Classic 1997 Honda Accord

Classic Honda Accord ; since its introduction in the late 1970s Honda Accord has steadily accumulated a strong reputation amongst car enthusiast. Its first generation Accord set a new standard of driving satisfaction, NVH engineering, less pollution emission CVCC engine on a subcompact sedan size. Through out its history of Accord production, Honda has made consistent improvements and to its customer's delights the persistent driving characters which is unique to the marque.

Apart of its customer's satisfaction on product quality and high reliability, its driving characteristic may also perhaps resemble those of other premium brands (at much higher price!). A good front wheel drive performance yet distinctly has Honda own traits. Gone are the typical understeer and front axle trampling. Today's model clearly depicts a vast improvement over several generation of models. One generation outclasses even later year production of other competitors, in fact many competitors. [tip ; I used to upset the car's balance in order to alleviate understeering characteristic of the 1st generation Accord. Brake hard momentarily prior to the apex of a corner!]

It is as such that driving an older generation of Accord would not be a shameful, and may indeed offer better performance and driving enjoyments. However there is an intention of Honda to back out of the Accord current model from its sportiveness characters, due to its customer's changing style. So if you are a performance oriented driver you may give up on Accord for other premium brand, unless if you accept smaller Civic model.

Incidentally Honda has also announced its withdrawal from many sport activities and discontinued S2000 and perhaps NSX altogether to focus on hybrid cars. What has been the advantage of owning Honda for its distinct characters may have been diminishing, with the exception of keeping your older generation of Accords! A good performance sedan which has capability to carry four or five adults comfortably at an equally good fuel mileage.

I have the privilege of owning two generation models of the 1st and 5th one. Honda has a general perception of pricey spare parts, yet if you do the math properly you will get good long run investment return. Even if you make a comparison to the legendary classical W124 Mercedes Benz, let alone for Bimmer of the same league and era. So having said its maintenance impact on your wallet, if you would like to keep your older Accord just stick to the Honda OEM replacement parts. Else, there is a good opportunities to implement a light modification to improve its performance further.

VTEC engine were notoriously difficult to modify at the time of its introduction time, for it is already an optimized engine package. Engineers from most reputable after market tuner were given such a hard time then to tinker around this VTEC technology. But now with the advent of digital technology, an engineer now is able to put piggy back add-on to squeeze a bit more out of the engine's performances, turbo or super charging modification is a breeze. Expect to get 10% to at least 50% horsepower addition. Oh yes you do need to strengthen your axle, front suspension, braking system and transmission or all your drive line for turbo/ super charger application.

A simpler mod is to replace a free flow air intake and exhaust system. For this and piggy back see my past article on Chip-Upgrade [item [3.] and [4.] on my reference at the bottom of this article]. Other modifications which are non engine performance related yet mandatory for safety issues (2 mods):

1. Honda Accord front reinforcement impact bar,

   this is essentially bracing up the frontal crumple zone by adding extra strengthening behind your bumper structure.

2. New special product [a] on xenon HID headlight replacement. Your old bulb OEM headlight is noticeably dimmer due to filament wear out, degrading a significant night vision. Replacing them with the latest technology HID system would allow you to see better and best of it you could afford better night safety driving. The new system produces less heat and consumes less power, prolonging your headlight assembly as well as battery's life time.

Both modifications would earn you a peace of mind driving your old Accord. Next on the agenda is to improve handling and braking performances;

The 16 inch standard alloy wheels on your Accord such as ours are attractive. Strong, rugged and looks good. Despite of its age it has still conveyed a modern look, yet its centre hubcap gets easily stolen. It happens twice on me. Perhaps yours is already missing too, in order to avoid this nuisance why not replace the wheels to ADR- Wheels Rims 5 Lug. Then you could also fit them with 45 or 50 low profile tyres.

Upgrade to high performance low ratio tyres not only enhancing the look, but also improving brake and handling departments. You will feel the immediate improvement! Get yourself Honda Wheels replacement [b].

There are many after market wheels for Honda yet for the right pcd and offset dimension you are better off consulting an appropriate Honda expert. A light modification without the hassle of after thought later bodywork-adjustment. Don't accept wheels requiring spacer adaptor, its pcd would not fit to your Accord. Likewise don't accept too large width as you'll need to enlarge the wheel arch etc., unless you plan for a bulging body alteration work! Are you in desperate to find further info? Please consult the after market or tuning Honda experts. One option for you is to consult a reputable expert such as WheelsHonda.com.

WheelsHonda.com offers most cosmetic add-on for a large choices of Honda models, such as body mods items like ; spoilers, front grilles, front headlights and tail lights. A company that focuses solely on one particular brand is a good indication on its Quality Assurances (as well as high enthusiasm to share experiences on Honda's; this is a sales pitch virtue, but to your advantages!), but eventually your decision would also depend on your careful assessment. Shop around and it is your choice!

To match your HID system you also have further choices to replace its OEM headlight assembly. WheelsHonda.com also offers a range of Honda Headlights [c] replacements, from a subtle look change into a more drastic sport looking one! Picture on right might give you the idea of full body kit modifications to suit your style accordingly.

1994-1997 Honda Accord Jdm Head Lights+Corner Depo

On any account a net window shopping will save your time prior to make a purchase decision, hence head your browser to surf for either [a] or [b] or [c]. Happy browsing!

reference and/ relevant past articles;

1. My own driving experience on 1980 1st generation Accord from 1985 - 1988 and on 1997 Accord from 1997 - now.
2. Chip Upgrade, my own article on modification using piggy back add-on.
3. http://car-leisure.blogspot.com/2009/02/mustang-1.html
4. Night safety driving