Every auto manufacturer has limited-edition models that signify something special. Mercedes Benz has their AMG Black Series. Honda brings their Type R models with red badging to showcase the best of the best. What started with the Honda NSX and Integra, has been added to the Civic lineup over the last two decades. The Type R models feature a lightened and stiffened body structure, a specially tuned engine, specialized braking system, and are only offered with a manual transmission. The Honda Civic has offered a limited-edition Type R since 1997, and the current generation of Civic keeps that tradition with the new FL5 chassis and turbocharged engine.
Making the FL5 Civic Type R More Fun
When Honda announced the latest Civic model would include the Type R, fans were excited to start snapping them up off the dealer lots. The 2023 Civic has the highest horsepower ever available with the model and has already set a new front-wheel-drive record at numerous tracks, including the Suzuka Circuit in Japan. With the 2.0L turbocharged engine offering a stout 315 horsepower, the six-speed manual transmission offers more fun than ever before. As with most enthusiast models, more horsepower is always a good answer to the question of, “What would make it better?” Two Step Performance has a new recipe to add another 55 horsepower to your FL5 Civic Type R and will wake up the Civic Type R more than ever before.
Two Step Performance & Derek Robinson of Innovative MotorWorks have worked on an upgrade to the FL5 Civic Type R. The "TSP Stage 1 Tune for the FL5" is designed for use with Hondata FlashPro and the 2023 Honda Civic Type R. This new tuning option is designed to be "off the shelf", so that you can flash the ECU on your stock or basic bolt on FL5 Civic Type R without the wait and expense of a fully custom tune. As simple as that sounds, the power output on the primary test vehicle produced a staggering increase of 55whp!
- Numerous fuel, ignition, boost target, turbo response, and throttle response changes.
- More aggressive tuning strategy compared to Hondata's supplied calibrations, allowing for large gains.
- "Full throttle shifting" enabled.
- 4,000rpm "launch" limit enabled.
- "Rev hang" disabled.
- Comfort mode = Factory torque request mapping.
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91 Octane (R+M/2) or higher is REQUIRED for use of this tune. Use of lower grade fuels is NOT tolerated.
- Up to 15% ethanol can be used to increase knock resistance if necessary due to fuel quality.
Optional supported (but not required) modifications include:
- Quality catted downpipe upgrade (no O2 error disable is available).
- "Frontpipe back" or "Catback" style exhaust systems.
- Upgraded intercooler.
- Stock airbox / MAF housing recommended at this time.
If you want to see more of the 11th gen Type R with this work, check out the shop car.
Taking Your 2023 FL5 Civic Type R to the Next Level
Modifying your vehicle is always a personal choice, but many wonder if they should change anything on a new vehicle. Doesn’t the manufacturer always release the best version of their vehicle? The truth is that all new cars aren’t producing the most horsepower that they can. There is usually more available with the addition of tuning and better parts. That’s the case with the FL5. There is more usable power available with the right tune, fuel, and parts. The best part is that it is all reversible if you decide to later sell your car or have inspections in your local area mandating a factory stock vehicle. If you have specific questions on which direction to go, find a reputable shop or store that can answer your questions and help you identify what options best fit your wants and needs.
Two Step Performance was founded in 2017, preceded by a lifelong passion of modifying and driving turbocharged imports. We began with a small assortment of handpicked brands that we personally used and believed in. As the company and the community around us have grown, we have continued to add carefully selected product lines to our catalog. In addition to offering brands that you already know and trust, one of our favorite things to do is to identify innovative new products and emerging brands and add them to our catalog as well. We only sell products that we believe in. We also take great pride in offering the best experience to our customers every step of the way. If we can help answer questions on your next build, give us a shout on our contact page.