K24 Manual Black Tourer

[Hondoob]

Hi all. I bought a 2008 Accord EX Tourer 2.4L manual recently, and having had the car for a week now I've gotta say I'm extremely impressed.

I bought the car from Tom at BMC Specialist Motors in Gloucestershire and the whole experience was fantastic; he's a real Honda enthusiast and seems to only sell very well cared for Hondas. Honestly can't recommend BMC enough. The only dissapointment was that I didn't get to see his NSX as it was in the garage having a new clutch installed!

The car has been extremely well cared for both inside and out, with a full service history and only 1 other owner from new. It's done 89K and as well as new oil and filters every year on the dot, in the last 3 years it's had new brake fluid, serpentine belt, gearbox oil, coolant and more. Driveshafts were repainted and rust proofed in 2018 as well. The car is fantastic to drive and certainly doesn't feel 14 years old.

I've got a few things planned that I would like to do to the car as I intend to keep it until it's well and truly dead.


What I've done so far:

• Full internal LEDs
• Replaced front position lights with LEDs
• Drilled out covers over footwell lights so now the lights actually light
• Removed all stickers on glass/screens
• Fitted isofix base for 4 month old
• Removed intake resonator - really happy with this one as the car is still super calm and refined, but at half throttle or more it is outrageously loud!

What I would like to do/have done:

• ECU reflash - I know these engines don't remap as well as the 7th gens, but lowering VTEC and slightly increasing redline would be a great improvement. Done by Fahad.
• Respray the satin front grille surround to match the car - Crystal Black NH731P. - Done.
• I've got some 2014 Mazda 6 wheels I got cheap off ebay a while ago that need a full resto. They're 7.5Jx19 ET45, PCD: 5x114.3 (5x4.5), Center Bore: 67.1 mm. With a spigot ring they should fit, but any experience/tips/tricks with replacing the wheels on these cars would be greatly appreciated, particularly with ride quality of 19" compared to original 17". I plan to replace the basic chinese tyres on the 17" original alloys with good quality winter tyres to use in the colder months, then have performance summer tyres on the 19". Again, recomendations appreciated. Very rough mockup below with them finished in anthracite - Tyres now replaced with Vredestein Quatrac Pros and I've pick up a set of 18" Deltas the I'll refurbish in the spring.
• Auto folding mirror kit - think this is the right one. Seems like a time consuming but no too difficult process if I follow the steps from this thread.
• Cold air intake - in two minds about whether or not there's much point with this one. - Resonator delete seems good enough.
• Cat back exhaust - in two minds about this one as well. Will it add any additional performance on this car? Again recomendations appreciated.
• Thinking about fitting some of the Maxton Design kit - does anyone know if the Side Skirts, Rear Side Splitters and Rear Valance fit the tourer or do they really only go with the saloon?
• Front/rear indicators, rear position and rear brake lights to LED - does this car have a CANBUS system for the lights?
• I would love an HID kit for the headlights but my understanding of the current MOT test is that all HID conversions will now fail as per MOT special notice 01-21: headlamp conversions. Tested the current halogens out a few nights ago and they are really good.
• Premium audio and navigation system - my only real issue with the car is the lack of connectivity with my phone for media, nav apps etc. I've got a temp solution in place but in the future I may replace the nav screen with an aftermarket CarPlay kit, perhaps something like this but it is quite a large, risky purchase.... - I've been using this bluetooth adapter since shortly after buying the car to play music/satnav from my phone and it works really well. It's connected in the centre console so it's hidden, and it auto connects when I turn the ignition on. You can route calls through it as well but I use the Honda hands free in the car, which works well. I may still upgrade the whole entertainment system in the future.

If you've got this far thanks for taking the time to read such a long post. All replies and advice are very much appreciated and I'm thoroughly looking forward to delving into the world of Honda.

 

[smokingman]

No CANBUS, the only bulbs not changed yet are indicator's as need to replace the flasher relay.

My Tourer head lights are halogen rubbish seen brighter candles! any way I have fitted Phillips LEDS to mine just after the MOT so will have benefit in the winter very easy to fit the link is to the ones:- https://smile.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08N544M8C/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

The box mentions not for road use in small print! they seem to contradict them self,

1. About headlamp conversions
Section 4.1.4 of the current MOT inspection manuals for both motorcycles and cars and passenger vehicles states ‘Existing halogen headlamp units should not be converted to be used with high intensity discharge (HID) or light emitting diode (LED) bulbs. If such a conversion has been done, you must fail the headlamp.’

2. Changes to current rules
From 22 March 2021, we’re changing these rules so that not all motorcycles and vehicles will fail the MOT test if their halogen headlamp units have been converted to be used with HID or LED bulbs.

 

[Hondoob]

No CANBUS, the only bulbs not changed yet are indicator's as need to replace the flasher relay.

Amazing, that makes LEDs a bit cheaper then. Might fit all the externals this weekend if I get the time.

With those Philips lamps I guess you could swap them out just before MOT, or leave them in and risk it? The MOT special notice does state that for "class 3,4,5 and 7 vehicles, the defect ‘Light source and lamp not compatible’ only applies to vehicles first used on or after 1 April 1986." I think cars are in class 4. I'd also be concerned about dazzling other drivers as well if using the existing light units, or have good quality ones negated that issue now?

On another note, I'm thinking about getting a big old 20 litre tub of engine all to bring the servicing costs down over time, and I've spotted this one on lubetech. Any thoughts on exol and this type for this engine?

 

[smokingman]

@Hondoob

As per oil I use there oil in my 2.2 iDtec with out any issue change every 6K miles and the same on our CR-V.

Hopefully the LED's will be OK, as changing any of the bulbs in the MK8 light cluster is a pain in the rear, having to do them in the dark at a service station took the brake down service guy 2hrs plus.

The first time I changed the dipped beam took me 3hrs, the next time 1hr 30min and that was with the bumper off which is easier, which is why I changed to LED's to alleviate this issue.

 

[Grayedout]

That's the wrong oil for your engine. You need a C2/C3 low SAPS specification oil rather than the A5/B5.

 

[Hondoob]

That's the wrong oil for your engine. You need a C2/C3 low SAPS specification oil rather than the A5/B5.

Morning Grayedout. Do you mean that’s the wrong oil for my 2.4 iVtec or smokingman’s iDtec? My manual says ACEA A1/B1, A3/B3 or A5/B5.

@smokingman having removed the front bumper on the weekend I can definitely see it becoming a pain in the backside for changing headlamps. £245 is a lot of money for a full set of H1s and HB3s, but probably worth it to not have to change them for a number of years. They do come with a 5 year warranty as well. Hmmm….

 

[smokingman]

@Hondoob

This is what my 2.2iDTEC runs on, as well as our CR-V i-CTDi :- https://www.lubetechshop.co.uk/prod...-low-saps-engine-oil-honda-acea-c2-api-sn-cf/

 

[Blippi]

• Alter/respray the front grille
• Premium audio and navigation system - my only real issue with the car is the lack of connectivity with my phone for media, nav apps etc. I've got a temp solution in place but in the future I may replace the nav screen with an aftermarket CarPlay kit, perhaps something like this but it is quite a large, risky purchase....

Option 1 or 3 for me I opted to replace with aftermarket.

Recently fitted the screen you linked to, be prepared for this if you're fitting yourself;



There's a lot of wiring to hide, I've found mine to work well (but still need to connect the rear view camera). Instructions arent the best as they only concentrate on physically removing the dash etc. Wiring does get simpler as you start connecting things. Just don't forget to remove airbag warning light from back of existing display as that needs to be plugged in and hidden to avoid dash lights.

Fitted;



Only issue I've found is when doors are opened it displays the opposite side IE passenger side when opening drivers side but that isn't an issue for me. Displays all other heater info etc.

(Edited to mention the door display issue was sorted in the settings after playing around with it)

 

[antdad]

@OP... nice car, if you don't mind saying what did you pay?

 

[smokingman]

That may be an easier install as the Premium sound system is not what is in your pictures, there is a separate amp in the boot along with a sub woofer and a multi cd changer just under the temp/mode panel plus the integration of the SAT NAV, voice control etc. Other wise a nice idea.

 

[Blippi]

The display actually piggy backs the existing stereos wiring IE you unplug the stereo then plug in extensions which plug in to car harness and stereo whilst then feeding display. So I don't think there would be any massive issues with the difference in the unit using the internal amp on mine towards the premiums external one as the wiring loom provided would just be slightly different. There are 2 different versions I'm guessing the wiring looms are the actual difference so I would presume the premium would be no harder to wire probably simpler with the premium displaying the heater information on the original stereo as this still functions so less wiring to feed up to behind the display which was the hardest part as there isn't a lot of space. The nav would obviously just be removed and Google maps or similar used instead.

 

[SayamaAccord]

On another note, I'm thinking about getting a big old 20 litre tub of engine all to bring the servicing costs down over time, and I've spotted this one on lubetech. Any thoughts on exol and this type for this engine?

I use Lubech 0W 20 in mine, nice easy cold starts, and SN classification so a better performing oil.

 

[Hondoob]

Sorry folks I've been on site the last couple of days. ~400 mile round trip from Notts - Glos - Reading - Islington then back to Notts and the car has been fantastic. Well chuffed.

@Blippi that's awesome. Total mess to seamless brilliance. I had a quick perv through your posts and I've gotta say, your Accord looks fantastic. Those light clusters are stunning! They do a media option for my car so @smokingman I think I should be alright. Might bite the bullet and get it in a few months time.

@antdad I paid just under 7K, and personally I feel that was good value. Everything works as it should, and the car has been so well cared for that it feels almost brand new. Drives brilliantly, huge service history with everything done properly, plus extra bits because clearly the previous, original owner loved this car.

@SayamaAccord this one by any chance?

 

[Hondoob]

Also @ukcl9 you still reflashing these 2.4 8th gens with the @littlebo ECU map? Would love to get it done in the next 2-4 weeks, if possible.

 

[Blippi]

@Blippi that's awesome. Total mess to seamless brilliance. I had a quick perv through your posts and I've gotta say, your Accord looks fantastic. Those light clusters are stunning!

Thanks tbh she hides her mileage and battle scars well haha light clusters weren't to bad once you have the courage to give it a go. Looking forward to seeing yours as you progress

 

[SayamaAccord]

Yes that's the one.

 

[F6HAD]

Welcome, looks a lovely and actually rare example with the manual box. I can tune these 8th gen K24’s, drop me a line if interested.

 

[Hondoob]

Thanks tbh she hides her mileage and battle scars well haha light clusters weren't to bad once you have the courage to give it a go. Looking forward to seeing yours as you progress

Ha nice. I'll get the lights out at some point and I'll definitely replace the lenses at the same time. By any chance do you have a link to the lenses you bought, and also to your front grill? Would love to replace mine with the same as the stock one is too much chrome for me and I really like the single fin. Only place I've found it so far is here but for obvious reasons they aren't taking orders.

Yes that's the one.

Great, thanks. I'll get some ordered soon.

Welcome, looks a lovely and actually rare example with the manual box. I can tune these 8th gen K24’s, drop me a line if interested.

Awesome! I'll send you an email shortly.

 

[Blippi]

Re the grille I purchased from the same place indirectly via eBay. Unfortunately a lot of aftermarket stuff made seems to come from Russia I was lucky to get my ducktail spoiler as they invaded day after I ordered and paid for it .

I've seen them on AliExpress app but never looked at the sellers so don't know if you will have the same issue.

The lenses were from AliExpress can't find original seller but I paid about £35 for the pair. Search spirior headlight covers. If searching on the app don't purchase straight away as I find if you search once you only get a couple of sellers then randomly you'll see more when searching other similar items. Try also searching Honda spirior and Acura tsx as there the same bodywork wise anyways.

 

[Hondoob]

@Blippi great tip searching for Acura tsx, I've found these guys in Kazakhstan who make a number of things for the 8th gen, including that grille.

On a different note, I noticed my nearside windscreen trim was lifting at the top. I've got the paperwork that shows it was fixed under the recall in 2014, but either the adhesive used was of poor quality, or 8 years of exposure had made it brittle. I decided to refix both trims, which was a good idea as one came off when I looked at it and the other with just a little pull

Trims removed. There are 4 metal clips glued to the trim which are also glued to the windscreen frame. Working from the top down, I pulled the trim upwards breaking the adhesive at each point, then the bottom of the trim is held on with a plastic clip. Slide the whole trim towards the back of the car and it will come off.

Metal clip & plastic clip

After cleaning the whole area, I fixed the clips to the trims with Evo Stick Turbo. Then, after letting the adhesive harden for 30 mins, I fixed the trims to the window frame with the same adhesive. I was able to keep pressure on the whole thing by using some off cuts of cardboard, and protect the paintwork by using blue roll and duct tape. All tape was stuck to the glass as it's easy to clean any residue once removed.

The finished result. They are solid now but I didn't go crazy with the adhesive, so if the windscreen ever needs replacing they should come off with some careful prying. I let the Evo Stick cure for 24+ hours then took the car out for some fast driving and they are still on; result! Thanks to the various helpful posts on the forum about the windscreens trims this was all quite easy.

 

[Hondoob]

So on Tuesday I visited @F6HAD from Premier Tuning and I've gotta say I am extremely happy. His solution has lowered V-TEC crossover and increased the redline so that the car now drives like it felt it wanted to before. Some decent HP and torque gains as well! We had a good chat about Accords and other bits whilst he was installing the tune, then took the car for a quick test drive and the improvements were immediately noticeable. Thanks again Fahad.

 

[Hondoob]

Gonna be doing my first service end of July/beginning of august and apart from the usuals it's time to get the fuel filter replaced. Is a genuine Honda filter like this one best or is there an aftermarket alternative that's better?

Regarding the oil filter, searching the forum suggests a genuine Honda filter is best but again just wondering is there a better alternative aftermarket filter like this K&N one? It has the usual marketing mumbo jumbo about enhanced flow rates etc but if anyone's had good experiences....

Also, for genuine parts is hondadirectparts.co.uk the place to go is there somewhere better?

 

[F6HAD]

Not sure on an 8th gen but on the 7th gen the fuel filter is part of the in tank pump ***embly. We changed it on my wife’s FRV K20 a few years back, a job well worth doing.

Honda K20 FR-V or Accord Fuel Filter change

A question asked relatively often but not really covered in any detail I believe. The K20 and K24 Accord's have a 'for life' fuel filter, but as anyone knows, there is no such thing. And for less than £40, it's hardly a part that's going to break the bank. My wife's FR-V (2.0 vtec K20) has...

typeaccord.co.uk

regarding the oil filter, just go with a decent brand.

 

[SayamaAccord]

It's this one that you need

Genuine Honda Accord Petrol Fuel Filter - 2008-2015

Fuel filter suitable for 8th Generation 2.4 Accord (2008-2015)

www.hondaparts247.co.uk

 

[Hondoob]

@F6HAD & @SayamaAccord thank you both that's excellent.

 

[Hondoob]

Yesterday I got back home from a 30min journey and my K&N Air Filter had arrived. I removed the old filter and installed the new one, then jumped back in the car and took it for a 20min whip round. I was fully expecting to feel no difference at all, but wow was I wrong! Improved throttle response, torque and acceleration were definitely all there. I'm guessing it's because I've removed the intake resonator, so the air is now drawn in from the wheel well, which really helps the air flow. Perhaps this is a budget friendly way to install a cold air intake and make the engine bay look OEM at the same time? Now I'm seriously considering for the future a custom exhaust system with high flow cat and downpipe.

Also, I've just seen that MV Tuning are doing international orders again; time to start saving!

 

[adibadi]

• Auto folding mirror kit - think this is the right one. Seems like a time consuming but no too difficult process if I follow the steps from this thread.

The factory module is much easier, plug+play.

Plug & play auto folding mirrors

OK boys & girls. After a lot of internet searching & google translating, I have an answer to the auto folding mirror question. There is a genuine Honda Access accessory, which plugs into the wiring loom that will fold your mirrors when you lock the car and unfold them when you unlock the car -...

typeaccord.co.uk

I did this on my LHD CW2 with a module ordered from Japan.

 

[Hondoob]

The factory module is much easier, plug+play.

Plug & play auto folding mirrors

OK boys & girls. After a lot of internet searching & google translating, I have an answer to the auto folding mirror question. There is a genuine Honda Access accessory, which plugs into the wiring loom that will fold your mirrors when you lock the car and unfold them when you unlock the car -...

typeaccord.co.uk

I did this on my LHD CW2 with a module ordered from Japan.

Awesome. I’ll email Japan Parts and see if they still do the part.

 

[Hondoob]

I've made a quick video so anyone interested can hear what the car sounds like with the intake resonator removed. It's only loud when the throttle is depressed by more than a third, which means it's nice and chill around town but flipping loud when you want it to be. You may need to press the speaker icon for sound on. Best to watch with headphones on as that’s the most true representation.

 

[Hondoob]

I've had a fairly busy weekend. Did my first oil and filter change on the Accord which was also my first oil and filter change on a car, ever. I wish I'd had the space to do it on previous cars because it really is quite simple. Got myself a decent pair of ramps (makes the whole process much easier/safer) and got to work early Saturday morning to avoid the heat. Previous owner had genuine Honda filter and I'd already bought the removal tool so getting the old, hugely over-torqued filter off was a breeze. To be honest, the hardest part of the whole process was getting the old filter, which was covered in old oil after removal, out of the tool! Thanks to @SayamaAccord for recommending the right oil. Got myself a 20L to bring down the cost in the long run. I plan on doing the oil every 6K to half year and the filter every 12K to year.

Whilst I had the car up on the ramps I decided I may as well get the grille removed and respray the satin finished surround in the same Crystal Black Pearl as the body, as I feel it's the only point of design that let's the car down; why have all the trim in chrome apart from the grille surround in satin? I found this guide on the American Acura TSX (same as an 8th Accord) for removing the bumper and grille super helpful as it is spot on. You do have to remove the entire front bumper and with my EX disconnect the wiring harnesses for the front fogs and parking sensors too; all quite easy, but note there are no shortcuts here, the bumper must be removed. Before and after pics below.

Before

After - subtle but worth it.

Next time I'll be getting the fantastic local bodyshop to paint for me, as this was a massive pain in the arse and they'd do a much better job.

One thing I've got left to do is change the in-tank fuel filter. @F6HAD your post on the FR-V is really helpful. I've already got the filter delivered, but need the proper tool to remove it. Do you know where I can buy this from?