PRL Stage 1 Intake System for Civic/Integra/Accord/RDX

PRL Motorsports Stage 1 Intake System - Honda & Acura

This is the most sensible first intake modification you can make. Instead of replacing your entire airbox, Stage 1 targets the two things actually restricting flow: the corrugated factory inlet hose and the paper panel filter. You get a smooth 4-ply silicone hose and a high-flow oiled filter that drops into the stock box. No tune, no fabrication, and a bay that still looks tidy.

The Corrugated Hose Is The Problem

Worth understanding, because it's the whole basis of this kit.

Take a look at your factory inlet hose. It's ribbed and pleated, which is how manufacturers make a hose flexible and cheap to produce. Those pleats are terrible for airflow. Every ridge creates turbulence, and turbulent air moves through a tube considerably worse than smooth air does.

PRL replaces it with a smooth-bore 4-ply silicone hose. Same routing, same connections, dramatically better internal surface. That shows up as improved throttle response and real power, and on the Type R applications PRL rates it at 6-plus horsepower and 5 lb-ft across the powerband.

The high-flow oiled panel filter handles the other half. It drops into your factory airbox and flows better than the paper element while still filtering properly, and it's washable rather than disposable.

No Tune Required, On Any Application

None of these kits require an ECU calibration. Bolt it on and drive. That's a genuine advantage over a full intake system, which often changes MAF readings enough to need tuning attention.

If you're already tuned, mention it to your tuner so they can account for the additional flow, but you're not obligated to do anything.

CARB Approved On The Type R Kits

If you live somewhere with emissions testing, this matters.

The FK8 Civic Type R and FL5 Civic Type R / DE5 Integra Type S versions carry CARB EO D-878-8, making them 50-state legal for use on emissions-controlled vehicles when installed per the manufacturer's application guide.

The other applications don't currently carry a CARB EO. If you're in an inspection state and driving something other than a Type R, that's worth factoring into your decision.

Why Stage 1 Instead Of A Full Intake

Honest framing on where this sits.

A full intake system replaces the airbox entirely and makes more power, but it costs considerably more, sometimes needs tuning attention, and changes how your engine bay looks. Stage 1 keeps the factory airbox and factory appearance while fixing the two genuine restrictions.

So this is the right call if you want a real, measurable improvement without a big spend, if you want to keep the car looking stock, or if you're not ready to commit to a full system yet. If you're chasing maximum airflow on a built car, look at PRL's High Volume or Cobra systems instead.

What's In The Kit

• (1) High-flow drop-in oiled panel air filter
• (1) 4-ply silicone intake hose kit

Everything installs using factory locations and connections.

Find Your Application

Each version is built for its specific airbox and inlet routing, so match yours carefully:

All applications cover variant models including Si, 6MT, CVT, RHD, and international. International FK8 owners may need to use a 6-8mm cap on the evap assembly.

Who Should Run Stage 1

This is for the owner who wants a genuine intake improvement without a big spend or a tune, and who'd rather keep the factory airbox and the factory look. It's the highest value-per-dollar intake modification available on these platforms, it goes on in under an hour, and there's nothing to maintain beyond cleaning the filter occasionally. Match your application, bolt it on, and enjoy an engine that breathes properly.

Fits: see the application table above. Includes: high-flow oiled drop-in panel filter and 4-ply silicone intake hose kit. Tuning: no ECU calibration required on any application. Emissions: CARB EO D-878-8 on the FK8 and FL5/DE5 Type R applications. Install: uses factory airbox and connections, no fabrication.