Independent automotive project

2023 Acura TLX Type S

3.0L turbocharged V6 · 10-speed automatic · SH-AWD

A hands-on project focused on performance modification, mechanical installation, thermal management, maintenance, and troubleshooting. The vehicle has been a practical way to apply concepts from fluid mechanics, heat transfer, mechanical design, and system-level tradeoffs.

A hands-on project focused on performance modification, mechanical installation, thermal management, maintenance, and troubleshooting. The vehicle has been a practical way to apply concepts from fluid mechanics, heat transfer, mechanical design, and system-level tradeoffs.

Intake and charge air

Installed a PRL high-flow air filter, silicone intake pipe, performance intercooler, and charge pipes. Worked with sensors, clamps, couplers, seals, and limited front-end packaging space.

Exhaust and troubleshooting

Worked with exhaust components, oxygen sensors, seized hardware, gaskets, and fasteners. Investigated warning lights, reduced-power behavior, drivetrain vibration, braking vibration, and proximity-sensor operation.

Maintenance

Performed oil and filter changes, brake-fluid servicing, coolant inspection, sensor work, vehicle lifting, and safe underbody access.

Engineering concepts

Applied concepts in fluid flow, pressure losses, turbocharged airflow, heat transfer, heat exchanger performance, exhaust backpressure, thermal cycling, corrosion, fitment, and performance-reliability tradeoffs.

PRL High flow intake and silicone hose

One of the simpler projects and my very first one done to my car, The high flow intake is just an aftermarket filter with better optimized air flow through it. The silicone hose provides a smooth sweep and also helps mitigate some heat soak compared to the stock hose.

PRL Intercooler and charge pipes

This project required a lot of patience and problem solving. It involved taking my whole front bumper off and replacing the intercooler and all the piping that went along with it to aluminum. The reason for the upgraded intercooler is it has more surface area than the stock intercooler which makes sure that the air that enters the engine is cool. The charge pipes were originally a rubber material which I swapped for aluminum pipes. The problem with the rubber material was that it wears out easily and expands when there is charged air coming through them constantly.

IMR Catless Downpipe

This project required the most patience because I did it all under jack stands. A catless downpipe allows more unrestricted flow through the exhaust which in turn makes more power after a tune. Many of the bolts were seized and I had to use anti seize and mess with them for several minutes before I could get them out. Also since this waws an aftermarket setup I had to make my own gaskets from gasket material that I bought and cut them out.

Projects

PRL High flow intake and silicone hose

One of the simpler projects and my very first one done to my car, The high flow intake is just an aftermarket filter with better optimized air flow through it. The silicone hose provides a smooth sweep and also helps mitigate some heat soak compared to the stock hose.

PRL Intercooler and charge pipes

This project required a lot of patience and problem solving. It involved taking my whole front bumper off and replacing the intercooler and all the piping that went along with it to aluminum. The reason for the upgraded intercooler is it has more surface area than the stock intercooler which makes sure that the air that enters the engine is cool. The charge pipes were originally a rubber material which I swapped for aluminum pipes. The problem with the rubber material was that it wears out easily and expands when there is charged air coming through them constantly.

IMR Catless Downpipe

This project required the most patience because I did it all under jack stands. A catless downpipe allows more unrestricted flow through the exhaust which in turn makes more power after a tune. Many of the bolts were seized and I had to use anti seize and mess with them for several minutes before I could get them out. Also since this waws an aftermarket setup I had to make my own gaskets from gasket material that I bought and cut them out.

Projects

Alex Brzostek · Plainville, CT

UConn Mechanical Engineering