The Honda Civic Type R (FK8) is a solid platform for enthusiasts looking to soak up some highway miles during the week and tear up the track come the weekend. Honda’s 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is capable of producing some pretty satisfying power, but the addition of power mods and tuning can really push the limits of the restrictive stock charge air system. After all, it is no secret that the engine in the Civic Type R is extremely susceptible to heat soak, especially when retaining the stock Intercooler.

Excessive heat soak is something you want to avoid at all costs, especially when the solution is as simple as upgrading the intercooler. This is because extreme or unnecessary heat soak increases the risk of detonation and causes major power loss due to high charge air and cylinder temperatures. These problems become even more prevalent with increased power outputs or hard/spirited driving. All in all, these are all reasons as to why you need to find an upgrade for the stock tube-and-fin intercooler to avoid the inevitable heat soak associated with it.

The addition of a larger or upgraded intercooler is one of the best ways to safely increase horsepower in a turbocharged engine. By reducing the engine’s inlet temperatures, a denser air charge will enter the engine, consequently making more horsepower at the same boost level and even more power at higher boost levels. To keep your Type R’s engine power up and consistent after every lap, it’s important to look into swapping out the factory intercooler on your car.

While the Honda Civic Type R is regarded as one of the fastest front-wheel-drive production cars on the market, the compact OEM intercooler easily retains heat and can reduce engine power. Luckily, the automotive aftermarket has a number of attractive options for your Civic, and we here at Vivid Racing have compiled the list below to help you on your search. To check out our entire inventory of intercoolers for your Type R, click here.

1. Mishimoto Performance Intercooler Kit

Mishimoto has been the world leader in performance cooling products for over 15 years; the brand was created for automotive enthusiasts by automotive enthusiasts, so you can rest assured you are getting top-notch products that deliver real results. Mishimoto The Performance Intercooler Kit from Mishimoto for your Honda Civic Type R will give your vehicle’s cooling system the overhaul it deserves. This package comes with either a black or silver intercooler, with the option of wrinkle black or wrinkle red piping to match your preferred styling. This kit also includes the Mishimoto Lifetime Warranty to keep you boosting around the track worry-free for years to come.

Mishimoto started out by increasing the overall size of the intercooler core to more than double that of the stock measurements. The 4.7-inch thick core boasts a 169 percent increase in overall volume and bumps the external fin surface area by 189 percent for ideal heat rejection properties. Mishimoto didn’t stop there, though, as the company went on to update the charged air channels with a 2.5” mandrel-bent aluminum cold-side pipe. The rubber sections (including the hot-side pipe) were swapped out for five layers of heat-resistant silicone. Both of these moves result in an increase in airflow throughout the entire system and guarantee that you will never experience a boost leak.

The core of this intercooler is not only more than double the size of the factory one, but it also features a bar-and-plate construction that offers increased heat rejection characteristics and boosts airflow for optimal performance levels. It works by offering improved flow while also transferring heat away from the charged air. This strategic design increases the internal core volume by 45 percent and offers a 239 percent gain in external fin surface area. This kit also includes a set of 2.5″ mandrel-bent intercooler pipes that increase overall air volume by 169 percent. The Mishimoto Performance Intercooler Kit is also capable of providing up to an additional 10 horsepower and 10 pound-feet of torque. 

Features:

• Direct replacement fit for the Honda Civic Type R
• 4.7″ thick intercooler design optimized for maximum flow
• Max power gains of up to 10 horsepower and 10 lb-ft torque
• Drops outlet air temperatures by 50º Fahrenheit on stock tuning
• Optimal core design for maximum cooling efficiency with minimal pressure drop
• Intercooler volume increased by 169% and external fin surface area by 189%
• 2.5″ piping diameter improves flow characteristics
• Mandrel-bent aluminum cold-side piping for increased durability
• Four color options – core and piping finishes
• Mishimoto Lifetime Warranty

Buy It Here! 

2. GReddy Type-28E Intercooler Kit

GReddy is one of the most recognized brands in the aftermarket industry and has provided parts for numerous tuners and racers all around the world. The GReddy Type-28E Front Mount Intercooler Kit for the 10th-generation Honda Civic Type R is a complete piping and core replacement package. This kit uses a tube and fin core with matched inner-fin, which has proven to be ideal for lowering temperatures without a massive drop in pressure. The same design is also efficient in reducing surface area, which means the engine radiator has sufficient airflow to keep things running smoothly. GReddy has worked hard on the Type-28E and larger Type-24E kits for the Honda Civic Type R to ensure it delivers what it promises. In fact, this kit has made consistent power gains on three consecutive dyno runs using the shop fans for cooling. Results showed that the OEM intercooler restricted the FK8 and actually dropped 25 whp and 20 wtq on the last run.

The GReddy Type-28E Front Mount Intercooler Kit features full mandrel-bent aluminum piping and is the smaller of the two intercooler cores (medium and large) available for the Type R. The smaller core will have a slightly better throttle response compared to the larger core version. This makes it ideal for anyone on a stock turbo setup that is not pushing the absolute limits of their vehicle. The larger core is the preferred choice for high boost levels with more intense tuning or larger turbos. With these GReddy intercooler kits, you cannot use the piping or the core with any of the stock units; this a full replacement kit and must be used together. As with all GReddy components, fitment is guaranteed to be top-notch and all hardware is included to make installation a pleasant experience. Replacing the stock intercooler in your 10th-generation Honda Civic Type R is a must for those seeking higher and more reliable power, and GReddy has you covered with this complete and effective package.

Features:

• Full mandrel-bent aluminum piping
• Direct replacement kit for stock intercooler
• Two sizes available for your application
• Better throttle response and more power
• Reduces charge air temperatures
• Provides consistent and efficient cooling
• Lightweight construction with proven results
• Type-28E Core Dim: L600 / H248 / W66 mm
• Includes Aluminum intercooler piping, hoses, brackets

Buy the Type 28-E Intercooler Here! (600mm x 248mm x 66mm)

Buy the Type 24-E Intercooler Here! (600mm x 284mm x 66mm)

3. Injen Front Mount Intercooler Kit

Injen offers high-quality aftermarket air induction products so enthusiasts can achieve greater performance from their vehicles without those pesky “Check Engine” lights. Injen is a top choice for owners who demand high-quality, dyno-proven parts to get the most out of their turbocharged vehicle. Injen’s Front Mount Intercooler Kit for the Honda Civic Type R is a highly efficient bar-and-plate solution engineered specifically for your vehicle. It is a direct-fit unit and features a 25 percent increase in core volume while requiring no modifications to your car. This intercooler is constructed with cast end tanks and precision CNC-machined aluminum flanges for use with the Type R’s factory intercooler piping.

The Injen Front Mount Intercooler Kit for the Civic Type R intercooler reduces intake temperatures by 30 degrees Fahrenheit to keep your engine cool and running at its best. It also provides an impressive increase of up to 27 horsepower and 23 pound-feet of torque while retaining factory boost pressure across the core. This intercooler upgrade also features precision TIG-welding and has a nice raw silver finish. With a one-hour installation, notable power, temperature benefits, and a lifetime warranty, the Injen FM1582i intercooler is a must-have upgrade for any stock or modified Civic Type R. You can also pair this product with Injen’s available intercooler piping kits.

Features:

• Dyno Proven gains of up to 27 hp and 23 lb-ft of torque
• 100% Direct bolt-on front mount intercooler
• Optional intercooler piping kit available. (PN: SES1582ICP)
• CAD-designed end tanks for optimal airflow
• Intercooler core dimensions: 21.06 x 5.750 x 5.28
• Designed to work with the stock calibration
• Injen Technology Limited Lifetime Warranty

Buy It Here! 

4. Perrin Front Mount Intercooler Kit

Perrin Performance is a leading manufacturer that offers a full lineup of products that touch upon every aspect of performance modification on your car. Its products are guaranteed to boost performance to the next level in a safe and effective way with proven gains. That being said, the Perrin Front Mount Intercooler Kit will replace your Civic Type R’s overheated OEM top mount intercooler with a high-efficiency upgrade that will deliver the results you want. This product will cool more air between the turbo and engine to ensure your vehicle is performing optimally at all times, even during spirited driving. This upgrade features an optimal core design with 3/8” bar and plate that has a 3/8” charge air and ambient air path, instead of the common 1/4” size. It is also much more durable than the tube and fin design with the ability to withstand debris that enters through the scoop.

The Perrin Performance intercooler will help your Honda Civic Type R breathe easier and better with some much-desired power all without needing a tune! The Perrin all-aluminum, silver powder-coated front mount intercooler is built for straight bolt-on power gains! Rated at over 600 WHP, this intercooler adds 15-20 WHP and 15-20 pound-feet of torque to your vehicle. It reduces intake charge temps by 40 degrees Fahrenheit and the colder air charge creates more power than the factory intercooler. On the track, post intercooler charge temps were shown to remain within 10-30 degrees above ambient temps, all while maintaining a pressure drop of less than 1psi. Not only does this upgrade deliver better performance, though, but its front-mount design also gives off a bolder aesthetic for the Type R’s fascia and is made to withstand the elements so it looks awesome for years to come.

Features:

• Adds 15-20 WHP and 15-20 ft-lbs of TQ.
• Reduces intake charge temps by 40º Fahrenheit
• 221 sq. in. surface area, 3/8″ bar and plate
• Deep gasket grooves for OEM O-rings
• Smooth equal flow across the entire core
• No need for internal baffles or dividers
• Pressure tested up to 50 psi
• Silver powder-coated finish
• PERRIN logo stencil included

Buy It Here! 

5. PRL Motorsports Billet Intercooler Upgrade

PRL Motorsports uses an innovative approach and a passion for speed to deliver high-quality parts to keep your car running well and strong. Its roots are based on being drivers, tuners, and fabricators that date back into the ’90s with various Honda platforms. PRL has garnered quite a solid reputation in the JDM market for offering premium performance products created for enthusiasts by enthusiasts. The PRL Motorsports Billet Intercooler Upgrade for the FK8 Civic Type R does not require any tune and its current design retains the factory intercooler bolts and hardware with PRL’s billet machined end tanks. To maintain consistency as with most of the PRL lineup, there is absolutely no cutting or trimming required to install this kit, making it quick and easy to swap out the restrictive stock intercooler with this proven upgrade.

The PRL Motorsports Billet Intercooler Upgrade comes in a raw option and a black powder-coated variant. It decreases charge air temperatures while increasing potential airflow with its dense 26.5” x 3.5” x 7.25″ 550-plus horsepower rated bar-and-plate core. PRL’s intercooler core also increases surface area by 85 percent and internal flow by 83 percent to allow for optimal cooling and airflow, which translates to better performance. The billet machined aluminum end tanks maximize efficiency while looking as smooth as they flow. Other advantages to PRL’s Billet Intercooler are increased turbocharger spool, noticeable mid-range power gains, better efficiency and consistency, engine safety, and gains of up to 3 horsepower and 11 pound-feet of torque with this simple bolt-on upgrade!

Features: 

• Increased turbocharger spool
• Additional 3 horsepower &and11 ft-lb torque
• Major mid-range power gains
• 50º+ F drop-in post charge air temperature at peak
• Average of 32º F drop in post charge air temperature
• Increased efficiency and consistency in power delivery
• Enhanced engine safety for optimal performance

Buy the Raw Billet Intercooler Here! 

Buy the Black Coated Intercooler Here!