Tuning Potential Of The FL5 Honda Civic Type R

Summary

• The FL5 Civic Type R is Honda’s most powerful Type R model yet, offering excellent performance, comfort, safety features, and practicality.
• The vehicle can be “jailbroken” through tuning to bypass factory limitations and increase output, offering significant performance upgrades for a cost of under $1,000.

Honda, a globally known brand revered for its reliability, quality, and affordability, also has a rich history in motorsports and performance tuning. Their high-octane lineage can be observed in the Type R models that have graced infamous racetracks and tuner meets around the world for decades. The current FL5 Civic Type R serves as Honda’s opus in terms of factory power and performance, but some feel the FL5 CTR has more to give.

Enter highly experienced tuners and speed enthusiasts. Independent tuning firms have made quite a business out of expanding the potential of the Civic Type R’s turbocharged engine. This process is commonly referred to as “Jailbreaking” the vehicle’s E.C.U. Essentially bypassing the factory limitations to increase the vehicle’s output and performance.

Though Jailbreaking the FL5 Civic Type R isn’t the only modification that can increase the performance of the turbocharged hatchback, it is currently the most rewarding in terms of cost, as the upgrade usually costs less than $1,000. This not only allows the CTR to exceed Honda’s already stellar factory tuning, but it also unlocks the ECU for future tuning calibrations. Let’s dive into the tuning potential this, and other, upgrades add to the hot hatch.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including Honda, Honda Newsroom, Hondata, MotorTrend, and PowerMetric.

The FL5 Civic Type R Is The Pinnacle Of Honda Factory Performance

The FL5, originally introduced in 2022, dialed back the pomp and flare found on the previous generation FK8 CTR, yet still managed to elevate the nameplate beyond what its predecessors established. Quoted as being the most powerful Type R model in the performance division’s 30-year history, the FL5 has all the right stuff, so to speak.

The performance is racetrack-worthy, the comforts and amenities remain state-of-the-art, the safety and driver-assist features are class-leading, and the passenger and cargo capacity carries over from the standard economy model. Meaning that you can race on Sunday, and commute on Monday, all in the same vehicle.

2024 FL5 Civic Type R Performance

(Source: Honda Newsroom)

The 2024 FL5 Civic Type R features a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine that produces 315 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, stock. Thanks to Honda’s fine-toothed-combing, the 2024 CTR received various upgrades that give it the edge over its previous iteration, including more horsepower and a better transmission. Simply put, the 2024 CTR is a great example of Honda’s dedication to constantly improving, as no stone was left un-turned in the construction of this model.

Notable 2024 FL5 Civic Type R Upgrades

• New turbocharger, intake, and exhaust
• Improved engine cooling for sustained performance during extreme driving
• Improved six-speed manual transmission with rev-matching system
• Lighter flywheel for quicker response
• Enhanced limited-slip differential

The FL5 Civic Type R Is A Tuner’s Dream

As was the case with the previous FK8 CTR, and most JDM sportscars, the FL5 CTR is a tuner-friendly vehicle down to the last screw. The Type R comes ready to race from the factory, but it’s got more to give. This is no secret, which is why the Type R is a regular at custom tuner meet-ups and race events. You’ll usually hear a juicy Type R before you see it, as that tuner wail is unmistakable.

Though the act of tuning a vehicle beyond its recommended capabilities is a highly technical process, many have dedicated their lives to the pursuit of JDM infamy. Luckily for them, Honda, as well as other well-known JDM brands, including Toyota, Mitsubishi, etc. build vehicles that adhere and react very well to customization and aftermarket applications. The 2024 Civic Type R is no stranger to the nature of a tuner -It gives as much as it takes.

Factory Handling Upgrades

Honda made sure to examine every aspect of the 2023 CTR before laying a hand on the 2024 model. This meant diving into the total experience, not just the power. Based on the 11th-generation Civic Hatchback, the 2024 Type R utilizes Honda’s advanced global architecture. The rigid, yet lightweight structure improves the CTR’s track readiness, as well as its daily driving manners.

Notable 2024 Civic Type R Handling Upgrades

• Significantly stiffer body structure improves dynamics and refinement
• Longer wheelbase
• Wider front and rear track
• Re-tuned suspension
• Lightweight wheels
• Improved braking and performance stability

Hondata’s FlashPro Expands Civic Type R’s Capabilities

Numerous groups, firms, shops, and garages claim to specialize in tuning the Civic and Civic Type R. However, when you have international acclaim and world records to back up your experience, it makes quite an impression on the industry. One such name in the tuning community is Hondata, an American tuning house that specializes in bringing out the best in almost all Hondas.

Hondata built its notoriety on the back of its highly dedicated team of engineers and the masterful work they’ve blessed the tuning world with. For reference, two of the fastest Hondas in the world were tuned by Hondata. Those particular Hondas are Erick’s Racing’s 9.99-second Civic and Progress/VORTECH’s 204 MPH Civic. Their resume doesn’t end there, as every year numerous enthusiasts and racers come from far and wide to receive Hondata’s proven upgrade; who’s to say one of them won’t take it a step further?

The FlashPro Upgrade

When discussing Hondata’s technical tuning, the word “upgrade” is seen as something more internal. Rather than an engine swap or turbocharger upgrade, Hondata bypasses the Civic’s factory performance tuning and limitation, allowing the vehicle to use more of what’s already there. For a description that can easily confuse anyone slightly out of touch with current tuning culture and methods, it’s a fairly simple process.

Using expert know-how and industry techniques, some only known by Hondata’s in-house technicians, the team has found a way around Honda’s factory settings. For those following, you’ll remember this process as “Jailbreaking” the E.C.U. This allows advanced tuning and calibration beyond what the vehicle allows from the factory. But that’s not all the upgrade includes.

Expert tuners with decades of combined experience with Hondas have composed presets that essentially have the race-level tuning and calibrations ready to instantly enhance the vehicle with the click of a button. This allows a wider audience to get in on the CTR fun, and there’s a lot to go around!

So, How Does It Work?

As stated before, it’s quite simple, from a customer’s standpoint. All the customer needs to do is provide their Civic Type R and purchase the Hondata FlashPro FL5 upgrade package. From there, the team’s hard work and long hours culminate in a 20-minute process that can be done on the spot. First, the technicians jailbreak the vehicle’s ECU. That allows the vehicle’s systems to accept and implement custom tuning calibrations. Then, Hondata uploads their pre-tuned calibrations to the vehicle’s ECU via laptop connection.

Hondata FlashPro Upgrade includes

• Programmable ECU Interface
• 20 hours of on-board data-logging memory
• All necessary software
• Security password
• Custom laptop gauges
• Dual calibration storage
• Bluetooth accessibility for mobile connectivity

After FlashPro has been successfully implemented, the CTR will immediately behave differently. This usually translates to increased horsepower and torque and enhanced internal articulation. How much of an upgrade does custom tuning a jailbroken CTR provide? It all depends on the owner’s preference. Hondata produces upgrade kits for the average enthusiast who is experienced behind the wheel of a performance car. However, some tuning houses take what Hondata does, and amplify it to 100.

The Cost To Upgrade Your FL5’s Tuning Capabilities

Upgrades come at varying costs. Some, like engine swapping, can cost $10,000+ depending on how much power you want. Other upgrades, including cosmetic and tuning, normally cost less than engine swapping or complete overhauls. Hondata offers their FlashPro upgrade services for $750, which is a fair deal considering the package adds 45 horses and 50 pound-feet of torque instantly. Further tuning can unlock even more power, if you’re brave enough.

Tuning firms like PowerMetric offer similar services as Hondata, though they market more toward racing crowds. Whereas Hondata provides an upgrade for the average enthusiast, PowerMetric squeezes every bit of power from the turbo 2.0-liter, turning it into an entirely new beast. This level of tuning is recommended only for experienced drivers who have a strong respect for high-performance vehicles.

Important Note To Aspiring Tuners

Although you’ll likely get the entire safety spill by professional engineers and tuners before you leave their shop, it should be mentioned that tuning upgrades can greatly increase the power of your vehicle, and with that, increase the risk of accidents.

Fast cars are fun, but only when enjoyed in the proper environment. Tuning upgrades such as the ones mentioned in this article can make a car non-street legal in the U.S. This is why tuning upgrades of this level are generally sought out by professional drivers and racers. Always be mindful when in an upgraded vehicle and respect its performance.