That doesn't sound TOO bad. H&A sells the chrome steps for $468 ... so the dealer is charging you about 1.5 hours labor (or ~$520 for the steps and ~1 hour labor). I think that's pretty fair.
If you WANT the chrome, the $35 difference isn't bad at all. Just remember, chrome pits and rusts over time ... you need to take good care of them.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Just bought a certified used '03 Pilot EX-L with Leather. I do a lot of driving on winding, hilly roads and would like to stiffen up the suspension. The Pilot seems to wallow a bit around the curves (from side to side). My last car was a sports car and I am used to stiffer suspensions. I search on the Internet via Google and found nothing. (But I did find this site!) The dealer suggested stiffer tires (I can do that) and bigger sway bars (can't find any)? Any suggestions? Thanks
PS - I had Circuit City install a Sirius satellite radio - on a bracket below the heater controls. It looks OK and works great!
I own a 2003 Pilot with DVD entertainment system and my kids love it... Recently my sister in law bought a 2005 and did the aftermarket DVD system and they hate it....
The beauty of the factory system is the integration with the radio....all control reside at the radio with a round switch that allows you to control the radio or the dvd.....When the DVD system is on the radios subwoffer will turn off....but you can turn it back on....slick system, user friendly
Buy the factory system....When the kids get older the DVD player will play CDs and you can listen to your music thru the speakers and they will listen on the wireless headphones
DVD player is built into radio.....DVD disc input is below AC on front dash...perfect for changing disc on the fly even if you are alone in the front
The stock tire are smaller than most compact SUVs.....
There in lies the problem..
Get rid of the small donuts and get real tires
2 years ago I bought from Discount Tire direct 17" x 7" wheels for about $ 150.00 each and mounted 255/60/17 tires and WOW what a difference
The key is to keep the over all tire height the same Original tires 235/70/16 = 235 x .70 = 164.5mm convert to inches by dividing 164.5 by 25.4 = 6.47 inches Add 6.47 (height of one side of sidewall) + 6.47 (height of other sidewall) + 16" rim = Overall original tire height = 28.94 inches
New tire should be with in 3% of the number
I chose 255/60/17 - good balance between perf and weight - bigger wheels weight more - buy the lightest wheel you can afford
255 x .60 = 153 153 divide by 25.4 = 6.02 6.02 + 6.02 + 17" rim = 29.04 inches tall
There are no clearance issues....no issues at all My pilot has 62k miles and 40K have been on these rims and tire I put on and would reccoment Pirelli Scorpion Zeros Very few manufac produce this size - I had Continetal sport truck tire on originally - sometimes you can find them for less that $ 100 each on web
Results from mods: Tires No tire squeal/body motions are better controlled/ high speed criusing feedback from tires is better/ steering wheel is slightly heavier(I thought it was to light anyway) Air filters Breaths better and is faster with new air filter - also growl under full throtle applications and people actuall turn there heads as I throttle up and pass them
Only problem.....you drive alot faster!!! and with more confidence Also the vehicle looks beefy with big tires Be careful with offsets do push the tire out any further...offset should remain same as factory offset = center line of rim
Other things.. shocks NO one but Gabriel makes an after market shock I even checked with companies from Japan - no one has anything! And at this time only the rears are available..... front replacements are coming in september I would replace the shocks as well - new shocks are less that factories and work well
Did you know that Weapon R (on the web) makes a great replacement perf air filter kit with 3" bad assed chrome intake tube
And I recently bought stillens cross drilled brake rotor and after market pads that use stock calipers.....alittle nioser and more dust but WOW can the stop...
You now have the information it took me countless years to compile and understand and test
If I had to start somewhere... Do the tires - realitively inexpensive and very noticable difference
Mtn dave - do you ride at mountain creek - I do I think you pilot is black - right
I recenlty found a Ford F-250 air dam at my companies warehouse and guess what...
I turned it that upside down so the factory holes are facing down to the street and the thing bolted right onto the lower small lip air dam that comes stock on the pilot
Be carefull if you install this... I also punctured my washer fluid tank that resides down there... The guys at the dealer loved my idea so much they fixed the hole I made for nothing...they patched it
Now I have a real air dam and guess waht it never scapes ever on anything...
If any one wants I will post a picture....
Good luck trying to find ANY aftermarket body parts...they do NOT exist
What size tires did you put on your 20"? I currently have 255/55/18 and considering bumping up to 19's. I sort of staying away from 20 because of the hard ride factor. I know 1" is no big difference, but it's my odd way of compremising. But maybe with your words of wisdom, I may go all the way to 20's. So what is the ride like on normal road driving?
I had exactly that size 255/55/18 Toyo Proxies tires, on ADR chrome wheels. Fit's perfectly and the ride improved. It looks great and I drive more confidently because you can immedietely feel the better traction. The maximum size you can put on your Pilot are 255/45/20. Personnaly I think the 20" rims on mid-size SUV are overkill's, and looks better on cars like my BMW. I like my 18" rims, but if I had to do it over again I would have gone with 19" - 255/50/19... just so I'm just a step down the extreem.
Go for the 255/55/18, and if you can afford to spend an extra $500 go for the 255/55/19. Just word of advise, 18" are more common to find and cost less. 19" are harder to find, and cost more.
Yes the MDX 17" will fit your Pilot. But why get the 17"? Bump up to the 18" instead. Personnaly I think the 17" on the MDX borders on the whimpy side. Check out the 18" on a Infiniti FX35... Now that looks mean and bad [non-permissible content removed]. I have 255/55/18 on my Pilot, and not only they look bad to the bone but they also improved the ride.
My pilot has a 255/60/17 tire on a 17 x 7" rim..... it looks beefy, was cheap to buy, and has less weight than an 18,19 or 20" rim
Remember if you increase unsprung weight....weight of items below suspension you will decrease performance...strike a balance between looks, cost, performance and do NOT forget comfort and quiet
255/55/18 sounds reasonable as long as the wheel is not heavy...
The reduction in gas milage could also be attributed to my lead foot and the fact that now I cruise at higher speeds more consistently, frequently and more comfortably ..........and as we all know......higher speeds use more fuel.....
The air cleaner didn't affect gas mileage....just made the vehicle faster and sound mean....
i have searched several honda sites but so far i have not found anyone selling door edge guards for the pilot..I see that they make it for accords,civic and even the element..but none for the pilot..I would like to get feedback on sites that sell these..Thanks...
I just picked up an '05 EX-L and would like to install my 857-D and ATAS 120. I had this setup in my Chevy truck with good success except for some pesky ignition noise I just couldn't seem to get rid of.
I'd really like to hear about your installation. Do you have any pictures available?
I would think the wider tire will have more rolling resistance and thus less mileage. It should not make that big of difference though.
I am about to Purchase an 06 EX AWD and I believe the stock tires are Goodyear Integrity 235 70 16. According to Tirerack.com reviews this tire is JUNK. I respect their reviews as they are from users themselves. Why does Honda see fit to put these on the Pilot? I am thinking of an immediate upgrade. Looking at the Firestone Destination LE 235 65 17 . The big difference is the Firestone is a T rated tire which should be stiffer and improve the handling / feel somewhat. Hopefully the tire dealer will give me a decent deal on a switch. I don't get the handling comments in earlier posts being related to shocks.
I was really tempted to go with the 05 with the "clearance prices", but the 06 is upgrade in a lot of areas. One [non-permissible content removed] for me is the liftgate. I am ok with the liftgate, I would just like the glass to open without the gate. Snowballs chance in hell there is an aftermarket accessory for that.
I have been reading a lot of postings about upgrading from stock wheels & tires to 18" 19" & even 20" rims and tires. You guys have me wanting these set ups before i even have my 06 Pilot 2wd EX-L RES. I would love to be able to see the difference via pictures. Does anyone have any photos of what a Pilot looks like with bigger rims and tires? Would really like to see with 18" with 255/55/18
I just wanted to express my disappointment with the Honda Pilot roof rack and crossbar designs, and warn prospective OEM accessory buyers.
First off, the Pilot LX and EX designs are different - the LX supports a maximum of 100 lbs, the EX 150 lbs. Second, to install the Honda bike carrier, you have to remove the rubber lining on the crossbars, remove the crossbars with their torx screws, install T bolts in the bars, and on the LX remove the entire roof rack - just to install the carrier. Honda apparently considers the carrier a permanent addition - I want to be able to easily remove it - something 3rd party products do.
Unfortunately, because of the weight limitations on the LX, I cannot install a 3rd party carrier directly to my crossbars -- ugh. They're useless.
You are not alone in your dissatisfaction with the roof rack design flaw. It's been discussed many times here and on hondapilot.org. There should have been a way to easily remove or adjust the cross bars to accommodated other brand cargo boxes, cargo bags, ski racks... etc. If your not careful, the torx screws can also become stripped if over tightened or misaligned.
Looking for help in locating recordable or rewrite dvd's that will play in the car. We have a dvd recorder and use tdk dvd-r's. They dont work in the car. Does anyone know which recordable dvd's or rewriteable dvd's work in the 03 pilot ex-l w/dvd? Thanks!
What's the recommendation on the roof bars for an EX? I'm looking to put skis or bikes on the roof, and am used to roof-bars you can remove when you're not using them. Given it sounds like a real hassle to remove the Honda bars, would I be better going with a Thule rack? Any ideas?
Presumably leaving the Honda cross-bars on all the time is noisy?
I apologize if this is the wrong forum but I'm new here. Last night we got home from the dealer with our new Pilot and noticed the pattern of dots on the windshield above the rear view mirror. What is that? And more importantly, will they interfere with an EZPass (Toll transmitter) and a Radar Detector placed on either side of the mirror? Thanks Mark
Can anyone recommmend a air/bug deflector for my 2005 Honda Pilot that will not require drilling? I'm looking for a moonroof deflector as well. I live in the Seattle, WA area. Thanks!
Hi, In my town people drive carelessly. :mad: A lot of slow speed accidents. You are waiting on a stop light and people will bump from behind kinda stuff....... So I am thinking about installing front and back bumper trims, towing hitchets, bumper guards, etc.
What are the best options. Any ideas or web sites?
I just put on a WeatherTech bug deflector and there was not drilling or taping. Plastic fasteners are used on the ends with metal screws in the middle. They all use existing holes. I put mine through the car wash recently and it stayed put. Good 800 customer service also for installation help. Good Luck!
I have the FormFit Bug Deflector which uses no drilling and uses the original indentations in the hood for attachment. I'm very pleased with it and had no problems in the two years that I've had it on. Try www.hondaacuraworld.com for your accessories, ask for Tim.
oh yeah, i remembered after reading the other posts, it used sticky pads (i think), but it also used plastic clips that insert into existing holes under the lip of the hood.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I did a search on this board but found only one unanswered post.
Has anybody thought of or heard about adding memory seats to a Pilot (or other vehicle)?. It does sound a little intimidating, but in the case of the Honda, both the 2005 Honda Odyssey and MDX come with memory seats..I wouldn't need to rout the controls to the driver door, I would attempt to put them on the seat side plastic if possible. It would make for a happy (shorter) wife, I'll tell you that.
But they dont show a honda model. PLus, they seem pricey, and the install instructions show in the dash stuff - seems a bit... overdone. I cant see why they cant slave in elsewhere.
I see from the Honda website that there is an AUX/XM button on the standard audio system on a 2006 Pilot EXL. What does this AUX/XM button do? I understand that XM radio exists in the unit but am not clear about the AUX capability. Does the button title mean that you can plug an auxiliary component into the back of the audio unit? The AUX on the button implies that you can.
I would like to plug an MP3 player (iPod for example) into the back of the audio unit using an auxiliary (AUX) cable. I called a few dealers and none of the salesmen could answer my question with any certainty without pulling the audio unit from the dash, which of course they did not want to do.
Did you get an answer. I've given up on the factory rails. I'm about to look for either a Thule or a Yakima and have no idea how to assess the features of either.
Have you tried recording DVD-R from your PC? This is the best option. I have recorded many of my dvd movies from my PC and played them on my 04 pilot without any problems. Almost any brand of DVD-R will work. I used circuit city brand and another brand from an online purchase.
I have an 04 EX-L with the factory DVD player and yesterday I just happened to accidentally put a music cd into the dvd player. Guess what? The DVD player wouldn't play it! I was upset but that's alright, I have a cd player too. Going to call the dealer and find out...
I just bought a 2006 Pilot 2WD and replaced the Goodyear Integrity's with some Bridgestone Dueler 245/70/16's. Much better tire, stock rims, no rubbing. 65,000 mile tire. Very pleased. No noise at 75 mph.
Does anyone have a suggestion for all season mats just for the third row? I bought the Honda all season mats, but they are only for the first two rows. Also, are there cargo liners to use when the third row is up? Everything that I see appears to be designed for use only with the third row down. I know that there isn't all that much room back there with the back seat up, but it is a lot more quiet with the kids spread around!
not particular with the DVD systems that are factory installed; or any DVD systems for that matter, but most probably, what they have installed are just DVD player (meaning, would read ONLY DVDs and not other types of 'CD'; that being in your case, an audio CD). Some DVD players are actually compatible with audio and mp3 CDs. Just my 2cents.
Comments
H&A sells the chrome steps for $468 ... so the dealer is charging you about 1.5 hours labor (or ~$520 for the steps and ~1 hour labor). I think that's pretty fair.
If you WANT the chrome, the $35 difference isn't bad at all. Just remember, chrome pits and rusts over time ... you need to take good care of them.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I do a lot of driving on winding, hilly roads and would like to stiffen up the suspension. The Pilot seems to wallow a bit around the curves (from side to side). My last car was a sports car and I am used to stiffer suspensions.
I search on the Internet via Google and found nothing. (But I did find this site!)
The dealer suggested stiffer tires (I can do that) and bigger sway bars (can't find any)? Any suggestions? Thanks
PS - I had Circuit City install a Sirius satellite radio - on a bracket below the heater controls. It looks OK and works great!
Recently my sister in law bought a 2005 and did the aftermarket DVD system and they hate it....
The beauty of the factory system is the integration with the radio....all control reside at the radio with a round switch that allows you to control the radio or the dvd.....When the DVD system is on the radios subwoffer will turn off....but you can turn it back on....slick system, user friendly
Buy the factory system....When the kids get older the DVD player will play CDs and you can listen to your music thru the speakers and they will listen on the wireless headphones
DVD player is built into radio.....DVD disc input is below AC on front dash...perfect for changing disc on the fly even if you are alone in the front
There in lies the problem..
Get rid of the small donuts and get real tires
2 years ago I bought from Discount Tire direct 17" x 7" wheels for about $ 150.00 each and mounted 255/60/17 tires and WOW what a difference
The key is to keep the over all tire height the same
Original tires 235/70/16 = 235 x .70 = 164.5mm
convert to inches by dividing 164.5 by 25.4 = 6.47 inches
Add 6.47 (height of one side of sidewall) + 6.47 (height of other sidewall) + 16" rim =
Overall original tire height = 28.94 inches
New tire should be with in 3% of the number
I chose 255/60/17 - good balance between perf and weight - bigger wheels weight more - buy the lightest wheel you can afford
255 x .60 = 153
153 divide by 25.4 = 6.02
6.02 + 6.02 + 17" rim = 29.04 inches tall
There are no clearance issues....no issues at all
My pilot has 62k miles and 40K have been on these rims and tire
I put on and would reccoment Pirelli Scorpion Zeros
Very few manufac produce this size - I had Continetal sport truck tire on originally - sometimes you can find them for less that $ 100 each on web
Results from mods:
Tires
No tire squeal/body motions are better controlled/ high speed criusing feedback from tires is better/ steering wheel is slightly heavier(I thought it was to light anyway)
Air filters
Breaths better and is faster with new air filter - also growl under full throtle applications and people actuall turn there heads as I throttle up and pass them
Only problem.....you drive alot faster!!! and with more confidence
Also the vehicle looks beefy with big tires
Be careful with offsets do push the tire out any further...offset should remain same as factory offset = center line of rim
Other things..
shocks
NO one but Gabriel makes an after market shock
I even checked with companies from Japan - no one has anything!
And at this time only the rears are available..... front replacements are coming in september
I would replace the shocks as well - new shocks are less that factories and work well
Did you know that Weapon R (on the web) makes a great replacement perf air filter kit with 3" bad assed chrome intake tube
And I recently bought stillens cross drilled brake rotor and after market pads that use stock calipers.....alittle nioser and more dust but WOW can the stop...
You now have the information it took me countless years to compile and understand and test
If I had to start somewhere...
Do the tires - realitively inexpensive and very noticable difference
Mtn dave - do you ride at mountain creek - I do I think you pilot is black - right
I turned it that upside down so the factory holes are facing down to the street and the thing bolted right onto the lower small lip air dam that comes stock on the pilot
Be carefull if you install this... I also punctured my washer fluid tank that resides down there...
The guys at the dealer loved my idea so much they fixed the hole I made for nothing...they patched it
Now I have a real air dam and guess waht it never scapes ever on anything...
If any one wants I will post a picture....
Good luck trying to find ANY aftermarket body parts...they do NOT exist
i UPGRADE TIRE AND RIMS ALREADY
I will save you the trouble of tying to figure it out.....
Tae
I upgraded to a 255/60/17 on my 2003 pilot and what a difference
I will fill you in
Remember - you want to buy the lightest rim you can afford
17 inch rim are inexpensive and look good
I bought Fondmetals from Discount tire direct
Tae
(I live in Eagle Point, OR, and my Pilot is white.)
Make a mistake...
Monroe is the only company making aftermarket shocks for the pilot
I just checked the monroe site and it looks like the fronts are available
Monroe Reflex is the performance shock
Monroe Sensitrac is the comfort shock
What size tires did you put on your 20"? I currently have 255/55/18 and considering bumping up to 19's. I sort of staying away from 20 because of the hard ride factor. I know 1" is no big difference, but it's my odd way of compremising. But maybe with your words of wisdom, I may go all the way to 20's. So what is the ride like on normal road driving?
Go for the 255/55/18, and if you can afford to spend an extra $500 go for the 255/55/19. Just word of advise, 18" are more common to find and cost less. 19" are harder to find, and cost more.
Remember if you increase unsprung weight....weight of items below suspension you will decrease performance...strike a balance between looks, cost, performance and do NOT forget comfort and quiet
255/55/18 sounds reasonable as long as the wheel is not heavy...
Tae
Thanks
Fred
I am averaging about 1-2 MPG less city/hiway
The reduction in gas milage could also be attributed to my lead foot and the fact that now I cruise at higher speeds more consistently, frequently and more comfortably ..........and as we all know......higher speeds use more fuel.....
The air cleaner didn't affect gas mileage....just made the vehicle faster and sound mean....
tae
I just picked up an '05 EX-L and would like to install my 857-D and ATAS 120. I had this setup in my Chevy truck with good success except for some pesky ignition noise I just couldn't seem to get rid of.
I'd really like to hear about your installation. Do you have any pictures available?
Thanks,
Hutch
Does it change the fuel efficiency of the Pilot? :confuse:
I am about to Purchase an 06 EX AWD and I believe the stock tires are Goodyear Integrity 235 70 16. According to Tirerack.com reviews this tire is JUNK. I respect their reviews as they are from users themselves. Why does Honda see fit to put these on the Pilot? I am thinking of an immediate upgrade. Looking at the Firestone Destination LE 235 65 17 . The big difference is the Firestone is a T rated tire which should be stiffer and improve the handling / feel somewhat. Hopefully the tire dealer will give me a decent deal on a switch. I don't get the handling comments in earlier posts being related to shocks.
I was really tempted to go with the 05 with the "clearance prices", but the 06 is upgrade in a lot of areas. One [non-permissible content removed] for me is the liftgate. I am ok with the liftgate, I would just like the glass to open without the gate. Snowballs chance in hell there is an aftermarket accessory for that.
First off, the Pilot LX and EX designs are different - the LX supports a maximum of 100 lbs, the EX 150 lbs. Second, to install the Honda bike carrier, you have to remove the rubber lining on the crossbars, remove the crossbars with their torx screws, install T bolts in the bars, and on the LX remove the entire roof rack - just to install the carrier. Honda apparently considers the carrier a permanent addition - I want to be able to easily remove it - something 3rd party products do.
Unfortunately, because of the weight limitations on the LX, I cannot install a 3rd party carrier directly to my crossbars -- ugh. They're useless.
Is anyone else as frustrated with this as I am?
If your not careful, the torx screws can also become stripped if over tightened or misaligned.
Thanks!
Presumably leaving the Honda cross-bars on all the time is noisy?
Thanks very much.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Thanks
Mark
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Hope that helps you.
Fred
In my town people drive carelessly. :mad: A lot of slow speed accidents. You are waiting on a stop light and people will bump from behind kinda stuff....... So I am thinking about installing front and back bumper trims, towing hitchets, bumper guards, etc.
What are the best options. Any ideas or web sites?
Thanks.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Has anybody thought of or heard about adding memory seats to a Pilot (or other vehicle)?. It does sound a little intimidating, but in the case of the Honda, both the 2005 Honda Odyssey and MDX come with memory seats..I wouldn't need to rout the controls to the driver door, I would attempt to put them on the seat side plastic
if possible. It would make for a happy (shorter) wife, I'll tell you that.
Thanks!
2005 Pilot EXL
Any techies out there have any ideas on this?
Thanks, Eric
I found this -
http://www.electricstep.com/
But they dont show a honda model. PLus, they seem pricey, and the install instructions show in the dash stuff - seems a bit... overdone. I cant see why they cant slave in elsewhere.
Thinking about it-
Eric
I would like to plug an MP3 player (iPod for example) into the back of the audio unit using an auxiliary (AUX) cable. I called a few dealers and none of the salesmen could answer my question with any certainty without pulling the audio unit from the dash, which of course they did not want to do.