When it comes to the world of kei cars, the Honda Acty stands out as a compact, reliable, and versatile choice that has garnered a loyal following among DIY car enthusiasts. The Acty’s efficient design, small footprint, and rugged performance make it an ideal project car for anyone looking to explore the world of car maintenance, modification, and restoration. If you’re a DIY enthusiast with a Honda Acty, or you’re considering picking one up, knowing the top parts for modifications and repairs is crucial for your success. In this article, we’ll explore the top 5 Honda Acty parts that every DIY car enthusiast should keep an eye on. Whether you’re restoring an old Acty or upgrading its components for performance or style, these parts will give you the best bang for your buck.
1. Honda Acty Suspension Kit
One of the most crucial aspects of any vehicle is its suspension. The Honda Acty, designed for both urban and off-road driving, requires a suspension system that can handle various conditions. Upgrading or repairing the suspension on your Acty is a fantastic DIY project that can greatly improve the comfort and handling of the vehicle.
Why It’s Important for DIY Enthusiasts:
- Improved Ride Quality: Replacing worn-out suspension components with upgraded parts like shocks, springs, and bushings can significantly enhance ride comfort.
- Handling and Stability: For those who use their Acty for more than just commuting, better suspension improves handling, cornering, and stability, especially on rough roads.
- Customization Options: Suspension kits come in a variety of styles, including lowered, lifted, or off-road optimized kits, which can match your specific driving needs.
Recommended Parts:
- Shocks and Struts: Upgrading Honda Acty parts to high-quality shock absorbers will help improve both ride comfort and stability, especially on uneven surfaces.
- Coil Springs: Consider replacing stock springs with upgraded coil springs to lower or lift your Acty for a more customized appearance and better performance.
- Control Arms and Bushings: These components are often overlooked but play a significant role in vehicle handling and alignment. Replacing worn-out bushings with polyurethane options can offer better durability and performance.
Where to Find Honda Acty Suspension Parts:
- OEM Honda dealerships often have genuine suspension parts, but aftermarket suppliers and specialty stores like RockAuto or Japan Parts also offer a variety of options for upgrading or replacing parts.
2. Honda Acty Exhaust System
The exhaust system in your Honda Acty is more than just a way to get rid of emissions; it can have a significant impact on performance, sound, and fuel efficiency. Whether you’re looking to increase power, reduce weight, or simply refresh the look of your Acty, an upgraded exhaust system is a great DIY project.
Why It’s Important for DIY Enthusiasts:
- Increased Power and Torque: A performance exhaust system improves the flow of exhaust gases, reducing backpressure and potentially increasing engine efficiency and power.
- Custom Sound: Aftermarket exhaust systems allow you to choose the tone of your car’s exhaust note, from quiet and subdued to aggressive and throaty.
- Weight Reduction: Performance exhaust parts are often lighter than stock components, leading to a minor but helpful weight reduction, especially if you’re focusing on performance.
Recommended Parts:
- Headers: Replacing the stock exhaust manifold with a set of headers can improve exhaust flow and engine performance, especially in modified Actys with increased horsepower.
- Cat-Back Exhaust System: Upgrading to a cat-back system can improve the flow of exhaust gases from the catalytic converter to the rear of the vehicle, increasing horsepower and torque.
- High-Flow Catalytic Converter: Replacing your stock catalytic converter with a high-flow version can reduce exhaust backpressure and improve engine performance while maintaining emissions compliance.
Where to Find Honda Acty Exhaust Parts:
- Amazon and eBay offer a variety of aftermarket parts, including performance headers and cat-back systems for the Honda Acty.
- Specialty brands like Megan Racing or HKS might offer parts that fit well with the Acty’s small engine.
3. Honda Acty Transmission and Clutch Components
The Honda Acty’s small but efficient engine is paired with a compact transmission system, which is a critical part of its overall performance. Over time, the transmission and clutch components can wear out, especially if you’re doing a lot of DIY driving or modification. Fortunately, many Acty transmission and clutch parts are easily replaceable, and upgrading them can lead to a smoother driving experience.
Why It’s Important for DIY Enthusiasts:
- Improved Shifting Performance: Worn or damaged transmission parts can lead to rough or delayed shifting. Replacing them with new or upgraded components can improve the smoothness and responsiveness of the gear changes.
- Enhanced Durability: Upgrading to stronger, high-performance clutch components can improve the overall durability of your Acty, especially if you’re pushing the engine harder with mods.
- Customizable Gear Ratios: Some aftermarket transmission parts allow you to alter gear ratios, giving your Acty better acceleration or higher top speed, depending on your driving needs.
Recommended Parts:
- Clutch Kit: If your clutch is starting to slip or feels worn, replacing it with an upgraded kit will ensure better engagement and smoother operation.
- Transmission Mounts: Replacing worn-out transmission mounts can reduce vibration and improve overall transmission alignment.
- Short Shifter Kit: A short shifter kit can reduce the throw of the gear stick, allowing for quicker and more precise shifts.
Where to Find Honda Acty Transmission Parts:
- JDM-specific parts suppliers like JapanParts, Nengun Performance, and J-Spec Auto offer a variety of performance transmission parts suited for the Acty.
- If you’re looking for more general transmission and clutch parts, retailers like Summit Racing and AutoZone can be useful.
4. Honda Acty Brake System Components
The braking system is one of the most important safety features of any car, and the Honda Acty is no exception. As you work on your Acty, upgrading the brake system can be a rewarding DIY project that improves performance, safety, and reliability.
Why It’s Important for DIY Enthusiasts:
- Improved Stopping Power: Upgrading your brake pads and rotors can drastically improve your ability to stop quickly, especially if you’ve made performance modifications to your Acty.
- Better Pedal Feel: Performance brake components can provide better feedback and a firmer pedal feel, which is especially important when driving in demanding conditions.
- Safety: Ensuring your brakes are up to date with fresh, high-quality parts is crucial for keeping your vehicle safe to drive.
Recommended Parts:
- Brake Pads: Upgrading to performance brake pads, such as ceramic or carbon-infused options, can increase stopping power and reduce brake fade.
- Rotors: Upgrading to slotted or drilled rotors can improve brake cooling and increase performance, especially during high-speed driving or off-road use.
- Brake Lines: Consider replacing rubber brake lines with braided stainless steel ones for increased durability and performance.
Where to Find Honda Acty Brake Parts:
- Hawk Performance and EBC Brakes offer high-performance brake components for kei cars like the Honda Acty.
- You can also find OEM replacement parts through online retailers like AutoZone or RockAuto.
5. Honda Acty Lighting and Electrical Components
When it comes to improving the look and functionality of your Honda Acty, don’t forget the lighting and electrical systems. Upgrading the lighting components can dramatically change the appearance and safety of your vehicle, while also giving you better visibility during night driving or adverse conditions.
Why It’s Important for DIY Enthusiasts:
- Improved Visibility: Upgrading headlights or adding auxiliary lights can improve visibility during night driving, off-roading, or bad weather.
- Aesthetic Customization: Customizing the lighting with LED strips, neon underglow, or custom taillights allows you to personalize the look of your Acty.
- Increased Safety: Upgrading to brighter or more reliable lighting ensures you’re more visible to other drivers, especially if you’re driving in rural areas or on poorly lit roads.
Recommended Parts:
- LED Headlights: Replacing halogen bulbs with LED headlights provides brighter light and better energy efficiency.
- Auxiliary Lighting: For off-roaders, adding auxiliary lights such as LED light bars or fog lights can greatly enhance visibility in challenging conditions.
- Turn Signal and Tail Lights: LED turn signals and taillights are more durable, energy-efficient, and provide a modern look for your Acty.
Where to Find Honda Acty Lighting Parts:
- SuperBrightLEDs and Diode Dynamics are great places to shop for high-quality LED bulbs and lighting accessories for your Acty.
- eBay and Amazon also have a wide range of lighting options, from headlight bulbs to full aftermarket lighting kits.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking to enhance the performance, comfort, or style of your Honda Acty, there’s a wealth of aftermarket parts available to help you achieve your goals. From suspension upgrades that improve handling to lighting enhancements that offer better visibility, each part on this list is essential for any DIY car enthusiast. Be sure to consider your specific needs—whether it’s off-roading, city driving, or simply upgrading for performance—and choose the parts that best suit your goals. By investing in quality Honda Acty parts and putting in the effort to do the work yourself, you’ll ensure that your Acty runs smoothly and efficiently for years to come.