Dyno 1: Baseline
Peak HP 178.3 / Peak TQ 143.0
Pros
This 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.
178.0 HP / 143.0 TQ
Temp:...
178.0 HP / 143.0 TQ
Temp: 80.4 F
We 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.
Notes
With 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.