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The Honda CR-Z is a compact, sporty hybrid introduced for the 2011 model year and discontinued in 2016. While the CR-Z was short-lived, it gained a reputation for being a responsive, economical, and fun car with a relatively low starting price, even when it was new. While the CR-Z is not necessarily known for being powerful, there are some CR-Z modifications that you can perform that will help you make the most of this vehicle and get as much speed and performance out of it as possible.
Comprehensive Guide For Honda CR-Z Performance Upgrades
Since the Honda CR-Z is a hybrid, there will be a few limitations on the mods you can make on the engine. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t increase performance and get better handling and extra power. With a couple of simple CR-Z mods, you can enhance the car’s performance and get even better gas mileage from it than from the stock hybrid powertrain. Knowing how to get your CR-Z modified and operating at its highest potential will help you decide if these changes are right for you and your performance goals.
Key Design Specs For The Honda CR-Z
The Honda CR-Z features a 1.4-liter inline-four-cylinder engine with a hybrid system that puts out approximately 130 horsepower depending on the model year. With your choice between a six-speed manual or continuously variable transmission, the CR-Z is built for a smooth ride and responsive driving. It is also incredibly compact, with a 95.9-inch wheelbase for a sporty driving feel and excellent handling when going around corners or coming to a stop. All of these specs are perfect for CR-Z modifications, and you can vastly improve the driveability and performance of the vehicle. Even though the CR-Z already offers relatively tight cornering and excellent acceleration, you can enhance these aspects even more with a few simple changes.
Performance Mods For The Honda CR-Z
Finding the right CR-Z modifications can make all the difference in vehicle performance. There are many different options for modifying a CR-Z, and some will be more complicated than others. Knowing what choices are available and what enhancements they offer will help you make the right decision for what you want to get out of your vehicle.
Cat-Back Exhaust System
One of the best things you can do for your Honda CR-Z is modify the exhaust system for a better flow. A cat-back exhaust mod replaces the exhaust components from the catalytic converter to the exhaust tips at the back of the vehicle. These systems are designed to offer an enhanced exhaust flow, which reduces the engine's back pressure. Any time you can make it easier for the engine to produce energy, you can get more power and better fuel economy. A cat-back system will also give you a much deeper and more exciting exhaust note with a sporty tone that makes driving the car a lot more fun. Performing this CR-Z mod is relatively simple and inexpensive, making it an excellent option for all drivers.
Coilover Suspension
The stock suspension on the CR-Z is a strut and torsion beam system, which is sufficient for everyday driving but won’t give you the kind of stiff, tight handling you might be looking for. With a coilover suspension system, a coil spring is added to the stock suspension, which will not only improve the handling but also allow you to adjust the ride quality and the ride height. This is an excellent choice to give your CR-Z a sportier stance and enhance its predictability in the corners.
Cold Air Intake
The best way to increase horsepower in your Honda CR-Z is to get a higher oxygen concentration into the air intake. A cold air intake moves the air filter from the engine compartment to a cooler location like the front wheel well or front bumper. This lowers the temperature of the air coming into the engine, and since cool air has more oxygen, your engine will run more efficiently and develop more overall horsepower. A cold air intake kit will also have a heat shield that protects the filter from the engine's heat so you can always get the coolest possible air and the most oxygen molecules.
Performance Brake Pads and Rotors
Believe it or not, braking is incredibly important for your vehicle's performance and will play a big part in how it handles and feels to drive. The stock brake pads and rotors on the CR-Z are fine for traditional driving, but getting high-performance brake components will help you make the most of your vehicle’s braking system. When you press the brake pedal in your car, the rotors and pads will generate heat, and if you have a high-performance brake system, this heat will dissipate more readily and provide better stopping power. This is one of the best CR-Z modifications you can do, and it will help your car perform better and make it a lot safer on the road.
Weight Reduction
Reducing weight wherever possible is one of the simplest CR-Z mods, but it is incredibly effective. Using components like lightweight wheels and tires or removing the back seat will make a big difference in how the car feels to drive. You can also remove things like the spare tire and jack and some of the sound-deadening material in the vehicle’s interior. Regarding CR-Z modifications, this is an inexpensive and effective option to get excellent handling and acceleration out of the car.
JEGS: For All Your Automotive Needs
If you want the best performance with high-quality parts and accessories for your Honda CR-Z, no matter what kind of modifications you want, JEGS has you covered. Shop in-store or online with support from our excellent team of experts.
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