Best Mods for the FK8 Civic Type R – Torque GT Expert Picks
The FK8 Honda Civic Type R already delivers serious performance from the factory, but a few carefully chosen upgrades can unlock even more potential. Below, the Torque GT team have selected some of the best FK8 mods.
The FK8 responds incredibly well to a few targeted upgrades. With the right selection of quality parts, you can achieve sharper performance, improved feel, and timeless Japanese styling.
Top Brake Upgrades for the FK8 Honda Civic Type R
The FK8 Civic Type R features Brembo 4-piston calipers and confident braking straight from the factory, but under heavy use, fade resistance can be improved. Upgrading your brake pads and discs is the most effective way to enhance braking consistency and performance.
Dixcel Z-Type Pads
Dixcel are a Japanese brake manufacturer specialising in premium discs and pads, from OEM+ options to full racing applications. Trusted by teams in Super GT, Super Taikyu and the Asian GT series, their motorsport pedigree and attention to detail make them one of Japan’s most respected braking brands.
The Dixcel Z-Type is a genuine all-round performer, offering strong, consistent braking even when cold. Designed for stable braking power and high fade resistance, they inspire confidence whether you’re on a B-road blast or a track session.
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| Proven motorsport reliability and performance | Slightly higher cost than generic OE replacements |
| Long lifespan with consistent bite and modulation | If paired with slotted (SD) discs, pad life may be reduced compared to plain (PD) versions |
| Stable braking at both low and high temperatures |
Performance Brake Solutions (PBS)
Performance Brake Solutions (PBS) may be a newer name in braking, but they’ve quickly built a strong reputation across European motorsport. Their pads are tested and proven in multiple race series, delivering reliable, race-winning performance at an accessible price point.
The ProRace compound uses a ceramic graphite material that offers strong initial bite, excellent modulation, and powerful stopping power. Used successfully in numerous race series, including championship-winning cars, the compound is also a favourite among track-day enthusiasts thanks to its consistency, durability and value.
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| Proven on European race tracks and championships | Increased brake dust and noise compared to street-oriented pads |
| Strong initial bite with excellent modulation and control | Not as suited for daily road use |
| Suitable for both competition and dedicated track-day use |
Spoon Sports Brake Pads
Spoon Sports are one of Japan’s most respected performance brands, known for producing finely balanced components that blend real-world usability with motorsport performance.
Spoon 'Sports' brake pads use a special compound that suppresses production of resin gas, improving fade resistance under repeated braking. They offer strong performance even when cold, operating best within 0–400°C, and are less aggressive on rotors, making them ideal for fast road and light track use. They also offer a dedicated 'Circuit' pad suited only for track use.
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| Improved fade resistance through advanced pad material | Optimum performance limited to 0–400°C rotor temperature range |
| Effective braking and feel even when cold | Not intended for heavy or prolonged track use |
| Less aggressive on rotors, reducing wear and extending disc life | Premium cost |
Torque GT Insight: For most FK8 owners, the Dixcel Z-Type + SD disc combo offers the perfect mix of daily usability and track-ready performance. For pure track cars, PBS pads deliver race-winning consistency and are commonly used in motorsport.
Best Exterior Styling Upgrades for the FK8 Civic Type R
Transform your FK8’s look with authentic JDM exterior parts. From Mugen wind deflectors to Spoon mirror glass, these upgrades blend function with timeless style.
Mugen Wind Deflectors
These Ventilated Wind Deflectors from Mugen add OEM-plus refinement and subtle style to the FK8. They allow you to have the windows slightly open without letting wind and rain in, ideal for daily driving.
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| Perfect fitment; weather protection; subtle Mugen branding | Minimal visual impact if you’re chasing bold styling |
Spoon Mirror Glass
The Spoon Mirror Glass features blue-tinted convex mirrors which improve rear visibility and reduce glare. A small Spoon logo adds a tasteful JDM touch and shows off your attention to detail and let others know you have top tier taste in JDM brands!
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| Improved visibility; stylish; simple plug-in fitment; affordable mod | Slightly more reflective under direct sunlight |
Mugen Sequential Tail Lights
Mugen’s plug-and-play sequential LED clusters transform the FK8’s rear end with a premium, aggressive look plus their build quality is unmatched.
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| Sharp illumination; plug-and-play install; premium Mugen finish | Higher cost compared to alternative styling products |
Torque GT Insight: These three upgrades offer a perfect entry point to JDM styling, affordable, functional, and unmistakably authentic. The Mugen Tail Lights are our recommendation if you want to significantly change the appearance of your FK8.
Best Intake and Induction Kits for the FK8 Civic Type R
Improving airflow sharpens throttle response and enhances induction sound. Whether you want OEM subtlety or full carbon performance, these are our picks.
Spoon Sports Panel Filter
The Spoon Sports Panel Filter utilises OEM fitment with but significantly improves air flow compared to the stock filter. It retains factory reliability and pairs perfectly with the Spoon Carbon Air Duct.
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| Easy install; reliable; enhances throttle response; budget-friendly | Lower power gain compared to full intake systems |
HKS Carbon Cold Air Intake
Full carbon setup with aluminium pipework and an AFR sensor to maintain the correct air-fuel ratio, meaning no tuning required. Offers a crisp induction sound and measurable power increase.
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| Proven power gains; premium construction; great sound; AFR sensor included | Higher price; minor fitting complexity |
Eventuri Carbon Intake
The ultimate FK8 intake with its fully enclosed carbon housing, perfect fitment, and dyno-proven performance.
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| Best performance increase; stunning design; aggressive turbo sound | Premium cost; requires professional installation |
Torque GT Insight: Spoon’s setup is an ideal, hassle free, OEM+ option but for maximum power and aesthetics, Eventuri is the gold standard and adds a mean aesthetic to your engine bay.
Essential Cooling Upgrades for the FK8 Civic Type R
A common problem with the FK8 is high temperatures when pushed hard for an extended duration. Managing temperatures is crucial for both reliability and performance.
Spoon Sports Thermostat
This thermostat opens at 68°C (vs OEM’s 78°C) to prevent heat soak and maintain optimal temps during prolonged, hard driving. It's a simple but extremely effective cooling solution for the FK8.
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| Prevents ECU cutting power; consistent temperatures; track-proven | Not necessary for completely stock road use |
Koyorad Performance Radiator
Koyorad have been around for years and have consistently produced high quality performance radiators. It's a direct-fit, aluminium radiator offering improved heat transfer and durability over the stock radiator.
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| OEM fitment; hand-welded construction; significant cooling improvement | Only necessary for track-focused or tuned FK8s; higher cost |
Torque GT Insight: The Spoon + Koyorad combo is a proven setup, trusted by our sponsored FK8 Time Attack driver to maintain consistent temps under competition conditions. [Discover more about this FK8 Time Attack setup here]
Best Suspension and Handling Mods for the FK8 Honda Civic Type R
The FK8’s chassis is impressive out of the box, but fine-tuning the suspension takes it to another level. The following options improve stance, balance, and cornering precision.
Spoon Lowering Springs
The Spoon Lowering Springs drop ride height by approximately 20mm while retaining factory comfort and handling balance, built to work with stock suspension or with Spoon dampers.
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| Affordable; OEM ride quality; improved stance | No adjustability |
Coilovers (BC, TEIN, KW, Öhlins, Spoon)
From street to race setups, coilovers deliver precise handling and custom ride height adjustment for those wanting to dial in their FK8’s suspension. Coilovers open the door to camber adjustment and will benefit those looking for a fast road or track setup.
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| Adjustable damping and ride height; improved track performance | More maintenance; higher cost |
Anti-Roll Bars (Spoon / Whiteline)
Anti-Roll Bars are a hugely effective way of reducing body roll and sharpening cornering response, subsequently improving grip and even straight line stability.
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| Great value handling mod; quick install; noticeable improvement |
Harsher ride on rough roads; 'Snappier' rear, requiring more driver input |
Torque GT Insight: For daily drivers, Spoon springs hit the sweet spot. For track builds, go coilovers - you’ll never look back.
Best Products to Improve Shifting Feel in the FK8 Civic Type R
Honda nailed the FK8’s shift feel, but Hybrid Racing components elevate it to world-class levels with sharper engagement and precision.
Hybrid Racing Detent Springs
A small mod with a big impact, these Hybrid Racing Detent Springs increase selector tension for crisp, precise shifts.
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| Affordable; improves feedback | Install requires removing the battery and possibly the intake kit |
Hybrid Racing Shifter Base Bushings
Again, a small but mighty mod. The Hybrid Racing replacement shifter base bushings are designed to improve shifting precision and eliminate the soft OEM rubber bushings that cause sloppy shifting.
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| Improves accuracy; durable; cost-effective | Does not eliminate all side-to-side play |
Hybrid Racing Short Shifter Assembly
Take it a step further with a full Hybrid Racing Short Shifter Assembly. Fully adjustable billet shifter offering race-level precision with 10–50% throw reduction.
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| 10–50% throw adjustment; exceptional build; premium feel | Higher price; complex install |
Torque GT Insight: Our recommendation is to combine the detent springs and base bushings for huge improvement on a budget. Or go all-in with the short shifter for the ultimate FK8 driving feel.
Best Engine Bay Styling Upgrades for the FK8 Civic Type R
Attention to detail under the bonnet shows true pride of ownership. These JDM pieces bring craftsmanship and heritage to your FK8’s engine bay.
Spoon Engine Bay Styling
Spoons Signature blue and yellow details elevate your engine bay. The carbon plug cover, coloured rocker cover, and oil filler cap are essentials for Spoon fans.
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| Premium finish; strong brand heritage; simple install | Mostly aesthetic; higher price for Spoon branding |
Fujitsubo Titanium Bonnet Stay
A new product offering from Fujitsubo, this Bonnet Stay is lightweight and beautifully finished in burnt titanium - a standout touch for show builds.
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| Lightweight; eye-catching finish; authentic JDM craftsmanship | Purely aesthetic; limited availability |
Torque GT Insight: A full Spoon engine bay setup with their carbon plug cover, yellow rocker, and oil filler cap is the ultimate combo for JDM purists and will have people talking at meets or shows...
Best Exhaust System Upgrades for the FK8 Civic Type R
Upgrading the exhaust system on your FK8 unlocks power, reduces back pressure, and delivers the aggressive soundtrack it deserves.
Hybrid Racing Formula Exhaust
The Hybird Racing Formula Exhaust is beautifully engineered with custom resonators, leak-proof flanges, and an integrated dry-carbon diffuser.
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| Incredible sound with no drone; perfect fitment; standout aesthetics | Limited availability; premium price |
HKS Legamax Premium Exhaust
The HKS Legamax is a Twin-exit stainless steel system that reduces back pressure by 50%, finished with burnt titanium tips for visual flair.
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| Smooth turbo response; high build quality; aggressive tone | Slightly heavier than titanium systems |
Spoon N1 Exhaust
The Spoon N1 is a classic offering from the JDM giant. Track-focused yet refined, featuring a 70mm stainless design optimised for flow and tone.
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| Iconic Spoon sound; balanced noise level | High price point; simple styling |
Fujitsubo A-RM+C Titanium Exhaust
One of the more premium options for the FK8, the Fujitsubo A-RM+C is a full titanium system, featuring carbon twin exits, and a metallic JDM tone that’s second to none.
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| Lightweight; best craftsmanship; unmatched sound | Premium price; limited availability |
Torque GT Insight: Fujitsubo sets the bar for sound and quality, but the Hybrid Racing Formula Exhaust’s integrated diffuser and tip design make it a unique centrepiece for any FK8 build.
Build Your Perfect FK8 Civic Type R with Proven JDM Upgrades
From sharper braking with Dixcel pads to cooling mastery with Spoon and Koyorad, every upgrade brings the FK8 closer to perfection. Add Mugen styling, HKS or Eventuri induction, and Hybrid Racing precision, and you’ll have a build that balances performance, reliability, and JDM authenticity.
Our team can help you select the right combination for your goals and budget, with professional fitting services available in-house.
