Let’s be honest, there are way less FL5 owners testing the full potential of their Factory built track weapon when compared to FK8 owners, which is obviously due to how new it is and the massive markup they likely paid leaving the pandemic. As the auto sales market begins to reach pre-stimulus levels, we can only hope to see more and more of those future classics hit the tracks. As far as I can tell, Honda made slight improvements to the cooling system when compared to the FK8, but FL5 owners are still feeling the heat.
For your casual auto-crosser or beginner level HPDE enthusiast, it’s probably not as big of an issue as it would be if you were moving into the more advanced tiers and going all in for the majority of your session. However, once you start finding more power through bolt-ons and advance tuning, the K20C1 really starts to sweat. That being said, if you’re going to hit the track in your Type R like Koji Watanabe-san would want, you owe it to your investment to upgrade your cooling system. While you have the trusty AMEX out, you might as well upgrade the braking system too.
With that being said, these are the Top 5 Best Mods for the Honda Civic Type-R FL5:
1. PWR Advanced Cooling Technology Performance Radiator
Despite being a cutting edge performance car, the FL5 does have its flaws. Heat soak is one problem area, particularly during sustained hard driving. To combat this, PWR has developed one of the most tested radiator kits on the market today. Designed to integrate seamlessly into your engine bay, it comes standard with provisions for OEM mounting. This kit takes advantage of air flow generated through the bay by the bonnet scoop and under tray. Crafted with premium aluminum materials and professionally TIG-welded in the USA, this radiator boasts a single-pass design and louvered fin technology for maximum heat dissipation.
2. EBC Brakes Fully Floating 2-Piece Brake Rotors
Looking to drive your FL5 to work Monday to Friday, but fancy hitting the track on a weekend? You’ll probably want to consider upgrading your rotors and pads! The EBC Brake Rotors are designed to serve this exact need, offering a long lasting outer ring by using high quality components that can stand up to more spirited driving plus serious track abuse than the widely marketed 1-piece cast iron rotors!
3. HKS Legamax Sports Revolutionary Exhaust System
The FL5 is the crème de la crème of front-engine front wheel drive cars to come out of Japan, and while we can hope to SEE more of them in the coming months, I think more of us would prefer to HEAR them. That being said, the factory exhaust on the FL5 was designed with a compliance first, performance eventually mindset. Luckily, exhaust artisans from all over the world have come to the rescue on our quest for power and sound. HKS has been known for their signature sounds since their inception. Gone are the days of the T51R and Super Drager, instead HKS has blessed us with the Legamax line. Completely ditching the factory valve system, HKS believes in flow consistency and has designed the Legamax to deliver a 30% increase in exhaust flow, which when paired with the HKS Power Editor results in impressive gains over stock, and even improved boost pressure and response.
4. PRL Motorsports Billet Intercooler Upgrade
As with any turbo-charged car, the FL5 needs cool, dense air to make the best power, however the standard Intercooler isn’t really up to the task. A slightly inefficient design coupled with the FL5’s heat soak issues have driven a variety of companies to offer aftermarket kits. Our favorite is this PRL kit, with its re-designed end tanks and expanded core size, increasing the intercooler surface area by 31% over stock. Billet machined aluminum end tanks maximize efficiency while looking as smooth as they flow! This intercooler utilizes factory mounting spots with the billet machined end tanks as well as all factory air ducts/shrouds. PRL extended the intercooler fins to take up the entire width of the front bumper’s opening to increase allow for adequate cooling to/through the intercooler into the radiator.
5. Enkei TS-5
TS-5 is part of the Tuning Series. This five spoke model does a fantastic job of dispersing stress efficiently and allows it to keep the spokes as thin as possible to cut down on weight. Relief cuts on the fronts and sides utilize sacred geometry to keep from sacrificing strength and effectively shave weight even further. The step-down lip adds depth and that extra emphasis on this star shape. 18×9.5 +45 5×120 wrapped in 265/35R 18 (As pictured) seem to be most practical fit, but if being original isn’t your thing, we also have TE-37’s in stock.
There are dozens of other great ways to modify your FL5. Let our performance specialists help you decide what’s right for you by calling 1-480-966-3040 or emailing [email protected].
