Hi,

I'm in the market for a new car to replace my Altima SE that has 5-speed stick, and sport tuned suspension and
a heavy duty clutch.

After driving the 2012's Kia-Optima, Subaru-Legacy, Subaru-WRX, Mazda-6 and VW-Passat, I seem to be gravitating
towards the Accord EX with 5-speed stickshift. Mostly for price point and horsepower and gas mileage.

The problem is... that all these cars, and the honda-accord have hydraulic clutches that are so too easy to press, that its
like pressing into air (no feeling). The only car I've testdriven so far with a proper feel in the clutch has been the Subaru WRX.

The only problem is that I really do not need 280 Hp with 20/mpg.

So my main question is... Are there any common mods that could be applied to a 2011 or 2012 Honda Accord EX clutch
that would bring back the right 'feel' that an 'assertive' driver like me can use ? Maybe to attenuate the hydraulic
component of the pedal, or to replace the stock clutch plates with heavier ones ?


Thanks for your help.
Buzzbee..

 

Short answer - NO.

I've had a WRX (Saab 9.2x actually) and I like that stiffer clutch too.

You'd have to get a "sportier" clutch installed into the Accord. That should get you a stiffer pedal, and also a more abrupt engagement of the clutch (like the Subie).

I haven't done that with an Accord, so I won't be much help choosing a make/model of aftermarket clutch.

 

I am pretty sure the Accord has a 6 speed gearbox not a 5 speed.

 

It might be 6-spd on the coupe & 5-spd on the sedan??? (actually I'm not sure)

 

Honda Accords in 2011-2012 can be had with either a 5 speed or a 6 speed depending on the model. The 5 speed is only available in the lx or ex sedan with either 4 cylinder engine. The 6 speed is available only on the coupe with the V6. I work for Gentile Honda as a salesperson. If you have any further questions I can help you.

As far as the better feel, TAS auto parts.com or even summit racing may be a good source for stage 2 or stage 3 clutches. This may be the route you want to take.

 

If you are looking for the 6 speed on the sedan, the 2006 was the last year that it was available. I was curious about this too because I am a stick person and a family man. I saw a few of them recently on eBay.

 

Another thing to consider, the 4 cylinder engines Honda offers after 2004 are now available with timing chains. The 3.5 V6 has a timing belt that needs replacing EVERY 105k miles. DO NOT go over this or you risk blowing the engine.

 

The K-series 4-cyl (with timing chain) started in 2003. We had a 2003 (manual trans) & I thought it was a really nice engine.

 

Jim I stand corrected. I did some more research and found that the timing chains were indeed started in 2003 instead of 2004. I didn't want to mislead anyone on this. My fault.

 

No problem. Hey, just for grins, I grew up in South Milwaukee; lived about 1.5 blocks away from Grant Park.