Best Upgrades for the FL5 Honda Civic Type R – Torque GT Expert Picks
The Honda Civic FL5 Type R is an exceptional machine straight from the factory, but a few carefully selected upgrades can unlock even more potential from this latest generation Honda Civic Type R. Below, the Torque GT team has selected some of the best FL5 Type R performance mods.
The FL5 platform responds incredibly well to targeted, high-quality upgrades. With the right selection of quality parts, you can achieve sharper performance, improved driver feedback, and timeless Japanese styling.
Top Brake Upgrades for the FL5 Honda Civic Type R
The FL5 Honda Civic Type R features impressive Brembo braking from the factory, but for heavy track use or sustained high-performance driving, fade resistance can always be enhanced. Upgrading your brake pads and discs is the most effective way to enhance braking consistency and overall performance on your FL5.
Dixcel Z Type Pads
Dixcel is a respected Japanese brake manufacturer specialising in premium discs and pads, covering everything from OEM+ options to full racing applications. Trusted by teams in Super GT, Super Taikyu, and the Asian GT series, their motorsport pedigree makes them one of Japan’s most reliable braking brands.
The Dixcel Z Type compound is a genuine all-round performer, offering strong, consistent bite even from cold. Designed for stable braking power and high fade resistance, they inspire confidence whether you’re enjoying a spirited B-road drive or a full track session in your FL5 Type R.
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| Proven motorsport reliability and performance | Slightly higher cost than generic OE replacements |
| Long lifespan with consistent bite and excellent modulation | If paired with slotted (SD) discs, pad life may be reduced compared to plain (PD) versions |
| Stable braking performance at both low and high temperatures |
Performance Brake Solutions (PBS)
Performance Brake Solutions (PBS) is a relatively newer name in high-performance braking but has rapidly established a strong reputation across European motorsport. Their pads are rigorously tested and proven in multiple race series, delivering reliable, race-winning performance at a competitive price point.
The ProRace compound uses a ceramic graphite material that provides a strong initial bite, excellent modulation, and powerful stopping force. Used successfully in numerous championship-winning cars, this compound is also a favourite among track-day enthusiasts thanks to its consistency, durability, and great value for the Honda Civic FL5.
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| Proven on European race tracks and championships | Increased brake dust and potential noise compared to street-oriented pads |
| Strong initial bite with excellent modulation and driver control | Not as optimally suited for pure daily road use |
| Suitable for both competition and dedicated track-day use |
Spoon Sports Brake Pads
Spoon Sports is one of Japan’s most revered performance brands, known for producing finely balanced components that seamlessly blend real-world usability with motorsport-derived performance for vehicles like the Honda Civic.
Spoon 'Sports' brake pads feature a special compound that suppresses resin gas production, significantly improving fade resistance during repeated, hard braking. They offer strong performance even when cold, operating best within 0–400°C, and are less aggressive on rotors, making them an ideal upgrade for fast road and moderate track use in your FL5. They also offer a dedicated 'Circuit' pad suited specifically for dedicated track use.
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| Improved fade resistance through advanced pad material technology | Optimum performance is limited to the 0–400°C rotor temperature range |
| Effective initial braking and feel even when cold | Not intended for extreme or prolonged track endurance use |
| Less aggressive on rotors, reducing wear and extending disc life | Premium purchase cost |
Torque GT Insight: For the majority of FL5 Honda Civic Type R owners, the Dixcel Z Type + SD disc combination offers a superb mix of reliable daily usability and excellent track-ready performance. For dedicated track cars, PBS pads deliver race-winning consistency and are a frequent choice in grassroots motorsport.
Best Styling Upgrades for the FL5 Honda Civic Type R
Refine your FL5’s exterior presence with authentic JDM parts. These upgrades perfectly blend functionality with sophisticated, timeless style for your Honda Civic FL5.
Mugen Wind Deflectors
These Ventilated Wind Deflectors from Mugen add OEM-plus refinement and a subtle stylistic enhancement to the FL5. They allow you to crack the windows slightly open without letting wind and rain in, making them ideal for comfortable daily driving.
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| Perfect, precise fitment; improved weather protection; subtle Mugen branding | Minimal visual impact if you’re looking for a very bold aesthetic change |
Spoon Mirror Glass
The Spoon Mirror Glass features blue-tinted convex mirrors which significantly improve rear visibility and reduce glare from headlights. A small, tasteful Spoon logo adds an authentic JDM touch, showing off your attention to detail and appreciation for top-tier Japanese performance brands.
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| Improved safety visibility; stylish appearance; simple plug-and-play fitment; affordable mod | Slightly more reflective under intense, direct sunlight |
Mugen Front Bumper Garnish and Lip
This aggressive Mugen kit, featuring the Front Bumper Garnish and Under Spoiler Lip, drastically transforms the already bold front profile of the FL5 Type R. Made with Mugen's exceptional build quality, these pieces offer a race-inspired look with perfect fitment.
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| Drastic visual change; exceptional build quality; authentic Mugen motorsport heritage | Premium cost; the low front splitter is at risk of being damaged on steep driveways or speed bumps |
Interior Upgrades for the FL5
Mugen Sports Floor Mat Set
Often overlooked, the interior accessories complete a high-end build. These Mugen Sports Floor Mats feature high-quality materials and prominent branding, offering a refined aesthetic to the FL5's cabin.
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| Red or Black available; perfect RHD fitment; premium Mugen quality and durability | Purely aesthetic/comfort upgrade |
Torque GT Insight: The Mugen Front Garnish and Lip are the ultimate statement pieces for the FL5 exterior, offering aggressive styling and motorsport-derived quality. The Mugen mats are a must-have for completing the interior aesthetic and protecting your carpets.
Best Intake and Induction Kits for the FL5 Honda Civic Type R
Improving airflow to the turbocharger sharpens throttle response and enhances that desirable induction sound. Whether you prefer OEM subtlety or full carbon performance, these are our expert picks for your FL5.
Spoon Sports Panel Filter
The Spoon Sports Panel Filter retains OEM fitment but offers significantly improved air flow compared to the stock filter element.
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| Easy, hassle-free install; reliable performance; noticeably enhances throttle response; budget-friendly FL5 mod | Lower peak power gain compared to full intake systems |
Eventuri Carbon Intake
Widely considered the ultimate FL5 intake, this system boasts a fully enclosed carbon housing, perfect fitment, and dyno-proven performance gains, making it a top choice for serious enthusiasts and the FL5 Type R.
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| Best overall performance increase; stunning design and finish; aggressive turbo sound enhancement | Premium cost; professional installation is often recommended for best results |
Torque GT Insight: Spoon’s setup is an ideal, hassle-free, OEM+ option for better airflow and sound. However, for maximum power gains and the most stunning engine bay aesthetic, the Eventuri Carbon Intake is the gold standard for the FL5 Honda Civic.
Essential Cooling Upgrades for the FL5 Honda Civic Type R
The FL5 features improved thermal management, but serious performance drivers and those engaging in motorsport will always benefit from targeted cooling upgrades. Maintaining stable, optimal temperatures is crucial for consistent performance and long-term reliability of your Honda Civic FL5.
Spoon Sports Low Temp Thermostat
This thermostat opens at a lower $68^{\circ}\text{C}$ (vs OEM’s $78^{\circ}\text{C}$). While the FL5 handles heat well, this lower temperature setup ensures the engine maintains optimal performance and prevents the risk of heat soak during prolonged, hard driving or track events. It's a simple yet effective cooling solution for any performance-focused FL5.
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| Prevents the ECU from cutting power; ensures more consistent operating temperatures; track-proven solution | Not strictly necessary for completely stock road-only use |
Torque GT Insight: The Spoon Sports Low Temp Thermostat is an ideal first step in preparing your FL5 Type R for demanding use. It’s a proven, cost-effective way to enhance thermal efficiency and maintain performance consistency during spirited driving or track sessions.
Best Suspension and Handling Mods for the FL5 Honda Civic Type R
The FL5’s chassis dynamics are already incredibly impressive, but fine-tuning the suspension takes its handling precision to a whole new level. The following options improve stance, handling balance, and cornering grip for the Honda Civic FL5.
Spoon Lowering Springs
The Spoon Lowering Springs achieve a drop in ride height of approximately 20mm while expertly retaining the factory electronic comfort and handling balance. They are designed to work seamlessly with the stock suspension dampers or can be paired with aftermarket Spoon dampers.
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| Affordable price point; maintains OEM ride quality; immediately improved aesthetic stance | No adjustability for ride height or damping |
Coilover Systems (TEIN, KW, Öhlins, Spoon)
From comfortable street setups to full race specifications, coilovers deliver the most precise handling and offer custom ride height and damping adjustment for those who want to dial in their FL5’s suspension characteristics perfectly. Coilovers open the door to adjustable camber and are highly beneficial for any fast road or track-focused setup.
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| Fully adjustable damping and ride height; vastly improved track performance capabilities | Requires more maintenance; significantly higher cost |
Spoon Sports Adjustable Anti-Roll Bars
Spoon Sports offers an exceptional front and rear adjustable Anti-Roll Bar set specifically designed for the FL5 Honda Civic Type R.
These bars are a highly effective way of drastically reducing body roll, sharpening cornering response, and improving overall stability without immediately moving to coilovers.
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| Full adjustability; delivers significant results; offers good value compared to a full coilover system |
Can lead to a harsher ride on poor road surfaces; may result in a more 'twitchy' feeling rear end at the limit |
Torque GT Insight: For daily drivers who want a better look, Spoon springs hit the sweet spot. For serious track builds, commit to coilovers, but for a great compromise between price and performance, the Spoon Adjustable ARBs are highly recommended for the FL5 Type R.
Best Products to Improve Shifting Feel in the FL5 Honda Civic Type R
Honda has done a fantastic job with the FL5’s shift feel, but Hybrid Racing components can still elevate it to world-class levels with even sharper engagement and mechanical precision.
Hybrid Racing Detent Springs
A small, low-cost modification with a surprisingly large impact, these Hybrid Racing Detent Springs increase selector tension for incredibly crisp, precise gear shifts in the FL5.
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| Extremely affordable; noticeably improves driver feedback and feel | Installation requires removing the battery and possibly the intake kit |
Hybrid Racing Shifter Base Bushings
Again, a small but mighty modification. The Hybrid Racing replacement shifter base bushings are designed to dramatically improve shifting precision and eliminate the unwanted slop caused by the soft OEM rubber bushings in the FL5.
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| Vastly improves shift accuracy; durable component; highly cost-effective FL5 upgrade | Does not eliminate all potential side-to-side play from the factory system |
Hybrid Racing Shifter Cable Bushes
Replacing the soft factory rubber bushings in the shift cables is a vital step for a precise shift feel. These competition-grade bushings eliminate deflection and cable stretch, translating to a more direct, mechanical feel in the FL5’s gearbox.
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| Eliminates cable slop; very durable; improves shift accuracy; highly cost-effective | Requires access to the engine bay for install; may slightly increase shift effort |
Torque GT Insight: For the ultimate budget performance upgrade, combine the detent springs, shifter base bushings, and cable bushings – this trio offers the most significant improvement in precision and driver feedback for your FL5 gearbox.
Best Engine Bay Styling Upgrades for the FL5 Honda Civic Type R
Attention to detail under the bonnet shows true pride of ownership. These authentic JDM pieces bring craftsmanship and motorsport heritage to your FL5’s engine bay.
Spoon Engine Bay Styling
Spoon's signature yellow details are the perfect way to elevate the aesthetics of your FL5 engine bay. The lightweight carbon plug cover, iconic coloured rocker cover, and billet oil filler cap are absolute essentials for dedicated Spoon fans.
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| Premium finish; strong brand heritage; simple bolt-on install | Primarily aesthetic enhancement; higher price due to Spoon branding and quality |
Fujitsubo Titanium Bonnet Stay
A distinctive offering from Fujitsubo, this Bonnet Stay is lightweight and features a beautifully finished burnt titanium hue - a truly standout touch for show-quality engine bay builds.
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| Extremely lightweight; eye-catching finish; authentic JDM craftsmanship | Purely aesthetic upgrade; limited availability for the FL5 |
Torque GT Insight: A full Spoon engine bay setup, featuring their carbon plug cover, coloured rocker cover, and oil filler cap, is the ultimate combo for JDM purists. It's guaranteed to be a conversation starter at any car meet or show for your FL5 Honda Civic.
Best Exhaust System Upgrades for the FL5 Honda Civic Type R
Upgrading the exhaust system on your FL5 Type R not only unlocks potential power gains by reducing back pressure but also delivers the aggressive, high-performance soundtrack that the car truly deserves.
HKS Legamax Premium Exhaust
The HKS Legamax is a twin-exit stainless steel system that achieves up to a 30% reduction in back pressure, and is finished with striking burnt titanium tips for visual flair on the FL5.
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| Smooth turbo response improvement; exceptionally high build quality; aggressive, deep tone | Slightly heavier overall weight than full titanium systems |
Spoon N1 Exhaust
The Spoon N1 is a classic, enduring offering from the JDM giant. This exhaust is track-focused yet street refined, featuring a 70mm stainless design perfectly optimised for maximum flow and an iconic tone for the FL5.
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| Iconic, signature Spoon sound; well-balanced noise level for spirited driving | High price point; relatively simple, understated styling |
Fujitsubo A-RM+C Titanium Exhaust
One of the more premium and exclusive options for the FL5, the Fujitsubo A-RM+C is a full titanium system, featuring genuine carbon twin exits and a metallic, race-bred JDM tone that is unmatched.
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| Extremely lightweight construction; unparalleled craftsmanship; unmatched high-performance sound | Premium, top-tier price; limited availability and longer lead times |
Torque GT Insight: Fujitsubo definitely sets the ultimate benchmark for sound and component quality for the FL5 Type R plus its distinctive carbon tip design make it a truly unique, eye-catching centrepiece for any Honda Civic FL5 build.
Build Your Perfect FL5 Honda Civic Type R with Proven JDM Upgrades
From sharper, more consistent braking with Dixcel pads to thermal mastery with Spoon and Koyorad cooling components, every upgrade mentioned brings the FL5 Type R closer to high-performance perfection. Add Mugen styling, Eventuri induction, and Hybrid Racing shifting precision, and you will have a unique build that perfectly balances raw power, unwavering reliability, and authentic JDM heritage.
Our expert team is ready to help you select the right combination of Honda Civic FL5 parts for your specific performance goals and budget, with professional fitting services readily available in-house.
