Building Our 11th Gen Honda Civic Si, Part 3: Going Faster

The Ultimate MAPerformance Build: Part 3 – Performance Upgrades for Your Civic

If you've been following our MAPerformance build series detailing our Civic Si, you know that every upgrade is carefully selected to maximize performance, reliability, and overall driving experience. 

In this installment, we're dialing things up with a set of upgrades that enhance power transfer, airflow, and cooling efficiency - all of which are underrated but essential components for any high-performance car.

From a new clutch and flywheel to a high-flow downpipe and intercooler, these parts will help your Civic Si perform at its absolute best, just like we're seeing with ours. Let’s break down each component and why it’s a must-have for your build.

Read More: Beginning Our Honda Civic Si Build, Part 1 - Wheels, Tires & Suspension

Clutch, Flywheel, & Line – Maximizing Power Transfer

Why Upgrade Your Clutch & Flywheel?

Stock clutch systems can only handle so much power before they start slipping under increased torque loads. If you’re running more boost or making higher horsepower, upgrading your clutch and flywheel is critical to ensure all that power reaches the wheels effectively.

A lighter flywheel reduces rotational mass, making throttle response sharper and rev-matching smoother, while a stronger clutch ensures a firm grip on power delivery.

Featured Parts On Our Civic Si

We have yet to begin this part of our Civic Si build, but we plan to add the following clutch and flywheel kits to the build to dial in its performance capabilities: 

• Clutch Masters 08222-HDCL Clutch Kit – A high-performance clutch designed for aggressive driving and high-torque applications. It's rated for up to 400 pound-feet of torque and offers an 8-puck design.

• Clutch Masters FW-222-AL Flywheel – Lightweight aluminum flywheel that enhances throttle response and acceleration.

• MAPerformance HDAX-CLK-SS Clutch Line – A reinforced stainless steel clutch line that eliminates flex for better clutch pedal feel.

Installation & Performance Gains

Upgrading to this setup has been a key priority of ours because of the wealth of performance benefits that it  provides for the Civic Si. Some of these top benefits include:

• Faster throttle response and improved acceleration

• Higher torque capacity for modified engines

• Better clutch pedal feedback and durability

Downpipe – Freeing Up Exhaust Flow

Why a Downpipe is Essential for Turbo Performance

A restrictive stock downpipe can choke your turbo, preventing it from reaching peak efficiency. A high-performance downpipe increases exhaust flow, allowing your turbo to spool faster and produce more power while improving overall throttle response.

Featured Part On Our Civic Si

• MAPerformance HDAXI-DPC-TDG Downpipe – A high-flow downpipe that reduces backpressure and increases horsepower while delivering a more aggressive exhaust tone. 

Installation & Performance Gains

Adding this downpipe to your build means:

• Faster turbo spool-up and improved throttle response

• Increased horsepower and torque

• A deeper, more aggressive exhaust note

Coating options are available for added durability and heat resistance, keeping exhaust temps in check.

Front Pipe – Improving Flow for More Power

Why the Front Pipe Matters

The front pipe connects the downpipe to the rest of the exhaust system, making it a crucial component in optimizing exhaust flow. A larger-diameter, mandrel-bent front pipe reduces restriction, ensuring smoother airflow and better performance gains.

Featured Part On Our Civic Si

• MAPerformance HDAXI-FP-MAP Front Pipe – Precision-engineered for optimal flow and durability, complementing the downpipe upgrade.

Installation & Performance Gains

• Increased exhaust efficiency and power output

• Optimized flow for better turbo response

• High-quality materials for long-term durability

Intercooler – Keeping Intake Temps Low

Why an Upgraded Intercooler is Crucial

Stock intercoolers are often too small to handle the heat generated by high-boost applications. A larger, high-performance intercooler reduces intake temperatures, preventing heat soak and ensuring consistent power delivery.

Featured Part On Our Civic Si

• MAPerformance Intercooler – Designed for maximum cooling efficiency while minimizing pressure drop.

Installation & Performance Gains

• Lower intake temperatures for more consistent power

• Supports higher boost levels without heat soak

• Improved reliability in demanding driving conditions

Intercooler Piping – Supporting More Airflow

Why Intercooler Piping Matters

Your intercooler is only as good as the piping that connects it. Upgrading to high-flow intercooler piping eliminates restrictive factory bends, allowing air to move more freely and reducing turbo lag.

Featured Part On Our Civic Si

• MAPerformance MAP HDAXI-CPK Intercooler Charge Piping  – Engineered for maximum airflow and efficiency, ensuring your car's turbo system operates at peak performance.

Installation & Performance Gains

• Reduced turbo lag and improved throttle response

• Increased airflow efficiency for better power delivery

• Stronger, more durable piping to handle high boost pressures

Read More: Building our Civic, Part 2 - Performance Parts

Shop Upgrades For Your 2022-Present Honda Civic Si Online at MAPerformance 

Every part in this MAPerformance upgrade package is designed to push your Civic to new performance heights. From improving power transfer with a stronger clutch setup to enhancing exhaust flow and cooling efficiency, these upgrades work together to create a faster, more responsive driving experience.

Stay tuned for the next phase in our MAP build series, and check out MAPerformance’s full catalog to take your Civic to the next level. Ready to upgrade? Explore MAPerformance parts today!