Tuning 2016 Civic 1.5T with CVT

[Viva la vida]

Been reading some opinions that the 1.5T with CVT won't be getting any attention from the tuners despite the turbo power plant, because of its CVT transmission.

There are cars out there with a turbo engine + CVT that do get tuned - like the WRX CVT. What's the difference between the Civic 1.5T w/ CVT and the WRX w/ CVT which has a tuning solution from COBB. The COBB tune for the WRX CVT supposedly leaves the CVT alone and doesn't change its programming.

Is the Subaru CVT just somehow better built or programmed to work with a tuned engine?

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[randY49]

My assumption has always been that the CVT is the "weakest" transmission available. I can't think of any that are paired to an engine with much over 200hp.

 

[Viva la vida]

My assumption has always been that the CVT is the "weakest" transmission available. I can't think of any that are paired to an engine with much over 200hp.

The current WRX w/ CVT has 268 hp.

 

[Ammo]

The current WRX w/ CVT has 268 hp.

And the previous gen Maxima had 290 horsepower with the current gen at 300 w/ CVT. V6 Altima too.

Honda mentioned the 1.5T CVT was specially tuned to work with it. Not sure what that means.

 

[Fg4Marko]

Im sure they probably mean the CVT is tuned to keep the boost in so your not in a flat spot, kinda like anti lag? higher revs maybe

 

[Design]

Honda builds all their transmissions in-house, unlike others. The CVT will likely handle up to a 20% bump in power reliably. The key is going to be in the tune, to ensure midrange output remains fairly conservative (so as to not overtax the system in daily driven applications).

 

[Viet_Racer]

The 1.5t has already been announced with 174hp, so if a tune can squeeze out 20% on top of that that would be 209hp. And if you're right, at that power level the CVT wouldn't be negatively affected or need any type of tuning, that'd be pretty awesome results.

 

[Design]

Likely need to be paired with an intake. And because we're talking direct injection, the HPFP may need to be considered.

 

[G26okie]

Likely need to be paired with an intake. And because we're talking direct injection, the HPFP may need to be considered.

Having come from the mazdaspeed world, the HPFP was always a concern when doing any mods. Some even had issues with fuel pressure adding an intake.

Actually, dealing with that motor left sort of a sour taste in my mouth when it comes to DI engines.

 

[takemorepills]

The WRX CVT is specifically referred to as a heavy duty CVT. And what few CVT's have been tuned, no one is sharing the results. I assume that's due to the gains being less than hoped for.

The Civic CVT was just recalled for a weak input shaft. Do you really think Honda will over-build their mainstream Civic CVT's? Where's the business sense in that? So people who mistakenly bought the wrong car can break it with a tune?

BTW, if you wanna know where Honda stands on the CVT recall, consider that the "fix" will be to reprogram the ECU to reduce engine power.

The 1.5t is the wrong car to buy to tune. If you insist on a tunable CVT turbo car, pretty much the WRX is your car as it's the only one advertised with a heavy duty CVT.

 

[Design]

Having come from the mazdaspeed world, the HPFP was always a concern when doing any mods. Some even had issues with fuel pressure adding an intake.

Actually, dealing with that motor left sort of a sour taste in my mouth when it comes to DI engines.

Mazda was a pioneer when it came to direct injection. Very few companies except the Germans were doing DI at the time. The industry has learned a lot since then, placing injectors on the exhaust side to limit carbon buildup; and optimizing the piston design to better dissipate heat. The EcoBoost family of motors is a good example of the next generation DIs that have addressed the shortcomings from Mazda, BMW and VW. As you well know, the single largest issue with the Turbo MZR was the poorly designed PCV causing long term strain against the gaskets and turbo seals. That and Mazda recommending dino oil change intervals vs. synthetic. The former leading to sludge accumulation on the OCRs.

The most significant difference between Honda vs. Mazda is that the former "overbuilds" their performance platforms for longevity/reliability. The latter tweaked the 2.3 to be maxed out from the factory. So it's safe to say that Honda's CVT will be plenty stout for a moderate power increase. But as many are learning, these quick-spool FI motors can't be treated like diesel engines. Power needs to be shifted or maintained in the upper RPMs to minimize low rpm strain on the rods and rings.

 

[takemorepills]

Mazda was a pioneer when it came to direct injection. Very few companies except the Germans were doing DI at the time.

I had to fact check that. Turns out Mitsubishi was the first GDI japanese engine brought to market. Then Nissan was next. DI has been around for a while before Mazda

 

[G26okie]

Mazda was a pioneer when it came to direct injection. Very few companies except the Germans were doing DI at the time. The industry has learned a lot since then, placing injectors on the exhaust side to limit carbon buildup; and optimizing the piston design to better dissipate heat. The EcoBoost family of motors is a good example of the next generation DIs that have addressed the shortcomings from Mazda, BMW and VW. As you well know, the single largest issue with the Turbo MZR was the poorly designed PCV causing long term strain against the gaskets and turbo seals. That and Mazda recommending dino oil change intervals vs. synthetic. The former leading to sludge accumulation on the OCRs.

The most significant difference between Honda vs. Mazda is that the former "overbuilds" their performance platforms for longevity/reliability. The latter tweaked the 2.3 to be maxed out from the factory. So it's safe to say that Honda's CVT will be plenty stout for a moderate power increase. But as many are learning, these quick-spool FI motors can't be treated like diesel engines. Power needs to be shifted or maintained in the upper RPMs to minimize low rpm strain on the rods and rings.

This is true. The turbo MZR was basically the test bed for the DI turbocharged 4s that spawned the ecoboost.

 

[Tuttle]

Having come from the mazdaspeed world, the HPFP was always a concern when doing any mods. Some even had issues with fuel pressure adding an intake.

Actually, dealing with that motor left sort of a sour taste in my mouth when it comes to DI engines.

Not to mention the carbon buildup and clogged fuel system that can come with direct injection Hope that not a real issue with the 1.5T.

 

[PirelliPZero]

BTW, if you wanna know where Honda stands on the CVT recall, consider that the "fix" will be to reprogram the ECU to reduce engine power

No, the software update is to reduce the CVT's high internal hydraulic pressure that was occurring during certain modes. It has nothing to do with engine power.

Never mind that this recall also has nothing to do with the CVT that will be unique to the 2016 turbo model.

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