1.5T Have a turbo and a CVT? Considering a tune? Read this!

OceansX

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I have the Injen SRI as well and GReddy "catback". It sounds great. 10/10 would recommend! I wanted to do the front pipe/down pipe but I don't know if that's not going to put me in the risky area for low end torque being too high for the CVT.

I've been all over youtube and the forum, it seems you can have all these parts and still tune to "safe" levels with the ktuner
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Tyrannian4

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I just got the ktuner v1.2 and a injen sri excited to install both and drive with a big grin on my face.
 
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gtman

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Ktuner... YES. :thumbsup: Injen SRI= sound and not much else. Matter of fact, in hot weather you'll lose power. :cool: Just saying.
 
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gtman

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To those of you afraid to tune your CVT/turbo car due to engine, transmission and warranty concerns, keep reading...

Honda claims that the stock psi on their factory tune is 16.3 psi. The reality is, the only time it peaks that high is at 5500rpm. And the fact is, more often, you're only going to see about 14psi or so tops in real world driving.

What you wind up with (stock) is a car that's a bit slow off the line but has pretty decent highway passing power. Nothing wrong with that with one big problem...

The problem is this. Drive at low speed around town and then quickly punch the gas. As in an accident avoidance situation. The car fumbles and stumbles for a bit (turbo and some CVT lag) and it makes things dicey. It was that behavior that had me looking into tuning. Putting the CVT in Sport helps a bit but not completely.

Enter KTuner. I have my daily driver "commuter" tune set to 16.5 psi boost. Unlike the stock tune, this tune gives me 16.5 at like 2750 rpm up. Power is super smooth. Then you add quicker turbo spooling and improved throttle response with a just few keyboard clicks.

The end result? Remember, the accident avoidance scenario I mentioned? Well now you give it gas and she goes. No hesitation, no fuss. NO WORRIES. Just a lot of grins. And at only 16.5 psi, there isn't a huge amount of stress on the engine or CVT. When I want to really haul, I switch to 21psi from time to time.

Tuning these cars transforms them like nothing else. Totally worth the cost of buying a tuner. What are you guys waiting for?:)
 


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I don't know too much about cars. I bought a Ktuner V1.2 for my CVT EX-L when ebay had 10% discount. Stage 1 or 16.psi tune make the car much better to drive. It's easier to accelerate and feels no lag.

I think the conservative set up from Honda is for gas efficient and CVT protection.
I noticed the factory turbo pressure reaches 16.4 psi at 4000 rpm, then goes down. But the tune makes it stay at top boost until red line.
 
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gtman

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Try the base tunes first with the stock setup. I think you'll be surprised how different your car will run. If you really plan on a bunch of engine mods, you'll need a custom tune to take advantage of them.
 
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Hi there, I'm new to the threads (first post actually). Just like you @gtman, I've been conducting a lot of research into what I'd like to do for my car, and I'll be posting another thread (or in another thread; will search first) later on about the mod list and ideas. I'll link it later on when I publish. The later post will be different as I'll have links and full-list of parts and models to get a feel of what I should be looking for, what extra I'm spending money on that I shouldn't, etc, etc..

Really, I'm just getting into cars - modding, customizing, everything - and learning as much as I can about how they all work. But I know that I'd like to change up my Civic from stock. I'm curious though to if the KTuner should be the very first buy being a beginner. I understand all you're saying; how different the car will respond and feel. I definitely notice the massive turbo lag around the city, and I'm worried that it could turn into a bigger, accident issue. However, I don't know if I should upgrade other things first before tuning so that I can maximize my tuning and car performance with the upgraded parts (none are motor).

A short list of what I'd like to change are: breaks (performance), suspension (coil-overs and lowering), strut/sway bars. Then for sure after getting a tuner will be a cat-back exhaust (I want this thing LOUD), camber arms + wheel spacers, cold-air intake (short ram most likely) and much later possibly a bigger turbo. Of course, all of this will be over time as I don't have the money currently for all, but I do have enough saved for my first mod on the list.

With this list (not completed of course), which should I prioritize? In your opinion, still the KTuner/Hondata? Before posting the other thread, I'd really like to get your opinion first!

Thanks in advance!
 
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gtman

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Personally, I'd start with a tuner and better quality, performance tires. Those two changes will do more to change your car than almost anything else. A beefier rear sway bar will be a nice improvement too. But, that's just me. I wanted a better car without breaking the bank and I wanted a sleeper...
 


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I can personally attest to the positive benefits of tuning a 1.5 Sport Civic CVT. I owned one before I traded it in for a CTR. Just be smart about it!

I ran the CVT with a custom +9 tune and even though I have a CTR and Si now, I miss the Sport. It was awesome to drive and the mpgs were great! I averaged 42+ during my back roads 45 minute commute to work everyday. Enjoy and stay safe.

ETA: I was on Hondata
 
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I wanted a better car without breaking the bank and I wanted a sleeper...
I'm on the fence of sleeper. I partially want attention, but also want to just freak people out when I whip past them. Tough decision to make, but as it is, my car stands out with it's white paint and moonroof/side visor kit
 
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I can personally attest to the positive benefits of tuning a 1.5 Sport Civic CVT. I owned one before I traded it in for a CTR. Just be smart about it!

I ran the CVT with a custom +9 tune and even though I have a CTR and Si now, I miss the Sport. It was awesome to drive and the mpgs were great! I averaged 42+ during my back roads 45 minute commute to work everyday. Enjoy and stay safe.

ETA: I was on Hondata
I'm a computer programmer too, so I feel I may get even more customised down the line when I get the tuner. This is why I want to make sure my system can handle it all first
 
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gtman

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I'm on the fence of sleeper. I partially want attention, but also want to just freak people out when I whip past them. Tough decision to make, but as it is, my car stands out with it's white paint and moonroof/side visor kit
I love the WTF looks I get when I pass the occasional GTI and WRX in my sleeper Civic.
 
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So best bet then - what has been all over this thread - is tuner first. Great to know, something I've been wrestling with for a bit of time now. Thanks for the input!
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