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Honda Civic: Interior Modifications

Here's a list of affordable and more costly interior modification options for your Honda Civic. Not only do they add comfort and style, but they can also enhance your driving performance.

By Charlie Gaston - April 6, 2015

This article applies to the Honda Civic/Del Sol (1992-2000).

So you want to improve the look and function of your Honda Civic? Well, if you're interested in making some interior upgrades, there are several ways to go about doing this. This article will give you a rundown of the top interior modification picks. From the simple and more inexpensive upgrades to the professional and higher priced modifications, you can make your Civic a lot more personal than you've ever thought. Keep reading to view the several options out there, and set the interior of your Civic apart from the status quo.

Figure 1. Modified Honda Civic interior with Recaro SPG Profi XL seats, Karcepts shift knob, and ATC International Sprint steering wheel.

LED Lights

DIY Cost – $10+

Professional Cost – $50-$125

Skill Level – Easy; no complex wiring is required.

Interior lighting is one of the more inexpensive modifications from the list of top picks. Aftermarket LEDs are a popular upgrade among Honda Civic owners. They provide remarkable illumination with different color options, and have a longer lifespan than filtered bulbs. Replacing burnt out or boring old bulbs with aftermarket LEDs is an affordable and highly recommended styling option. Recommended for its color options and long lifespan.

Shift Knobs

DIY Cost – $50-$75

Professional Cost – $150

Skill Level – Easy; it is a simple screw-on replacement.

Custom shift knobs offer an affordable way to set your vehicle apart from stock models. A popular one, the Type R shift knob by TWM Performance, is ergonomically designed for comfort, and features a weighted aluminum construction that allows for more quick as well as smooth shifting. Different designs and weights, along with different shift pattern inserts, are readily available for all Honda Civics. A quality aftermarket shift knob is an easy modification and DIY job. Recommended for its easy installation.

Steering Wheels

DIY Cost – $100+

Professional Cost – $300+

Skill Level – Difficult; it is recommended getting a professional to install.

Changing the steering wheel in your Honda Civic is one of the more difficult interior modifications you will come across. However, the performance-enhancing feel may well be worth the time and price for the labor. Available in two-, three-, and four-spoke varieties, racing steering wheels offer a customized finish and grip material such as leather, wood, foam, rubber, and polyurethane. This modification offers a considerable and affordable way to replace your stock steering wheel with better looks, feel, and function. It is a highly recommended steering wheel upgrade, but it is also recommended having this replacement job professionally done as it may be a bit more difficult as well as dangerous to do yourself. Recommended for its looks, feel, and function.

Gauge Clusters

DIY Cost – $100-$250

Professional Cost – $300-$900

Skill Level – Moderate; you will need to work with the gauge cluster's wiring.

Custom gauge clusters are comprised of three main components: the sender, the harness, and the gauge itself. Aftermarket gauges are relatively easy to install, and can be secured with mounting cups or bolted onto almost anywhere in your Honda Civic's interior. Additional gauges—such as the temperature, tachometer, voltmeter, and the oil pressure gauges—can be added alone, or you can upgrade the entire gauge cluster system with a new one. If you choose this modification, it is recommended you have the job done professionally because proper calibration and fitment may require a little more experience as well as knowledge than the novice car owner might have. Recommended for its easy installation.

Racing Seats

DIY Cost – $250-$300 per seat

Professional Cost – $1,000

Skill Level – Moderate; While the parts are simple bolt-on, they are still heavy.

Racing seats are also one of the more expensive interior upgrades for you to choose from. Stylish and performance-enhancing racing seats are available online or directly from popular manufacturers such as Bride and Corbeau. They offer more comfort and support than OEM seats as well as ease your driving experience on the road or track. So if you are looking for an interior modification with more style, support, and safety, it is recommended you opt for aftermarket racing seats, even if you don't plan on performing with them. Recommended for its comfort.

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