So I just bought an 08 Civic Coupe automatic. I was trying to figure out if there is a performance upgrade to give it a little boost. I really just want to add an exhaust to give it a little bit of sound but not sound like a "fart can", I want it to sound nice and not be an ******* when I drive around. The car already has tinted windows, a body kit and alloy rims. I am not looking to street race or anything like that. This would be just for the fun of upgrading the car. I honestly don't care what people who have a manual have to say. You can make fun of me for wanting to upgrade an automatic all you want but in the end I am the one driving not you. I did not learn to drive manual nor do I have the time to learn. All I want is suggestions on what to do or if there is anything I can do. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

trade it.



or buy a Q300 if you want some noise.

need pics of bodykit doe.

 

I really don't have the option to trade it but thanks for the suggestion

 

Will a 8th gen Si exhaust fit? That should give you some sound without going over the top. Or try an Apex'i worldsport.

I'm not sure I could buy an automatic car. But I always mod the suspension. I feel that as long as you don't install total garbage, suspension mods (coilovers/shocks/swaybars) can make the car ride better than stock and be more fun.

 

For the suspension I have a MacPherson strut front suspension and multi link rear suspension but I have no idea if that is stock. I would have bought a manual if I had time to learn how to drive it. I commute over and hour to work and really have no need for a manual. I was just reading that adding an exhaust can help the engine run the way it is suppose to run. This would benefit my little 1.8L SOHC MPFI 16-valve i-VTEC I4 engine if it is true. I plan on having the car for awhile I just want to add stuff that would be useful and make it more fun to drive. I have to check if the 8th gen si exhaust would fit on it. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

Help the engine run the way it is supposed to run?

It's a commuter car with a 1.8L engine. It runs the way it was designed to run...which is economically.

An exhaust is only going to make your car more noisy, unless you get something like the WS. You MIGHT feel a bit more top end power...but it's negligible.

Adding stuff like intakes/exhaust just don't make enough power alone, since these are commuter cars, with no sportiness designed into the engine.

It's not like a muscle car or something where the exhaust is actually choking power...

 

You want an exhaust, get the WS series from Apex. If RS-R was still making exhaust that would be my first choice.

 

drill a hole in the exhaust, the leak will make it louder.
or waste money on an exhaust.

 

I understand that the question isn't exactly our favourite one around here but if you are going to pass a stupid comment at least stay classy about it!


OP you can put an exhaust on the car but being automatic it will sound a little odd... I would probably not waste my money on that sort of stuff instead do suspension, brakes and wheels/tires. Make it look nice but it will never be a performer!!!

 

OP, just keep it stock.

 

I am not trying to make it louder just for the sake of making it loud. I was reading different articles saying that if you add an exhaust (even if it is to a slushbox) it would increase the the fuel economy slightly ( or more in a 4 cylinder like I have) and the engine will run at 100% capacity. Since Honda and other manufacturers mass produce exhausts and make them quieter the engine does necessarily run at 100%. I am not saying this is right this is what I have just read is all. All I wanted was input or suggestions. Like I stated in my OP. I don't if you drive a manual and you hate this topic. It is my car and I am the one to drive it not anyone else.

 

The typical Intake, Header, Exhaust mods do not produce significant results on this platform. A cat-back exhaust will produce 2-3 wheel HP, and that gain will only be found near redline. The issue here is the single exhaust port on the head coupled with a direct-mount cat. The Si exhaust will not work because it is designed completely different, and thus, will be too short to reach the cat in stock form. I suppose one could add a custom connecting pipe, but again, the cost will far outweigh the HP gains. If a sporty sound is what you seek, then by all means, make the move.

Now, if you are not limiting yourself to low cost upgrades, and UPGRADING is truly what you want, then you should consider this:

Civic R18 Supercharger System | Jackson Racing

This kit is super stealthy, emissions legal, quiet and will surprise every stock or lightly modded Civic Si or RSX-S... all with your automatic transmission and stock exhaust.

 

What kind of power gains are you hoping to make?

 

If you're just looking for small gains its still going to cost you, almost 1k for an apex ws2. 300-400 for an CAI (or if you want to build one than it will be less). Next option is to put it all into a JR supercharger kit. You're choice.

 

Right now I think I am going to tinker with the suspension and possibly add an exhaust then super charge it later on down the road.

 

Just FYI, these legitimate kits don't usually hang around for long. So you better plan accordingly

 

I wouldn't supercharge anything with a Honda automatic trans.

Tinkering with suspension requires infinitely more expertise than the typical internet bro suggests. So...ask plenty of questions.

 

I have an GG 2006 EX sedan w/auto.

There's no way to improve performance, but enjoy the 30 mpg city.
I got a few things:

08 SI front & rear sway bars (if you want the rear reinforcement washer/plates try Beaks dot com). If you have a DX, you need to get rear end links.
Collegehillshonda dot com used to sell the complete oem sway bar kit, in their accessory section...When I change lanes on the interstate, the car nolonger rocks back and forth, like a boat.

A remote start installed...great in the Winter.

08 SI axle back, with the SI sized exhaust donut...for a very little more sound.

OEM carbon fiber dash kit & leather steering wheel cover.

 

I would like to put an exhaust on it for a little more sound but I am still trying to figure out if I need to install a full cat back

 

Why do you want more sound out of a commuter car?

 

Like everyone else is saying, you won't find any noteable power gains with a bolt on exhaust (unless you want to replace the headers and everything), but it is possible to get an after market exhaust for the 1.8 that doesn't sound farty. Just do your research and get an axleback or catback from a reputable manufacturer. It'll deepen the sound without being obnoxious.

 

the same reason you have a banana stripping as your avatar; that is because I can and I want to.

 

You want more sounds then just get this and have it welded on that simple!

Vibrant Performance ::.

I had that exhaust on my EP3 but with a full catback and header and it sounded awesome... just search it up on youtube for what it sounds like.

 

You will lose torque putting a performance exhaust on your Civic. Put a decent cat-back if you wish. Apex' makes great stuff.

Big wheels add rolling resistance and should only be 17" max or you will start to have rubbing issues in your fenders. Suspension, and yes, your MacPherson fronts as well as your trailing arm multi-link rears are stock, will be a big factor in both looks and handling.

Get a good manufactured set, do all four corners and put in urethane bushings to help keep things stiff.

Good luck!!