TroubEL

Hi, a Civic-owning friend of mine would like to know what the best ways of maximizing the performance (handling, acceleration) for her M/T '05 sedan might be, while maintaining the engine as fully naturally aspirated (ie: stock air box) and making minimal engine modifications.

She's late 20s & has a mature outlook for her vehicle, & doesn't need to add to her portfolio of traffic tickets. She wants no significant added noise, and no diminished fuel economy. Budget is not a concern; but obviously, boosting / an engine swap are not options.

Of course, this nullifies the vast majority of engine & exhaust upgrades. I've started her off with minor ignition work, slamming & bracing, and the idea of weight reduction, especially in the unsprung weight department (ie: lightweight wheels & tires).

Any other (serious) ideas?

I'll be checking back often of her behalf
Thanks.

05CivicSi

Not to much you can do for the motor.

Suspension wise I'd suggest slight lowering, 1-2" with the addition of a tower bar, a RSX-S rear lower tie bar (19mm instead of the 13mm on the Si, if its a non Si it dosent have one stock). The RSX bar bolts right up with the stock RSX endlinks, bushings and brackets. I've heard a front RSX lower tie bar also fits but havent confirmed it.

RSX tower braces fit to apparently, as long as you don't want an intake (which she dosent)

05CivicSi

If its a non-Si, maybe a head swap? It would use slightly more gas but not much. 25 hp gain.

I've driven an 03 coupe and it seemes much less responsive than my Si

TroubEL

Ok, thanks for the suggestions, what other ideas do people have?

Alternate suspension build?

Replacing stock transmission parts/fluid?

Further ignition work?

Thx.

egb20

leave it stock, maybe do shock springs and camber kit if she got the coin enigine wise its all or nothing

chris_v2

suspension wise.. you can do alot. A good set of tires and light wheels go a long way, obviously a good set of struts do as well, bracing, etc.

Motor wise, don't waste your time. Ignition upgrades will yield NOTHING. If you want power.. she'll have to spend $5000 or more. either a k-swap or boost it with a standalone.

Stugatts

try adding some nitrous maybe a 150 shot that should give her some fun!!

TroubEL

I'm disappointed (and surprised) to read that ignition upgrades will "yield nothing".
Anyone else have other comments (with support) about that?

zeeman

iTrader: (1)

yup, the honda OEM ignition system is pretty strong to begin with.

The cars I tune with aftermarket ignition systems seem to have a choppier graph than cars with OEM parts...even on high WHP setups.

hula_balu

"no diminished fuel economy" = stock engine

chris_v2

With todays vehicles, the ignition is tuned to the **** for maximum performance and economy. It's very hard to 'upgrade' the ignition for more power, unless of course you upgrade a few other parts and get it tuned.

TroubEL

Ok, thanks for your input.

I'm going to inquire about this from a strictly technical perspective & decide if it's at all a worthwhile upgrade. An ignition coil amplifier [Nology Powercore] brought noticeably quicker throttle response to my D16 years ago without compromising fuel usage & even acted as a reserve for my car battery.

-Troub.

Dexst

Lots Of Stickers

egb20

lmao

kingjames1983

can you please post a pic of said female and maybe we can better help the situation?!???!

TroubEL

^^ I'd like to, but she turns heads just the way she is. Thanks.
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Besides, I'm trying to keep views to this thread in the double / triple digits only; I don't want to start paying TCC for the extra bandwidth they'd need.