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What is the max. speed for the Odyssey?

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Niels81nrw

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Hi again,

I'm just surfing through the threads and found one very interesting picture (an Odyssey on a speed way):
http://www.odyclub.com/forums/attachment.php?s=&postid=398605

I already recognized that the VCM does turn off when you drive more than 80mph/ 130km/h. When I drive faster than 80mph, the 'ECO' LED doesn't light anymore.
I recently tested it on the I-5 (between Tracy, CA and Anaheim, CA).

What is the max speed the Odyssey can handle (Honda specs)? Since the car is made for the American market I don't think that the car is capable of driving more than 100mph without risking serious damage to the transmission or the suspension or whatever higher speeds can do to the car? But they advertise with "European like handling". And most European cars (like Audi, Mercedes, BMW, Volkswagen, Saab, Volvo, ...) can easily drive up to 130mph to 140mph.

But maybe the Odyssey is electronically limited by factory default (somewhere in the "board computer control elements") that the car is not able to drive faster than X mph to prevent the car from speed related damages.

Maybe someone of you already tested the max speed or at least knows it ;)
 
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Discussion starter · #2 ·
Hi again,

I'm just surfing through the threads and found one very interesting picture (an Odyssey on a speed way):
http://www.odyclub.com/forums/attachment.php?s=&postid=398605

I already recognized that the VCM does turn off when you drive more than 80mph/ 130km/h. When I drive faster than 80mph, the 'ECO' LED doesn't light anymore.
I recently tested it on the I-5 (between Tracy, CA and Anaheim, CA).

What is the max speed the Odyssey can handle (Honda specs)? Since the car is made for the American market I don't think that the car is capable of driving more than 100mph without risking serious damage to the transmission or the suspension or whatever higher speeds can do to the car? But they advertise with "European like handling". And most European cars (like Audi, Mercedes, BMW, Volkswagen, Saab, Volvo, ...) can easily drive up to 130mph to 140mph.

But maybe the Odyssey is electronically limited by factory default (somewhere in the "board computer control elements") that the car is not able to drive faster than X mph to prevent the car from speed related damages.

Maybe someone of you already tested the max speed or at least knows it ;)
 
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#4 ·
According to Car & Driver's latest test of the '07 Ody, it's drag-limited at 119mph.

As far as "euro-like handling"....that leaves a lot of cards on the table. Somewhere between a M5 and a VW EuroVan I suppose:stupid:

I've been upwards of 150mph in some Euro cars and I think I'll keep the Ody somewhere in the <90mph range. It's not that sophisticated of a suspension and it's still a top-heavy brick. Those racing Ody's are heavily modified and not even close to our street version.
 
#5 ·
I am not aware of any speed-related damage issues. In general, running an engine and transmission close to its redline for extended periods will create more wear, but this is true for any car. And, you can do it at any speed just by keeping the transmission in a lower gear.

Like skinny2 said, aerodynamics are the Odyssey's problem. The box creates a ton of drag, so you would need monster HP to go much faster. The horsepower to speed relationship is an exponantial curve, which means you need a lot more power just to get a few MPH faster.

The other limitation that the Odyssey has is the max speed rating of the tires. I think that the tires are H rated, which means they should not go above 129 MPH. Therefore, the car may be electronically governed at 130 MPH.

Finally, cars designed to go fast have aerodynamics that produce greater downforce on the tires at speed, so you have the traction to do lane changes and track curves without losing control. I doubt that the Odyssey has the aerodynamics to stay stable above 130.

So, to summarize, if you want your Odyssey to go fast, you will need to:

  • Install a supercharger to bump the power up to at least 400 HP
  • Remove the speed governor from the engine computer
  • Install low profile Z rated tires
  • Install a wing on the back and aerodynamics on the front to
  • Upgrade your brakes so you can safely stop the car
 
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#6 ·
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#7 ·
AND do it on a closed course!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
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Discussion starter · #8 ·
Thx for the answers.
I'm actually not thinking about tuning the car. But I'm actually from Germany (that's why my English isn't as correct as it should be) but live here in U.S. since 11/04 and I have to go back to Germany in 09/09.

I'm thinking about taking the car with me back to Germany next year. It might be kind of risky since maintenance / repairs could get very expensive but this car seems very reliable and there are some dealer (actually just one ;) ) who import this car frequently and it is nice to have not the "every day car" I'm going to take the risk.

That's why I like to know what the car is capable of.

I've heard from some people who took cars over to Germany (like Chrysler Caravan / Dodge T&C or the older model of the Ford Mustang) they actually got seriously transmission issues (they actually broke them) because the car was not made for high speeds on the German Autobahn.

If Honda designed the car to drive up to 120mph (190km/h) that would be good (even if I'm actually not thinking about driving as fast as that).

In Germany I was thinking about chip tuning my Audi A6 2.5L TDi. But I thought the top speed from about 140mph is fast enough to get to work and back home. :cool:
 
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#9 ·
I think that I would be pretty wary of driving a tall vehicle that might get tossed around by a good cross wind at such high speed.

BTW, the "ECO" light doesn't necessarily mean if the VCM is engaged or not.
 
#10 ·
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#11 ·
Typically, vehicles designed for U.S. roads do not have the cooling capacity for sustained autobahn type driving. Long high-speed runs can easily result in quite elevated engine temperatures and, as a result, higher transmission fluid temperatures, which can cause failures. Before I drove an Odyssey on an autobahn fast for a long time, I would upgrade the cooling system and install a larger transmission fluid cooler. I would also install a set of (here I go again) Air-Lifts which would give you a much more stable van at those speeds.

Jerry O.
 
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#13 · (Edited)
Jerry,

I had a proprietary chip designed for my Ody from a personal engineering/car nut friend working for a reputable S. Bay based performance Japanese origined turbo/tuning/suspension/modification house. Anonymity is essential as this type of modification in CA is not kosher with the CARB. FWIW, I've passed all state emission tests in CA and IL currently.

Essentially, the timing curves, fuel flow capacity, A/F ratios was modified extensively under full throttle inputs. I specified under low engine loads to remain as stock as possible to maintain efficiency however.

Several years ago, I took it to Carlsbad raceway for some impromptu 1/4 mile passes with a nearly empty tank minus the 2 2nd row seats and ran consistent mid/high 15's just breaking 90's mph. I think the best pass was 15.65 @ 93.70mph.

Besides the chip, I also have a Akimoto air induction system/K&N oil coated intake, CAT back custom exhaust (3 inch diameter Porsche muffler/resonator) with no fancy tips. The exhaust note is only noticeble under heavy acceleration and especially on the VTEC mode but sedate near stock under cruising speeds luckily. However, upon shutdown in our garage, there is a loud hissing. In the safety dept. rotors are Brembo (custom drilled) with pads pushed with racing/synthetic/silicone fluid. Brake lines are metallic clad/metal braided for firmer feel and more precise modulation. I like the stock ride height as it is needed when we really load up, hence no spring replacement but I've switched out to KYB's all around which is slightly tighter or "harsher" to some. The roads in S. Cal are so much smoother compared to Chicago....sheesh!

Don't misconstrue our Ody as a wannabe sports sedan, rather a slightly "massaged" family hauler with a potential for greater speeds with the attendant required safety mods. I've left the serious internal engine mods and external boosting to other more worthy candidates.

;) ;) ;)
 
Discussion starter · #14 ·
OdyBahn said:
I think that I would be pretty wary of driving a tall vehicle that might get tossed around by a good cross wind at such high speed.

BTW, the "ECO" light doesn't necessarily mean if the VCM is engaged or not.
Click to expand...

I'm sure it won't be a "fun" drive high speed with some gusty cross winds....

I thought that only if 'ECO' light the VCM is engaged.... I mean it won't make any sense to say "up to 80mph 'ECO' will light when VCM is engaged, faster than 80mph 'ECO' won't light when it is active".
 
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Discussion starter · #15 ·
Jerry O said:
Typically, vehicles designed for U.S. roads do not have the cooling capacity for sustained autobahn type driving. Long high-speed runs can easily result in quite elevated engine temperatures and, as a result, higher transmission fluid temperatures, which can cause failures. Before I drove an Odyssey on an autobahn fast for a long time, I would upgrade the cooling system and install a larger transmission fluid cooler. I would also install a set of (here I go again) Air-Lifts which would give you a much more stable van at those speeds.

Jerry O.
Click to expand...

So it is not an issue installing a larger transmission fluid cooler and upgrading the cooling system? Somewhere in the internet I read that they installed a very though transmission (damn .. I don't find the link :mad: ) I think they wrote something like a "truck size transmission" (??)

And Air-Lifts?? I thought the suspension on the odyssey is pretty good.

But I actually just wanted to check what the top speed of the car might be. Since the gasoline is much more expensive in Europe than it is here I would think twice about driving top speed or near top speed. :um:
 
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#16 ·
Fuel costs is way down on my list of priorities on a top speed run.

Assuming you have a competent vehicle as a basis, priorities would include:

1) Tires condition, specifically speed rating and size/load considerations. Tread depth is critical along with close personal examination for obvious damage.

2) Proper braking capacity/newer pads/newer cross drilled rotors/racing lines/proper high temp fluid to prevent boiling, etc. Ceramics if possible too.

3) Superb suspension handling capability via proper mods. Prefer adjustable coil overs / dampers / sway bars.

4) Aerodynamic aids to create necessary downforce forward and aft.

3) Set up of engine/tranny condition...ie cooling capacity and a scatter blanket around tranny. Stationary dyno testing, a good idea to calculate top speed via HP output and simulated high load conditions to weed out possible reliability issues.

4) Speed above 150 mph should mandate 5 point harnesses (all passengers too)/automatic fire extinguishers/suppression systems (engine and passenger compartment).

5) Also roll cage/integrated roll over structure of some sort.

6) If possible, full complement of airbags, frontal/knee/side curtain/etc.

7) Rollover fuel shutoff system

8) Largest capacity lighting systems available, not street legal of course.

9) Full complement of gauges WITH idiot light backup.

10) Wouldn't be a bad idea to wear a helmet too?

MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL, THE DRIVER NEEDS TO BE COMPETENT AND THE RUN MUST BE MADE ON ISOLATED ROADS WITH NO TRAFFIC. A pre run to check for obstacles is a good idea too.
 
Discussion starter · #18 ·
egads said:
We have, and have had several U.S. military personnel take Odys to Germany. None of them ever had reservations about autobahn driving. Service is usually easy, parts, not so.
Click to expand...
There is one large Honda Dealer in Germany (called Honda Fugel www.honda-fugel.de) who imports these cars on regular basis. I guess that could help getting some parts easier if required. But Honda should be pretty reliable. That's why I hope that nothing serious will happen to the car.

The car is eletronical limited to 119mph (?). So I assume that the car is save (without doing any modifications?) when operated in the range up to 119mph (?!)
 
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#20 ·
Domestically there is always www.OpenRoadRacing.com where you could LEGALLY run your Odyssey in a speed bracket. Or you could just come out to sunny Arizona where we have 75mph posted speed limits (90mph usually goes unnoticed) and there are plenty of places to 'drive briskly'.

... or you could just buy a 2008 Hayabusa;) (177rwhp).
 
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