First new car ever, 2023 civic si. Anything to increase a little bit more power safely?

[robstao]

Hey guys, I just got my very first new car ever. I test-drove the 2023 civic si and I loved it. I'm wondering if there is anything I can do to get some minor gains on the l15CA engine without entering the 'can blow up' realm. I see people tuning it and big turbo and getting 270hp+, but then a few months later it'll be a title with "Just blew up my engine!! :O!"

I just think it lacks a tinny bit more power is all. I'm a huge fan of the body styling and I do love the idea of swapping a k series in it. I've tried to hunt for a 2023 type r but wait times with all dealers within 2hr+ of me are until 2028/2029, or, dealer markup up to 80kcad +.

Any suggestions? I would tune but I know it'll void my entire warranty.

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[Dmorrow]

The Phearable tune even just on map one is night and day difference to stock. The car just feels more alive. I ran on map 2 for a year with multiple autocross and track events with no issues ever.

 

[arsing116]

Congrats! You have the Canadian spec too! I agree on the power assessment but I like the fun to drive factor with it being paired to great fuel economy. Honestly.... I underestimated how slow it was but oh well. I needed it to replace my rust bucket daily that my wife hated lol.

 

[Shankmeyster]

The PRL intake lineup and a KTuner will get you what you want.

 

[Giovandre]

Ktuner (Phearable tune stage 1.5)
Downpipe (Few choices around)
Rear motor mount

You'll have fun with those mods.

I have full bolts on my car (Ktuner, Downpipe, Frontpipe, Intercooler, Charge pipes, Motor mounts, Intake, FLex fuel kit, FK8 retrofit clutch, and Remark exhaust) on Phearable 2.5 flex fuel tune, and the car is still strong. So many people mods the car, leave the OEM engine oil, and never bump up to 5w20.

 

[ThunderPigeon]

What Giovandre said plus intercooler. Intercooler is a must if you don't want to heat soak. Charge pipes are nice, but not necessary.

 

[JDMFTW]

If I were to be a minimalist and really prioritize reliability and the oem+ mentality, what would be good recs for tunes? What’s the most reliable tune that would work for me?

 

[nonosi]

If I were to be a minimalist and really prioritize reliability and the oem+ mentality, what would be good recs for tunes? What’s the most reliable tune that would work for me?

Reliable tune would be either the 240 or 250 carb tunes found on the carb or race version hondata flash pro.. They would be exactly what you’re looking for.

 

[Shankmeyster]

Custom tune would be the most reliable. The canned tunes are just for fun but if you want to run it long term, get a custom tune from one of the reputable tuners. Then again, if you are worried about warranty then do not tune.

 

[aspitfyr]

Congrats on the purchase!

A tune will be your best bang for the buck, but I will warn you that the stock clutch is particularly weak when it comes to adding power. To elaborate, I upgraded to a KTuner V2 with the free TSP Stage 1 Tune and the factory clutch started to slip on Map 3.

I know that adding a clutch as your first mod is definitely not your first choice, but it is needed. Luckily, the very popular (and for good reason) RV6 Retro Kit is also compatible with the 11th gen. The Stage 0 is plenty, and it will still have that OE feel.

Another thing to look in to would be the TSP Head Stud Kit. Save your head gasket while you still can. After those, I’d say you’re pretty safe to slap on some basic bolt ons. How far you want to take that is totally up to you, and there’s no shame in wanting to keep your vehicle reliable.

K-swapping isn’t impossible, but it more than likely isn’t worth the cost. You do you though.

 

[dsb1829]

Once I did my initial 500mi break in, I went straight onto Hondata 250ft-lb "CARB" tune with a PRL intake filter. With no other performance mods I drove through 7Kmi. I think this is the safe route, whichever tuner you choose. It really wakes the car up.

The rear motor mount also has a noticeable impact on acceleration response. I put a 27won on mine after the PRL kept getting delayed. That was a few months ago. No regrets.

 

[V3N0M_VZL4]

the safe way is with supporting mods, intercooler+downpipe and ktuner with TSP, more conservative than the pherable IMO.

 

[JDMFTW]

im wondering if the TSP and Phearable tunes noticeably impact the fuel economy? Can anyone share their experience with this?

 

[V3N0M_VZL4]

With any tune is worse, my average is 26~29 MPG only city driving short distances.

 

[JDMFTW]

With any tune is worse, my average is 26~29 MPG only city driving short distances.

isnt that pretty good if the epa stock rating is 27 city and 37 hwy.

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