The Best Honda Fit Tuning Mod Advice

"Honda Fit Performance Tuning"

The Honda Fit is also sold and marketed as the Honda Jazz. With the exception of engine options and other equipment and trim details, the cars are almost the same. So let's look at the best mods and performance upgrades for the Honda Fit.

You can tune a Honda Fit easily and it responds really well to even slight power gains, thanks to it's light weight offering go-kart-like performance.

Judging by our emails and forums the Fit is a very popular car out there, so what can be done to improve its performance? Why is this such a good project car to have?

It was a very popular tiny vehicle, and because of its lightness, it reacts well to tuning, despite the fact that bigger engines are normally easier to free up power from, so we'll focus on handling and mods that make your Fit more fun to drive.

Because of its cheap insurance prices, good dependability, and low operating expenses, it is popular among youthful drivers.

We take a look at Fit tuning and demonstrate the most important changes. When properly tuned, the Honda Fit may provide excellent returns, and with carefully selected alterations and enhancements, you can substantially increase your driving enjoyment.

Check out our video introduction to Honda Tuning, all you need to know about mods and upgrades on your Honda.

Our members like the Fit since it allows them to fine-tune their projects to suit their driving style, and a light car like this responds well to even small power gains. We see Honda Fit enthusiasts squandering money on their Fit by installing the incorrect modifications and then having to start again replacing these badly chosen parts. To prevent spending money, follow our advice which is based on our experience with upgrading and modifying the Fit.

Remember that power increases are proportionate to initial power levels, so think of each mod as a percentage increase.

If you have the 1.2, upgrading it to 1.5 performance levels will cost a lot of money and is probably not worth it, so instead concentrate on handling and brake changes to make the vehicle more enjoyable to drive. If you have a tiny engine, engine swaps are an excellent choice.

The goal of Fit engine tuning should be to boost top-end peak power and torque.

Larger engine sizes provide the most power improvements. Engine swaps are terrific value upgrades for small engined automobiles since the more you start with, the higher the return on investment.

Modifications to the engine that are best suited for your Fit.

Turning our focus to the Fit engine, we need to increase the top end torque.

MK1 Jazz - Fit

• GD1: 1.3 L L13A i-DSI
• GD2: 1.3 L L13A i-DSI  4WD (Japan only)
• GD3: 1.5 L L15A VTEC
• GD4: 1.5 L L15A VTEC  4WD (Japan only)
• GD5: 1.2 L L12A
• GE3: 1.3 L L13A i-DSI (2007 Europe 1.4 L model. Made in China)

Mk2 Fit

From 2007 the Fit was rewored with a longer wheelbase and more interior space. Engine options were limited to just 2 units.

• 1.3 L L13A i4 (79 cu in) i-VTEC - 98 hp Europe and Asia
• 1.5 L L15A i4 (92 cu in) i-VTEC - 117 hp USA only

There was also a Hybrid version introduced in 2010.

Mk3 Fit

In 2014 we saw a Mk3 Honda Fit released with a much wider choice of engines,

• 1.2 L L12B i-VTEC  petrol
• 1.3 L L13B Earth Dreams i-DTEC
• 1.5 L L15A (petrol)
• 1.5 L L15B1 (petrol)
• 1.5 L L15B Earth Dreams i-DTEC
• 1.5 L i-DTEC diesel

Mk 4 Fit

From 2020 we see a new range released with an extensive hybrid option to test market adaptation, with more engine options teased for later release.

• 1.0 L P10A2 VTEC turbocharged
• 1.5 L LEB-MMD Atkinson cycle Hybrid i-MMD (New Gen)

Honda Fit Engine swaps

Engine swaps have been done on the Jazz Fit models, here are the engines we've covered in detail but the larger ones are probably going to be impossible to fit into the engine bay but you could always go with mid mounted engine for the ultimate project.

• D16 D17
• B16 B18 B20
• H22
• K20A K24

It's critical to have the right quality of sports components for your car's intended use. Stage 3 competition modifications just do not operate properly in slow traffic on the road.

The following tweaks and performance enhancements are often installed by our members; before you begin, determine how far you want to go your tuning effort.

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Please watch our video which covers the 5 principles of tuning your car. Be sure to keep up with our latest YouTube content and subscribe.

Best Honda Fit Mods

1. 1. Intake and Exhaust - Note that on their own these mods will NOT ADD POWER in most cases, but they can help enhance power after other mods by removing the restriction.
   2. Suspension upgrades - improving the handling is a great first mod, and really transforms your Jazz & Fit into a fun car to drive.
   3. Engine Tunes - engine tuning/remapping provides the most advantage in terms of cost savings,  aftermarket ECUs, and piggyback ECUs are all alternatives.
   4. Head work - The goals of porting and flowing the head are to get air flowing into the engine while removing flow restrictions and turbulence.

Honda Fit typical tuning stages

Typical stage 1 mods often include:
Alloy wheels, Panel air filter, Lighter flywheel, Suspension upgrade (drop 30-40mm), Sports exhaust, Remap.

Typical stage 2 mods often include:
Fast road cam, Ported and polished head, hihg flow fuel injector, Power/Sport clutch, fuel pump upgrades.

Typical stage 3 mods often include:
Competition cam, Engine balancing, Sports gearbox, Adding or upgrading forced induction (turbo/supercharger), Internal engine upgrades (pistons/head/valves).

Instead of a tight top end power boost, preserve as much low end torque as possible and strive for a long power band over the rpm range.

A brief word on a topic that has been brought to our notice with regard to some generations and regional variants of the Fit. A rather vexing "clutch delay valve" is installed, essentially limiting the speed at which you may change gear and affecting the clutch's feel and handling.

This is intended to allow the gears more time to mesh together without crunching but most drivers will attempt to rev match on gear changes without really thinking about it.

Swapping out with a modified Civic component is usually the best option, and it completely revolutionizes the Fit's gearchange, so it's worth looking into.

Fit Modifications and Upgrades TorqueCars recommend

We'll offer a brief overview of the best modifications for your vehicle in this post, but we recommend spending some time on the site digging into the specifics of each sort of performance enhancement.

When it comes to bolt-on racing improvements for a NA (naturally aspirated) engine, fast road cams provide one of the most significant performance boosts for the money.

But this is not really suited to the 3 cylinder engines, and sourcing a cam is a challenge in most areas, so the theory for a camshaft upgrade is that, it optimises intake and exhaust flow while also increasing power you would be better off spending your money elsewhere.

In an ideal world, you'd add more modifications and end with a tune/remap (aftermarket ECU).

You'll need to increase the fueling to make sure the engine isn't running out of gas.

Upgrades to handling and suspension

The Fit's first point of attention for mods, is generally handling alterations. On most models, we'd go with a maximum drop of 35mm. If you go any lower, you risk irritating your arches.

On a light car like the Fit this is one of the most fun mods, and will turn the car into a veritable go cart when it comes to handling.

In most Fit or tuning projects, improving the handling for humans is a top concern. So what factors should you consider when setting up and choosing your suspension if your car is also used as a daily driver?

Upgrades to the bushings

Bushes are a rotating rubber mount that allows the Fit suspension components to connect and spin around the chassis of the automobile. With time, the rubber ones will deteriorate and the suspension will rattle around.

A new set of OEM rubber bushings may dramatically enhance your vehicle's handling.

New polyurethane bushes last longer and keep the handling much tighter, albeit they may make the ride a little bumpier due to their increased toughness.

With the increased vibration and play, they may exacerbate the depreciation of other suspension components.

By reducing the excessive play associated with rubber bushes, a set of new poly bushes will enhance your car's handling.

Most aftermarket bushing kits include a full set of suspension bushes, although older models and rarer variants may just include the primary bushes in polyurethane.

Custom bushes may often be made to your specifications.

A widespread misunderstanding is buying a non-adjustable suspension system from a local component store and expecting it to be the perfect configuration.

Most Honda Fit suspension kits are rather general, and dealers may claim that they can be put on any or all types of a vehicle.

The one-size-fits-all approach is incorrect since different engine weights, wheel sizes, and vehicle weights need different suspension characteristics.

Speed bumps will grasp the sump and tear off the bottom of the engine as well as the bulk of the front skirt!

Lower isn't usually synonymous with better handling there is an optimum level here.

According to TorqueCars, most road cars should not be lowered more than 35mm, while hot hatches with upgraded suspension should only be dropped 30mm.

BC Racing V1 Coilovers are a popular choice for upgrading the suspension of a car. They offer a wide range of adjustments, including ride height, damping, and camber. This allows you to dial in the perfect suspension setup for your driving style and needs.

Bilstein B14 PSS and KW Variant 2 are also popular choices for suspension upgrades. They are both known for their excellent ride quality and handling. The Bilstein B14 PSS is a good choice for those who want a comfortable ride, while the KW Variant 2 is a better choice for those who want a more sporty ride.

If you changed the wheel size, these tolerances may be much tighter. A car with standard suspension and 17-inch rims would be OK, but lowering it would cause a plethora of problems.

The objective should always be to improve handling, and the vehicle's lower position means less air passes underneath it, which may help with stability. It's crucial to note that lower springs should be paired with shocks that are the same height.

Honda Fit Brake Upgrades

Brake upgrades improve a car's stopping power, fade resistance, and overall performance. They can also help to reduce noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH).

Stopping power is the most important aspect of a brake system.

Brake upgrades can increase stopping power by using larger brake discs, higher-performance brake pads, or more powerful brake calipers.

Fade resistance is the ability of the brakes to maintain their stopping power under heavy use.

Brake upgrades can improve fade resistance by using materials that are better able to withstand heat and are more effective at dissipating this heat, such as carbon fiber or ceramic.

D2 K Sport Brake Upgrade Kits are a great way to improve the braking performance of a car. They feature larger brake discs and calipers, which provide more stopping power.

The kits also include high-performance brake pads, which help to reduce fade under hard braking.

Consider your Fit's suspension settings and alignment.

Setting a little negative camber on the fronts and 1 to 1.7 degrees of toe in for better cornering or toe out for improved stability may typically help your Fit handle and corner better.

Drop the vehicle optimally somewhere in the region of 27mm - 36mm and install motorsport-grade firmer dampers; larger drops will usually need extra modifications.

Because of its small weight and relatively wide engine compartment, the Honda Fit is an excellent sleeper car, out cornering many larger cars on a track!

If you're experiencing flat spots and power surges after upgrading, check your fueling and try a higher octane gasoline. You may need to upgrade your engine's injectors to acquire enough gasoline. If you've upgraded your fueling system with larger injectors, you'll need a larger fuel pump to keep up.

Tuning of the intake and exhaust systems.

Now we'll look at the intake and exhaust systems to guarantee adequate engine flow.

Contrary to common opinion and urban myth, installing an induction kit usually results in a tiny, if any, power improvement; they are only advantageous and suggested once the engine's power has increased to the point where the conventional air intake box can no longer handle!

For the majority of Fit engines, TorqueCars recommends using a washable panel air filter. An induction system will assist unleash the power in extensively tuned engines and turbo automobiles if the issue of supplying cold air is addressed.

The KnN 57i air filter is a high-performance air filter that is designed to improve airflow and increase horsepower. The filter is made of a special cotton material that is designed to trap dirt and debris without restricting airflow. This allows the engine to breathe more efficiently, which can lead to increased power and fuel economy.

Fit Exhaust Mods

Avoid using the largest exhaust you can find since it will limit the exhaust flow rate; the best for power improvements are generally 1.5 to 2.5 inches. More than the borse size, it's the form and substance and the impact this has on the flow rates & characteristics.

A Fox exhaust backbox can improve the sound and performance of your car's exhaust system.

The backbox is made of high-quality stainless steel and is available in a variety of styles. It can help to reduce drone and improve the flow of exhaust gases, which can lead to increased power.

You may maximise your air/fuel charge by allowing gas to pass through the head. Leave it to a professional with a suitable flow bench and machine equipment to do this.

Your clutch will start to slide in almost all situations of tuning, and this could be enhanced - for more details, see our clutches for more information overview.

On all turbocharged automobiles, Remaps provide considerable power improvements. The advantages of NA (naturally aspirated) engines are debatable.

If you've done a lot of alterations, a flashed ecu on a NA (naturally aspirated) engine can help you unlock the potential. The addition of forced induction to NA (naturally aspirated) engines generally results in the most substantial power improvements. Turbochargers are more difficult to install than superchargers. Turbos boost power in direct proportion to engine speed, which may make mapping challenging.

Superchargers, on the other hand, provide a boost that is exactly proportionate to engine speed, making them easier to use.

The compression ratio of the engine may be reduced to allow for forced induction, and water injection can aid avoid detonation.

Upgrades to the Fit's alloy wheels.

Alloy wheels may aid brake cooling and are typically lighter than steel wheels. The disadvantage using huge alloys on your vehicle is that you are reducing your effective final drive ratio, which will reduce acceleration and performance.

As a result, we recommend adhering to a maximum wheel size of 16 inches, however we know that some of our members have gone bigger without issue.

Calibre Vintage wheels are a stylish and affordable option for upgrading the wheels on a car. They are made of a high-quality aluminum alloy and are available in a variety of finishes. The 16x7J size is a popular choice for many cars, and the 195/45/16 tires provide a good balance of performance and comfort.

If you'd like to learn more about tuning your vehicle or simply receive some friendly advise, please join us in our automotive forums, where you can explore your choices in more depth.

with our proprietors It's also a good idea to read our impartial Honda tuning articles to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of each adjustment.

If you would like to know more, or just get some friendly advice on Tuning your car please join us in our car forums where you can discuss Jazz options in more detail with our Fit owners. It would also be worth reading our unbiased Honda tuning articles to get a full grasp of the benefits and drawbacks of each modification.

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This article is flagged for an update, so please pass on specific tips below that I can include. All articles, and content was written by me, Waynne Smith TorqueCars founder. Some outlines are just too general so I appreciate your feedback and suggestions. This entry was filed under Honda. You can leave a response below or join our forum to discuss this article and car modification in detail with our members.

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