Cold Air Intake

Tach Needles Gone Wild
I love Honda Tuning! I just renewed my subscription for the fourth time. I've seen the mag change over the years and it just keeps getting better. Got that off my chest, now on to my issue! I installed a B16 motor into my '89 Civic a few years ago and it's always been good to me...until last week. As I was cruising down the freeway, the car hesitated a bit and I noticed that the needle on my tachometer was bouncing around like crazy. After that, it ran fine. The next day, same thing happened on my way to work. The needle was going haywire while the car was just cruising. A few days later, same thing. Now I'm wondering if my problem is electrical. I suck at wiring and I don't even want to imagine how much it would cost to hire someone to fix it. My CEL light doesn't blink because the previous owner of this car removed the bulb. Any idea what it could be?! My friend is smoking me on the freeway with the same motor, in the same exact chassis and my pride is hurting!
Enrique, Staten Island, NY

Well first we'll address the check engine light. Enrique, you need this! Seems like you know your way around a Honda, you should take some time and reinstall your CEL bulb. It's the absolute easiest way to diagnose a problem like this. From your description, my money would be on a distributor issue. It's most likely caused by a bad ignitor. If your buddy has the same engine, try swapping his distributor onto your car and hit the road. If the issue is gone, you can be pretty sure that the ignitor is the culprit. This way you don't spend money unnecessarily. And finally, keep the racing off the streets Enrique!

Time To Breathe A Little Easier
HT, I've been working on Hondas for a few years now and usually I just do suspension and wheel upgrades for my project cars. I enjoy Auto-X events every weekend and I concentrate more on the proper handling, rather than making power. But now I'm at a crossroads. My RSX handles like a dream but I'm thinking it could use a bit of a power bump. Now, I've already settled on an exhaust system and header, but I'm completely lost when it comes to intakes. I see cold-air intakes, short ram intakes, pipes, boxes, aluminum, carbon-fiber, and everything in between. What is going to make useable power? I more concerned with making a little power over aesthetics. Thanks guys, I know you'll shed some light for me.
Brett, Topeka, KS

You know what, Brett? More than any other aftermarket item, intakes are probably the most popular for both manufacturers and enthusiasts. Most guys start with an intake; it's nice to see that you've focused on the importance of proper handling over the bolt-on parts when it comes too Auto-X racing. Different styles of intakes make power at different RPM points. While some might argue a cold-air intake would be more beneficial, I'd recommend trying a shorter intake. The quicker throttle response will benefit you much more around the course. Now as for which one you should choose, just keep in mind that most short ram intake systems make similar power. But again, the throttle response is what you're after.