'25 Integra ASpec CVT Build

[slowcountry]

Have had a lot of fun putting this together. Shower me with your CVT love!

Had a 2011 Ford Fiesta for 14 years and picked the integra after test driving the elantra, jetta gli, golf gti, and the mazda3 turbo. Got the integra in October of last year, and began upgrades at around 2,500 miles.

Build order:
PRL High Volume Air Intake + CAI
PRL Throwback Front Strut
Mishimoto Oil Catch
PRL High Volume Titanium Turbo Inlet
PRL Billet Oil Cap, Battery tie-down, radiator cap
PRL Throwback Rear Strut
RV6 Adjustable Rear Sway

This weekend I got these on:
RV6 GESi Catted Downpipe
PRL Rear Engine Mount
PRL Front Pipe Upgrade w/ High Volume Adapter
PRL N1 Exhaust

Awaiting Shipment/Install:
PRL Intercooler, Charge Pipes, HV Inlet
Acuity Reverse Flow Radiator Hoses

Next Plans:
KTuner V2 + Custom Tune
RV6 Rear Lower A & B Arms

Once needed:
Summit Powerstop Z26 front/rear rotors, upgraded pads
Enkei TFR 18x8.5 +45 w/ Continental DWS06+ 245/40R18

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[amerikmasters]

Awesome build!

 

[comps]

buy my springs please

https://www.integraforums.com/forum...er-control-arms-for-aspec-500-for-both.55824/

 

[slowcountry]

Talked to a few folks at work - besides what I listed above, they suggested possibly a main throttle body upgrade and a blow off valve upgrade.

I've browsed most of the parts sites and haven't come across either made specifically for the 2023+ integra... curious if anyone here has done those upgrades & what they went with!

Edit - upon further research... the integra has a bypass valve, not a blowoff valve. And the throttle body would come with an intake manifold, which may only be necessary with an upgraded 27won turbo..

 

[BigHigg]

Any concerns about the CVT having Issues with the additions? I am thinking about installing some PRL components to my Integra but am unsure how robust the CVT actually is.

 

[slowcountry]

Any concerns about the CVT having Issues with the additions?

Mostly was just uncertainty in the beginning because I couldn't find many examples of people modding them to much extent (outside of a few examples on the tuning threads).

I was nervous to push it after the exhaust upgrades, but I went out on a spirited cruise with a tuned/fbo focus rs and a fbo '92 prelude with a H22A swap... and it was a blast.

Most people seem concerned about transmission or engine heat soak with the CVT. I think the reverse flow radiator hose setup helps address this, but you could also go with an upgraded radiator or add a transmission cooler (Mishimoto universal). Most discussions I've had suggest the upgraded radiator is excessive/over the top. But, a well rounded build should mitigate the heat concerns... and if tuning, I think a custom tune makes the most sense.

The transmission cooler is pretty cheap - I may order/install it when I put the new intercooler on. Just haven't seen it listed in any other CVT builds yet / haven't talked to anyone that has used one.

 

[songlee559]

Kudos. What’s your IG or social media. Want to follow the build

 

[slowcountry]

Kudos. What’s your IG or social media. Want to follow the build

Ah I don't really keep a social media up to date. Here's a little reel I did on the last install, though:

 

[slowcountry]

I received the PRL intercooler kit last week - I may try to get it installed along with the Acuity reverse flow radiator hoses this weekend since we've got the holiday. Not looking forward to the coolant dump.

Also, still trying to figure whether the Mishimoto transmission fluid coolers are compatible - will try to figure out that fluid path while installing the intercooler.

Once the intercooler is on I will be battling myself to hold off on the tune until 10-15k miles. I may just forgo the wait... I only put on around 5k miles/year.

 

[slowcountry]

Update - PRL released front brake calipers for the de4. I got those ordered along with EBC redstuff fk8 brake pads and the Powerstop slotted & drilled front & rear rotors from Summit. Need to get some brake fluid for that install.

 

[slowcountry]

Was able to get the intercooler kit and reverse flow radiator hoses installed - pics below!

 

[vn37]

awesome build. surprised you did all this prior to the tune. looking to get the prl intake first. gotta evaluate.

 

[slowcountry]

Imo that intake really opens up the potential on this car. It's what led to more fun/spirited driving for me, and i started to notice the body roll more from there (which is what led to the tower struts). I wanted to push it a little further after that was dealt with so i got the turbo inlet, and with that i wanted it to corner better (rear sway). It just goes on and on... was warned of that when I started ?

I've never tuned a car... so I'm not really sure what to expect there. While the bolt ons don't seem like pushing it to me, for some reason the tuning does? Lol, I could be backwards

 

[vn37]

cvt cant handle increased torque so any tune added would need to be on the more conservative side. even so, im sure that is the next step for your vehicle. jsut play it safe and dont push it. also bro, thought about swapping out for lighter wheels? that will serve as some minor weight reduction.

was the intake your first mod? did u feel anything performance wise other than some sound changes? I plan on doing lighter wheels + sports tires, but want to have a little more saved before I shell out 2kish. intake seems to be a easy purchase & install but worried it will mess with the system/ performance of the car

 

[slowcountry]

Yeah was thinking a custom tune to keep it within bounds. The tsp guy is off in July though

On the wheels yep, there are a bunch out there around 17-22lbs vs the 28lb stock. I like rays gramlights but havent decided on one yet.. will go to an 8.5in wheel with 245/40r18 dws06+ tires.

For the high volume intake (with CAI) i felt like it made the boost a little more readily available, but also made me hungry for more. Super easy install, everything was pretty easy to get to. I honestly had never worked on a car prior to this aside from putting a cold air intake on the Fiesta.

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