I just came back to Honda ownership (07 Fit Sport with MT). I really like the car and compared to my 86 Subaru GL wagon (with 228K) it goes like a bat outta hell. I still love my Subaru but is going on to its new life as a trail and snow car. It's been a while since I had a Honda I tinkered with. The last one was an 1980 Civic GL (that was a pretty great car in its day).

My Fit is basically a cool little commuter and kid hauler. I'm closing in on 7 years cancer free and the Fit was a little present to myself. I'd just like a bit more pep and better handling. I love the mileage, its practical as hell and its a blast to drive but I think it could be a bit MORE fun with just a few small tweaks. I did a good bit of searching and reading on the forum and I am thinking of (no...not a dead pedal) a rear sway bar, short ram intake and when the Dunlops wear out some better tires.

Am I on track or is there a better way to go? Thanks in advance.



Kevin

 

Okay then, I guess I'll just try it out and see what happens.

 

that sounds like a greeeeeeeeeeeeeeat start! you named mods that actually improve aspects of your car!!

 

I was looking at the intake thread and there are a TON of them (everything from really pricey ones to the DIY version). I'm more interested in performance as opposed to having it sound better (in fact if it sounded like stock that would be fine as well). I've been looking at reviews and such but I haven't been seeing much more than the fact that the TR1B carbon fiber short ram intake is pretty popular on the board and there is one from K&N that seems pretty well disliked.

Any suggestions?

 

it's pretty tough to get more power out of these engines without boost. The sway bar, and some springs would help the handling. I've read that a modified stock intake works pretty well. If you want more pep, try a Blitz Throttle Controller. It won't make more power, but it puts it in a more usable range on the throttle.

 

yeah, k&n intake sucks ive read. if i were you, id just make the $30 sid intake. we drive fits, the difference between a $30 intake and a $300 intake would be so minimal

 

if i were you i'd stick to suspension, wheels, tires, and brakes those are the only way you'll be any quicker without spending 2k+

 

Like I said, I came from driving an 86 Subaru wagon with 228K and a bad engine. The Fit feels like an F1 car by comparison. Just being able to maintain highway speed and be able to merge into traffic without fearing for your life is awesome. More useable power is good but this is a little kid hauler so if its a problem or too much $$ for what you get I'll probably skip it. I will definitely do new tires because I don't like the ones it has at all. I am also familiar with what a rear sway bar can do (it works on old Subie wagons too).

 

That's what I did to my 1980 Civic GL back in the day and it did make it a LOT more driveable for a pretty small investment.

 

well just a question are you going to track or autox your fit at all?

 

I was following a thread about those DIY intakes and I have to admit the idea appeals to me, not so much because I'm cheap but I do wonder how much better a $300 intake is. Also, I have spent the past few years tinkering with my Subaru so I kind of like the idea of a DIY intake. Than again, I don't have the free time I used to so I may just buy one and save the time.

 

Nope, its going to just haul me and my 6 year old around mostly (wifes got an 89 Civic Wagon with 4WD that she loves).

 

Wagovan!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

post pics of the wagovan so cody can fap.

 

Welcome to the forum and congrads on treating yourself to a great little car. Sounds like you have some good plans going for your car and we can't wait to see some pictures.

Cat a:x

 

omg. i want yer wagovan too pics lol.
yea, short ram you lose power, gain mileage. chamber, throttle response is better, cold air just more power really. just do sids diy n you'll prolly be happy. blitz tc will make the car feel more peppy/quicker if you want that...other than that besides boosting susp. mods will benefit you the most.

 

The DIY or SSRI is very easy to do and makes a big difference in engine response, also gives it a nice suction sound under load. Do it. I love mine. Lowering the car will definatly help with the handling, but no need for a RSB IMO. The Denso IK22 plug suposedly give it a few extra ponies too but I didnt feel a big difference.

 

20 years ago, 117 bhp from 1500 cc would have been pretty amazing. As others have said, you aren't going to get more than this without forced air induction.

I'm surprised about the Subaru performance references; I also have a 2003 Forester, and the extra 1000 cc makes a huge difference. When I push the accelerator on the Forester, something happens; on the Fit, not much. On the other hand, the Forester gets 20 mpg around town and 25 mpg on the highway.

 

yes, pics of wagovan! Oh, and welcome!

 

There is a huge difference between the EJ series engine like in your Forester and the EA series in my old GL wagon. The EJ25 in the Forester (and the current WRX in turbo form) and the EJ22 are my favorites. I came close to picking up an early 90's Impreza with the EJ22 but I opted for the Fit. I got a better interest rate and in the end I wanted better mileage than 20/25. Trust me the EA82 in my GL wagon can best be described as leisurely. Mind you it has real 4WD and it a great snow car, you just have to have a flexible idea of time and punctuality.