K&N Cold Air 2016-2017 Honda Civic 1.5L Turbo

Powered by Honda’s L15B7 motor, the 2016 Honda Civic EX-T and Touring models have been receiving a lot of attention, primarily as the engine displacement is smaller than many motorcycles yet produces 174 horsepower. Surprising is that the basic design of the L-series dates back to 2001, with updates made along the way. Even more surprising is that there’s more power on tap. With the installation of a K&N AirCharger cold air intake kit, power rises by an estimated 9 horsepower.

The 2016 Honda Civic EX-T and Touring engine features an aluminum block and DOHC 16-valve cylinder head with direct fuel injection and dual variable valve timing control. But the real key to the 1.5L engine’s performance is the single-scroll turbocharger that produces 16.5 psi of boost. At that rate, the motor develops 174 horsepower @ 5500 rpm and torque of 162 lb-ft @ 1800-5500 rpm.

As the turbocharged, DOHC version of the L-series engine was entirely new when it was introduced in certain 2016 Honda Civics, K&N engineers had to start from scratch to develop the AirCharger intake kit. The Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor was entirely new as well, and became the starting point for development. With K&N in-house Rapid Prototyping capabilities testing began.

Placement of the filter in the car was also evaluated and it was determined to utilize the existing fresh air scoop in the radiator support panel. With the site selected, a new heat shield was designed to seal off the area, allowing in only fresh outside air and rejecting engine heat. To verify performance both on-road testing and chassis dynamometer runs were conducted.

Extensive monitoring of the AirCharger’s compatibility with engine management software assures there will be no “check engine” light faults for purchasers while a number of separate dyno runs were used to finalize the intake shape and diameter to provide optimum power across the engine’s operating range.

The heat shield isolates the filter from underhood heat, allowing only cold air to flow to the motor

By reducing air intake restriction as well as smoothing and straightening air flow allows the 1.5 turbocharged Honda engine to draw a greater quantity of air than the factory air filter assembly can accommodate. An increased flow of intake air means more usable power and acceleration throughout the engine’s RPM range.

The heart of the K&N 63-3516 AirCharger intake system is the K&N RU-5163oversized high-flow air filter. All K&N air filters are manufactured from multiple layers of oiled cotton, a well-regarded filter media due to the irregular surface of the cotton thread and its ability to grab passing dust and dirt. The RU-5163 not only allows for increased air flow but also provides excellent filtration properties to ensure long engine life. This is verified by K&N’s sophisticated in-house ISO 5011 filtration efficiency testing laboratory, which adheres to International Standard Organization protocols, ensuring that K&N air filters provide high airflow without sacrificing engine protection.

The filter is isolated by the heat shield so only fresh, cool intake air reaches the engine. The heat shield installs into the original air box space using existing mounting points. Air is then directed through an aerodynamically engineered intake tube into the engine’s turbo inlet for a guaranteed power gain. The tube also accommodates the Honda Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor and crankcase vent hose.

This air intake is relatively easy to install, usually in 90 minutes or less using your vehicle’s existing factory attachment points. Tools required are limited to a screwdriver, pliers, ratchet set and several wrenches.

The only maintenance required for the AirCharger system is a quick and easy air filter service. At around 100,000 miles (which can vary depending on your driving conditions) just grab a K&N filter care service kit to refresh and re-oil your air filter -- bringing it back to new condition and ready for more miles of driving.