The Honda Acty is a compact, versatile, and practical vehicle known for its small size and utility. Popular in Japan, this mini-truck has earned a dedicated following worldwide for its ruggedness, efficiency, and fun factor. Whether you use it for business, leisure, or as a project vehicle, upgrading parts can drastically improve its performance, handling, and overall driving experience.
In this article, we will focus on 12 essential Honda Acty part you can upgrade to elevate the performance of your Acty. These upgrades range from engine enhancements to suspension mods, allowing you to enjoy a smoother, more powerful ride while improving the vehicle's durability.
The air filter plays a crucial role in ensuring that the engine receives clean, filtered air for combustion. Over time, factory air filters can become clogged with dust, dirt, and debris, reducing engine performance and fuel efficiency. Upgrading to a high-performance air filter, such as a K&N or AEM filter, can improve airflow to the engine, resulting in better throttle response, more horsepower, and improved fuel efficiency.
These filters typically feature a higher flow rate than the standard ones, allowing your engine to breathe easier. They are often washable and reusable, meaning you can maintain them for a longer lifespan, saving you money over time. A clean air filter also contributes to cleaner combustion, reducing emissions.
One of the most noticeable upgrades you can make to your Honda Acty is replacing the stock exhaust system. Upgrading the exhaust system with a performance-oriented option such as stainless steel headers, a cat-back exhaust, or performance mufflers can drastically improve the engine's output. A performance exhaust reduces backpressure and allows for better airflow, leading to a noticeable increase in horsepower.
Additionally, upgrading the exhaust system enhances the sound of your Acty, providing a more aggressive tone that complements its performance upgrades. Many aftermarket exhausts are designed to be lightweight, reducing overall vehicle weight for improved acceleration and handling.
For drivers seeking a major performance upgrade, installing a turbocharger kit is one of the most effective ways to boost the Honda Acty part horsepower. A turbocharged engine utilizes exhaust gases to spin a turbine, which forces more air into the engine, resulting in increased power and torque without increasing engine displacement.
Aftermarket turbo kits for the Honda Acty, such as those from Garrett or Mitsubishi, can offer significant gains in horsepower and overall performance. However, keep in mind that turbocharging requires additional modifications to the engine, fuel system, and exhaust, and it may need professional installation. Nevertheless, the increase in performance can be dramatic.
Upgrading to performance spark plugs and wires is an excellent way to improve ignition efficiency in your Honda Acty. High-performance spark plugs, such as those from NGK or Bosch, are designed to provide a stronger, more reliable spark, leading to better combustion and smoother engine operation.
Additionally, performance spark plug wires ensure that the spark plugs receive a steady, powerful electrical current, improving throttle response and reducing misfires. These upgrades not only enhance engine performance but also increase fuel efficiency and reduce engine wear over time.
The Honda Acty’s small size and lightweight construction make it ideal for customization. Upgrading the suspension is one of the best ways to improve handling and ride quality. A performance suspension system can lower the vehicle’s center of gravity, improving cornering stability and reducing body roll.
Consider upgrading to coilover kits, performance shocks, or strut bars from trusted brands like Tein, KYB, or HKS. These upgrades provide better control over the vehicle, improving overall driving experience, whether you’re tackling tight city streets or taking your Acty off-road. Suspension upgrades can also improve your vehicle's load-carrying capabilities and make it more comfortable for long drives.
Upgrading to lighter, high-performance wheels is a simple and effective way to reduce unsprung weight and improve handling and acceleration. Lighter wheels reduce rotational mass, which allows the engine to move the vehicle more efficiently, improving both acceleration and braking performance.
Enkei, Rays, and OZ Racing offer lightweight alloy wheels that are not only stylish but also provide excellent strength-to-weight ratios. With a reduced weight on each corner, your Honda Acty will handle better, accelerate faster, and have improved fuel efficiency.
Improved braking performance is a crucial aspect of enhancing the overall driving experience. Upgrading the brake pads and rotors on your Honda Acty can provide significantly better stopping power, especially during hard braking or under heavy loads.
Performance brake pads, such as those from Hawk or Brembo, are made from high-quality materials that offer better heat dissipation and greater stopping power. Upgrading to slotted or drilled rotors allows for better airflow and cooling, preventing brake fade during intense use. These upgrades will not only improve safety but also enhance the overall driving dynamics of your Acty.
Upgrading the engine control unit (ECU) can unlock the full potential of your Honda Acty. By reprogramming the ECU, you can optimize engine parameters such as fuel mixture, ignition timing, and throttle response to suit your modifications and driving style.
Cobb Tuning, Hondata, and other reputable brands offer ECU tuning options for vehicles like the Honda Acty. With proper ECU tuning, you can improve horsepower, torque, and throttle response, allowing your Acty to perform at a higher level, whether you’re commuting through the city or hitting the open road.
If you’re looking for another simple yet effective upgrade, consider installing a cold air intake (CAI) system. A cold air intake draws air from outside the engine bay, where the air is cooler, denser, and contains more oxygen than the hot air circulating in the engine bay. This allows the engine to breathe in cooler air, which results in better combustion and increased horsepower.
Performance brands like Injen and AEM offer CAI systems designed specifically for the Honda Acty. These upgrades can provide noticeable performance gains, improving acceleration, throttle response, and overall engine efficiency. Plus, the deep growl of a cold air intake adds to the sporty character of the Acty.
Upgrading to a lightweight flywheel can dramatically improve engine response and acceleration in your Honda Acty. A lightweight flywheel reduces the rotational mass of the engine, allowing it to rev faster and respond more quickly to throttle inputs. This upgrade can improve acceleration and make the driving experience more engaging.
Brands like ACT and Exedy offer lightweight flywheels that are designed to improve performance without sacrificing durability. For drivers with a manual transmission, this upgrade can significantly improve the driving experience, making it easier to engage and disengage gears.
If you want to improve the handling and rigidity of your Honda Acty, installing a strut tower brace is a smart and affordable option. A strut tower brace connects the upper strut mounts, reducing flex and improving the car's chassis rigidity. This results in better handling, especially during cornering and high-speed maneuvers.
A strut tower brace helps distribute forces more evenly across the suspension, preventing body flex that can reduce vehicle stability. This simple upgrade is a great way to make your Acty more responsive on twisty roads or during performance driving.
For drivers who want to make the most out of their Honda Acty’s engine upgrades, installing a performance clutch kit is essential. A performance clutch provides better grip and handling of higher power outputs, making it easier to engage gears during spirited driving or under heavy loads.
Performance clutch kits from companies like ClutchMasters or Exedy feature reinforced pressure plates, upgraded friction materials, and more robust components that are designed to handle the increased power of turbocharged or modified engines. Upgrading your clutch is an excellent way to ensure smooth shifting and prevent premature wear on the transmission.
The Honda Acty is a versatile and fun vehicle that can be customized to suit your performance needs. By upgrading parts such as the air filter, exhaust system, suspension, and more, you can significantly enhance the driving experience, improving power, handling, and overall performance. These upgrades not only make your Acty more enjoyable to drive but also increase its efficiency, safety, and longevity.
Whether you're using your Honda Acty for work, recreation, or as a fun project car, these 12 performance upgrades will take your vehicle to the next level. Choose the upgrades that best fit your driving style and enjoy the increased performance that comes with each improvement.