Honda Fit - Wrenchin'

First, Let's Review
In the first few installments of our Project Fit series, we aimed a covering the basics. Ninety-nine percent of Fit buyers interested in modifying their cars will usually start with lowering and wheels. We addressed this with a set of Function Form coilovers and Gram Light rollers wrapped in Falken Azenis tires. Next, we added an HKS axle-back exhaust, earthing kit, and recently hit the scales for a proper corner balancing session with Sportcar Motion. All of the mods we've done so far are very basic, affordable, and aside from the corner balancing, can be performed by any average Joe in his garage or driveway.

High Carb Diet After searching...        read full caption High Carb Diet After searching high and low for a carbon fiber hood for the GE, we were ready to throw in the towel. But after coming across JDP Engineering's website, we knew we were on to something. If the name sounds familiar, you might have seen their sleek carbon fiber front lip for DA Integras a few years ago. It was subtle, well built, and fit like a glove. We contacted John at JDP and he explained to us that he'd already finished the prototype for his new GE Fit front lip, along with a radiator shroud and rearview mirror cap. Everything arrived within a week, and we couldn't wait to check the overall fit and finish. The process of installation took approximately 45minutes to complete.	JDP Engineering Front Lip...        read full caption JDP Engineering Front Lip Removal of the front bumper prior to installation will make your life a lot easier. Remove the screw in front of each tire, a few under the bumper, as well as the factory snap clips. Pictured is the Proflex kneeling pad provided by Graham Tool. This will save your knees while you're removing a bumper, changing wheels, etc. A Godsend on install day when your knees take a beating from the concrete.	Completely remove the front...        read full caption Completely remove the front lower plastic strip. This piece can't be used in conjunction with the JDP lip. Remember to hang on to your factory clips.
Carefully slide the JDP lip...        read full caption Carefully slide the JDP lip over the lower middle portion of the bumper, and pull the ends, one at a time, around the bumper sides. It's a tight fit, but that's a good thing; it means the lip will fit nice and snug, instead of sloppy with gaps. Use the factory bumper holes as guides to drill holes through the JDP lip.	Re-install the front bumper...        read full caption Re-install the front bumper and it should look just like this. As shown in the photos, fitment is spot on. There were no unsightly gaps or stress-cracked corners. Note the slim design that won't have you worrying about whether or not that next driveway is going to steal your carbon fiber lip. It's a subtle change that adds a little attitude to the front end, while still remaining completely streetable.	JDP Engineering Mirror Cap...        read full caption JDP Engineering Mirror Cap And Radiator Shroud The mirror cap is a nice little addition to spice up your Fit's interior, and installation takes less than a minute. Simply clean off the back of the factory mirror. Then peel back the top of the provided 3M double sided tape, and slide the mirror cover into position. Hold it securely for a few moments to make sure it sticks firmly. You can still use an aftermarket Broadway-style mirror without any problems. Our unit was dry carbon, but there's a wet version also available on JDP's website.

Stepping Away From The Crowd.....QuietlyOn average, we see more Honda Fits on the road than RSXs or Civics; they're everywhere! We wanted to add just a touch of flair to the exterior in an attempt to separate ourselves from the other clones on the road. However, we're going for subtle changes that won't attract the wrong type of attention. A set of red "H" emblems intended for the JDM EP CTR (front), and JDM ITR (rear) took the place of our factory plastic chrome units. Take note, the posts on the back of the emblems don't line up with the U.S. chassis. We snipped the posts off with a set of small shears, and the supplied double sided tape is more than enough to hold the featherweight badges on securely. Additionally, we picked up a JDM 1.3L "red dot" FIT emblem to compliment the other red bits. In order to remove the old emblems without breaking or scratching our nifty Blue Sensation Pearl paint, we sourced a nylon pry and wedge kit through Graham Tool Company. The wedge gave us enough leverage to remove the emblems, without gouging the cars finish, and we actually kept the stock units in one piece. This is one of those "must have" items for your toolbox that you're probably missing right now.

Radiator covers have become...        read full caption Radiator covers have become increasingly popular in recent years. With carbon fiber, carbon kevlar, or both readily available for most makes and models, JDP designed one specifically for the '09 Fit. Carefully remove the factory clips that hold the OEM shroud in place. Keep these close by, you'll be using them again shortly. Pull off the old shroud and position the JDP unit in its place.	Using the factory snap clips,...        read full caption Using the factory snap clips, secure the carbon fiber piece to the factory holes. (JDP radiator shroud is pre-drilled) The radiator shroud and rearview mirror cap resemble the JDP front lip in terms of fitment and quality. The fiber weave is sharp and organized, and the craftsmanship is right up there with those expensive JDM companies that charge twice as much for similar pieces. Overall, we think that JDP Engineering hit a home run with this trio of carbon fiber add-ons.	Always In Search Of A Little...        read full caption Always In Search Of A Little More Power After completing a slight face lift, we thought we'd search for a way to pull a few more ponies out of the little Fit motor. Though the '09 Fit owners are having trouble sourcing parts, there are a few companies offering intake kits for the GE. After looking at the available offerings, we opted for a cold-air intake from Takeda U.S.A. The idea is simple; place the open element filter in line with cooler, more dense air, and away from any power-robbing heat produced by the motor. We won't get into a step by step process of removing a factory air box, but suffice to say that it's as easy as it sounds. A few bolts are unscrewed; the box comes out, and in goes the new Takeda intake. There are only three screws on the new intake. The hose coupler receives two, and the third anchors the intake down to a factory bracket to insure it doesn't move around. One thing that really stood out to us prior to installing the unit was Takeda's masterful packaging. They cover every base before shipping their intakes. This includes detailed installation instructions in very simple-to-understand terms, stickers, a key chain, license plate frame-they even enclosed a discount card for future purchases. It's rare to find a company that will go the extra mile to make you feel like you're getting much more than you had initially expected.
Driving Impression: Takeda...        read full caption Driving Impression: Takeda Intake The first thing we noticed on the initial test drive was the resonant "growl" produced by the Takeda intake and HKS exhaust combo. It was understated enough to maintain the car's quiet demeanor, yet the increased snarl managed to coax a grin out of the driver as a slight increase in midrange torque was apparent. Getting up to speed on the elbow-to-elbow freeway was much easier with the cold-air intake gulping more fresh air than the tiny factory unit could ever dream of matching. How much of an increase is still up in the air since we haven't had an opportunity to dyno test the new intake, though it will eventually take place.	Creature Comforts Keeping...        read full caption Creature Comforts Keeping in line with a well balanced set of upgrades, we decided to work on a few interior upgrades that would increase the driving pleasure, and more importantly, rectify a few of our complaints about the new model Fit. The '09 Sport model includes a small, somewhat thin and far too narrow armrest attached to the driver's seat. There is an optional armrest available from the dealer, but we wanted to look into the possibility of using an aftermarket version. We found Zeta Products during a massive internet search and we were intrigued. They offer all types of Honda-related goods, including an arm rest for the '09 Fit. By far the easiest installation you'll ever come across, the Zeta unit is black with a soft black leather cover, and includes a change holder and rear-mounted cup holder. Open the lid and you've got plenty of space for your valuables; something Honda skimped on when producing the GE. Remove the rear mounted console screw with a Phillips head screwdriver.

The emblem swap isn't groundbreaking by any means, but it's the minor details that make a difference in the long run.

Slide the Zeta console into...        read full caption Slide the Zeta console into the rear cup holder, and use the supplied (longer) screw to lock the new armrest into place. That's all there is to it. You'll find it much more convenient than stuffing everything you have into the glove box or cup holders.	A cap is also included to...        read full caption A cap is also included to cover the hole left by the factory armrest. It's just that simple. The wider Zeta Products armrest is much more comfortable than the stock unit, and handfuls of change are now organized and secured, instead of rattling around in our cup holders. The build and quality of the piece rivals that of the factory optional console at a fraction of the cost. This is something the factory should have included with the sport model, but lucky for you, Zeta Products has you covered.	Quick Shiftin' One of our...        read full caption Quick Shiftin' One of our biggest complaints about the new Fit is the sloppy factory shifter. Not only are the shifts long and lethargic, the shifter feels soft and unpredictable. H-Fit.com announced that they had a fix for the lazy stock shifter, but it's not what you think. Usually with short shifters, you purchase a complete shifter with a relocated or resized shift point at the bottom, and replace the stock unit. With the H-Fit short shift adapter kit, you actually utilize the factory shifter and slightly modify it by bolting an adapter to the bottom of the shifter itself. Installation took about 45 minutes and was much easier than expected, thanks to the included instruction manual. The product itself is rock solid and includes everything you need to complete the installation in your own garage.
H-Fit Short Shift Adapter...        read full caption H-Fit Short Shift Adapter Kit Remove the center console plastic cover and release the shift cables. This will allow you to completely remove the shift box from the car, and you'll have more freedom to complete the install.	Add the supplied Loctite to...        read full caption Add the supplied Loctite to the allen head screws, and loosely attach them to the adapter. Slide the adapter onto the end of the shifter, and tighten all four screws to secure it in place. Remove the four rubber spacers on each corner of the shift box. Replace them with the H-Fit metal spacers.	Reinstall the shift box, shift...        read full caption Reinstall the shift box, shift cables, and plastic console cover. The term "large things come in small packages" rang in my head upon our test drive around the block. Gone is the factory "thud" as the shifter plopped into each gear. It's been masterfully replaced by a precise snap and secure lock with each and every shift. Economy car slop has been replaced by sports car finesse with the H-Fit adapter. One of our biggest complaints about the GE was resolved by a kit that fits in the palm of your hand; amazing to say the least.
Heavy Duty Shift knobs to...        read full caption Heavy Duty Shift knobs to import enthusiasts are like earrings to women. There are countless shapes, sizes, and colors, and they're cheap enough to change out regularly. The factory shift knob is downright silly. It's basically a black rubber light bulb and you probably thought about chucking it the first day you got your Fit (we know we did). For a while we were using a super lightweight Spoon titanium knob, but felt that a heavier knob might go well with the short shifter upgrade. One of the heaviest we could find was Circuit Hero's ball-type shift knob. When we received the package, we were wondering what else was in the package to make it so heavy. After opening the box, we realized it was just the shift knob, and it was a monster! We quickly installed it in our Fit and knew immediately that it was the right choice. The shifts seemed to fall into place with authority, and precision was increased further. A weighted shift knob trumps a lightweight version in every way with this particular car and short shifter.	Lock 'Em Up And finally,...        read full caption Lock 'Em Up And finally, we ditched the factory lugs for a set of Muteki open-ended lug nuts. You should never run a factory style lug nut on aftermarket wheels. The Muteki's feature a tapered bottom specifically engineered for aftermarket wheels, as well as a special key that makes them very difficult to remove with regular hand tools.	What's Next? We've just received...        read full caption What's Next? We've just received a shipment of chassis stiffening bars and are itching to get everything installed for our next issue. Stay tuned as we continue to search high and low for any signs of '09 Fit aftermarket support.