Hey everyone,

I know I might be throwing out some newbie questions, but I've looked around and can't exactly find the answers I'm specifically looking for.

First here is my story:

I have a 97 EX-R (I have 144,000 kilometres on it).

I recently test drove a '05 Camry and decided to keep my 97 because the camry felt too much like my existing accord minus the fact that the accord had more "*****" than the camry.


So, instead of dishing out the cash for a new car I've decided to focus on my accord. Aside from the paint job I would like to do a few other things.

- My doors have started to rust and I have other small dents and scratches and the car will be getting a complete paint job in the next month or two.
- New Tires next spring (something with some real stick, could use some suggestions here). I would get new tires this fall, but the winter tires will be on within 3-4 months anyway.
- Windows Tinted this Fall. (aside from the paint and tint, I don't want to change the exterior look of my car, I prefer to keep it stock in appearance so I don't draw unwanted attention from would be theives or the pigs).

I also want to tweak my car a bit to draw out some extra horse power and make it handle better.

- I'm making the usual rookie move and adding an AEM Cold Air Intake.
- Adding the Air bypass valve to the intake (I love driving through puddles really fast).


I need suggestions on what I should do after this. I'm not looking to super over haul my car or anything. But what can I do to make it handle better.

I think my car will need a new exhaust next summer, so I will be changing that to something with a bit more performance, but nothing loud. So the exhaust thing is covered. I don't know about changing headers at this point though.

BTW, I'm not a street racer or anything, just someone who loves to drive.

I need help

 

[Quote]
"Hey everyone,

"blah, blah, blah blah blah blah"

I have a 97 EX-R (I have 144,000 kilometres on it).

More "blah, blah, blah blah blah blah"

I also want to tweak my car a bit to draw out some extra horse power and make it handle better. I'm making the usual rookie move and adding an AEM Cold Air Intake. Adding the Air bypass valve to the intake (I love driving through puddles really fast).

I need suggestions on what I should do after this. I'm not looking to super over haul my car or anything. But what can I do to make it handle better.

I think my car will need a new exhaust next summer, so I will be changing that to something with a bit more performance, but nothing loud. So the exhaust thing is covered. I don't know about changing headers at this point though.

BTW, I'm not a street racer or anything, just someone who loves to drive.

I need help

*No, I think you're well on your way.
I've always had a clear mind of what I'd suggest for a daily driver, and you've already covered several.
1) Cold Air Intake
2) Cat Back Exhaust (with a reasonable muffler)

in Addition:
3) Wider Tires / Rims (The bigger the contact patch, the better)
4) Heavy Duty (aftermarket) Anti-sway bars

and unless you're gonna go racing, give up any idea about headers and "racing" converters. The noise is hideous, and any gains are dubious at best.

P

 

Slap on a twin turbo, boost guage,, etc...then try to trade it in at a dealership.

 

I hope you're not speaking from experience, but you're correct. The more you modify it from "Granny Grocery Getter" stock, the less they want to talk to you.

But hey, that's what being a motorhead is all about. You build your ride for yourself, not so you can sell it.

P

 

Thanks for the replies.

At this point, I don't care what the dealer thinks about my car. History has shown me that dealers never give you a decent deal on a trade in. Better off to try and sell it privately....

however I decided that this car is a keeper and when my wife graduates it will become her car and I will pick up a new ride.

 

And she better appreciate it too (LOL) ,
It's a great ride (I, my wife and my son all drive "97 CD720's)

 

Definitely get 16-17 inch wheels 7" white (up from the stock 6.5, I believe), rear sway, front strut bar, and if you're really into it, some good adjustable shocks and springs or a good full coilover kit. Accords are much more fun when the suspension is done right. Intake, exhaust, and header are the other bolt ons that are worth doing, and since you're already doing those you should be good.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by P_Adams &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">And she better appreciate it too (LOL) ,
It's a great ride (I, my wife and my son all drive "97 CD720's) </TD></TR></TABLE>

i see you have the fam in line...great influence

 

Well, I don't know who has who in line but it doesn't stop there.
My 81 yr old mother drives an '00 SE sedan, My youngest sister drives a '96 Accord sedan and my youg(er) sister drives a '92 Accord sedan.
The local Honda Dealer should give this family it's own parking spots!, but sinse they wouldn't, we found a local Honda Indy repair shop who's a LOT cheaper

P