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In which order should I get what performance mods?

30K views 16 replies 8 participants last post by  fergy016 
#1 ·
Completely new to modding cars and my FG4 at that, but I like to start planning ahead of what my steps should be, and start saving and knowing what to expect.

So I am trying to figure out which mods makes the most sense to get in which order, for example do I get flashpro before my exhuast or vice versa? I am trying to make this car in to a 300-400 HP daily driver that looks nice, because I plan on trying to keep this car for as long as I can.

Also I can't seem to make my own conclusion if throttle body spacer's actually do anything and if CAI or SRI do anything either.

and if CAI is the better option, is it bad using a CAI living in texas?

Currently my performance mod list is in the order of

1. Hondata/Flashpro
2. Exhaust - undecided on which one I am getting, so I would some suggestions, and would I want Cat back or Hi-cat? I need a cat because I live in texas.
3. Better wheels
4. CAI or TBS? IDK
5 I dont have any idea, or even what HP I'll be at.
 
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#6 · (Edited)
Please disregard that because that is total garbage.


Browse the forum and you will answer many of questions. I wouldnt say NA cars arent worth modding. My si was night and day difference after a few mods and a tune.

In your situation I would get an RV6 cattted downpipe, Exhaust of choice (I liked my q300 or Full Race is a good option). PRL CAI depending on your weather conditions, if PRL CAI is too risky look into the Rick Spec'd intake. Its a hybrid of SRI and CAI.

Throttle body spacers do nothing but make a cool whistle noise. I wouldnt waste the time or money on one of those.

Flashpro is a must when replacing downpipes and intakes. I would buy my intake and exhaust and install both in one weekend and start tuning right away. Seems to be the best option so you will not need to pay for a retune.

You will not see your horsepower mark without forced induction or major engine work. I think the CTE supercharger is a great option for daily drivers and will put you around 300hp (depending on supporting mods).

Lightweight wheels and good tires make a heck of a difference and they are definitely recommended.

With full bolt ons I made 210whp. If you do intake, exhaust, and tune you will probably be between 190-200hp depending.

Search the forum and you will find what you are looking for.
This is great advice! And a great foundation to steer your build in the right direction. Also as mentioned use the "search" feature, it helped me tons. At the end of the day if you haven't come to a resolution, ask away.

Other things that come to my mind.
1. you gotta pay to play, simply as that
2. Research, research, confusion, research GOT IT
3. Not everyone's loaded with cash(if you are, share please :D ), plan your build (hell post it up for analysis too!)
4. If it's your DD, remember that
 
#3 ·
Browse the forum and you will answer many of questions. I wouldnt say NA cars arent worth modding. My si was night and day difference after a few mods and a tune.

In your situation I would get an RV6 cattted downpipe, Exhaust of choice (I liked my q300 or Full Race is a good option). PRL CAI depending on your weather conditions, if PRL CAI is too risky look into the Rick Spec'd intake. Its a hybrid of SRI and CAI.

Throttle body spacers do nothing but make a cool whistle noise. I wouldnt waste the time or money on one of those.

Flashpro is a must when replacing downpipes and intakes. I would buy my intake and exhaust and install both in one weekend and start tuning right away. Seems to be the best option so you will not need to pay for a retune.

You will not see your horsepower mark without forced induction or major engine work. I think the CTE supercharger is a great option for daily drivers and will put you around 300hp (depending on supporting mods).

Lightweight wheels and good tires make a heck of a difference and they are definitely recommended.

With full bolt ons I made 210whp. If you do intake, exhaust, and tune you will probably be between 190-200hp depending.

Search the forum and you will find what you are looking for.
 
#4 ·
Ok, if you keep NA expect to top out at around 210whp or about 30-40 more then stock whp. So, if you want more power you will want to get flashpro and a downpipe first, and maybe a RMM. 3in for best power or 2.5in for a quieter sound. you gain more either way but a 3in will have the best results. I perfer K-tuned, ultimate-racing, or RV-6 if you need to be catted.

Civic SI (12+) 3" Header Downpipe | Ultimate Racing - 3in
9Th Gen Civic 3" Downpipe - 3in
https://www.rv6-p.com/civic-si12-downpipe-213.html - 2.5in

IF YOU GO WITH A 3IN YOU WILL NEED A REAR MOTOR MOUNT! other wise you'll have vibrations or clunks. It's a suggestion with a 2.5in but i'd still do it any way.

Second would be a intake. I'd hear good things about PRL, Injen, and Rick Spec'd.

Cold Air Intake System w/ Batter Box for 2012 - 2015 Civic Si - 3.5 in CAI
Injen Cold Air Intake Honda Civic Si 2.4L (2012-2013-2014-2015) Polished or Black - you do not want the cervy one, you want the true CAI version.
RICKSPECD 9THGEN SI STREET SERIES COLD AIR INTAKE: RickSpecd - Civic Si Intake Systems and Power Packages - Very Good, but mine rubbed on the hood.

Third, should be a tune. Preferably the same time you install the Intake. Go to Vitviper. It'll take sometime but it'll be well worth it.
Fourth, should be spring or coils.
Fifth, should be a Rear sway bar.
 
#8 ·
#7 ·
Theoriginalwootang and Erkon are both giving good advice.

I would add to this:

I'm in Texas too, and have the AEM CAI. I am using their splash guard. I have been in some crazy raining weather and hit deep puddles and have had no issues with the CAI. (Houston)

For Exhaust, I discourage you from pairing the RV6 catted DP to the Full Race exhaust. I tried that earlier this week and now my stock exhaust is back on lol... The Full Race Exhaust and Full Race downpipe go very well together re: sound, but are a bit loud inside the car. A J-pipe would clear that right up.
(I have both for sale BTW, so let me know if you are interested in a meet up. The Exhaust has some goodies added onto it). Muffler Auto part Automotive exhaust Exhaust system Material property
 
#9 ·
Theoriginalwootang and Erkon are both giving good advice.

I would add to this:

I'm in Texas too, and have the AEM CAI. I am using their splash guard. I have been in some crazy raining weather and hit deep puddles and have had no issues with the CAI. (Houston)

For Exhaust, I discourage you from pairing the RV6 catted DP to the Full Race exhaust. I tried that earlier this week and now my stock exhaust is back on lol... The Full Race Exhaust and Full Race downpipe go very well together re: sound, but are a bit loud inside the car. A J-pipe would clear that right up.
(I have both for sale BTW, so let me know if you are interested in a meet up. The Exhaust has some goodies added onto it). View attachment 440434
After I reply with a link to Full Race lol :eek:wneddance:, that's the great information I love from this forum! Ship the exhaust? I think I might have found a giant hole in my exhaust after hearing your selling yours.
 
#10 · (Edited)
Anyone know of this brand? I really love the tone and the price, but I know you get what you pay for, so I am curious from some opinions, looking at the sticky for their exhaust now.

-edit- I forgot the URL :p - Oh I can't add them yet, but its the tsudo catback

-update- after more research couldnt find anything satisfy, there is mostly questions about it, some people like, 1 person had trouble with, others dont like the droning (which I think I'd like, but I don't know for sure since I have never had anything like an exhuast before)
 
#11 ·
I just read his post @dfanatic86 and it makes a lot more sense now that these things are starting to click on what they mean. and I am learning how to navigate this forum better and using search :D

And I think I am going to put together my whole build and post and get others opinions, got a lot to make decision on, but exhuast and JDM red's are a priority lol
 
#13 ·
If you want to make 300+whp you are going to have to boost the car no other way around it. As stated with bolt ons you will only make 20-30 more hp as the engine is already tapped to the max. If that is your goal I say take your time as you stated your plan is to keep the car a long time so don't rush especially since modding is not a cheap and if you mess something up you will need to fix it which is more money.

Build your mod they way you want to but research is going to be your best friend for selecting the parts that match the best. Do not just slap whatever on there because someone said too but there is also tons of people on here who know what they are saying and will give you get advice.

Back to the hp topic. I would wait until you have all engine parts in hand because everytime you swap something major on the engine you need a tune point blank or your wasting money.

I would also keep in mind the area you drive in like road conditions and weather. We are in Texas so fortunately we don't have to worry about snow but occasionally we get bad rain storms. CAI could be ok but nothing wrong with short ram either. Just being a educated modder will be your best bet at the end of the day. Oh and shop around sometimes you can find good deals
 
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