2001+ Honda Civic Coupe
139 Autosport             Articles | Store | Links | Info | Home

K&N FIPK Review                                         Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
for 2001+ Honda Civic Coupe/Sedan

The heat shield, again

How does the FIPK sound? By removing the stock intake resonator, the intake throttle volume is definitely increased. But for those that worry about deafening and annoying noises, fear not – for most people, the FIPK is not obnoxious at all. During the low RPM ranges, the FIPK sounds pretty much like stock, step on it and go past 4,000 RPM and you’ll start to hear a more defined throttle volume. Go past 6,000 RPM and you hear the same aggressive intake tone you’ll near from most four cylinder engine with variable valve timing. The FIPK simply pronounces the tone more.

In regards to mileage, the FIPK does affect the mileage of your car. Through the years I notice a generally decrease of 1-3 mpg (miles per gallon). That isn’t so bad at all IMO. (I have a 5spd EX Coupe) It mainly has to do with how you drive though. If you always drive conservatively and keep the RPM lows, then you won’t see any noticeable decrease in mileage, in fact there may be a 1-2 mpg increase. But if you enjoy pushing your car, then you engine will definitely sip more fuel, the mpg decrease may be as much as 3-6 mpg. My driving is mostly 70% city driving and 30% highway driving these days. The mph is generally 50 mph for city driving, with stop and go traffic – and as for highway driving; the mph is generally around 80 mph. Miles per gallon with stock is around 31-35 mpg, while with the FIPK; it’s usually around 28-32 mpg.

The FIPK is a good intake system. Its price range is definitely much more expensive than other intakes. The usually retail price is generally around $170-$200, definitely not something you buy without thinking (unless you’re rolling in money, and if you are, I’m not sure why you’re driving a Civic). Like mentioned, all the parts of the FIPK of good quality, and they’re well designed. The heat shield is a nice touch, and definitely works to minimize heated air intake. The inclusion of the filter cleaning charger is a plus too. K&N is of course known for their filter, and the provided cone filter is a clear reason why. The filter can be reuse, and in the long run that does save quite a bit of money in constantly buying new stock paper air filters.

Overall, it’s a fairly good modification to the car, and does add enjoyment to the ride. You don’t need to worry about noisy intake volume when you drive normally and keep it at 3,000 RPM. And occasionally if you feel like spirited driving, the more defined intake throttle may be fun for some. The lost of low end isn’t much of an issue and the climb to high end is definitely more enjoyable. Intake tone is also decent, and it doesn’t add any annoying rattles or bumblebee noise (although that’s usually in the exhaust department). The FIPK is definitely a good choice for those looking for something with the features and functions mentioned above. Today, there are lots of options for our Civic in terms of aftermarket intake systems. Just a few years ago, there were only handful selections available. When the FIPK came out, it became a favorite for many 7thgen Civic owners, and for fairly good reasons. If you’re currently in the market for an aftermarket intake system, the FIPK should definitely be on your list of choices.

- Cap
April 10, 2005

K&N FIPK Review                                         Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
for 2001+ Honda Civic Coupe/Sedan

Visa MasterCard Discover American Express
PayPal Accepted Here
Privacy, Payment, Shipping Informations

Copyright © 2005, 139 Autosport