Expert: Mike Evans - 10/5/2009

Question
hi i just got a 94 honada accored and i was wondering what upgrades to the engine would u suggest for maximum horsepower gain with the least money?

Answer
    The two inexpensive things to do would be a cold-air intake and a performance exhaust.  You can't do much beyond that without fiddling the computer.  Fiddling the computer would cost at least $500, and that's just to give you the ability to accommodate changes made to the other systems.  If the cold-air and free-flow exhaust don't do it for you you are going to have to modify the engine to go any further and the cost would skyrocket.  Keep in mind that none of these improvements will add to the resale value of the car, and in some cases hurt it.  I, for instance, would never buy a used Accord with a cold-air intake on it (even though I might put one on myself) 'cause it means someone has been messing with the engine and I couldn't place any trust in it.  Handling mods, on the other hand (as long as they don't include outlandishly large wheels), aren't terribly expensive and will make driving the car much more rewarding.  Eibach springs, bigger sway bars, better shocks, or a kit with all of these if it can be had, would be a great start.  These won't add to the value, either, but might make the test drive more convincing when you go to sell it.