If you’re looking to add some excitement to your daily drive, you might be wondering how to make Honda Accord accelerate faster. This common goal for owners is absolutely achievable with a mix of smart modifications and basic maintenance. The Accord is renowned for its reliability and smooth ride, but its acceleration can feel a bit reserved, especially in base model four-cylinder versions. Fortunately, whether you have a classic V6 or a modern turbo-four, there are proven ways to wake up your sedan’s performance.
This guide will walk you through practical steps, from simple no-cost tweaks to more involved upgrades. We’ll cover everything you need to know to safely increase your car’s responsiveness and power. The key is to approach modifications in a logical order, starting with maintenance before moving to hardware changes. Let’s get started on making your Accord more fun to drive.
How To Make Honda Accord Accelerate Faster
Before spending any money, it’s crucial to ensure your car is running at its factory-spec best. A poorly maintained Accord will never perform well, no matter what parts you add. Start with these foundational steps to unlock the performance you already have.
1. Master the Maintenance Basics
Neglected maintenance is the biggest thief of horsepower. You’d be surprised how much pep you can restore just by catching up on routine service. Here’s your performance maintenance checklist:
- Spark Plugs: Worn or fouled plugs cause misfires and sluggish acceleration. Replace them with high-quality OEM or performance plugs at the recommended interval. It’s a cheap and effective fix.
- Air Filter: A dirty air filter chokes your engine. Check it every oil change. For a minor boost, consider a high-flow reusable air filter from a brand like K&N. It allows more air to flow and can be cleaned instead of replaced.
- Fuel System Cleaner: Over time, carbon builds up in fuel injectors and intake valves. Using a reputable fuel system cleaner every few thousand miles can help restore fuel flow and engine efficiency.
- Throttle Body Cleaning: Carbon also builds up on the throttle body, causing a sticky or lazy throttle response. A careful cleaning with appropriate spray can make your pedal feel much more direct.
2. Reduce Weight and Rotational Mass
It’s simple physics: a lighter car accelerates quicker. While you shouldn’t strip your daily driver, there are sensible weight-saving measures. Also, reducing rotational mass (weight that spins, like wheels) has an even greater effect on acceleration than static weight.
- Remove Unnecessary Items: Clean out your trunk, back seat, and cabin. That collection of old sports gear and tools adds up.
- Lightweight Wheels: This is one of the best handling and acceleration mods. Swapping heavy stock wheels for lighter alloy wheels reduces unsprung and rotational mass. Your engine has less work to do to get them spinning.
- Performance Tires: All the power in the world is useless if you can’t put it to the pavement. Upgrading to high-performance summer tires (or high-quality all-seasons) provides much better grip off the line and in corners.
The Importance of a Good Tire
Factory tires are often chosen for low noise and long treadlife, not maximum grip. A stickier tire is the single most effective upgrade for improving launch traction and cornering. Just remember that softer performance tires will wear out faster.
3. Optimize Your Driving Technique
How you drive has a massive impact on perceived acceleration. An automatic transmission, in particular, can be “tricked” into being more responsive.
- Use “Sport” Mode: If your Accord has a Sport mode or paddle shifters, use them! Sport mode holds gears longer, makes throttle response sharper, and can firm up the steering.
- Manual Shifting (Automatics): Even without a sport mode, you can use the “D3” or “S” gear position, or manually select gears with the shift lever. This prevents the transmission from upshifting too early.
- Brake Torquing (for automatics): At a stop, firmly press the brake with your left foot. Then, gently apply the throttle with your right foot until the engine revs to about 1500-2000 RPM. When you release the brake, the car will launch forward more aggressively as the transmission is already pre-loaded.
Popular Performance Upgrades
Once your car is in top mechanical shape, you can consider aftermarket modifications. These range from simple bolt-on parts to more complex engine tuning. Always prioritize quality parts from reputable brands.
1. Cold Air Intake (CAI)
This is often the first performance mod people choose. A cold air intake replaces the stock airbox with a less restrictive pipe and a high-flow filter. The goal is to draw in cooler, denser air from outside the engine bay, which can lead to small horsepower gains and a more aggressive engine sound.
Installation is usually straightforward. The main benifit is improved throttle response and a nicer intake noise. Gains are typically modest (5-10 horsepower), but it’s a good foundation for future mods.
2. Exhaust System Upgrades
Freeing up the exhaust path allows your engine to expel spent gases more efficiently. You have several options here:
- Cat-Back Exhaust: Replaces everything from the catalytic converter back. Offers a nicer sound, slight power gains, and often a weight reduction.
- Axle-Back Exhaust: A simpler option that replaces just the muffler and tailpipe section. Primarily changes the sound with minimal performance gain.
- High-Flow Catalytic Converter: A more significant upgrade that replaces the restrictive factory catalytic converter. This can yield better gains but must be legal for street use in your state (check EPA regulations).
3. Engine Tuning (ECU/ECM Flash)
Modern car engines are controlled by a computer (ECU). Factory tuning is conservative, prioritizing emissions, fuel economy, and compatibility with low-grade fuel. A professional tune recalibrates this computer for more power.
For turbocharged Accords (1.5T and 2.0T models), tuning is incredibly effective. A simple reflash from a company like Hondata or KTuner can add 50+ horsepower and significantly more torque, completely changing the car’s character. For non-turbo models, gains are smaller but still noticeable, optimizing ignition timing and air/fuel ratios.
Warning: Always use a reputable tuner. A bad tune can damage your engine. Also, be aware that aggressive tuning may void your powertrain warranty.
Supporting Mods for Tuning
If you get a tune, especially for turbo models, consider these upgrades to handle the extra power safely:
- Upgraded intercooler (for turbo cars) to lower intake air temperatures.
- High-performance spark plugs.
- A better clutch on manual transmission cars.
4. Forced Induction (The Big Step)
This is the most significant upgrade path for non-turbo Accords (like older V6 models). Adding a supercharger or turbocharger forces more air into the engine, creating dramatic power increases—often doubling the horsepower.
This is a complex, expensive project involving many supporting parts (fueling upgrades, stronger internals, custom tuning, and cooling). It’s not for the faint of heart or the thin of wallet. For most Accord owners, the previous mods offer the best balance of cost, reliability, and performance gain.
Step-by-Step Modification Plan
To avoid wasting money, follow this logical upgrade path. Each stage builds upon the last.
Stage 1: The Foundation (Maintenance & Driver Mod)
- Complete all overdue maintenance (plugs, filters, fluids).
- Learn optimal driving techniques for your transmission.
- Install high-quality performance tires.
- Consider lightweight wheels.
Stage 2: Bolt-On Power (Simple Upgrades)
- Install a cold air intake.
- Upgrade to a cat-back exhaust system.
- Add a rear sway bar to improve handling and put power down better coming out of corners.
Stage 3: Software & Fine-Tuning
- Get a professional ECU tune from a recognized platform.
- For turbo models, add an intercooler upgrade.
- Consider upgrading brake pads and fluid for increased stopping power to match your new speed.
Important Considerations & Cautions
Chasing performance has trade-offs. Always keep these points in mind:
- Warranty: Most performance mods will void the warranty on affected parts. Dealers can deny claims if they can link a failure to your modification.
- Reliability: Pushing an engine beyond its factory design can shorten its lifespan, especially if maintenance is neglected or the work is done poorly.
- Cost vs. Benefit: Be realistic. Spending $3000 to gain 15 horsepower on a base four-cylinder may not be worth it. Consider if trading up to a V6 or 2.0T model might be a better financial decision.
- Legality: Some modifications, like removing catalytic converters or certain loud exhausts, are illegal for street use. Always check local and state laws.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the cheapest way to make my Honda Accord faster?
The absolute cheapest way is through maintenance and driving technique. A new air filter, fresh spark plugs, and learning to use your transmission effectively cost little but can make a real difference. Next, look at reducing weight.
Does a cold air intake really make an Accord faster?
It can, but the gains are usually small (5-10 hp). The primary benefits are improved throttle response and a more sporty engine sound. It works best when combined with other mods like an exhaust and tune.
Is it bad to tune my Honda Accord’s ECU?
A professional tune from a reputable company is generally safe. However, an aggressive tune on a stock engine, especially without supporting mods, can increase wear or risk of knock. It will also void your powertrain warranty.
How can I make my Accord accelerate quicker without voiding the warranty?
Stick to non-mechanical mods. Driver technique, weight reduction (removing interior items), and upgrading to lighter wheels and stickier tires are effective and typically don’t affect warranty coverage. Always consult your warranty booklet to be sure.
What Accord model responds best to modifications?
Turbocharged models (the 1.5T and especially the 2.0T from 2018+) respond exceptionally well to simple ECU tuning. Older J-series V6 models (like in the 8th and 9th gens) also have good potential with bolt-ons and are popular for forced induction projects.
Will these modifications hurt my fuel economy?
It depends. Maintenance and weight reduction can improve MPG. Performance driving, stickier tires, and most power-adding mods (like a tune) will often reduce fuel economy because you’ll be using the extra power. If you drive gently, you may not see a big change.
Making your Honda Accord accelerate faster is a rewarding project that enhances your connection to the car. Start with the basics of maintenance and driving skill—these are free and fundamental. From there, plan your upgrades carefully, focusing on high-quality parts that work well together. Remember that the goal is to create a more enjoyable and responsive daily driver, not necessarily a drag strip champion. With a thoughtful approach, you can unlock a new level of performance from your reliable Accord and put a bigger smile on your face every time you press the gas pedal.