Modded Honda Element - What Exactly Will You Want to Upgrade?

The Honda Element features an intriguing design. It is boxy yet it has an air of sportiness in it that's why it's often pitted against the Toyota FJ Cruiser. Despite being sold under the small SUV segment of the market, there are many things that make it stand out. Among them are its cargo space, adjustable seat configurations, good road visibility, and reliable engine.

Despite its pretty decent features, there's definitely more room for improvement in the Element. For instance, some may find its design too generic for their tastes so they may want to consider making it further stand out through various body customizations.

Power upgrades are also available for those who think that it is lacking in that department, and many more. In this article, these are exactly what we will focus on to raise the individuality of this small Honda SUV, improve its comfort elements, and elevate its performance.

Turbocharger Upgrade

The Honda Element is a versatile and reliable SUV, but like any vehicle, it can always benefit from a little extra performance. Over the years, it relied on an inline-four engine with 166 hp. So, a new turbocharger is the best way to bring up its output significantly. Not only will it make your car faster, but it'll also improve its fuel efficiency.

A turbocharger works by using the exhaust gas from the engine to power a turbine that in turn spins a compressor. This compressor forces more air into the engine, which results in more power and better fuel combustion.

There are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for a turbocharger upgrade for your Honda Element though. First, you'll have to make sure that the turbocharger you choose is compatible with your car's engine.

Second, consider what type of driving you'll be doing with your upgraded Element. If you plan on using it for high-performance activities, you have to see to it that the turbocharger you will choose can handle those demands.

Lastly, you might want to look into the cost of the turbocharger upgrade. While turbos can be expensive, they're often worth the investment if you're serious about improving your car's performance.

The upgrade does not come as easy as plugging in the new turbo though. There are a few other upgrades you may want to consider when adding a turbocharger to your Element to preserve the integrity of its engine.

One is an upgraded exhaust system, which will help the turbocharger work more efficiently. You may also want to upgrade your engine's cooling system, as a turbocharger can generate a lot of heat. Moreover, depending on the level of upgrade you are looking to get, you'll want to make sure your car's fuel system is up to the task of handling the extra power. Furthermore, it might be wise to upgrade your power unit's pistons, head sealing, rotating assembly, and coatings as well so it can handle the added tension and temperature rise resulting from the boost.

Should you ever decide to go in this direction, we highly recommend seeking the services of a professional mechanic who will help you determine the best turbo kit that's compatible with your Element.

ECU Tune

If you're looking for a less invasive way to increase your vehicle's power, an electronic control unit (ECU) tune can let you squeeze out a couple more ponies into it. Likewise, this works well if combined with other performance upgrades like the new turbo and exhausts, among others.

ECU tuning can help your Honda Element achieve better performance by making adjustments to the engine control unit. This can result in improved throttle response, increased horsepower, and torque, and even better fuel economy.

If you're looking to get the most out of your Honda Element, then an ECU tune is definitely worth considering. With the help of a professional tuner, you can make your SUV perform even better than it did before.

New Exhaust

One more way to improve your Honda Element's performance is to upgrade the exhaust system. You can install this as standalone equipment or you can combine it with some of the aforementioned upgrades like ECU tune, new turbo, and others.

A new exhaust can help the engine breathe better and produce more power. It can also improve fuel economy and make your Element sound better. When choosing an exhaust system for your Honda Element, there are a few things to keep in mind to get the best out of it.

First, decide what type of sound you want from your car. If you want a deep, throaty sound, then you'll want an aftermarket exhaust system with a larger diameter pipe. If you want a more subtle sound, then you can stick with the stock exhaust system.

Next, consider the material of the exhaust system. Stainless steel is the best choice for durability and corrosion resistance, but it's also the most expensive. Aluminized steel is a good budget-friendly option that will still last for many years.

Finally, make sure to pick an exhaust system that fits your Element's model year. Some exhaust systems are only compatible with certain model years, so it's important to check before you buy.

Custom Body Kit

If you want to get more character out of your box-shaped Honda Element, one way to do this is to elevate its style and performance. A custom body kit can help you achieve both of these goals.

There are several body kit upgrades that can improve the look of your Element. These include new front and rear bumpers, side skirts, spoilers, and grill guards. You can also add new headlights with projector lamps, taillights, roof lights, fog lights, and DRL, among others, to give your SUV a more aggressive look.

When it comes to performance, a custom body kit can help improve aerodynamics and handling. This is especially important if you plan on taking your Element off-road or on-track driving. Adding a body kit will help protect your SUV from damage during rough driving conditions, too.

Whether you're looking to improve the look or performance of your Honda Element, a custom body kit is a great way to do it. With so many different upgrades available, you can easily find a kit that fits your needs and budget.

New Wheels and Tires

If you see a body kit as too excessive for your taste, you can always settle for a subtler upgrade. This can be done through upgrades in the wheels and tires.

A nice set of wheels can really change the look of your car and make it stand out from the rest. Not to mention, a good set of tires can improve your car's driving performance.

When it comes to choosing the right wheels and tires for your Honda Element, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, you need to decide on the size. The size of the wheels will affect the overall look of your car. If you want a more aggressive look, you can go for larger wheels. If you want a more subtle look, you can opt for smaller wheels.

Second, you have to consider the type of tire you want. There are two main types of tires: all-season and summer. All-season tires are designed to perform well in both hot and cold weather conditions. Summer tires, on the other hand, are specifically designed for use in warm weather conditions.

Third, do know that bigger wheels and tires will affect your auto's comfort element. Having a very high ground clearance due to bigger wheels and tires can make your ride bumpy, especially when you've run over a pothole or hump. So, if you're looking for a more comfortable ride, don't go overboard on both their sizes.

Fourth, you need to decide on the style of wheel you want. There are many different styles of wheels available on the market today. You can choose from traditional spoke wheels to more modern designs.

Fifth, keep in mind that the price of the wheels and tires will also vary depending on the brand, style, and size. With so many options available in the market, it can be quite overwhelming to choose the right set for your Honda Element. But if you take your time to do your research, you should be able to find a great set that will fit both your budget and your car perfectly.

Finally, for your safety and to preserve the driving dynamics of your vehicle, the bigger wheels and tires may require suspension adjustments or reinforcement as well as custom springs.

Once you have decided on the size, type, and style of wheel you want, it is time to start shopping around. There are many different places you can buy wheels and tires for your Honda Element. You can buy them online, at a local automotive store, or even at a dealership.

Interior Customizations

Last but not least, the Honda Element is versatile when it comes to its interior configuration. Therefore, you might want to consider updating its already dated interior design.

Subtle improvements range from new floor mats, seat covers, foot pedals, or tints on the glass. However, if you're feeling more adventurous, you can remove the original row of seats at the back to modify the area for your recreational needs. While you're at it, think about replacing its dated entertainment system with a more modern infotainment system complete with a display, too.

Conclusion

With its production ending in 2011, a lot of things have happened that have made the Honda Element a bit dated in comparison to the new offerings of its maker. With these ideas, you can start working on improving its performance, comfort, styling, and tech to get the best experience possible from your ride.