My biggest beef is how weak the low end pull is on my FIT. I am not looking to change the world, but I am very curious about which mods could help address this.

Would a turbo kit or engine swap be more economical to perform? Which is the simpler and cheaper route? I'm sure either would yield more than enough in this regard, so I would lean towards the cheapest option.

Or is there a third and perhaps simpler option?

 

Assuming you have a 2nd gen, but are you CVT or Manual?

Supercharger is an option or swap. Supercharger would be more cost effective, but only get you to about 180hp. Swaps could get more but custom = $$$$.

Consider lighter wheels an upgrade as well.

 

I have a manual...its an LX with stock wheels and wheel covers. What are my options for a lighter wheel?

I think 180hp would be more than enough! Is the engine mod forum the place to go to discuss turbo options?

 

Havent seen a bolt on turbo for the GE, only the GD. Look up the sprintex supercharger.

As for lighter wheels anything lighter than the OEM's are a good option. Konig Flow formed 15" wheels like the dial-in are insanely light for not a arm and leg. Or Traklite has some 15" wheels that are <11lbs as well.

Flow Formed Wheels - Konig Wheels

Or Traklite

Gear

 

The lighter rims will indeed help a bit, however I highly doubt you will actually notice anything, as the improvement will probably be in the 1-5% range.

If you're going to the track, you will see some fraction of a second, maybe a second or two difference at the very best, which may keep you happy.
But on a daily driving basis, you're really not going to feel anything different.

Any of the cheaper mods will only yield max 10% better performance, which again I don't think you can actually notice as a daily driver around town or whatever.

You already have the manual gearbox, which is definitely a plus and allows you more control. Also your cheapest "mod" is basically the way you shift gears - keep it in the high rpms (3,000 - 6,000) in all gears after 1st and you're good. Only cost will be high fuel expenses, slightly faster oil changes, and maybe having to change the spark plugs/coil packs a bit sooner.

Maybe tell us how much you're willing to spend on mods, and some of the guys here will be able to help you in the right direction.

My opinion is rather than spending up to several grand on mods to make your Fit faster, better to buy a used Miata with the 2 L engine and have your Fit for grocery shopping.

 

My Weekly Run on Snows and ugly caps.

 

now I'm thinking of a 2013 civic si coupe....lots of power, better low end torque, quieter ride....all in all, it may be what I should have got to begin with. But, at 6'4" tall, can I fit in the damn thing with comfort? I guess I'll find out shortly.

 

Why drive something that you don't enjoy? Trade that slow ass Fit in for something that you like.

 

Get a car with 180hp. There's no sense in modding a fit to get to that. That's a huge waste of money

 

I concur...I'm no Mr. Moneybags...best to save that supercharger/turbo/swap money for a car that already fits the bill. My Fit is fun, functional and inexpensive to maintain/repair. I'd be lying if said I haven't been eyeing that Civic Hatch in Sport trim though. 180hp and 40mpg with 6spd? Yes please.



Up to you OP. The amount of money needed to make this a "quick" car is not a small amount.

 

We're all on the same page...I'm going to drive some civics this week. I also was out for a spin in my cousins Golf....nice low end torque...but could I really drive a volkswagen? I would have to get a weird beard, birkenstock sandals and a belief in man made global warming....I just don't think I'm ready for all of that.

 

Regarding the golf was it the 2.0 or the TDI? The TDI has some good torque. I just can't wrap my head around non-honda reliability. I like knowing theres a HIGH probability my car will run 250k miles easily with little to no repair costs.

 

I don't know exactly which one it was...but it has a much better road feel...much better low end torque, and also a quieter cabin. I liked the road feel of my gen1 fit...but the gen2 feels more like a tank or a boat, even though its still a small car. It's not horribly worse...but it is worse nonetheless.

 

it was at least a 6 year old car though....it wasn't the latest and greatest.

 

VW Golf/GTI cabin's definitely are quieter and more "cushy". Everything feels more solid. Also why they cost more as well.

 

yes...a more solid feel...and a much more solid feel in the low rpm's. The initial clutch release feels much better than my FIT....much, much better.

 

Fit clutch is so vague. Still want to try and replace the master cylinder with the civic one for a more engaging feel. Too bad Item9 on the CRZ forum is awol. He made OEM replacements.

 

If you're used to Honda (and Japanese brands) reliability and ease of maintenance you may be very disappointed by some of the other brands out there like German and American makes.

You can't really have everything in one car. Got to figure out your priorities and choose accordingly:
* you want power and fun to drive -> will likely give up reliability and burn more gas.
* you want comfort and style -> will likely trade off cargo space & spend more $$$ upfront and in maintenance later.

I love my Fit because it's economical to run (sips gas, tires are cheap, no repairs yet), has amazing cargo space for such a small car, great visibility, easy to park and for an econo-box it's kinda fun to drive with a stick shift.
It obviously won't drop any panties or make your 'bros' envious.
It's all about priorities.

 

That's kind of the shittiest advice I've read. I disagree 100%. How can you quantify enjoyment? People spend 4500 to 10k to change the headers on an Italian car. Morons spend 15%+ more for an Escalade logo, when a Yukon is the same thing. Others buy a brand new STi, a perfectly amazing car in stock form, and feel the need to modify it to ridiculous proportions. "Wasting" money on a fit is no different than any of those, is it?

I think Japan agrees. They apparently offer a 2.0L to countries that haven't nuked them...

180hp in a fit would be like double-D boobs on Kate Hudson. A requirement? No. But 2x the thrill factor for sure.

EDIT: I wish to add, I do understand the allure of the Fit in stock form. 200k miles or more is an expectation, not a hope. Mileage is great, as is comfort (IMO) aside from lack of arm rest. They're fun, even without being fast. That said, they are a modder's dream. Light, tough running gear, and amazing handling make for a beast when you add more ponies.

Properly tuned with a td03 or td04, the 1.5L could easily make 160 to 180 without suffering driveability issues. Also just my opinion.

 

I'm with Sol. Spending money to get 180 hp out of a Fit is better spent on a different car.