Airflow for the Masses - Performance Intake Kit R&D, Part 4 - Testing Results

Published: July 21, 2021 Updated: June 01, 2026

Honda Accord 1.5T Performance Intake, 2018+

Key takeaways

Performance air intake for the vehicle. Reduces intake restriction and improves airflow compared to stock system for increased power and throttle response.
Measurable power and torque gains. Optimized filter, ducting, and piping deliver mid-range power improvements with quicker spool-up for turbocharged applications.
Plug-and-play installation without tuning. Direct-fit design bolts onto stock mounting points; no cutting, fuel-system modifications, or check-engine light concerns.
Validated for real-world use and durability. Mishimoto flow-bench tests all intakes at its USA facility and validates performance with factory ECU calibration and warranty.

One of the leading reasons for buying a mega-mass-produced product is reliability. Your Honda Accord already bears that trait thanks to Honda's decades of tried-and-true testing. Functionality and reliability are features that we also aim to make synonymous with our 2018+ 1.5L Accord intake kit, but that only comes with the same level of rigorous R&D. So, we put our intake to the test.

The first leg of the testing journey takes place on our flow bench, which you might remember from the prototyping post. During the design phase, we used the bench to pinpoint the most restrictive components in the OEM intake system. From there, we could generate more free-flowing designs and put our prototypes, and eventually the complete production kit, to the test against the stock unit.

Reducing restriction in the intake is a crucial component to adding power. Improving the quantity and quality of air entering the system typically translates to increased power. So, our engineer, Ye, loaded our donor Accord up onto our DynoJet for a series of power pulls to prove that theory.

Theory confirmed. Our Accord 1.5T's intake system, with its reduced restriction, yielded positive results compared to the factory kit on the stock tune. The addition of our intake kit added 7.8hp and 7.2tq of max gains over the factory system to give this Accord a little extra pep in its step.

We noted that most of our power gains are concentrated on the lower end of the rev range as well, meaning your Accord will feel quicker off the line. With a performance tune, we expect much more potent gains across the entire curve.

The Honda Accord might not have hit the world with the same sensation as the Beetle or iPod, but it's the source of transportation for hundreds of thousands of drivers. For most, it's just that, transport, a practical means between point A and point B. However, some want to spice up that journey in their Accord, and an improved intake system is a perfect solution. Make sure you get yours today: