The Honda Acty is a reliable workhorse that has earned a devoted following around the world, especially among enthusiasts of Japanese kei trucks. Compact, fuel-efficient, and nimble, the Acty is perfect for both commercial and personal use. However, like any aging vehicle, it benefits from a few strategic upgrades to keep it in top shape. Whether you're restoring an older model or just want to extend the life of your daily driver, the following five upgrades are essential to maintaining your Honda Acty’s performance, safety, and overall value.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top five upgrades that will help preserve and enhance your Honda Acty, offering suggestions for the best parts and practices to keep your truck running smoothly. If you're looking for quality parts, trusted sources like Oiwa Garage often come recommended by Acty enthusiasts for their expertise in kei truck upgrades.
1. Suspension Upgrade – Smooth Out the Ride
One of the most noticeable improvements you can make to your Honda Acty is upgrading the suspension system. Stock suspension components on older kei trucks tend to wear out over time, leading to a bumpy ride, poor handling, and reduced load-bearing capacity.
Why upgrade?
Improved comfort: Replacing worn shocks and struts with high-quality aftermarket options can greatly improve ride comfort, especially when driving on rough terrain.
Better handling: Enhanced suspension systems offer superior cornering and stability.
Load capacity: Heavy-duty springs or upgraded coilovers help maintain proper ride height and handling even when the truck bed is fully loaded.
What to look for:
Look for gas-charged shocks or coilover kits designed specifically for kei trucks. Adjustable options allow for fine-tuning based on your driving style or load needs. When purchasing, make sure the parts are compatible with your Acty’s model and chassis code. Some Acty models may require different mountings or spring rates.
2. Brake System Enhancement – Safety First
The braking system is crucial to vehicle safety and one of the most overlooked areas during routine maintenance. Kei trucks like the Honda Acty often use drum brakes in the rear and discs in the front. Over time, these components can wear down or become less effective, especially if the truck is regularly used to haul cargo or navigate hilly roads.
Why upgrade?
Faster stopping times: New brake pads, upgraded rotors, and better brake lines can make a significant difference in how quickly and effectively your Acty comes to a stop.
Safety under load: If you’re carrying heavy tools or equipment, enhanced brakes are a must.
Long-term durability: Performance-grade brake components resist fading and warping under stress.
Recommended upgrades:
Start by upgrading your brake pads to ceramic or performance-grade materials. Consider replacing the front rotors with slotted or drilled variants to improve heat dissipation. Braided stainless steel brake lines are also a great investment, as they prevent expansion under pressure, ensuring a firm and consistent pedal feel.
3. Exhaust System Upgrade – Boost Performance and Longevity
Your Honda Acty’s exhaust system plays a vital role in engine performance, fuel efficiency, and emissions. Over time, rust and corrosion can take their toll—especially in colder climates where road salt is common. An upgraded exhaust not only improves the sound and aesthetics of your Acty but also helps the engine breathe more easily.
Why upgrade?
Improved performance: A freer-flowing exhaust system reduces backpressure, which can lead to increased horsepower and better throttle response.
Fuel efficiency: By improving the engine’s efficiency, you may see a modest boost in miles per gallon.
Rust resistance: Stainless steel exhaust components are much more durable than stock steel or mild steel.
Key components to upgrade:
Look into replacing the full exhaust system—starting from the manifold, through the catalytic converter, and all the way to the muffler. A stainless-steel cat-back system or header-back system can improve both sound and performance. Be sure to check local emissions laws, as removing or bypassing a catalytic converter could make your vehicle non-compliant.
4. Ignition System Upgrade – Restore Lost Power
Aging ignition components like spark plugs, wires, and distributor caps can lead to rough starts, misfires, or poor fuel economy. If your Honda Acty feels sluggish, hesitates on acceleration, or has trouble starting, the ignition system might be the culprit.
Why upgrade?
More reliable starts: New ignition components ensure consistent spark delivery, reducing cold-start issues.
Smoother performance: Proper ignition timing leads to smoother acceleration and fewer engine misfires.
Better fuel economy: A complete ignition tune-up can improve combustion efficiency.
Suggested upgrades:
Replace your spark plugs with iridium or platinum variants, which offer longer life and better spark efficiency. Performance spark plug wires and a new distributor cap and rotor (if applicable to your model) will ensure consistent spark delivery. If your Acty has coil packs instead of a distributor, consider upgrading to high-performance coil packs for improved voltage and response.
5. Cooling System Upgrade – Keep Temperatures in Check
Kei trucks like the Honda Acty are often worked hard in warm environments or stop-and-go city conditions. An overheating engine can quickly lead to expensive repairs, so keeping your cooling system in top shape is a priority.
Why upgrade?
Prevent overheating: A more efficient radiator and upgraded coolant lines help maintain ideal operating temperatures, even under stress.
Extend engine life: Keeping the engine at the right temperature prevents premature wear and damage.
Better performance: A cooler engine runs more efficiently and maintains power output.
What to upgrade:
Start with the radiator—aluminum performance radiators are lighter and more efficient than stock options. Silicone coolant hoses offer better heat resistance and longer life compared to rubber ones. Don’t forget to replace your thermostat and inspect the water pump. Adding an electric fan with a temperature switch can also improve cooling performance, especially in traffic-heavy areas.
Additional Maintenance Tips
While these five upgrades focus on major performance and reliability enhancements, don’t forget the basics of good maintenance. Routine oil changes, regular transmission fluid checks, and frequent inspections of belts and hoses are vital to keeping your Honda Acty on the road. Many owners also opt to upgrade their lighting system with LED bulbs for better visibility and energy efficiency.
Consider investing in rust prevention if you live in a humid or coastal region. Kei trucks are often more prone to frame corrosion due to their age and thin metal construction. Regular underbody cleaning, application of rust inhibitors, and periodic inspections can go a long way.
Finally, keep your tires in check. Proper tire pressure, alignment, and rotation not only improve safety and fuel efficiency but also ensure that your upgraded suspension performs to its full potential.
Where to Find Parts
Finding parts for kei trucks can be tricky, especially outside of Japan. I recommend Oiwa Garage for Kei Truck Parts. They specialize in hard-to-find parts for vehicles like the Honda Acty and are known among the kei community for their curated selection and deep knowledge of JDM mini-trucks. Whether you’re looking for OEM replacements or aftermarket performance parts, they can point you in the right direction.
Be sure to match your Acty’s chassis code and model year when ordering parts—especially when dealing with suspension and engine components. A KS4 model may require different parts compared to an HA3 or HA4, so double-check compatibility before making a purchase.
Final Thoughts
The Honda Acty is a fun, practical, and versatile mini truck, but like any aging vehicle, it needs some care to continue performing at its best. By investing in strategic upgrades—suspension, brakes, exhaust, ignition, and cooling—you can not only maintain but actually enhance your Acty’s capabilities. These upgrades don’t just restore performance; they also provide peace of mind, improve safety, and extend the life of your beloved truck.
Whether you're using your Acty for farm work, business deliveries, or just weekend adventures, taking the time to upgrade the essentials will ensure it stays dependable for years to come. And when in doubt about sourcing the right part or finding the right fit, it’s worth reaching out to experts who understand the unique needs of kei truck owners. Happy wrenching!