Here’s How to Start Modifying A Honda Civic
The Honda Civic is a small, safe, reliable car. It is also a JDM car. And what do JDM cars have most in common? Their ability to be modified! With the introduction of the Type R and the Honda Civic Si model, the 10th generation Civic has a sports car feel straight from the factory! Here’s how to start modifying a Honda Civic.
The Honda Civic has long been touted for its ability to be modified. Despite coming great off the factory floor, there are several mods that you can add to make your Honda Civic custom! These Civic accessories and tunes make the Honda Civic one of the best-tuned cars out there, so whether you want to upgrade for looks or for performance, there is something for everyone!
Many JDM car fans rep Honda, the sporty car with unlimited possibilities! Honda life goes beyond just a cool car. This reliable vehicle has provided joy for thousands of people around the world.
Before You Get Started Modifying a Honda Civic
The Civic has a plethora of aftermarket parts just begging for installation. Starting small is best, and never bite off more than you can chew. If there are upgrades that you are uncomfortable doing, let professionals take over. The extra cost will be worth it. Now, here’s how to start modifying a Honda Civic!
Aftermarket Wheels and Tires
Let’s start with the obvious. Cheap tires equal cheap ride. Don’t cheap out on tires because you want to save money for other mods. The correct tire wears more evenly through daily driving and provides better grip and traction through the corners.
Tires have a vast selection when it comes to performance and season. The best performance comes from dedicated tires, but that can get expensive fast. Although all-season tires can be seen as inferior to other types, all-season is a great way to save money!
The standard wheels on the Si and Type R are acceptable for the factory. However, to complete the look and performance, they need an upgrade. Swapping out these wheels for a custom set reduces weight and improves style.
Cold Air Intake
The combustion engine requires fire to operate. Fire needs oxygen, and cold air has more oxygen than warm air. The cold air intake brings additional cold air into the combustion chamber, allowing the engine to perform better!
For a long time, the cold air intake was a popular first modification for the Honda Civic. The lack of a turbo meant adding cold air could produce more horsepower. Now that the Civic comes with a factory turbo, the cold air intake further pushes performance.
Installing a cold air intake on your Honda Civic should be a simple procedure. A couple of bolts and about half an hour of your day gets you additional power from your engine!
Upgraded Exhaust System
My neighbor used to complain about the exhaust system in my car being too loud. Then he saw the car and hasn’t said anything since. That’s because an upgraded exhaust system can unlock the potential of your vehicle. Such a simple modification can make a fantastic car!
The Honda Civic, like other JDM cars, focuses on creating a quiet and comfortable ride. As a result, power is sapped as the exhaust flow is hampered. Adding an upgraded exhaust system such as a cat-back exhaust improves airflow while adding horsepower.
A cat-back exhaust system is another easy install. The biggest challenge will be getting the car high enough to work on the underside. Despite this challenge, the cat-back is still one of the best modifications for your Honda Civic.
Improved Suspension System
The Honda Civic, either hatchback or sedan, has a reasonably comfortable ride. Comfortable doesn’t always translate into performance. This is where an improved suspension system adds to the performance of your tuned car!
A few great options exist for the Civic. The first is lowering springs. Installing lowering springs improves handing. If you’re looking to do some racing, the lowering springs improve drag, shaving precious seconds off of lap times!
The second great options for suspension are coil-overs. Coil-overs have the added benefit of providing height adjustments, as well as dampening adjustments. The install will be worth it, though, for total customization! As an entire replacement of the suspension system, it is a more involved install.
Brake Pads and Rotors
Driving a cool car isn’t just about going fast. In fact, the ability to stop leads to improved handling, better lap times, and of course, a safer car. Installing more responsive brakes makes the difference between “that was close” and “I need to report an accident.”
Improved brakes and rotors allow shorter stopping distances. They also last longer than standard pads and rotors. This is because of the improved materials that are found in upgraded pads and rotors. Just like tires, this is one mod you don’t want to go cheap.
All cars need brakes. It just makes sense to start with brakes; they’re eventually going to be replaced anyways! There are tons of options out there! Be sure to pick up a kit that matches the wheels and the body style you’re going for.
Body Styling: Show me that Bod!
The rather basic look of several generations of Honda Civic has led to countless body modifications. These Civic customizations come in many flavors, from side skirts and lip guards to the classic Honda Civic spoiler!
The body modifications don’t end at carbon fiber parts but extend to colors and styles. Several other Civic accessories include body wraps, paints, spitters, and more!
Further, the interior can be upgraded! All-weather floor and trunk linings protect the interior and provide a rugged look! Seat covers and steering wheel covers provide personality and protection. Pick up some of these interior lights to bring the club to your ride!
Engine Tuner and Programmer
Modern cars are all installed with a computer. This computer helps keep all the car’s parts functioning correctly. It also provides the engine with a standard map of how to perform. This everyday performance is designed for the greatest MPG while providing adequate power for the average consumer.
For the rest of us, we need something to override that computer and unlock the full potential of our cars. That is where the K-Tuner comes into play! This easy-to-install device gives you maps right out of the box that improves performance!
More than just a tuner, the K-Tuner can provide feedback from the car, aiding in troubleshooting problem codes! The K-Tuner runs off of a USB connection, making it easy to install and download maps for every driving condition.
Headlamps and Taillights (And Other Lights)
Our final modification adds to the overall look of the car. Upgrading your headlights and taillights can bring a bright touch to the personality of your Honda Civic. Options are endless when thinking of colors and styles, so creating your custom look to life is possible!
This is a significant upgrade to do while you are upgrading the body of your Civic. Swapping several parts together can save labor, money, and time! Be prepared though, several swaps of headlamps or taillights require bumpers to be removed.
Start Modifying a Honda Civic Today
The Honda Civic has been around since 1972. Since then, the Civic has been seen as a safe, reliable vehicle. It has also allowed itself to be upgraded and modified in every imaginable way! The options are endless, and your Civic is begging to be customized, so get started modifying your Honda Civic Today!