The Honda Accord is known for being a reliable commuter car, but it’s not typically revered for its straight-line acceleration. However, with some carefully chosen aftermarket parts, you can make your Accord accelerate noticeably faster. In this guide, we’ll walk through the best mods to boost performance, from forced induction kits to suspension upgrades. With the right modifications, you can shave seconds off your 0-60 mph time and increase passing power. Just keep in mind that upgraded performance means increased strain on the drivetrain.
Turbocharge Or Supercharge The Engine
One of the most effective ways to make your Honda Accord accelerate faster is by turbocharging or supercharging the engine. This forces more compressed air into the cylinders, allowing more fuel to be burnt to create bigger combustion events.
Turbocharger Kits
A turbocharger uses exhaust gasses to spin a turbine that drives an air compressor. This compressed air is then forced into the cylinders. Turbo kits need to be carefully matched to your engine to work properly. A tuned ECU is also required. Expect to gain 60-100 horsepower from a bolt-on turbo system.
Supercharger Kits
A supercharger is belt-driven off the crankshaft and blows compressed air into the intake manifold. Supercharger kits are easier to install as they don’t require an ECU tune. Power gains of 40-70 hp are common. centrifugal superchargers offer linear boost delivery while positive displacement blowers deliver big power gains at low RPMs.
Install A Cold Air Intake
Swapping the factory airbox for a cold air intake is one of the easiest ways to make your Honda Accord accelerate faster. Cold air intakes pull in cooler outside air and funnel it straight into the engine, increasing power potential. Just make sure to get a CAI designed specifically for your Accord’s engine so it fits properly. You can expect gains of 6-10 horsepower.
Exhaust Modifications
Installing a less restrictive aftermarket exhaust system can help optimize airflow out of the engine, reducing backpressure. Popular options include cat-back exhausts, axle-back exhausts, and header upgrades. Combining multiple exhaust mods can potentially increase horsepower and torque by 15-25 hp. Just keep noise levels in check.
Ecu Tuning
Getting an ECU tune is one of the best ways to extract more power from your Accord. Performance tunes optimize factors like ignition timing, fuel delivery, and boost pressure (if forced induction is added) to maximize engine output. Standalone tunes offer the most customization. Expect potential gains of 15-30 hp from ECU tuning.
Lower Your Accord
Lowering your Honda Accord’s ride height improves weight transfer and steering response, helping it handle and accelerate better. Lowering springs or coilover suspension kits can drop your car 1-3 inches for improved performance and looks. Just don’t slam it too low or you’ll hurt drivability.
Sticky Performance Tires
Upgrading to high-performance tires greatly improves traction off the line and through the corners. Tires like the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S or Continental ExtremeContact Sport offer much more grip while providing crisp, responsive steering feedback. Stickier rubber compounds translate to reduced 0-60 times and better handling.
Chassis Stiffening
Adding chassis bracing bars or strut towers bars stiffens up the chassis, reducing flex for crisper turn-in and better weight transfer when accelerating. A stiffened chassis allows suspension mods to work more effectively. Front and rear sway bar upgrades also reduce body roll for flatter cornering.
Clutch And Flywheel
If your Accord has a manual transmission, upgrading the clutch and flywheel will enable the engine to put more power to the ground. A performance clutch kit has stronger clamping force to handle the extra torque. Lightweight flywheels also improve throttle response. This upgrade is recommended for modified engines making over 250 hp.
How To Install Performance Upgrades?
Now that we’ve covered the best mods to make your Honda Accord accelerate faster, let’s look at how to properly install some of these upgrades:
Installing A Cold Air Intake
Here are the key steps for adding an aftermarket cold air intake:
- Locate the factory airbox assembly under the hood. Remove the lid, air filter, and intake tube.
- Disconnect the MAF (mass air flow) sensor and any breather hoses attached to the airbox. Remove fasteners securing the airbox.
- Now install the new cold air intake tube in place of the factory airbox feed tube. Make sure to reconnect the MAF sensor.
- Install the new conical or ovoid performance air filter on the end of the intake tube. Set the filter in a low, open area so it gets plenty of cool airflow.
- Secure all clamps and check for leaks. Make sure no piping rubs against hot engine components.
- Reconnect the battery and start the engine, letting it run for several minutes to adapt to the new intake.
Installing Coilovers
Here is how to properly install coilover suspension on your Accord:
- Safely raise the car and support it on jack stands. Remove the wheels.
- Disconnect the shocks or struts from the control arm and knuckle. Undo the top mount nuts.
- Remove the factory shocks/struts and top mounts and assemble the new coilovers. Adjust preload collars to lower the vehicle around 1-2”.
- Install the coilover assembly in place of the factory shock/strut. Reconnect the top mount and lower swing arm ends.
- Reinstall the wheels, lower the car, and take it for a test drive. Adjust damping and ride height as needed.
Header & Exhaust Install
Follow these key steps to install new headers and a cat-back exhaust:
- Raise the front of the car and support it safely on jack stands. Disconnect the front O2 sensors.
- Remove the stock exhaust manifold and install the new header using the provided gasket and hardware.
- Now install the new exhaust system by removing the old muffler(s) and tailpipe. Bolt on each new section from the header back.
- Carefully lower the car, reconnect the O2 sensors, and refill any lost fluids. Start the engine and check for exhaust leaks.
- Retighten clamps after 30 mins of driving. Enjoy the improved performance and bold exhaust note!
Working on your own car can be very satisfying, but always exercise caution. Seek help from a certified mechanic if you are not confident in modifying your Accord on your own.
How Fast Can A Honda Accord Accelerate?
The acceleration of a Honda Accord can vary depending on the engine, transmission, and trim level. Most standard 4-cylinder Accords can reach 60 mph in 7-8 seconds. The Sport and Touring trims with a turbocharged engine can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 5.5-6 seconds.
The V6 models can hit 60 mph in less than 6 seconds in optimal conditions. Overall, the Accord provides decent acceleration for a midsize sedan, but is not designed with straight-line speed as the top priority.
How Do I Add More Horsepower To My Honda Accord?
There are several modifications you can make to add more horsepower to your Honda Accord. Some popular options include installing a cold air intake, cat-back exhaust system, ECU tune, turbocharger or supercharger kit.
Reducing weight by upgrading wheels and other components can also free up horsepower. Keep in mind these mods increase strain on the drivetrain. Have a professional dyno tune your Accord to maximize power gains safely. Expect to gain anywhere from 40-150 hp depending on modifications.
Why Is My Honda Accord Struggling To Accelerate?
There are several possible reasons your Honda Accord may be struggling to accelerate properly. Some common causes include a clogged air filter, failing fuel pump, dirty fuel injectors, spark plug issues, or a worn out intake manifold. A failing turbocharger can rob power if you have a boosted engine.
Transmission problems like worn clutches or torque converter failure will impact acceleration too. Scan for trouble codes and inspect engine components to pinpoint the issue. Replacing faulty parts can restore lost acceleration.
Why Is My Car Not Powerful When Accelerating?
If your car feels underpowered when accelerating, possible causes include low compression, dirty air and fuel filters, clogged fuel injectors, bad spark plugs, or an exhaust leak. Check engine lights indicating misfires, lean fuel condition, or airflow problems point to acceleration issues too.
Your acceleration performance can be restored by inspecting ignition components, cleaning filters, testing injectors, and replacing any damaged parts. Proper maintenance is key for optimal acceleration over time.
Why Is My Honda Lagging On Acceleration?
There are a few reasons why your Honda may feel sluggish accelerating. Over time, the engine can lose compression from worn piston rings or leaking valves. Clogged fuel injectors and air filters will cause hesitation and lag.
Faulty oxygen sensors and deteriorated spark plugs affect timing, creating acceleration issues. Transmission problems like worn clutches and gears can also impact performance. Inspecting and replacing any damaged engine and transmission components can restore crisp, smooth acceleration.
Conclusion
With carefully chosen mods like turbocharger kits, cold air intakes, ECU tunes, sticky tires, and suspension upgrades, you can make your Honda Accord accelerate significantly faster. Just keep your performance goals realistic – the Accord was designed more for comfort and efficiency than all-out speed.
But a few bolt-on mods can still transform it into a quick street performer. As always, do your research before buying parts, and consult a certified technician when installing complicated upgrades.
