Is It Worth It Modding A 4cyl Auto ?

[07AccordEx-L]

Why oh why do people always bring this topic up? It's literally been discussed to death. OP dollar for dollar, your money for performance mods are better spent on the V6 manual if you wanna stick to the accord. Otherwise, the auto trans can only handle 250whp assuming you maintain it really really well. Just drop it on coils, throw some 18x9's and lip kit and call it a day.

[Mitchell]

Originally Posted by 07AccordEx-L

Why oh why do people always bring this topic up? It's literally been discussed to death. OP dollar for dollar, your money for performance mods are better spent on the V6 manual if you wanna stick to the accord. Otherwise, the auto trans can only handle 250whp assuming you maintain it really really well. Just drop it on coils, throw some 18x9's and lip kit and call it a day.

Truer words have never been spoken.

[05AV6-6]

Originally Posted by 07AccordEx-L

Why oh why do people always bring this topic up? It's literally been discussed to death. OP dollar for dollar, your money for performance mods are better spent on the V6 manual if you wanna stick to the accord. Otherwise, the auto trans can only handle 250whp assuming you maintain it really really well. Just drop it on coils, throw some 18x9's and lip kit and call it a day.

Yeah or focus on handling mods.... 4 banger version should handle better with less weight over the front I assume.

[07NightHawk]

Been gone a day and just walked into a whole heap of info I understand a part of where everyone is coming from. I think it's good to mod because I love my car and its what I will possibly be driving for the next 3yrs or sooner if I can pay it off quicker. Then again because its not at least a manual it's kind of a setback. The fact that it's a 4banger doesn't bother me, I feel like my little engine can go . Its just that it's an auto is what is bothering me. The idea of just trading my car in for a similar one except manual, seems easy if it wasn't for dealing with insurance and financing and that other mess. The only reason I didn't just get a manual was because at dealership my dad forced me to go to they didn't have a manual and I didn't get interested in manuals or learned how to drive one until after I got my car. I'm just gonna do the basic performance mods and really focus on looks because if she cant be a fast car, she can at least look good [IMG][/IMG]
We have a long way to go.

[07AccordEx-L]

You could do a lot to it but 98% of people are willing to spend the money. Ex: TSX 6M swap, k24a2 swap, CT-Engineering SC etc...

[Sonnick]

Mod it however you want, but have realistic expectations. Don't expect the car to be fast after bolt ons, it won't be. I/H/E for the 4cyl auto will probably net you at most 15whp or so I'd guess. That's a pretty decent gain. If your goal is to make your car fast then I suggest boost, but if you just want it to be a little more fun and sound better, do the usual. I'd start with the traditional I/H/E combo, then work your way up for more if you desire: TSX IM/throttle body, etc.

If you start modding with a level head, you can't lose.

[04blkpearlcoupe]

As someone who has modded a 4 cylinder honda before with intake, header and exhaust I say to you..



Its not about how much horsepower you can make or how much sense it makes, its just about how much fun you can have with your car. Just stick to good quality performance parts and enjoy yourself!! Believe me, the more you try to convince yourself whether you should do it or not, the more you are gonna just be frustrated and wonder what your car would be like if you had already done it. I've been there. As long as you stick to quality parts you won't regret it. You might want to make sure the parts are CARB approved (legal in all 50 states) too if they ticket for illegal mods in your area.

Just do it and have yourself some fun! Screw what everyone else thinks. They're not the ones who will be driving your car.

[vasekvi]

Originally Posted by 07AccordEx-L

.. the auto trans can only handle 250whp assuming you maintain it really really well.

Hell, the V6 auto transmission can only handle 250 HP also lol...

[Arkainzeye]

i have the V6 accord and i wouldnt mod it.. i mean its an Accord not a s2000.. i see old people driving these cars.. this isnt a sportscar in any way at all.. it wasnt even marketed to people who are even interested in sports cars.. it is what it is. a great car and thats about it.. another thing to think of that i see ALL THE TIME.. i wouldnt mod anything unless you plan on Keeping this car until it dies.. cause one you start lowering and doing all that other crap you just killed resale and in many cases i have personally seen where a dealership didnt even want to take a modded car on trade in..... just saying...

[07AccordEx-L]

^ I love my accord and I will keep driving it until some idiot wrecks it. It's not an s2000 but when done right it can be a formidable car.

[crackerteg]

Truth and my car is staying in my driveway until it dies and ill probably revive it anyway.

[05AV6-6]

I had a guy in an automatic 03-05 4 cylinder sedan with a fart can and giant *** racing stripe try and race me..... He wanted to do the 40 roll 3 honk thing, he was annoying me enough that I did it, I was in 3rd and only put in enough gas to stay even with him.... I let off at the speed limit(65) and he was barely pulling on me even when I had let off haha... He was probably thinking he was winning. If only he knew.

Same thing happened at a stoplight the other day, guy in 06-07 coupe 4 cylinder had a custom single tip exhaust and revved when he saw my duals, I did a quick rev just so he knew haha. I'm thinking about taking off my V6 badge, what do you guys think ?


-I also beat a very clean/nice cammed full bolt on Fox Body 5.0, from 40 roll he surged ahead by half a car but I reeled him in and slowly pulled away. He has 4.10 gears, which I'm sure don't help his top end ? I was fully expecting to lose.

[dude_reino]

Originally Posted by thegrouch

If it is worth it to you to do, then yes it is worth it. It shouldn't matter how other people feel about modifying their cars. It's your car, if you want to throw a whole bunch of mods at it and never touch a track, then fine, do it. It's really not that big of a deal. You won't get any support on this forum for modifying a 4 cylinder auto. For these guys, the only accord worth modifying is a manual v6. So, don't ask most of these guys for their advice. You'll just get a no. But if everyone listened to that, then we wouldn't have either of BISIMOTO's cars. Fastest all motor f22 insight and a 700hp civic wagovan. Both 4 cylinders, both worth modifying to him. Do what you want.

Exactly. If YOU like working on cars, and love your Accord, then it is worth it.


And don't let the auto transmission sour you on modding. Go to a drag strip and see how many modded Camaros are automatics.

[Joeggernaut]

Originally Posted by dude_reino

Exactly. If YOU like working on cars, and love your Accord, then it is worth it.


And don't let the auto transmission sour you on modding. Go to a drag strip and see how many modded Camaros are automatics.

When people say the honda auto tranny is weak they are not just saying to waste their breath. They say it from experience. It is weak and will only handle 250whp at best.

There is a huge difference between a sports car gm auto tranny and a eco fwd car auto honda tranny.

If you are set on modding I would personally skip the h/i/e and go straight for a supercharger or small turbo. 5-8psi on a small turbo will put you near 200-210whp which will make the car feel completely different. The k-series and tranny can easily handle that. By the time you spend on the little things you could of paid for at least half of what it cost for a turbo/sc and the gains will be much better.

[dude_reino]

Originally Posted by Joeggernaut

When people say the honda auto tranny is weak they are not just saying to waste their breath. They say it from experience. It is weak and will only handle 250whp at best.

Understood. I didn't think the O.P. wanted to go to 250. If he is doing I/H/E, or turbo like you said, he is well within the safe limits of the auto trans.