PARTS INCLUDE
Intake pipe, filter, mounting bracket, hose clamps, stickers and license plate frame.
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR INSTALL
10- and 12mm sockets, 10- and 12mm wrenches, ratchet, extensions, standard and Phillip screw drivers.
DYNO NOTES
At 5700 rpm, an increase of 5.6 hp and 5.3 lb-ft torque were gained from the AEM intake. The intake tested was a prototype unit. By the time this hits the newsstands, the final production piece will be sold by AEM. The breather hose will be moved behind the air mass sensor. The final production piece will have a custom coupler where the breather hose will connect to prevent contamination of the air mass sensor and ensure CARB approval.
INSTALL TIME: 30min - 1hour
DYNO3
DC Sports Exhaust
air temp @ 75.0 Degrees Fahrenheit
Temperature difference from previous run: 2.0 Degrees Fahrenheit
Peak HP. 88.6
Peak TQ. 91.8
| |
| 2000 to 3500 HP range: 1 to 2 | 2000 to 3500 TQ range: 3 to 4 |
| 3500 to 5500 HP range: 2 to 6 | 3500 to 5500 TQ range: 4 to 6 |
| 5500 to redline HP range: 6 to 7 | 5500 to redline TQ range: 6 to 5 |
| Peak Horsepower: 88.6 | Peak Torque: 91.8 |
|
PROS
Fabricated from T-304 stainless steel and utilizing the factory hanger placements, the exhaust system bolts up as quickly as it comes off. Place the DC unit next to the factory unit, and you come to appreciate aftermarket quality. The new exhaust tip fills the rear bumper hole without touching the plastics like many other exhausts on the market today.
CONS
Just for kicks, we dynoed the vehicle without an exhaust as many Scion owners claim their car produced horsepower. Not to our surprise, the vehicle lost two to three hp and torque all throughout the powerband.
PARTS INCLUDE
Exhaust and gasket.
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR INSTALL
10-, 12- and 14mm wrenches and sockets, ratchet and extensions.
DYNO NOTES
At 6000 rpm, horsepower increased 6.2 over factory while torque rose to 5.4 lb-ft.
INSTALL TIME: 1hour
DYNO4
DC Sports 4-1 Header
air temp @ 76.5 Degrees Fahrenheit
Temperature difference from previous run: 1.5 Degrees Fahrenheit
Peak HP. 89.6
Peak TQ. 92.0
| |
| 2000 to 3500 HP range: 1 to 2 | 2000 to 3500 TQ range: 2 to 3 |
| 3500 to 5500 HP range: 2 to 7 | 3500 to 5500 TQ range: 3 to 7 |
| 5500 to redline HP range: 7 to 8 | 5500 to redline TQ range: 7 to 9 |
| Peak Horsepower: 89.6 | Peak Torque: 92.0 |
|
PROS
Side-by-side comparisons reveal the factory header consists of horsepower-robbing pinch bends, leading to the collector. The DC Sports ceramic coated 4-to-1 header not only looks good but also allows spent gases to exit more freely.
CONS
Accessing the header can become tedious at times but the Scion provides sufficient room to remove the header from the top of the engine bay without having to crawl under the vehicle.
PARTS INCLUDE
Header, mounting brackets and gasket.
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR INSTALL
12-, 14mm socket, extension, and ratchets.
DYNO NOTES
Although horsepower and torque figures gained slightly over stock previous dyno figures, midrange showed an increase in horsepower throughout the power band in hp and torque specs.
INSTALL TIME: 1hour
| Performance Chart |
| | HP Level | HP+ | TQ Level | TQ+ |
| Baseline | 82.8 | * | 87.5 | * |
| 1 AEM CAI | 87.7 | 4.9 | 91.7 | 4.2 |
| 2 AEM CAI, DC Exhaust | 88.6 | 0.9 | 91.8 | 0.1 |
| 3 CAI, Exhaust, Header | 89.6 | 1 | 92.0 | 0.2 |
| Final | 89.6 | 6.8 | 92.0 | 4.5 |
|
| Parts Cost |
| 1 AEM Cold Air Intake $ 305.00 | Street price $ 250.00 |
| 2 DC Exhaust $ 487.31 | Street price $ 390.00 |
| 3 DC 4-1 Header $ 312.37 | Street price $ 250.00 |
| MSRP total $ 1104.68 | Street Price $ 890.00 |
|
CONCLUSION
Spending less than three hours of installation time, the Scion's 1.5-liter engine has respectively come alive with 6.8 extra horses and a 4.5 lb-ft torque increase over stock. Although the horsepower figures are not mind-boggling for hardcore enthusiasts, keep in mind the Scion is not your typical quarter-mile monster, but rather a fun, economical car that combines superb handling and the enjoyment of driving.