Any Tips for Tuning a 23 Integra CVT?

[AlanTheBoul]

In the future, I plan on tuning my 23 Integra CVT. So far, I've installed the PRL High Volume Intake. But I wanna take a step further and add more power to the car safely.

Since it's a CVT, I'm aware of the risks that come with it. I know it won't turn my Integra into a Lambo. I also won't be aggressive driving 24/7, only occasional fun.

Does anyone have any experience and insights for tuning an Integra CVT? I'm also keeping this car, so "manual swap" or "upgrade to Type S" is not an option.

I did some research, and I saw a few older posts on this but not much insight. As for tuning, I've seen the TSP Stage 1 and Phearable 1.5/1.5R being recommended often. I'm not sure what the difference is and which one would be better.

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[ModJPB]

The Cvt can not go past 250ft*lbs of torque. This engine with addons and tune can spike at that around 4.5K rpm. Make sure to tell the tuner that it is for a cvt, so they can turn down the midrange slightly. Also fuel upgrades are not needed since the OEM are good enough for any torque/hp that you will be limited to by the CVT. Requiring stronger Head studs doesn't seem to be as much of an issue that plagued the 10th gen civics with the similar engine but are still recommended after a tune and/or turbo upgrade.

The following are my experiences with the 1.5t CVT.
(Manufacturer names are on my car and just an fyi, I'm not recommending a particular brand)
(* Highly Recommend)
(# not recommended)

1. * Intake - mishimoto - small increase in HP, more responsive, Intake sound increase.
2. Inlet pipe - 27won - unnoticeable hp change, increase in bpv noise!!!
3. ? Front pipe - 27won - unnoticeable hp difference (probably because still running OEM downpipe)
4. * Intercooler - TypeR - unnoticeable hp difference, engine is predictable and HP consistent hot or cold.
5. Charge pipes - unnoticeable hp change, more air noise.
6. * Lightweight pulleys - NST crank and wunderladen idler - unnoticeable hp difference, RPM changes "CVT Shifts" are faster.
7. # Rear engine mount - typer - added vibrations to interior, no benefit at this performance level.
8. * Coolant bypass - HP doesn't drop as much when hot.
9. # Throttle body - Blox 56mm - no HP change, went down by 4mpg, throttle input to sensitive.
10. ? Downpipe - MAPerformance - On order and will update when installed. The 2nd gen 1.5t is supposed to respond better to downpipes and hopefully get the supposed benefits from the front pipe.
11. *** Tune - Ktuner TSP - Mine is installed and ready to flash, but being a chicken because Im afraid to void my CPO warranty. From others this will make the most obvious large increase in HP.