What can I do with my stock automatic to give it a little oompff?

[Qacer]

First, I don't want to take on another monthly payment for now, so buying new car is out of the question. However, I would like to, at least, give my car a little power, so it has better acceleration. Right now, my car seems to be struggling when I try to speed up. I have a 2005 Honda Civic, automatic, FWD.

I was on the German autobahn yesterday and tried to speed up from 60mph to 85mph. It took sometime to get to 85. My guess that it was probably 15 seconds. It doesn't have a problem maintaining 85 once I actually get there, but trying to switch over the passing lane to overtake a slow moving truck is a challenge. By the time I switch to the passing lane, another car is behind my tail. If I can give it a little oompf, then I would likely avoid situations like that.

Any suggestions on what I can do? Should I bring it to a dyno testing facility?

Thanks!

 

[ProchargeMe]

First things first. What is your budget? A base model honda civic is going to need a good bit of upgrades to be even remotely "fast"

 

[tfinch2]

Go for the NOSSSSS

 

[LTC8K6]

That sounds more like a manual trans time without a downshift.

Couldn't find a review of an auto 2005 Civic, but an auto 2004 Toyota Echo went from 0-80 in about 17.6 seconds, and did 50-70 in 6.9 seconds. 108 horses/4 speed auto.

 

[HarryLui]

How much MPG are you will to give up?

Buy smaller wheels and smaller tires will give you a better gearing to accelerate at higher speed.

 

[brainhulk]

engine swap, manual tranny swap, gut the interior

gutted, engine swapped civics are fast as phuuu*#! lol

 

[nerp]

Not worth the investment. Accept you've got a Civic, pass less and set aside some coin for a car that actually has performance.

 

[SpatiallyAware]

When was the last time you changed plugs/air filter/etc? How many miles are on the car?

 

[JulesMaximus]

It took 15 seconds to go from 60mph to 85mph? There is something wrong with your car.

 

[pauldun170]

Not worth the investment. Accept you've got a Civic, pass less and set aside some coin for a car that actually has performance.

Yup,
Other than basic maintenance items...do nothing.

 

[manimal]

friends dont let friends buy fart cans.


Make sure your at least getting stock power. Sounds like you have some issues to sort.


Since your in germany I would get a e36 M3 cheap and thank your lucky stars for having access to the bahn...

 

[mmntech]

friends dont let friends buy fart cans.


Make sure your at least getting stock power. Sounds like you have some issues to sort.


Since your in germany I would get a e36 M3 cheap and thank your lucky stars for having access to the bahn...

Fart cans are for douches.

I've got the same car and it's really not horrible performance wise. I've driven worse in the same class. The Ford Fiesta for example, which produces it's all it's power at the redline.

I've seen some companies marketing true cold air intakes for the auto Civics now. Not that they do much other than make the engine sound meatier and give (possibly) slightly better mileage. Of course you can never drive through deeper puddles again.

 

[exdeath]

Buy a faster car. It will be cheaper.

 

[lakedude]

No expert here but it sounds like a simple downshift (or two) would be a big improvement. Any chance you can adjust shift points somehow?

 

[jlee]

Buy a faster car. It will be cheaper.

Yep.

 

[xSkyDrAx]

install a boot that kicks you in the ass when you step on the gas. nice little oomph every time you gas it

 

[AdamK47]

A wing, neon lights, some sticker, and a loud muffler should speed it up a bit.

 

[BUTCH1]

Buy a faster car. It will be cheaper.

X3, sure, there are mod kits for a lot of cars but then your wondering if your bottom end or valve train are gonna give out, engine swaps involve a lot of work and $$ to boot, just save your cash for a faster car..

 

[mmntech]

A wing, neon lights, some sticker, and a loud muffler should speed it up a bit.

You forgot the obnoxious sub woffer blaring dubstep beats at 2am.

 

[Raduque]

Go for the NOSSSSS

Two bottles. The big ones.

 

[Qacer]

First things first. What is your budget? A base model honda civic is going to need a good bit of upgrades to be even remotely "fast"

I'm not the racing tpe, so my budget is $1000 or less. I just want the acceleration thing improved so I can switch to the passing lane without having a Mercedes or BMW on my tail while I pass over a moving truck.

Normally, my driving style is staying on the right lane until I encounter a slow moving vehicle. Then switch to the passing lane and switch back to he right lane after I pass all the slow moving vehicles on that stretch. Even on flat grade roads my car seems to struggle to get to higher speeds as to not disrupt the flow on the passing lane.

 

[Qacer]

No expert here but it sounds like a simple downshift (or two) would be a big improvement. Any chance you can adjust shift points somehow?

Not sure, but I got a contact info for a local mechanic. I'll see what he has to say.

 

[Kadarin]

You clearly need VTEC:

 

[Arkaign]

Well, you could :

B18C5 Swap w/tuned ECU
Built internals
Garrett T3 Turbo @ 15+PSI + Intercooler
Beefy axles
Crate tranny + new racing clutch/flywheel
Upgraded brakes + Suspension
Strip for weight
Chassis reinforcements
15" front fatties

= ~400whp, mid 11s, and totally not worth it because it would cost more than a completely new car

 

[theevilsharpie]

I would like to, at least, give my car a little power, so it has better acceleration. Right now, my car seems to be struggling when I try to speed up. I have a 2005 Honda Civic, automatic, FWD.

I was on the German autobahn yesterday and tried to speed up from 60mph to 85mph. It took sometime to get to 85. My guess that it was probably 15 seconds.

Any suggestions on what I can do?

Try pushing the gas pedal down more? :awe:

I drive an automatic 2002 Corolla, and the only times it'd take me 15 seconds to get from 60 to 85 is if I've got a car full of passengers or I'm going up a steep incline.

If you're on a flat road, you're flooring it, and it literally takes you 15 seconds to get from 60 to 85, there's something wrong with your engine.