How much HP can a Honda Civic SI make?
In stock form, the Honda Civic Si makes about 200 horsepower in the latest US-spec models (model years 2022–2024). Earlier FK7 Civics Si (2017–2020) produced about 205 hp. With modifications, you can push well beyond that, depending on the setup.
This article examines the stock horsepower for recent Civic Si generations and then outlines realistic power gains from common modifications, along with practical considerations for reliability, warranty, and legality.
Stock horsepower by generation
The Civic Si has evolved through its generations, but the core performance target remains in the 200-range. Here are the current US-spec figures for recent Si models:
- 2017–2020 Honda Civic Si (FK7): 205 hp and 192 lb-ft of torque; 6-speed manual only.
- 2022–present Honda Civic Si (FE): 200 hp and 192 lb-ft of torque; 6-speed manual only.
In summary, stock Si horsepower sits around 200–205 hp, with a slight year-to-year variation depending on the generation and market.
How horsepower can be increased with modifications
For enthusiasts seeking more power, the typical path is staged, starting with bolt-ons and a tune, then moving to larger turbo or internal enhancements as needed. The following outlines common routes and their general outcomes:
- Stage 1 bolt-ons and ECU tune: Upgraded intake, exhaust/downpipe, intercooler, and a recalibrated engine control unit. Typical gains are roughly 20–60 hp at the crank, bringing the car into the ~230–260 hp range on many builds.
- Stage 2 and bigger turbo setups: A larger turbo, improved intercooling, higher-flow fueling, and professional tuning. Gains commonly range from 60–150+ hp over stock, with final outputs around 260–320+ hp at the crank, depending on the exact components and tuning.
- Internal engine and reliability upgrades: Forged pistons/rods, upgraded head studs, enhanced cooling and lubrication, and sometimes methanol or ethanol fueling. With purpose-built hardware, power can exceed 350–450+ hp at the crank, though these are specialized race-focused builds rather than daily drivers.
- Drivetrain and supporting mods: Upgraded clutch/flywheel and other drivetrain parts help manage extra power and sustain reliability, especially on a manual transmission Si.
Note that power figures vary widely with fuel, altitude, climate, and the exact parts used. For accurate numbers, rely on dyno testing for your specific build and ensure compliance with local emissions and warranty rules.
Important considerations when chasing power
Power upgrades on a Civic Si come with practical and legal considerations. Warranty coverage, emissions compliance, reliability, insurance, and daily drivability should factor into any plan to increase horsepower.
- Warranty and emissions: Many modifications can affect warranty status and emissions certification; verify local regulations and Honda’s policy before proceeding.
- Reliability and cooling: Higher boost puts more stress on internals and cooling systems; upgrades should be matched with proper cooling, fueling, and maintenance to avoid detonation or overheating.
- Costs and complexity: Stage 1 is generally affordable and install-friendly; Stage 2+ requires more specialized work, tuning, and ongoing maintenance.
Best practices for getting started
Begin with a well-regarded Stage 1 kit, have your car dyno-tested, and then decide whether you want to push toward Stage 2. Use good fuel and ensure the car is thoroughly serviced before adding power; consult reputable tuners for proven, track-tested results.
Real-world numbers and what to expect
From a practical standpoint, here are typical ballpark ranges for a Civic Si, noting that outcomes depend on parts, tuning, and conditions:
- Stock: ~200–205 hp (crank); wheel horsepower typically around 170–185 hp due to drivetrain losses.
- Stage 1 (bolt-ons + tune): commonly 230–260 hp (crank).
- Stage 2+: often 260–320+ hp (crank) with bigger turbo and fueling upgrades.
- High-end race builds: 350–450+ hp (crank) for heavily modified engines and track-focused use.
These ranges reflect real-world builds, with substantial variation based on the exact parts, fuel strategy, and tuning approach.
Summary
The Honda Civic Si begins from a solid 200 hp factory baseline and offers a clear path for power growth through widely available upgrades. For most drivers, bolt-ons and a professional tune can take output into the 230–260 hp range, while more aggressive setups—with bigger turbos, enhanced fueling, and internal upgrades—can push toward 320 hp or more. Extreme, race-focused builds can surpass 400 hp, but they come with higher costs, complexity, and maintenance needs. Always weigh warranty, emissions, and reliability when planning power upgrades, and rely on reputable shops and dyno results to guide your build.
Which is faster, WRX or Civic Si?
The Subaru WRX is faster than the Honda Civic Si, primarily due to its significantly higher horsepower and standard all-wheel drive. For example, a 2022 WRX accelerated from 0−600 minus 600−60 mph in 6.16.16.1 seconds, while the 2022 Civic Si took 7.17.17.1 seconds. The WRX's advantage comes from its powerful turbocharged engine and all-wheel-drive system, which provides better grip, though the lighter Civic Si can feel more nimble and agile in corners.
Performance comparison
| Feature | Subaru WRX | Honda Civic Si |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 271 hp | 200 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 192 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain | All-wheel drive (AWD) | Front-wheel drive (FWD) |
| 0-60 mph (approx.) | 5.4–6.1 seconds | 7.1 seconds |
| Acceleration | Stronger, especially on straightaways, due to higher power and AWD | Good acceleration out of corners, but slower than WRX in a straight line |
| Handling | Stable and planted due to AWD | More nimble and agile due to lighter weight and FWD |
| Weight | Heavier | Lighter |
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Which Honda Civic has 200 hp?
The Honda Civic models with 200 horsepower are the Civic Si sedan and the Civic Hatchback Hybrid. The Civic Si uses a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, while the Civic Hatchback Hybrid has a hybrid powertrain that combines a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor.
Civic Si
- Engine: 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder
- Transmission: 6-speed manual
- Torque: 192 lb-ft
Civic Hatchback Hybrid
- Engine: 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder + electric motor
- Transmission: CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)
- Torque: 232 lb-ft
How much HP can you add to a Civic?
The engine can handle 400/360TQ if you're running an upgraded turbo. If you want to stay on stock turbo and keep power in the high 300's for lapping, a bit of race fuel or octane booster goes a long way.
How much HP can a Civic Si make?
A stock Civic Si can handle around 375 wheel horsepower, though some engines have been pushed to over 400 whp with supporting modifications. Pushing the engine significantly beyond this can cause a failure of stock parts like the clutch, transmission gears, and pistons, as the engine is not designed for sustained high-power output. Achieving higher power levels is possible, but it requires a careful balance of components and a proper tune to manage reliability.
This video discusses the power output of a stock 2020 Civic Si with bolt-ons: 9sAutosauceYouTube · Mar 12, 2022
Factors that influence the handling of the engine
- Quality of parts: Using high-quality parts is crucial for engine longevity.
- Tune aggressiveness: The way the engine is tuned affects how much power it can safely produce. Aggressive tunes may lead to premature failure.
- Torque curve: A strong torque curve, especially at low RPMs, can put extra strain on the engine and potentially cause damage.
Potential failure points when exceeding power limits
- Clutch: Stock clutches can disintegrate under high power.
- Transmission gears: Higher power levels can cause gears to shear.
- Axles: Axles can break under the stress of excessive power, especially when combined with sticky surfaces.
- Oil pump gear: The stock oil pump gear can fail after repeated high RPMs, requiring an upgrade for reliability.
- Pistons and rods: The factory short block may break under high power output, even with supporting modifications.
You can watch this video to learn about the parts that can fail when pushing the engine to high horsepower levels: 33sMAPerformanceYouTube · Jan 9, 2022
How much HP can a Civic Si handle?
- 200-250 whp: A good, safe range for most 10th and 11th generation Civic Si models. This level can be achieved with a simple tune and some basic bolt-ons like an intercooler and downpipe.
- 250-300 whp: This is a pushing the limits but still achievable range. However, expect some components to fail, such as the clutch.
- 300-375 whp: A good number for a modified build. Engine builds in this range can be very reliable if the right parts are used.
- 400+ whp: This level is possible, but will require a significant number of modifications, such as a full engine build, with upgraded pistons, rods, and a transmission. However, the stock engine is not designed for this level of power.
