I found this article a couple weeks back and though it isn't Fit-centered, I wondered what others' thoughts were on the upgrades it listed. For example I know iridium plugs are OEM on the Fit EX, but what about the other items? Any tinkerers want to weigh in on how worthwhile they are?

https://gearpatrol.com/2018/08/03/ea...upgrades-2018/

- Phil

 

edited

because auto x rules make my post useless

 

I agree with evilcharger except with the short shift kit. It is not needed but think about how many times you shift the car?!? Had one on my Civic and loved it every time I needed to change a gear. It adds to the driving pleasure IMO.

That engine mods listed are more for performance cars. Suspension and tires are always a great bang for the buck mod on the Fit.

 

edited

ready to give up on this forum

 

Suspension upgrades are pretty much worthwhile for the GK. The Progress rear sway adds a different dynamic with the 16" Sport wheels/tires. Probably better with stickier rubber and/or HFP suspension. Definitely not much better with 14" winters Michelin X-Ice on steelies like I have now.

Power upgrades don't really add value since the diminutive engine doesn't produce a lot to begin with. I agree with most reviews online about this thing being a reincarnation of the older Civics - with a dash of modern technology. Way more fun to drive at the limit.

I feel the short shift is pretty much useless since the Fit's flywheel doesn't spin down fast enough to make the short shift actually useful. You'll just sit there waiting for the rev s to drop. I got rid of that and just got me a weighted stainless steel shift knob. That actually felt better for shifting.

Cosmetically, it already looks good with the Sports cosmetic appearance. Tints for all that window real estate in the summer definitely helps.

 

Sorry, but before any "mod" for autocross, one should read the rules and determine what class they want to run in. Otherwise your mods might bump you into a class where guys by $12K Penske shocks to be competitive and you'll never be competitive with the car. Second thing would be instruction. Depending on your level of experience either from the local SCCA region or if you have some experience then EVO school. The next mod should be tires. Tires do more than anything. I don't care what suspension or brake upgrades you have. If you have shit tires the car won't stop or corner as well. I'd take a stock car with Bridgestone RE-71R over a car with springs, shocks, sway bar with shit tires. After tires I would get an alignment. I wouldn't even consider making any mods until I raced the car at minimum 2-3 times for someone with autocross experience and if new to the sport probably most of the season if not a full season?

 

edited my words .... because of "rules"

 

It's your car do what you want to it. I really don't care.

I'm just trying to save you or anyone else interested in autocross time and money. I did it myself. Modded my WRX and had to remove them because I wanted to stay in the stock or street class. It's very common. Most modify their cars and then go autocross and find out what class their car is now in because of "some" of the modifications.

End of the day, it really depends on what you want to do? If you're serious about autocross and want to be competitive then one needs to read the rules, pick a class and setup the car within the rules for the class. If you're out for fun, want to learn car control, don't care where you place within the class or on PAX and are okay with being 169/170 people then build your vision and go race it . Another option is instead of the local SCCA region, go autocross with the local BMW, Miata, Corvette or whatever club runs by their own house rules and just clumps other brands into generic categories such as non-turbo FWD and doesn't care what you do with your car.

I get by your post and editing you don't want anyones opinion? Maybe someone else might? This will be my 5th year of autocross in two ultra competitive SCCA regions that every year produce some class champions and trophy winners at the annual SCCA Solo nationals. I learned the hard way and luckily found some local mentors that helped me and my program. Unfortunately, I had to waste time and money beforehand.

 

This. For many reasons.

 

before going off on a tangent .... if we all just take the op's words face value, he was reading an article titled:

8 Ways to Breathe New Life into Your Old Ride

it never mentions auto x (nor its level of competitiveness) or any form of racing, one would assume all the op cares about are things like .... well ... ways to breathe some life in the ride. quoted from the linked article: "no one would blame you if you felt like you wanted something more — more power, better handling, a smoother ride" ... and yet... here we are, making assumptions and telling people what to buy.

I wont waste any more energy as I do not feel there will be any benefit in partaking in this pissing contest, and I'll simply wish the op GL on his hunt for a little more enjoyment out of his car.




To our resident auto x champ, you make great points, and credit is due there. I'm sure all of those on here, who are that super duper serious about being competitive with their honda fits and racing for trophys .... will enjoy your knowledge. I promise in the future, to clarify on things like:

before:
after:

 

I was genuinely excited for this thread Sneef. I was hoping, it'd be a central place to discuss "mods", as most new gk5 (and other gen) owners always seem to gravitate towards.... "I just picked up this sweet ride, what should I mod?!" .... a very noble and reasonable topic.

Fast forward ... things turn into a manure-show .... and I'm ready to pull a UnFitRick/USDM and stop posting altogether.

 

Yep. When the most active long-term members here behave the way they do, it's time to let them have their little world to themselves.

 

I've wondered where UnFitRick went. His thread was interesting and I enjoyed reading good posts. I think USDM was getting rid of his car but he seems to still do some moderating on here.

I also like seeing what ECF is cooking up. He's always doing something different.

 

IDK what this means.

 

I'm not surprised.

 

mike has a unique way with words, I've slowly learned to appreciate his .... unique view and ways

 

hahaha that sounds about right tbh

I'm a useful GD/GE resource, GK stuff doe.....useless on all but wheel stuffs (or reading basic spring rate stuff)

 

"Unique" is one way to describe it, lol.

 

hes earned my respect. even though sometimes hes a big meanie.

I like to think of him as the soup nazi from that 1 episode of seinfeld.

 

ive had the GK for coming up 4 yrs and ive not done any of those listed. tires is a good investment if you plan to do spirited driving, but the others are more a preference item. on an NA engine most intake and exhaust dont do much, reflashes can sometimes improve throttle curve and response but again, no big gains. but with intake/exhaust you do get more sound which can be appealing and make your drive more enjoyable.

this day and age, a hot hatch/sports compact car requires a turbo engine so if i was you, i would just leave the GK the way it is and use it for practical purposes. just save your money for a dedicated fun car. GL in your choices.