New Accord Sport 1.5T owner and I have some questions!

4419 Views 15 Replies 7 Participants Last post by leyvajesus125, 6 mo ago

AccordSportMTL

Discussion Starter · Nov 20, 2020

Hello,

I am new to the Honda community, I've only ever owned German and Italian cars and this is a first for me to own a Honda.

I've just sold my 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth and I've purchased myself a 2018 Accord Sport 1.5T because I wanted something a little more grown up, needed something more practical for daily driving and I'm saving for an Alfa Romeo 4C for the weekend car. It was time to move on from that little hot hatch but unfortunately I miss the power and performance of that little beast.

This brings me to the reason for this post, I need some more power. The Accord is a beautifully shaped and well designed vehicle, very smooth and enjoyable to drive but even with the 6 speed manual I feel I'm missing something.

This is why I am here asking for some help, I am new to Honda and I am seeking some help in understanding what I can do to make it a little more fun as a daily driver.

I do not want to kill my warranty, I don't want to go for a crazy amount of horsepower and torque. I want to safely and logically modify the car so I can have a little more fun on my commute to work. I am looking for an OEM+ setup nothing drastic since the car is going to be a daily driver. Before I purchase anything I want to speak to those who have done some mods on their 1.5T manuals and see what makes the most sense for a daily driver.

Thanks all!

1 - 16 of 16 Posts

Hondafan777

· #2 · Nov 20, 2020

AccordSportMTL said:
Hello,

I am new to the Honda community, I've only ever owned German and Italian cars and this is a first for me to own a Honda.

I've just sold my 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth and I've purchased myself a 2018 Accord Sport 1.5T because I wanted something a little more grown up, needed something more practical for daily driving and I'm saving for an Alfa Romeo 4C for the weekend car. It was time to move on from that little hot hatch but unfortunately I miss the power and performance of that little beast.

This brings me to the reason for this post, I need some more power. The Accord is a beautifully shaped and well designed vehicle, very smooth and enjoyable to drive but even with the 6 speed manual I feel I'm missing something.

This is why I am here asking for some help, I am new to Honda and I am seeking some help in understanding what I can do to make it a little more fun as a daily driver.

I do not want to kill my warranty, I don't want to go for a crazy amount of horsepower and torque. I want to safely and logically modify the car so I can have a little more fun on my commute to work. I am looking for an OEM+ setup nothing drastic since the car is going to be a daily driver. Before I purchase anything I want to speak to those who have done some mods on their 1.5T manuals and see what makes the most sense for a daily driver.

Thanks all!

Buy a Sport 2.0T is you want more OEM HP

Reactions: 2

AccordSportMTL

Discussion Starter · #3 · Nov 20, 2020

Hondafan777 said:
Buy a Sport 2.0T is you want more OEM HP

I appreciate the input but I've no interest in the 2.0T. When I say OEM+ it's the meaning of not going over board with mods, it's small modifications to make the car slightly more interesting.

I bought my car used because it's my daily and I had no intention of spending an extra 4-5K on a daily for a not so massive power bump. If I was going to the spend that extra 4-5K I would have bought a Golf R or WRX STI not an Accord.

Maybe I didn't express that properly in my first post, my bad.

I'm looking for input on:

1. Tunes.
2. Intakes
3. Exhaust systems.

I'm trying to see what others have done with their 1.5Ts.

See less See more

george_p

· #4 · Nov 20, 2020

Just FYI - I don't have a 1.5T, but:

I think the drop in k&n air filter will give you the noise that you want.

I'm sure that the Ktuner or Hondata ECU modifier/tuner is what you will need for the bump in both HP and Torque. They are both less than $1000- it's your decision which one to use.

I think tires are important too- I just don't know which ones would be the perfect fit/feel for you.

Congrats- Welcome- Research into this stuff- Enjoy whatever you decide.

Reactions: 1

Samuelx

· #5 · Nov 20, 2020

On top of what George said, if I had a MT, I would also look into the Acuity shift kits/parts...

Hondafan777

· #6 · Nov 21, 2020

AccordSportMTL said:
I appreciate the input but I've no interest in the 2.0T. When I say OEM+ it's the meaning of not going over board with mods, it's small modifications to make the car slightly more interesting.

I bought my car used because it's my daily and I had no intention of spending an extra 4-5K on a daily for a not so massive power bump. If I was going to the spend that extra 4-5K I would have bought a Golf R or WRX STI not an Accord.

Maybe I didn't express that properly in my first post, my bad.

I'm looking for input on:

1. Tunes.
2. Intakes
3. Exhaust systems.

I'm trying to see what others have done with their 1.5Ts.

Good Intake -$300 to $400
Hondata or Ktuner - $449 to $695
Catback Exhaust - $800 plus.

All 3 looking around $2k.

AccordSportMTL

Discussion Starter · #7 · Nov 21, 2020

Thank you for the good ideas and for welcoming me into the community.
I'm going to be doing some research and looking into that drop in filter for sure and the shift kits, now that you mention it.

I think I just need the car to feel a bit more perky and nervous. I think the engine may have enough power but its the delay and rev hang that drives me insane. Do you guys perhaps think a pedal commander would be a good place start and finish or a tune/piggyback would be better?

I am worried that a tune will void my warranty if it leaves a trace of itself on my ECU in the event I need some work done. I might be going after feeling more than power but I might be wrong.

As for tires it's on the 19 inch wheels wrapped in continental contisport contact tires which for the moment do the job quite well.

Thanks again!

Samuelx

· #8 · Nov 21, 2020

I have noticed that there is significantly less delay in Sport mode than ECO for my car. I think either tuning unit (Hondata or Ktuner) has the ability to get rid of rev hang BUT it appears that both units will leave tracks (i.e. Honda would be able to tell) even after flashing back to stock - YMMV on the piggyback modules.

Reactions: 1

AccordSportMTL

Discussion Starter · #9 · Nov 21, 2020

I wish Honda put a Sport button in the manual Accords I would have loved that! I have found that out as well regardless of what Ktuner and Hondata say users have had issues with warranty repairs. I think I'm going to do a drop in filter, a shift kit and either a pedal commander or a sprint booster. I realized after a nice long drive today that I'm happy with the power but not happy with the delivery. Id like to have the car feel a bit more nervous and I think the sprint booster is where I'm going to start.

Like I said in my previous posts, I'm not looking to make 400whp and change turbos etc... If I was going to go down that road I would not have bought an Accord and I would have kept my Abarth.

I want the car to feel sportier and a bit more precise and next spring I'll be buying the Alfa 4C so I just want the Accord to be a solid, sporty A to B car.

Reactions: 2

Fired00d

· #10 · Nov 21, 2020

Samuelx said:
I have noticed that there is significantly less delay in Sport mode than ECO for my car. I think either tuning unit (Hondata or Ktuner) has the ability to get rid of rev hang BUT it appears that both units will leave tracks (i.e. Honda would be able to tell) even after flashing back to stock - YMMV on the piggyback modules.

With the data collection capabilities of vehicles today any parameter (rev limit, AFR, etc., etc.) that exceeds OEM/factory specs will be recorded/documented whether it's by one of the tuners (Hondata/KTuner) or a piggyback system. If one is to read the fine print of most of these devices it will state for "Race Use/Purposes Only" and the reason that EPA is allowing the sale of them. If warranty is a concern I wouldn't advise on using either IMHO.

Reactions: 1

george_p

· #11 · Nov 21, 2020

AccordSportMTL said:
I wish Honda put a Sport button in the manual Accords I would have loved that! I have found that out as well regardless of what Ktuner and Hondata say users have had issues with warranty repairs. I think I'm going to do a drop in filter, a shift kit and either a pedal commander or a sprint booster. I realized after a nice long drive today that I'm happy with the power but not happy with the delivery. Id like to have the car feel a bit more nervous and I think the sprint booster is where I'm going to start.

Like I said in my previous posts, I'm not looking to make 400whp and change turbos etc... If I was going to go down that road I would not have bought an Accord and I would have kept my Abarth.

I want the car to feel sportier and a bit more precise and next spring I'll be buying the Alfa 4C so I just want the Accord to be a solid, sporty A to B car.

I know! I wish they included sport mode in the MT... that boost guage seems nice to look at.

Reactions: 1

AccordSportMTL

Discussion Starter · #12 · Nov 21, 2020

I agree, I will not be going the tuning route because I'm not comfortable with that since I'm not trying to make this car something it's not.

I know the Sport button should be standard on all models not just the AT models, I want that boost gauge!

Does the pedal commander or sprint booster make any difference warranty wise? I'm looking into it and I just want to make sure it won't void my warranty and is untraceable. I want the car to be a little more nervous when I drive it and use the power better, I'm happy with the engine.

Delano_turnbull

· #13 · Jun 21, 2021

AccordSportMTL said:
I agree, I will not be going the tuning route because I'm not comfortable with that since I'm not trying to make this car something it's not.

I know the Sport button should be standard on all models not just the AT models, I want that boost gauge!

Does the pedal commander or sprint booster make any difference warranty wise? I'm looking into it and I just want to make sure it won't void my warranty and is untraceable. I want the car to be a little more nervous when I drive it and use the power better, I'm happy with the engine.

Hey I know this was 7 months ago but I am in the same shoes as you. I don't want to go the tuning route either. How did the pedal commander research work out? Did you end up using it? I know it removes the lag but I have yet to see anyone review it.

Hondafan777

· #14 · Jul 19, 2021

Any aftermarket modifications can void your factory warranty.

Yes, they have to prove it but you will be taking Honda to court and hope you have deep pockets.

Modding is not for the warranty minded rather more for the guys and gals building their vision on what their car should be. We kinda throw caution into the wind.

Reactions: 1

Fired00d

· #15 · Jul 19, 2021

Hondafan777 said:
Any aftermarket modifications can void your factory warranty.

Yes, they have to prove it but you will be taking Honda to court and hope you have deep pockets.

Modding is not for the warranty minded rather more for the guys and gals building their vision on what their car should be. We kinda throw caution into the wind.

Not only will warranty be toast if you live in a state that has smog/emissions testing you may get the double whammy - California Does It Again – Modified ECU’s Will Now Fail Emissions Tests

leyvajesus125

· #16 · 6 mo ago

AccordSportMTL said:
I appreciate the input but I've no interest in the 2.0T. When I say OEM+ it's the meaning of not going over board with mods, it's small modifications to make the car slightly more interesting. I bought my car used because it's my daily and I had no intention of spending an extra 4-5K on a daily for a not so massive power bump. If I was going to the spend that extra 4-5K I would have bought a Golf R or WRX STI not an Accord. Maybe I didn't express that properly in my first post, my bad. I'm looking for input on: 1. Tunes. 2. Intakes 3. Exhaust systems. I'm trying to see what others have done with their 1.5Ts.

I add chevron premium on my 1.5 manual and it seems to give the car a boost and engine seems to respond quicker than regular chevron gas.

1 - 16 of 16 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.