How to Increase Horsepower in a 2006 Acura MDX

The MDX is a mid-sized sport utility vehicle (SUV)/crossover produced and designed by Honda under the Acura brand name. It was first offered to the public in 2001 and remains in production today. The 2006 Acura MDX marks the last year of the first generation of the MDX, as the 2007 model underwent significant changes in both the appearance and the performance of the vehicle. The base engine in the 2006 Acura MDX is a 3.5-liter V-6 that produces 265 horsepower and 253 feet-pounds of torque, but you can install a number of aftermarket modifications that can improve these numbers.

• 1

  Replace the factory cold-air intake system with a performance aftermarket cold-air intake system. The cold-air intake system is responsible for sucking in air from the environment, cooling it, and routing it into the air/fuel mixture within the engine. Performance aftermarket cold-air intake systems move air more quickly and cool it more efficiently, which results in a moderate boost to the horsepower of the engine. Cold-air intake systems are fairly inexpensive and relatively easy to install.

• 2

  Replace the factory exhaust system with a performance aftermarket exhaust system. Exhaust systems are responsible for directing airflow out of the engine bay. Stock exhaust systems are fairly restrictive to reduce emissions and engine noise. Performance aftermarket exhaust systems allow more air to flow out of the engine, which increases the horsepower of your Acura MDX. Note that most performance exhaust systems will increase engine noise and emissions, and that this upgrade is difficult to perform without access to an automotive lift.

• 3

  Add a nitrous oxide injection system. Nitrous oxide (N2O) injection systems allow the driver to inject a shot of N2O into the fuel system from a tank with the press of a button. This shot provides a temporary but very large increase in horsepower for a relatively small amount of money. It should be noted that N2O injection systems tend to increase wear and tear on the vehicle and may reduce the overall lifespan of your MDX engine. If installed or used improperly, N2O injection systems have the potential to blow your engine.