Best First Mods for FL5 Civic Type-R for You to Check Out

Upgrading your FL5 Civic Type-R is all about getting the most out of that turbocharged engine and the fine-tuned chassis. Here are the top FL5 Civic Type-R mods that deliver big gains right away: from cold air intakes and ECU tuning to upgraded intercoolers, suspension, and brakes.

Software for Big Power: ECU Tuning

The Civic Type-R game has changed big time in recent years. Once known for their screamingly high-revving naturally aspirated engines, the Civic Type-R now gets its power from a turbocharged 2-liter 4-banger. While the new engines erode the '90s JDM coolness, they allow for significant power gains simply from an ECU tune.

With a healthy ECU tuning, expect around 50–60 more horsepower at the wheels. Depending on your budget, there are many reputable brands to choose from. However, remember that some require you to send in your ECU to be unlocked for flashing, while others don't. Your FL5 Civic Type-R might face downtime depending on the brand you choose.

Usual Suspects: Intake and Exhaust

A little bit more power, insanely better noises. A cold air intake kit will release a couple more horsepower by letting your turbo suck in much denser air, all the while making that iconic "whoosh" turbo sound more audible.

A cat-back exhaust, on the other hand, releases more power than an intake, and it does that by giving the exhaust gases a freer route to escape. There are countless great brands to choose from for intakes and exhausts, so stick with a reputable name, and you won't go wrong. These are among the best Civic Type-R mods to start with—simple, effective, and great-sounding.

Eliminate Heat Soak: Intercooler Upgrades

OEM intercoolers do their job at stock power levels, but let them face extreme conditions, and their shortcomings start appearing instantly. In hot summer weather or when doing pulls consistently (this is a Civic Type-R; you will do pulls), the stock intercooler is not so good at heat transfer.

The intake manifold temperature can easily rise into hot territory, messing up the timing and decreasing the boost pressure. A good aftermarket intercooler keeps the intake manifold temperature consistently in the cool and chill levels, so your power output is not affected by hard driving or external conditions.

Small Part, Big Difference: Rear Engine Mount

Big power, front-wheel drive? That used to be horrible, but with today's suspension and tire tech, manufacturers can tame their cars and make them behave with over 300 HP delivered only to the front wheels. Still, there is room for improvement on the FL5 Civic Type-R.

With an aftermarket rear engine mount, you can keep your engine's twisting motion in check. It seems like a minor mod, but the outcome will be significant. Your car will feel better overall, your tires will handle the asphalt better, and you'll get even crisper shifting action since the transmission won't move around too much. This is a top sleeper upgrade among the best Civic Type-R mods.

Rolling Gear: Wheels, Tires, Brakes, and Suspension

Another set of usual suspects for any build: lighter wheels will reduce unsprung weight (a.k.a. the weight not supported by the suspension) while adding the biggest personal touch to how your FL5 Civic Type-R looks. Wrap them up with sticky high-performance tires, and you'll transfer all the power to the asphalt much better and increase your car's handling through the twisties.

Another major mod to improve handling is a good set of coilovers. With stiffer shocks and a lowered center of gravity, your FL5 will handle corners more confidently. You'll see instant benefits, especially on a track day. Plus, when you add wheels and tires, you have to dial in the stance by removing that stock fender gap, too. So get a good set of adjustable coilovers and dial in the perfect look and precision handling.

Remember to beef up your braking, too. All that extra turbocharged power is great—until you can't control it. Get a set of steel brake lines for consistent fade-proof braking, performance brake pads for increased bite, and larger slotted/drilled rotors for better heat dissipation and a larger friction surface.

Tie Them All Up: Fukin Tuned Throttle Response Controller

Once your mods are in place, the final piece of the puzzle is dialing in the throttle response. Enter the Fukin Tuned Throttle Response Controller: a true plug‑and‑play throttle response controller that installs in under 15 minutes and connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth. It intercepts the electronic drive-by-wire signal, recalibrates it, and gives you a laser-sharp throttle response.

With four preset modes—Fukin Slow, Fukin Cruise, Fukin Fast, and Fukin Send It—each offering nine sensitivity levels (for a total of 36 configurations), you can match throttle feel to every scenario, from trackdays to spirited canyon runs, or even a relaxed highway drive. Plus, it leaves no ECU footprint, so your warranty stays intact.

While performance-oriented, Fukin Tuned throttle response controller also comes built-in with one of the most straightforward Anti-Theft solutions ever. It perfectly doubles as a seamless kill switch and allows you to disable the gas pedal. Subscribe through the app, calibrate your unit once, and activate the Anti-Theft mode anytime you need. It is FREE for the first 14 days, and then it costs $0.99 a month or $9.99 a year after the free trial expires.

Want total control of your Civic Type-R’s throttle response? Get Fukin Tuned today.