Mods that dont void warranty

[civicpimp31]

i have the 06 honda civic ex coupe a/t and want to mod it. Could any one please tell me what i can do to it to improve performance or handling without voiding the warranty. Thanks for your help.

~civicpimp

[TsujenDB1]

Well one thing I wouldn't get any performance upgrades for the fact its an r18 and its automatic.

[Janizary]

Yep, I knew I was missing something today. Then this thread popped up letting me know that the world was still okay.

Wait for it:

Originally Posted by Mean People Suck

So, I've been really babying my car and finally broke 8500 miles. I have not gone over 4500rpm so far and really want to try a few VTECs. Do you think its okay now?

Oh yeah, do I have to use premium fuel? And my oil change light hasn't come on yet. Do you think it time to change the oil. I heard there is a 'special' break-in oil that shouldn't be changed until the sensor detects its depleted. I want to switch to synthetic. Which one is the best? I've read once you change to synthetic you can't change back to dyno oil. Is that true? I've also read that synthetic is 'too slippery' for our engines until 10K miles. Is that true? Do I have to have the Honda dealer change my oil? They said it would void my warranty if anyone else changes it.

So, while we are on the subject of mechanical questions. I've got a few more. I don't like to use 6th gear. Its weak. Do you think it will damage the engine in the long run if I just don't use it? Will it affect my MPG? Will I have to have oil changes more often? If I use synthetic, will it mitigate any negative effects?

Will my new CAI, void my warranty? I've read about the Magnet/Mossy act elsewhere. Can someone explain that to me? Will this increase my MPG? I've heard it can make you run lean and that will increase your MPG. Will I be able to go further on one bar of gas? How much is one bar of gas, anyway? Is it different if I don't use premium? Which gas station should I use, BTW? I've heard some gas stations cheat on their pump numbers. I don't believe in this 'top tier' gas thing. I think its a scam. I've read some folks have 95 octane premium. How come I can't find that at the gas station? The best I can find is 91 and that is 'standard' grade according to some forum members. What if I can't find 95 octane? Should I use a fuel additive? Which fuel additive is the best? How about straight toluene (sp)?

While we are on that. How do you calculate MPG? I see a lot of folks just guessing based on 'bars' (there's that pesky bar thing again). Or based on the 13.x gallon number in the manual. Is that the right way? I've heard you should reset your trip meter at each fill up? Will that fool the ECU into giving me better MPG? Is MPG miles / tank capacity or miles / fill gallons? Do I have to use the same pump/station at each fill? Does it matter if that fill station is not on level ground? Every time I "fill up" I only get 11.5 or so gallons in the tank. Is my car broken? Will lighter wheels help my MPG?

While we are on the topic of performance. Are there are Turbos out for the Civic yet? Which is better a Turbo or a Supercharger? Will a turbo or super charger void my warranty? Does the Magnet/Mossy act apply here too? Is that valid in Canada? If so, is there an exchange rate issue? On wheels:
What are the biggest sized tires I can use? Will getting 20" wheels affect my performance? Can someone explain rotational mass and inertia? What do the stock wheels weigh? Do lighter wheels really affect performance? Breaking? Acceleration? What about tires? Can I get lighter ones? Can I use my summer tires in the snow? If not, why? Why does Honda charge $200 for 'upgraded' summer tires when they are 'cheaper' than the stock all-seasons if you buy them by themselves? Is Honda ripping us off? Does the dealer keep the stock wheels and tires if you upgrade to the HPF wheels and summer tires? Do you get a credit?

On the topic of HPF stuff. Do I really have to take off the bumper to install the HPF kit? That seems like a lot of work. Does the HPF muffler give any performance increase? If I do my own install will that void my warranty? (see prior questions on warranty) If I just want springs will that damage my struts? I've heard they wear out faster that way. Will that make my ride worse?

On the topic of questionable modifications. How do I disconnect those pesky DRLs? I think they look terrible and I don't look cool enough when they are on. I've read some random 'scientific' study that DRLs actually cause accidents and that they were just a pay off to the light maker so some politician could make some pocket money (oh, I could go on about government conspiracies...all night, yeah, that's the ticket). What about disconnecting the seatbelt chime? Its my life and if I want to fly out the damn window and have my body act as a missile like projectile potentially killing some poor wenches whelp in the process, so be it. You can't tell me what to do, damn you. So, which fuse to I pull? I've heard I should just cut the damn thing out and stick the handle in the retainer to defeat that pesky noise. Anyone try this yet? I bet taking out those airbags would save some weight too. How much weight do you think that would save? You've got front, side, head, knee. That's got to be for .02 in the quarter mile. Silly devices anyway. A 'real driver' doesn't get into unexpected accidents anyway as they have uber leet 'twitch'-like reflexes and super human perception. Well, at least men under 22 do. There should be a different speed limit for old folks over 30. They can't drive.

Oh yeah, VSA. I don't have it on my 06, but I read that 'they' (Honda) can 'sneak' it in when I am in the shop for normal maintenance. Is this true? If it happens, how do I defeat it? I won't have the government tell me how to drive my car. No sir. So, how many folks turn theirs off and 'drive like a man', eh? Damn sissy device if I've ever seen one...hrumph.

So, once I do actually hit VTEC, can the dealer tell if I've redlined my car? I've heard there is a series of clutch pushes and e-brake pulls that can reset my ECU. Is that true? If I abuse my car beyond specs I don't want my dealer to know. What advice does everyone have on hiding damage and or abuse to their car? I've been giving serious thought to street racing and drag racing, and urban auto cross (shhhh) but I won't tell the dealer that. They "don't need to know" and I think they should replace anything I damage whilst abusing my car under warranty.

Speaking of the e-brake. Is there a replacement e-brake handle? This one is poking my knee.

I just know once I unleash the power of VTEC that all my care in babying the car through its 'extended' break-in is going to pay off in spades. There's a DB9 down the street that I know I can take. Fear the power of my CIVIC.

Oooo, Oooo. I have lots of questions about financing, stealerships, credit ratings, insurance costs, monthly payments, and general gripes about law enforcement as well. I'll put those up in another thread.

Oh yeah, if you are going to actually help me out here, please, no more than 2 sentences per reply. I suffer from Bill Nye 'short attention span' AD/HD syndrome and am unlikely to read more than a few sentences so I tend to ask the same questions a lot and I am incapable of using search because I just like to increase my post count and doing anything like having forethought would be against my 'you can't tell me what to do' mentality. But that's okay, 'cause someone is bound to stick up for me since I can't stand up for myself. I'm special.

(Just because these questions are not asked enough...they should all be highlighted in a single thread)

Anyone having multiple partner relations? Send pictures.

Anyone for tennis?

Sorry for the dust. Its been in the closet for a while.

The only thing missing now is a "waaa...I got a ticket for doing something stupid and don't think I should have to pay for it because all cops are corrupt (aki) and they are just picking on me" thread. Have a nice M-Day weekend everyone. /joy

[civexsi]

Wow, every noob question in one post! This thing is hilarious.

[sbmon]

Janizary,
I am glad you posted that I didn't catch it originally.
Very good stuff indeed.

civicpimp good luck

[CaliGuy]

This thread calls for...

[Cr8tive_leo]

Civicpimp, if you want some simple cost effective upgrades, rear sway bar, springs and either a CAI or K&N drop in filter (depending on how much you want to spend)

Sway bar and springs will improve the handling and ride, the CAI or drop in filter will give you a slight improvement on fuel consumption and a tad more horsepower. (new tires would also help in handling, but so would proper air tire pressure)

Hope this helps.

[SiliconX]

Originally Posted by Janizary

The only thing missing now is a "waaa...I got a ticket for doing something stupid and don't think I should have to pay for it because all cops are corrupt (aki) and they are just picking on me" thread. Have a nice M-Day weekend everyone. /joy

Yeah, you hafta definately add that. Those piss me off more than anything else people post.

[leer311]

Originally Posted by Janizary

Yep, I knew I was missing something today. Then this thread popped up letting me know that the world was still okay.

Wait for it:



Sorry for the dust. Its been in the closet for a while.

The only thing missing now is a "waaa...I got a ticket for doing something stupid and don't think I should have to pay for it because all cops are corrupt (aki) and they are just picking on me" thread. Have a nice M-Day weekend everyone. /joy

And what type of shift knobs are out there? Because I really don't like the one that comes with the SI... the red just really doesn't fit my taste and the leather strip around... who needs that? And the shift knob is just incredibly hot when it's been sitting out in the sun for 54964546546468 hours and I put my hand on it. Is there anyway to prevent this from happening? Maybe I can install a small little fan into my car that constantly blows on the shift knob every couple of minutes so when I decide to finally drive my SI it will be nice and cool to the touch.

And speaking of touch, does anybody else happen to hit the leg of the passenger when you are trying to shift? I guess it's my stupid girlfriend trying to sit close to me. I’ll just have to break her leg to solve that problem...

Also, I've noticed that the Honda paint has left a little to be desired. It seems that mine is chipping, more so than my other Honda car did. This could be because the paint sucks, or I’m just driving way too fast and it's pulling the paint right off my car! Ha!

And I really think the aerodynamics have caused bugs to be attracted to my car. I try to wash it everyday, but I really think the government needs to step in and just kill every living bug on planet earth. It really is inconvenient to wash my car so much; it ends up taking away from driving my baby.

Before I forget, seriously do cops have to mess with you for putting a little bit of tint on the windows??? I mean, I know I'm driving a car that sticks out and has racing qualities, but seriously can't they just leave me alone? Sure the tint is technically illegal in Jersey, but I don't really care about that. It’s all about what I WANT and not about what is legal or illegal. Sure it may save a cops life by outlawing tint so they can actually see into the car when they pull someone over and make sure they aren't packing a gun... I don't worry about safety for others though. Just myself.

[illusionstwice]

^^^ Lmao

Good rant to go w/ the one from "mean ppl suck"



:backtotopic:

[illusionstwice]

^^^ Lmao

Good rant to go w/ the one from "mean ppl suck"

[KB1IOQ]

I am loving this thread.

[darna]

[abs0lutexer0]

Any kinds of performance stickers that you can peel off easily won't void your warranty. At the same time, they will enhance your performance by approximately 5 whp per sticker.

[AlwaysFresh]

That is hilarious!

[06Si_LoveR]

APC/TRD Stickerz FTW yo!!!

[07Ex]

I think tint won't void your warranty.

[Raging]

Too funny!!! Car Noobies..... You gotta love em!!

PS: That calls for its' own MPS Thread!!!

Originally Posted by Janizary

Posted some of the most: "off the wall", funny a$$, misinformed "noobie" questions found on this site to date!! LOL!!

[mike1970]

This Is A Joke Right

[Griff]

Originally Posted by TsujenDB1

Well one thing I wouldn't get any performance upgrades for the fact its an r18 and its automatic.

Well, a lot people would same the same thing just because its a Civic (regardless of model or transmission).