So, you want to make your Honda Accord Sport faster? That’s a great goal. The Accord Sport is already a sharp, responsive sedan, but with a few smart modifications, you can really sharpen its performance edge. This guide will walk you through six practical ways to make Honda Accord Sport faster, from simple bolt-ons to more involved upgrades.
Every tip here is designed to be clear and actionable. We’ll start with the easiest and most affordable changes and work our way up. Remember, the goal is to enhance what’s already a fantastic car, not turn it into something it’s not. Let’s get started.
6 Ways to Make Honda Accord Sport Faster?
This list is your roadmap. Each method below will be explained in detail, with steps and considerations. Think about your budget and how much work you’re comfortable with. Even doing just one or two of these can make a noticeable difference in how your Accord drives.
1. Upgrade Your Tires
This is the single best upgrade for any car, period. Your tires are the only part of your car that touches the road. Factory tires are often a compromise for comfort, noise, and cost. Switching to a high-performance summer tire will improve grip in every situation: acceleration, cornering, and braking.
Better grip means you can put power down more effectively, especially coming out of corners. It also means you can brake later and carry more speed through turns. The difference is immediate and profound.
- What to Look For: Max Performance Summer tires from brands like Michelin (Pilot Sport 4S), Continental (ExtremeContact Sport), or Bridgestone (Potenza Sport).
- Keep in Mind: These tires wear faster and are not for cold or snowy conditions. Have a separate set of winter/all-season tires if you need them.
- Simple Step: Check your current tire size and shop for the same size in a performance category. Installation is a standard tire mount and balance job.
2. Install a High-Flow Air Intake System
Your engine is basically a big air pump. More cool, dense air means more potential power. The factory airbox is designed to be quiet and filter air very well, but it can be restrictive. A cold air intake (CAI) or short ram intake replaces parts of the intake tract with smoother, wider piping and a less restrictive filter.
This can reduce intake air temperature and allow the engine to breathe easier, often resulting in a few extra horsepower and a more aggressive engine sound under acceleration. It’s a very popular first mod because it’s relatively simple.
- Choose a Kit: Select a reputable brand like K&N, AEM, or Injen. Make sure it’s specifically for your Accord Sport’s model year and engine.
- Gather Tools: You’ll usually need basic sockets, screwdrivers, and maybe a trim removal tool.
- Follow Instructions: Carefully remove the old airbox and install the new intake. Ensure all clamps are tight and the filter is securely seated.
- Check Engine Light: Some cars might throw a code if the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor is disturbed. Clear it if needed, and it usually won’t come back.
Does a Cold Air Intake Really Help?
On its own, the gains are modest, usually 5-10 horsepower. But it’s a supporting mod. When combined with other changes like an exhaust or tune, the effects are multiplied. The improved throttle response and sound make it feel faster, too.
3. Add a Performance Exhaust System
If the intake is how the engine breathes in, the exhaust is how it breathes out. Freeing up the exhaust flow reduces backpressure, allowing the engine to expel spent gases more efficiently. This can free up horsepower and, of course, change the exhaust note to something sportier.
You have several options here, from a simple axle-back muffler swap to a full cat-back system. A cat-back replaces everything from the catalytic converter back and typically offers the best performance gain.
- Axle-Back: Easier to install, changes sound primarily, minor power gains.
- Cat-Back: More involved install, better performance improvement, more pronounced sound.
- Considerations: Think about drone (a resonant hum at highway speeds). Read reviews and listen to sound clips. Brands like MagnaFlow, Borla, and GReddy are well-regarded.
4. Use a Performance Engine Tune (ECU/ECM Flash)
This is where you can unlock significant gains. The Engine Control Unit (ECU) is the car’s computer. It manages fuel delivery, ignition timing, throttle response, and more. A performance tune reprograms the ECU for more aggressive settings.
For turbocharged Accord Sport models (1.5T and 2.0T), a tune is incredibly effective. It can adjust boost pressure, resulting in substantial horsepower and torque increases. For non-turbo models, gains are smaller but still noticeable, focusing on throttle mapping and timing.
- Research Tuners: Look at companies like Hondata (FlashPro) or Ktuner. They are the standard for Honda tuning.
- Choose a Device: You’ll buy a tuning device that plugs into your car’s OBD-II port.
- Select a Tune: You can use pre-loaded “off-the-shelf” maps or get a custom tune from a professional for your specific mods.
- Flash the ECU: Follow the device instructions to upload the new tune to your car. The process is usually straightforward.
Warning: A tune may void your powertrain warranty. It also increases stress on engine components. Ensure your car is in good mechanical health before tuning.
5. Upgrade Your Brake Pads and Fluid
Going faster isn’t just about acceleration; it’s about confidence. Being able to stop reliably and repeatedly is crucial. Upgrading to high-performance brake pads and flushing the old brake fluid for a high-temperature DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 fluid is a critical safety and performance upgrade.
Performance pads offer better bite and resist fading during hard use. This means your brakes feel strong and consistent on a twisty road or during spirited driving. It’s a must-do if you plan to drive faster more often.
- Pad Choices: Look for street performance pads from Hawk, EBC, or StopTech. Avoid full race pads, as they need heat to work and can be noisy.
- Brake Fluid: Brands like Motul, Castrol, or Brembo offer high-performance fluids. Have a shop do the flush if you’re not comfortable bleeding brakes.
- Rotor Check: While you’re at it, make sure your rotors are in good shape—no deep grooves or severe warping.
A Note on Suspension
While not a “power” upgrade, stiffer suspension components like sway bars or lowering springs can make your Accord Sport feel much quicker by reducing body roll. This allows you to carry more speed through corners, making the whole driving experience more engaging. It’s a great complementary upgrade.
6. Reduce Unnecessary Weight
It’s simple physics: less weight means better acceleration, braking, and handling. You don’t need to strip the interior completely. Start by removing any junk you’re hauling around for no reason. Then, consider more permanent, but reversible, changes.
Every pound you remove helps. This is a low-cost mod that requires more effort than money.
- Clean Out: Remove everything from the trunk, back seats, and glove box that you don’t need daily.
- Consider Lightweight Parts: A lighter set of wheels can make a big difference. Lightweight battery is another option, though more niche.
- Spare Tire: In a pinch for an autocross day? Removing the spare tire and jack can save 35-40 pounds. Just be sure to have a roadside plan.
Remember, the driver is part of the weight too. But we won’t suggest a diet plan here!
Putting It All Together
The best results often come from combining these mods. A common and effective path for a turbo Accord Sport is: Tires first, then an intake and exhaust, followed by a tune to take full advantage of the improved airflow. Always finish with the brake upgrade for safety.
Plan your modifications with a final goal in mind. This prevents you from buying parts that won’t work well together later. And always prioritize quality parts from reputable brands—your car’s reliability depends on it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the cheapest way to make my Accord Sport faster?
The absolute cheapest way is to reduce weight and improve your driving skills. Next, investing in a set of high-performance tires will give you the most noticeable improvement per dollar spent.
Will these mods hurt my gas mileage?
It depends. An intake and exhaust might slightly improve highway mileage. However, a performance tune and a heavier right foot will likely reduce it. The tires may also have a minor impact due to increased rolling resistance.
Is it safe to tune my daily driver Accord?
Yes, if you use a reputable tuning solution from Hondata or Ktuner and stick with their conservative “off-the-shelf” maps. Ensure your car’s maintenance is up to date. Aggressive custom tunes for max power increase risk.
Do I need to upgrade the clutch on a manual transmission model?
If you add significant power, especially with a tune on a 2.0T model, the factory clutch may start to slip under hard acceleration. Upgrading to a more robust clutch kit would be a wise supporting mod in that case.
Can I install these parts myself?
Many of them, yes. Intakes, exhausts, and brake pads are common DIY projects with basic tools. A tire installation requires special equipment. ECU flashing is simple but critical—follow instructions exactly. When in doubt, consult a professional mechanic.
Will these modifications make my car unreliable?
Quality parts installed correctly should not cause problems. However, pushing the engine for more power does increase stress on components. Staying on top of maintenance (oil changes, fluid checks) becomes even more important. Avoid the cheapest, no-name parts you can find online.
Making your Honda Accord Sport faster is a rewarding process. Each change brings you closer to a car that feels more personal and more exciting to drive. Start with one upgrade, feel the difference, and go from there. The journey is as fun as the destination.