Page 15 - mishimoto

In our last update, we left you with some mock-up prototype pieces that we used to create and refine our Fiesta ST rear strut brace design. Since then, we've worked up a couple of functional prototypes to test our ideas for stiffening the rear of this hot hatch.

Initial Prototypes

We constructed two prototypes of this trunk brace. The first prototype is finished in a black powder coat, and we'll use this unit to evaluate for aesthetics and fitment. The unfinished ("raw") prototype is going to be used for testing purposes, meaning it will be modified.

First, check out our powder-coated unit bolted into place.

Mishimoto Fiesta ST performance parts

We've got another awesome project in the works for the 8th-generation Honda Civic Si! Our recently released performance intake system received great feedback from customers, but it also identified an additional need for intake system components. We decided to develop a Civic Si induction hose made from silicone to replace the stock rubber unit.

Stock Civic Si Induction Hose

Before jumping into the design of our prototype hose, check out a few shots of the stock unit.

Stock Honda Civic parts

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Check out the sixth segment of the Mishimoto 2016 Camaro SS video review series! In this video we provide a neat look at some of the unique features on the front suspension of the '16.

Our next video will include details about the rear suspension of our SS.

Thanks for watching!

-John

Putting together our final prototype was a bit easier for this project compared to other front-mount intercooler (FMIC) kits our team has developed. As mentioned in previous segments, we used the crash beam and intercooler from our 2015 WRX kit. Now we've worked up some functional prototype piping for a final test fit.

First, let's take a quick look at each portion of the kit.

Intercooler and Crash Beam

The intercooler core is the key component in any intercooler kit. This core has provided significant air temperature drops during our testing on the WRX, and we expect the same results with the STi.

Mishimoto STi intercooler and crash beam

The most exciting part of product R&D is always the testing phase. This typically includes setting up some neat sensors, running the car on the dyno or on the street, and crunching our data. We are anxious to see how our first prototype coolers perform on the Fiesta. Let's jump right into the plans for this first round of testing.

Testing Plans

As mentioned in the previous segment, we will test four different coolers.

• Stock intercooler
• Mishimoto bar-and-plate prototype 1 (larger internal bar height)
• Mishimoto bar-and-plate prototype 2 (smaller internal bar height)
• Mishimoto tube-and-fin prototype

For each cooler we will be collecting data for temperature, pressure, and power output. Each cooler will be tested repeatedly until we have three consistent runs producing data as accurate as possible.

Below is a look at the three different core types that will be tested.

If you follow our engineering blog you may have noticed some recent attention on the 8th-generation Civic Si. Well, we aren't making a push for just this generation. We also want to dive into the 9th-generation and develop some unique new parts to improve this awesome car.

Our first project will be quite simple: to produce a Civic Si induction hose that replaces the stock rubber unit. This upgrade provides improved durability as well as pleasing aesthetics for those seeking some engine bay style. We have seen slight power increases with intake hoses developed in the past, so we will be dyno testing our component to bust any myths around power gains.

Stock Civic Si Induction Hose

Stock Honda Civic parts

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We recently designed a performance intake system for the 2003-2006 Nissan 350Z. This included an airbox and filter that attaches to the end of the stock mass airflow (MAF) housing. Our results were positive in that we achieved a significant improvement in intake sound, and we increased power output by 10 whp and 13 wtq without any additional tuning.

This project is not so much performance oriented but is intended to add reliability and additional aesthetic appeal to the intake system on the Z.

To start this project, we rolled our test vehicle into our development facility and started inspecting the stock piece. Check out our test subject.

350Z intake hose test vehicle