Honda Civic Type R FK8 Tuning Guide

Honda Civic Type R FK8 - Tuning Guide

The Honda Civic Type R FK8 is a performance-focused vehicle straight out of the factory, boasting impressive power, handling, and track-ready capabilities. However, like many performance enthusiasts, some owners may look to enhance their FK8 further through tuning. Whether you're looking for increased power, better handling, or simply want to modify the car to suit your personal driving preferences, tuning your FK8 is a viable option.

This guide will walk you through the various options available for tuning your FK8, the necessary hardware, and important considerations you should take into account when modifying your vehicle. If you already know what you're looking for, check out our dedicated Civic Type R FK8 parts page here!

1. ECU Remapping/Chipping

One of the most popular methods for increasing power on the FK8 is ECU remapping. The stock engine management system can be modified to optimise fuel, air, and ignition timing, which results in improved power and torque output. Remapping can yield noticeable gains, with most owners seeing an increase of around 40-50bhp and 50-60Nm of torque with a basic remap.

Since the FK8 comes equipped with a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, remapping the ECU is a simple and effective way to boost performance without the need for extensive hardware changes. Several tuning companies in the UK offer ECU remapping services specifically for the FK8, with some offering custom tunes to suit individual modifications.

Considerations:

• ECU remapping is usually safe but can void your manufacturer warranty. It's important to consult with your tuner about the potential risks involved.
• Remapping can affect your car’s fuel economy, so be prepared for slightly higher fuel consumption.
• It’s recommended to pair remapping with supporting modifications, such as improved air intake and exhaust systems, to ensure your car is running at its best.
• Quite often different "Stages" of ECU tuning require different levels of hardware support

2. Performance Intake and Exhaust

To complement ECU remapping, upgrading the intake and exhaust systems is a popular route for increasing airflow to the engine, further enhancing performance. 

Cold Air Intake: A performance cold air intake allows for a higher volume of cooler air to enter the engine. Cooler air contains more oxygen, which can improve combustion efficiency and performance. Aftermarket intake systems for the FK8, such as those from AIRTEC Motorsport, HKS (overnight parts from Japan, anyone?!) or K&N.

Exhaust System: Upgrading to a performance exhaust system, such as a larger diameter downpipe and/or cat-back exhaust, can help to reduce back pressure and improve exhaust flow. This not only helps to increase power but it can also enhance the car sound. Many FK8 owners opt for brands like Milltek, as we have on our own FK8, Scorpion, or Remus, which all offer performance and sound improvements dependent on your budget.

Considerations:

• A more aggressive exhaust can be louder, which could potentially make it illegal for road use depending on local regulations. Make sure your new exhaust complies with UK noise laws, especially for MOT purposes.
• When upgrading the intake or exhaust, it’s important to ensure your car’s ECU is recalibrated to ensure the components work together effectively.

3. Turbocharger Upgrades

For those seeking significant power increases, upgrading the turbocharger is a more advanced tuning route. A bigger turbo will allow for more air to enter the engine, increasing the power potential. However, turbo upgrades require additional supporting modifications, including fuel injectors, upgraded intercoolers, and possibly a stronger clutch to cope with the increased power.

With a turbo upgrade, the FK8 can reach power levels well over 500bhp, depending on the chosen turbo size and other supporting mods. Turbo upgrades are often combined with remapping to maximise the engine’s potential.

Considerations:

• Turbo upgrades can be costly and require significant expertise to install. They should only be considered by those with substantial tuning experience or a reliable specialist.
• Increasing turbo power puts more strain on the engine and transmission, so other components like the cooling system and transmission might need upgrades as well.
• Once you commit to the bigger turbo route, you will need to consider such things as increased fuelling, be that through bigger injectors, port injection, or upgrading the HPFP (High Pressure Fuel Pump)

4. Suspension and Handling Modifications

While tuning the engine is a great way to increase power, tuning the suspension can vastly improve the handling capabilities of the FK8. The FK8 is already an excellent handling car, but there are a few options for owners who want to take their car to the next level.

Lowering Springs/Coilovers: A lower ride height improves the car’s centre of gravity, reducing body roll and improving cornering performance. Coilover kits, such as those from KW Suspension or BC Racing, allow for adjustable ride height and damping, providing a customisable setup to suit individual preferences. If you're not looking to invest so much into the suspension, consider Eibach, or H&R Lowering Springs

Upgraded Anti-Roll Bars/Bushings: Anti-roll bars help to reduce body roll during hard cornering, and upgrading to stiffer units can improve stability and handling. Replacing the stock bushings with polyurethane or solid alternatives will further improve the car’s precision. Check out our full range of suspension, bushings and chassis parts here for your FK8 Type R.

Considerations:

• Lowering the car may reduce comfort and affect daily drivability, so it’s important to find the right balance between performance and comfort.
• Suspension mods, particularly lowering springs, can affect the car’s alignment and ride quality. Regular alignment checks are recommended.

5. Brakes and Cooling

If you’re increasing the power of your FK8, it’s important to ensure the brakes are up to the task. Larger, upgraded brake discs and performance pads, such as those from Brembo or EBC, can provide better stopping power, especially during track use. We have a wide range of Genuine Honda and afterarket braking options here at JXL Performance, click here to check them out.

Additionally, with increased power and driving performance, your car’s cooling system may need an upgrade. A larger intercooler can help reduce intake temperatures, which in turn improves power and reliability, especially during aggressive driving.

Considerations:

• Brake upgrades can be expensive, so it’s essential to evaluate your intended use. If you're only interested in daily driving, performance pads and discs may be sufficient. However, track enthusiasts will likely benefit from larger kits and upgraded fluid.
• Cooling upgrades, such as a larger intercooler or upgraded radiator, can help ensure your car operates efficiently even during extended high-performance driving.

6. Legal Considerations and MOT Implications

When tuning your Honda Civic Type R FK8, it’s important to consider the legal implications, particularly regarding the UK MOT regulations. Some modifications, such as larger exhausts, certain engine tuning chips, or turbo upgrades, can affect the car’s emissions and may cause it to fail an MOT. Always ensure that the parts you fit comply with local regulations to avoid issues with insurance or MOT failure.

Key Points to Consider:

• Any modifications made to the exhaust system, particularly catalytic converters, must comply with UK emission standards.
• Ensure that any ECU remapping or hardware modifications are documented, as this may be necessary when insuring the car.
• Make sure that any modifications do not compromise the safety of the vehicle or its roadworthiness.

Conclusion

Tuning your Honda Civic Type R FK8 can significantly enhance its performance, making it an even more exciting and capable machine. Whether you’re looking to increase power, improve handling, or give your car a more aggressive sound, there are various tuning routes available. However, it’s important to balance performance upgrades with practicality, and always ensure your modifications comply with UK regulations. Whether you're opting for a simple remap or going all out with a turbo upgrade, remember that regular maintenance and careful tuning will help preserve the longevity and reliability of your FK8.