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With Honda reinvigorating the Civic lineup for the 2017 model year, independent companies are looking to get their hands on new cars for testing and tuning. As the new Civic Turbo and Civic Si share a common, albeit tweaked, 1.5-liter four-pot, Hondata has turned to a fresh tune to push the more pedestrian model past the performance version in terms of power output. The company has extracted an extra 35 horsepower and 60 pound feet of torque from the motor without any added parts, making it a viable contender for the budget-conscious enthusiast.
All of this extra oomph owes thanks to increased boost from the factory turbo. Retooled mapping enables the 1.5-liter engine to produce 225 horsepower and 254 lb.-ft. of torque with an additional nine psi of boost in manual transmission cars. Owners of CVT-equipped Civics will be offered a choice between 3 and 6 psi increases to suit the more delicate transmission, while still providing a significant power leap from stock.
Not only are peak numbers higher, the Hondata tune allows the engine to make more power for longer. Thanks to a broader powerband, the cars will feature a more linear engine response that’s better for on-the-limit driving as well as around-town commuting. Throughout certain sections of the rev range, the Hondata powered Civic widens the distance even further from the Si, showing its strength in comparison.
Additionally, Hondata has worked in no-lift-shift capabilities that allow for constant turbo spool during gear changes. This provides that increased power when you need it the most, keeping the revs from dropping during corners and braking.
The ECU tune costs only $350 via Hondata dealers, making it a huge cost advantage when lined up against the Civic Si. It’s a practical bit of kit that is CARB-pending, promising accessibility and usability to customers across the United States. Better yet: a FlashPro plug-in will also be available for just $695, allowing users to switch back and forth between stock whenever they’d like.
