Project CR-Z: Engine And Interior Upgrades

In the April issue of Honda Tuning magazine, we featured a K-powered CR-Z that shocked the Honda world and, for a moment, quieted the anti-CR-Z movement that seemed to have grown threefold since the car’s official release late last year. As fun and exciting as a 2.0L K-series is under the hood of the futuristic micro-hatch, our Project CR-Z is confined to its factory 1.5L hybrid mill. Our goal of researching new products for both appearance and performance improvements will continue as planned, and the high-dollar K-swap will remain a pipe dream; at least for this particular car.

In an attempt to wring out a few more horsepower, we contacted HKS, who informed us that they’d already developed a complete cat-back exhaust system and high-flow intake for the CR-Z. Having used many HKS products in the past (and present), we were sure of two things right away, 1) the quality would be top-notch, as HKS has a well-deserved reputation for using high-quality components and strict quality assurance for every product they produce, and, 2) unless we got to a dyno so we could document the results, installing the intake and exhaust would be all but useless to our readers. Luckily, Elton Lo of Raceline Engineering volunteered to clear his schedule and offered us a lift, tools, and some dyno time to install and test our new upgrades.

HKS exhaust
First up was HKS’ new SUS304 stainless steel Hi-Power exhaust system. Like many of HKS’ cat-back kits, the muffler is accompanied by a sub-muffler that helps keep the decibels down, the driver happy, and the local authorities away. The factory CR-Z muffler is equipped with an exhaust tip that points down, and unless you’re really looking, you can’t see it from the rear. The HKS unit, though very compact, is much more visible at the rear of the car. Installation requires only basic tools and can be done in your driveway. However, having access to a lift makes life so much easier.

The HKS Silent Hi-Power cat-back exhaust system next to the OEM muffler. Note the sub-muffler that sits atop the HKS canister, used to bring down the decibels and avoid “droning.”

The HKS Silent Hi-Power cat-back exhaust system next to the OEM muffler. Note the sub-muff

HKS intake
To complement their new exhaust system for the CR-Z, HKS also designed a high-flow intake kit and heat shield. Based on their race-proven, classic air filter, the kit includes everything you’ll possibly need for the installation, including hardware, clamps, and hoses. When laid out on the floor, the HKS unit looks like a lot of individual parts for such a short intake, and beyond that, the instructions are in Japanese. However, if you’ve ever installed an intake on a Honda before, getting this one to fit your CR-Z won’t be very difficult at all.

RS*R Ran Up - oil optimizer
Also on hand to witness the dyno testing was RS*R. They suggested we try their Ran-Up oil additive, which they’ve been working on for a number of years. Rigorous long-term testing both on the street and during competitive race events have produced a product that they claim reduces frictional resistance. This frees up the engine’s moving parts, resulting in increased power and fuel economy. Import Tuner has previously tested the additive on a Civic DX and an S2000, and did in fact find a few horsepower. Installation is as simple as adding the contents of the bottle to your oil and driving a few miles to allow the lubricant to work its way through the motor. Skeptical at first, we were shocked to find that not only did the Ran-Up additive pick up a few horsepower and some additional torque, but the CR-Z’s mileage did in fact increase as well.