Hey guys,

Just got a tired old '04 AP2 with a few previous owners. It's going to be my daily driver (and only car), but I'd like to learn performance driving with it too. Some light modding done by the last owner has really compelled me to do some modding of my own, if only to make the car feel more "mine." As the stock AP2 is objectively one of the most beautiful cars of the 00's decade, I really don't want to mess with the appearance. I also don't want to even think about performance mods until my driving skill actually begins to approach the S's limits. That said, here's what I want to do:

• New stereo w/ USB - The stock system is pretty bad, and the previous owner has even removed the roll bar speakers. I just want a solid stereo, nothing fancy or stupidly loud. My plan is to get a midrange Pioneer HU w/ rear USB cable, 50w Pioneer component speakers, the Modifry DCI/adapter harness, and a USB extension/panel mount. I'll run the USB from the back of the HU into a flush mount in the back of the glove box. My iPhone will supply the music and I can stash it in the glove box or just run the cable out of the hinge and leave the iPhone floating around the cabin.
  
• Fujitsubo Legalis R exhaust - Normally I wouldn't bother but a previous owner fitted the S with an obnoxious single exhaust. I want something stock(ish) and more civilized. Since I'm already switching, why not get something much lighter and a little better than stock?
  
• OEM rear lip spoiler - Normally I wouldn't bother with this either, but the previous owner drilled the outer holes, presumably to fit a rear wing. From my research, I think the OEM lip spoiler is actually the cheapest non-ghetto way of repairing/covering up these holes. Besides, I actually slightly prefer the look to stock.
  
• Backyard Special lowered seat rails - I'm 6'3" 190 lbs and just barely fit in the S. Often though, I've noticed the top of the windscreen blocks my line of sight for traffic lights, forcing me to crane over/under while waiting. Lowering the seat ~1.5" would fix this 80% of the time and give me better sight lines overall. I'm also considering the infinitely cheaper DIY mods I've read about on this forum, but I'm scared about the hammer part (it seems like something Jeremy Clarkson would do and unintentionally ruin the car). Retaining forward/backward rail motion is important to me as well.
  
• Subtle interior mods - Modifry glove box organizer, shift knob w/ red letters (from '06-'11 Civic Si, only because the stock knob is looking worn and a previous owner removed the bolt which allows it to be screwed on straight), red "H" logo on steering wheel, paint the radio cover a medium-gloss black to match the left and right instrument panels

So what do you guys think? Are there any better alternatives to the above mods that I may have overlooked in my research? Are there any other mods you think I should go for given a general idea of my preferences and goals? Knowing that I don't have great driving skills (yet), are there any performance mods I should still take a look at? I've heard people say you shouldn't add a rear spoiler without a front one, but I've also heard the OEM rear lip spoiler doesn't do that much. Does it really warrant a front spoiler if I ever plan to go 100+ mph?

 

Both are highly subjective matters. Is iPhone connectivity all you need from a new head unit? No interest in A2DP? Seems like it would be handy for phone. My iPod is wired but I don't have to use it as a phone so it can live in the secret compartment.

Are you comfortable with soldering? If not, you might want to look into Alpine's line as Modifry's PnP harness makes swapping out the head unit and installing the DCI a snap.

Nope. Get to know the car first. It will be a while before you can push it in its stock form. If you have to ask about which performance mods to get then you need more track time.

 

If you want a stockish exhaust, get the mugen catback over the FLR. I think it's lightest and quietest and sounds great. Think of it as titanium version of stock, but with round canisters.

It will make little to no power though since piping is stock sized.

Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using Tapatalk 2

 

So many opinions exist on exhaust sound, but if you are OK with something "louder than stock" but quieter than your eBay single, then the FLR should do you fine. The Comptech, Mugen, and other "quiet" aftermarkets should also satisfy you. If you are after a stock volume level with a bit more growl, I have found that I love my setup of a PLM header, Berk high flow cat, and stock OEM exhaust. It sounds stock, just with a bit more growl when you get on it.

I personally like the look of the rear trunk lid spoiler/lip (the low-profile one) as well as the OEM front lip. I would imagine that the rear trunk lid spoiler does something on a marginal scale for downforce. Don't expect to notice a difference unless you get a larger wing (CR or aftermarket adjustable) and get up to higher cornering speeds. I think for you, it is a matter of personal preference of styling.

I didn't know the BYS seat rails lowered the seat by 1.5 inches... is this true?!? If so, I would say go for it. Honestly, I am 5'10" and find myself thinking that I sit too high in the stock seats. I sit in cars like Lotus' and Vette Z06's and realize how much lower those seats are than ours, then get back into my car and feel like I'm sitting in an astrovan. If I were any taller, it would be unbearable.

Glovebox organizer, yes. New shift knob, sure. Red H on steering wheel, ehhhhh not for me. Paint radio cover, maybe? Can't you buy different radio covers from Ricks or hardtopguy?

You are on the right track sticking OEM for a while. Learn the car, get comfortable with it, then start slowly changing things one-by-one to note the differences they make.

 

That all seems like a good plan. I would recommend you research each piece seperately in their accompanying sub forums. There is plenty of information for just about all of that which you can gather from this site.

Overall:
•New stereo w/ USB - Pretty much a common mod for most S2K owners. I would recommend looking at Modifry's DCI and PnP harness if you want to continue to use the dash controls. Otherwise (like in my case), if you are ok with using the HU controls, then just find the system that works for you. Keep in mind how loud the environment will be when riding with the top down. Check out the electronics subforum for more information.

•Fujitsubo Legalis R exhaust - A good exhaust can do alot for this car. Sound and performance will benefit. Plenty of owners with that exhaust that you can find details on in the N/A subforum.

•OEM rear lip spoiler - I have the OEM raised spoiler (not the trunk lip) and love it. I do kind of want the CR wing spoiler or a similar wing but that will be in the future once I finish my outer mods (still need to get some CF side diffusers and a rear diffuser). Check out the pictures subforum for various spoiler pics.

•Backyard Special lowered seat rails - I'm short so this isn't a problem for me, but plenty of others have done this. A quick search might net you some good results.

•Subtle interior mods - Can't go wrong with any of these. Plenty of threats on the various mods throughout this forum.

Good luck and have fun!

 

Titanium exhausts are not a good idea for daily driven cars. I have a Greddy SE dual with OEM style tips on it. Looks completely stock until I get it on and I love it

 

add good tires to your shopping list. My car came with some chinese junk on it from the dealer when I bought it. I waited to swap them out because they had lots of tread on them, now I regret waiting so long.

 

I have the BYS rail and it drops the seat just under an inch. Well worth it. 6'1" 185.

Exhaust, no benefit other than sound or look.

Rear lip will not alter your aero enough to make a difference. You only need a front splitter if you go GT wing.

Stereo and other stuff is livability and show. I am mor into the track and autox side, so the above suggestion on getting good tires and then spending on a driver mod (seat time at the track)

 

I have the BYS rail and it drops the seat just under an inch. Well worth it. 6'1" 185.

Exhaust, no benefit other than sound or look.

Rear lip will not alter your aero enough to make a difference. You only need a front splitter if you go GT wing.

Stereo and other stuff is livability and show. I am mor into the track and autox side, so the above suggestion on getting good tires and then spending on a driver mod (seat time at the track)

 

If you intend to drive enthusiastically, flush with DOT4 or better (higher temp) brake fluid with the next brake job too. Pads, rotors, SS lines are worth considering, also, but subjective based on your needs.