Tech Tips
This page is dedicated to the technical aspects of
performance for Hondas and Acura's and will provide lots of useful info.
SUSPENSION
Shocks and Springs The most common suspension modifications, and it is
strongly recommended that they are done together. If you only install springs,
you get a very bouncy ride. You can also damage your suspension if you don't buy
these two together.
Popular brands: Eibach, Neuspeed, Suspension Techniques, Progress, Koni,
Tokico, KYB
Anti-Sway Bars Almost always overlooked or put aside but is one of the
most important suspension modifications. Anti-Sway Bars body roll and sway. Neuspeed,
DC
Strut tower braces (a.k.a. Upper tie bars) These brace the front and back
of the car. They mount between the front struts, and the rear struts, and help
prevent the chassis from flexing. These can improve steering, and allow
the car to turn faster, and give you a smooth high speed ride. Neuspeed
Lower tie bars These brace weak chassis points where the lower control
arms meet the chassis. The rear lower tie bar keeps the car more sturdy and
reduces understeer. The front tie bar does not show drastic handling
improvements but complements the rear nicely.
Polyurethane Bushings A good idea for Hondas to replace the feeble,
factory rubber bushings. New bushings will improve handling by reducing (or even
eliminating) suspension component movement.
Adjustable camber kits A good way to adjust positive or negative camber.
Negative camber has better handling but poor tire life, and vice versa. Ignall's
Coil Over Conversion kits The best shock and spring combo. They are
height and spring rate adjustable and are balanced perfectly to provide the best
handling possible. Ground Control
Note: While these elements improve handling, be aware that you are definitely
sacrificing ride comfort.
BRAKES
Rotors The most common upgrade. There are three main choices when
selecting new rotors: cross-drilled, vented, and slotted. A cross-drilled rotor
has holes in it to expel heat from the rotor during breaking. These seem to be
the most popular. Vented rotors have a "valley" on the side to keep is
cooler during breaking. Slotted rotors have a "valley" on the surface.
Brembo, Power Slot
Brake Pads The most popular are:
Metal pads: Stop the car quicker but make lots of noise and eat rotors
quickly.
Carbon-metallic pads: Wear out slower and are easier on rotors than
metallic and have the same stopping capabilities. Axxis Metal Master
Stainless Steel Brake Lines Contrary to popular belief, these don't
improve braking time at all, they just give a more reassuring feel under the
pedal. Goodridge
Big Brake Kits These basically improve braking, (bigger brakes = better
stopping. Makes sense.) And look hella good.
Master Cylinder Braces A must for big brake kits.
POPULAR BOLT ON ENGINE MODS
Exhausts: Add a few HP, look good and sound good. DC, Greddy/Trust,
RS*R, HKS
Air Filters/Intake: HP drop/increase range from -1 to +6. I say stick
with cold air systems. And stay away from those mini-fans that go in your intake
tube. They hurt more than they help. Iceman, AEM, RS Akimoto
Headers: Reduce the amount of piping in the exhaust and give back lost
HP. Go with ceramic coated headers since the stainless steel ones WILL crack and
discolor eventually. 4-2-1 headers convert the four pipes from the block to 2
pipes then to 1. 4-1 convert 4 pipes to 1 pipe. 4 to 1 headers have higher HP
ratings but loses lots of torque. DC, Lightspeed, RS*R, Type R
Camshafts: Cams can be used to provide more torque or more HP, depending
on what the driver wants. They work better when they are matched to the header
and intake. Type R, SkunkWorks, JG, RC Engineering, Gude/Bullfrog
Adjustable Cam Sprockets (Gears): Add from 5-13 HP and are relatively
cheap. You can adjust the exhaust and intake timing on the cams. It's
recommended to only tune them with a dyno. AEM, JG, RC Engineering, Weapon R
Ignition Systems: Rarely adds HP and is only needed with turbo, nitrous,
or major engine work. MSD, Crane, Nology, Magnacor, ViTek, NGK
Turbo Charging Anyone want to help me here?
Super charging Need help here also.
Nitrous From what I understand, nitrous oxide has more oxygen content
than regular air, so combustion is quicker and more complete. Upside: cheap and
controlable with the flick of a switch. Downside: You can blow your engine if
you don't know what your doing. NOS
If you
know any Tech Tips that I have not included in here, please email them to me, I
love getting feed back. Thanks, Peace!
Email: badlanding912@hotmail.com
