On average, the cost of building a Honda Civic can range from approximately $15,000 to $25,000 or more, depending on the year, model, trim level, and the cost of parts and labor. The cost of building a Honda Civic using aftermarket parts can range approximately $20,000 to $40,000.
For example, some common performance upgrades such as a cold air intake, exhaust system, and suspension components can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000 or more, depending on the brand and quality of the parts.
Here are some of the elements that could be included in the cost of building a Honda Civic:
- Engine components: $2,000 – $5,000
- Suspension components: $1,000 – $3,000
- Brake components: $500 – $2,000
- Wheels and tires: $1,000 – $3,000
- Exhaust system: $500 – $2,000
- Cold air intake: $200 – $500
- Electronics and tuning components: $500 – $2,000
- Labor costs: $500 – $2,000 or more
| Component | Estimated Cost |
| Engine components | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| Suspension components | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Brake components | $500 – $2,000 |
| Wheels and tires | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Exhaust system | $500 – $2,000 |
| Cold air intake | $200 – $500 |
| Electronics and tuning components | $500 – $2,000 |
| Labor costs | $500 – $2,000 or more |
These are rough estimates and the actual cost of building a Honda Civic with aftermarket parts will depend on a number of factors.
If you’re interested in upgrading your engine, check out our articles on the costs of LS swaps and IS300 2JZGTE swaps for even more ideas and inspiration. Otherwise, continue reading on to see the costs of building a Honda Civic in more detail.
Engine components
The cost of the engine components is one of the biggest factors in the overall cost of building a Honda Civic. High-performance engines and engine swap kits can cost several thousand dollars, while individual performance parts like camshafts and intake manifolds can add hundreds to the total cost.
Some of the typical costs relating to engine components include:
- Engine swap kit: $1,500 – $3,000
- K-series engine swap: $2,000 – $5,000
- Performance camshaft: $500 – $1,000
- High-performance camshaft: $500 – $1,500
- Performance intake manifold: $500 – $1,000
- Performance fuel system: $500 – $1,500
- High-performance throttle body: $200 – $500
Suspension components
The suspension components can affect the cost by a few hundred dollars, depending on the specific components chosen. Lowering springs, adjustable shocks and struts, and suspension brace kits can help to improve the handling and overall performance of the Civic, but they also come with a cost.
Here’s a general idea of the typical costs relating to suspension:
- Lowering springs: $300 – $800
- Adjustable shocks and struts: $800 – $1,500
- Suspension brace kit: $200 – $500
- Adjustable coilovers: $800 – $2,000
- Suspension strut braces: $200 – $500
- Sway bars: $200 – $500
Brake components
Higher-end brake components, such as larger rotors, high-performance pads, and lightweight calipers, can add several hundred to several thousand dollars to the overall cost, while more budget-friendly options can still significantly improve the braking performance and safety of the vehicle.
Some rough estimates:
- Brake kit (rotors and pads): $500 – $1,500
- Big Brake Kits (BBK): $1,000 – $3,000
- Brake calipers: $300 – $1,000
- High-performance brake pads (e.g. EBC Redstuff, Hawk HPS): $100 – $300
- Cross-drilled or slotted rotors: $300 – $800
- Braided stainless steel brake lines: $100 – $300
- High-performance brake fluid (e.g. Motul RBF600, Castrol SRF): $50 – $150
Wheels and tires
The cost of wheels and tires can vary greatly depending on the specific options chosen. High-end aftermarket wheels and performance tires can add several thousand dollars to the overall cost of building a Honda Civic, while more budget-friendly options can still add several hundred dollars to the total.
The typical costs for wheels and tires:
- Aftermarket wheels: $500 – $2,000
- Performance tires: $500 – $1,000
- Lightweight racing wheels: $1,000 – $3,000
- Custom painted wheels: $800 – $2,000
- High-performance tires (e.g. Michelin Pilot Sport, Continental ContiSportContact): $800 – $1,500
Exhaust system
The cost of an aftermarket exhaust system can vary from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the type of system and the specific components included. A high-end cat-back exhaust system or performance muffler can add several hundred to a few thousand dollars to the total cost of building a Honda Civic.
Some typical costs include:
- Cat-back exhaust system: $500 – $1,500
- Axle-back exhaust system: $300 – $800
- Performance muffler: $200 – $500
- High-performance muffler: $200 – $800
- Performance headers: $500 – $1,500
Cold air intake
The cost of a cold air intake kit can vary from a few hundred to several hundred dollars, depending on the specific kit chosen. A cold air intake kit can improve the engine’s performance and efficiency, but it also comes with a cost.
Here are some of the common costs:
- Cold air intake kit: $200 – $500
Electronics and tuning components
The cost of electronics and tuning components can vary greatly depending on the specific components chosen. Engine management systems, performance spark plugs and wires, and engine tuning software can add several hundred to several thousand dollars to the overall cost of building a Honda Civic.
Some rough estimates:
- Engine management system: $500 – $2,000
- Performance spark plugs and wires: $100 – $300
- Engine tuning software: $500 – $1,500
- Engine control module tuning software: $200 – $1,000
- Wideband air/fuel ratio gauge: $200 – $500
- High-performance ignition coil: $100 – $300
- Performance fuel injectors: $300 – $800
Labor costs
Hiring a professional to install the components and perform any necessary modifications can add several hundred to several thousand dollars to the total cost, depending on the location and the amount of labor required.
Some examples of the labor cost:
- Engine swap installation: $1,000 – $3,000
- Suspension installation: $500 – $1,500
- Brake component installation: $300 – $800
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FAQs
How long does a Honda Civic typically last?
A Honda Civic can typically last for over 10 years with proper maintenance. With good care, some Civics have been known to last well over 200,000 miles.
How much horsepower can a Civic handle?
The amount of horsepower a Honda Civic can handle depends on the specific model and year of the car. For example, a high-performance Civic Type R model can handle over 300 horsepower, while a standard Civic model may only handle around 150 horsepower.
What year Honda Civic has the longest lifespan?
Generally, Honda Civics produced in recent years tend to have longer lifespans compared to earlier models due to improvements in technology and materials. The 8th generation (2006-2011) and the 9th generation (2012-2015) tend to be highly rated.
These models often last well over 200,000 miles with proper maintenance, and are known for their reliability and longevity. It’s worth noting that while specific years may have a reputation for a longer lifespan, individual maintenance and usage play a much larger role in determining a Honda Civic’s lifespan.
