Civic Type R FN2 Track Car
Discussion
Drummer_DL said:
What was the kit you used, and did it come with some form of UV protection included?
It was the two below links and worked really well and all in took about 45 mins per light .https://www.googleadservices.com/pagead/aclk?sa=L&...
https://www.googleadservices.com/pagead/aclk?sa=L&...
Next up with the cosmetic upgrades was to look at the interior of the car .
First up was the grubby looking seats that were over due a good old clean .
Then after some cleaning products and some hard work they came up really nice .
After the seats it was on to the steering wheel that has been bugging me from when i picked up the car .
The OME steering wheel was not in great shape and needed a replacement .
Removing it was simple .
The OEM wheel was looking rather sorry for its self .
I managed to pick up a VGC used OEM wheel to replace my old unit .
Old vs new .
Then the new units was installed to finish off this little raft of updates .
First up was the grubby looking seats that were over due a good old clean .
Then after some cleaning products and some hard work they came up really nice .
After the seats it was on to the steering wheel that has been bugging me from when i picked up the car .
The OME steering wheel was not in great shape and needed a replacement .
Removing it was simple .
The OEM wheel was looking rather sorry for its self .
I managed to pick up a VGC used OEM wheel to replace my old unit .
Old vs new .
Then the new units was installed to finish off this little raft of updates .
Last week i got round to finishing off the last of the cosmetic upgrades on the car thus far .
One point that was a bit of an eyesore was the OEM mats as they were looking vey past it .
So some new OEM units were ordered up to replace them .
Old vs new .
Then all installed and looking much better .
I also looked to upgrade / refurb the keys with some fresh parts and a Red H badge cover from the FD2 civic and got this imported from Japan at way to much money for what it is worth but it does look nice .
Stock FN2 key fob .
New FD2 case .
New rubbers and buttons .
New refurbished key sporting a nice new Red H badge .
One point that was a bit of an eyesore was the OEM mats as they were looking vey past it .
So some new OEM units were ordered up to replace them .
Old vs new .
Then all installed and looking much better .
I also looked to upgrade / refurb the keys with some fresh parts and a Red H badge cover from the FD2 civic and got this imported from Japan at way to much money for what it is worth but it does look nice .
Stock FN2 key fob .
New FD2 case .
New rubbers and buttons .
New refurbished key sporting a nice new Red H badge .
Court_S said:
Good work so far OP.
I know these seem to be the most unloved of the Civic Type F’s but they’re my favourite. I think it’s a design that aged well.
Yeah they do get a bit of a bad press but im not sure why TBH .I know these seem to be the most unloved of the Civic Type F’s but they’re my favourite. I think it’s a design that aged well.
I have had a few EP3 and now the FN2 and both are great cars IMHO .
Cambs_Stuart said:
I agree, even though they're a few years old I still think of them as futuristic.
Good cosmetic updates, especially for a track car!
Those seats came up really well .
Yes not really needed ( the mats ) but it is a posh track build Good cosmetic updates, especially for a track car!
Those seats came up really well .
The seats will be for road use but i will be running buckets and harnesses for track work .
Next on the list was to look at the wheels .
I did look at getting a new set of aftermarket alloys but as i will be looking to run two sets it made more sense to keep with the stock 18 inch FN2 OEM units .
First was to change the tyres to a nearly new set of MPS4 that i will be using as my wet set / road set .
Then installed on the OEM wheels .
Then it was on to some new OEM center caps as the ones on the car as past it .
[url]
|https://thumbsnap.com/SDPkwpiJ[/url]
New unit .
Old vs new .
Then installed on the car .
With that done it was on to the wheel nuts that were again showing there age .
There were replaced with some new units .
Then installed .
Last job for the wheels was to fit a TPMS so i can keep an eye on tyre pressures on track .
Then all installed .
I still need to give the wheels a good clean and will have to live with the slight kerbing but its another job done .
I did look at getting a new set of aftermarket alloys but as i will be looking to run two sets it made more sense to keep with the stock 18 inch FN2 OEM units .
First was to change the tyres to a nearly new set of MPS4 that i will be using as my wet set / road set .
Then installed on the OEM wheels .
Then it was on to some new OEM center caps as the ones on the car as past it .
[url]|https://thumbsnap.com/SDPkwpiJ[/url]New unit .
Old vs new .
Then installed on the car .
With that done it was on to the wheel nuts that were again showing there age .
There were replaced with some new units .
Then installed .
Last job for the wheels was to fit a TPMS so i can keep an eye on tyre pressures on track .
Then all installed .
I still need to give the wheels a good clean and will have to live with the slight kerbing but its another job done .
MDifficult said:
You're preaching to the Pope of weight-loss here mate.. his last two track cars needed to be tied down to stop them blowing away. How do I know..? because he measured every gram in and out
No more weight loss OP... just drive one of the f*cking things!
I am just about to book Bedford for November as this will give me enough time to finish off the car for this years build but also give my a stop point as well as if not i will keep building it and never drive the bloody thing .
drifted said:
every bit counts though and you can sell the bits on too.
Maybe i've missed his previous track builds then.
You are correct and there is a good bit of weight that can be removed from this car but after a couple of track cars that i pulled a lot of weight out of this one will be just the big stuff with the most Kg ie Seats , battery , air con etc .Maybe i've missed his previous track builds then.
On to a much more exciting update on the car this time .
The UPS of this car is with out a doubt its engine ( the K20 is a belter of an engine ) and its drivetrain or to be more specific the gearbox shift action .
Type R gearshifts have always come in for welcome praise and the FN2 is no exception with a lovely tight short mechanical shift but as with everything this can always be improved on .
After looking around at what was on offer and having run a Coolerworx and ZPO short shifters on my Fiesta St and Megane 250 Cup i decided to order a Hybrid Racing unit .
Hybrid Racing short shifter .
The shifter’s frame is constructed from TIG welded, powder coated 1000 Series steel and the upper and lower rocker assemblies are a single piece aerospace aluminum with custom sealed ball bearings to reduce friction .
The shift throw adjustment is set up using two threaded cable attachment pins allowing you to dial in the exact throw .
I also ordered a Hybrid Racing Maxim weighted 6061 aluminium billet shift knob .
First up it was on to removing the stock gear shifter and knob so the centre console was removed .
Then the shifter surround .
Then the shifter .
And all removed .
The Stock shifter with OEM shift springs and rubber mounting bush ( the Hybrid Racing shifter removes the need for any rubber bushing ) .
It was then on to installing the Hybrid Racing shifter assembly .
Then installing the shifter shaft .
Then on to installing the shift knob , shift links and setting up the shift throw .
The last part was to re install all the housing that needed a bit of adjustment to fit and job done .
The unit gives a great solid mechanical feel and much shorter shift throws making the already good gear shifts much better .
I still have a few more upgrades to do to finish off the gear shift improvements that will be coming soon .
The UPS of this car is with out a doubt its engine ( the K20 is a belter of an engine ) and its drivetrain or to be more specific the gearbox shift action .
Type R gearshifts have always come in for welcome praise and the FN2 is no exception with a lovely tight short mechanical shift but as with everything this can always be improved on .
After looking around at what was on offer and having run a Coolerworx and ZPO short shifters on my Fiesta St and Megane 250 Cup i decided to order a Hybrid Racing unit .
Hybrid Racing short shifter .
The shifter’s frame is constructed from TIG welded, powder coated 1000 Series steel and the upper and lower rocker assemblies are a single piece aerospace aluminum with custom sealed ball bearings to reduce friction .
The shift throw adjustment is set up using two threaded cable attachment pins allowing you to dial in the exact throw .
I also ordered a Hybrid Racing Maxim weighted 6061 aluminium billet shift knob .
First up it was on to removing the stock gear shifter and knob so the centre console was removed .
Then the shifter surround .
Then the shifter .
And all removed .
The Stock shifter with OEM shift springs and rubber mounting bush ( the Hybrid Racing shifter removes the need for any rubber bushing ) .
It was then on to installing the Hybrid Racing shifter assembly .
Then installing the shifter shaft .
Then on to installing the shift knob , shift links and setting up the shift throw .
The last part was to re install all the housing that needed a bit of adjustment to fit and job done .
The unit gives a great solid mechanical feel and much shorter shift throws making the already good gear shifts much better .
I still have a few more upgrades to do to finish off the gear shift improvements that will be coming soon .
Next on the list to upgrade the shift action / throw was to look at some uprated shifter cable bushing .
Again i went with Hybrid Racing for this and ordered some of there Competition Shifter Cable Bushes .
The units are a mix of 6061 aluminium and Delrin so will take out the squish of the old rubber OEM units .
First part was to gain access to the shifter cables so the airbox and a few other bits needed to be removed .
The this gave access to both bush units .
Then all removed .
Old OEM rubber bush .
Old vs new .
Then all installed .
This has firmed up the already solid shift action and gives another layer of feel to the shift action .
I have one more little upgrade to get done on the shifter assembly and then it will be perfect .
Again i went with Hybrid Racing for this and ordered some of there Competition Shifter Cable Bushes .
The units are a mix of 6061 aluminium and Delrin so will take out the squish of the old rubber OEM units .
First part was to gain access to the shifter cables so the airbox and a few other bits needed to be removed .
The this gave access to both bush units .
Then all removed .
Old OEM rubber bush .
Old vs new .
Then all installed .
This has firmed up the already solid shift action and gives another layer of feel to the shift action .
I have one more little upgrade to get done on the shifter assembly and then it will be perfect .
MDifficult said:
Hold tight… I’ve actually got something of value to add to this (finally)!
Detent springs. Change the detent springs for stronger ones. Tegiwa do them.
Already ahead of you and have ordered some Hybrid Racing units along with a set of heavy duty gear selector springs to finish this part off .Detent springs. Change the detent springs for stronger ones. Tegiwa do them.
Do you have the Detent springs on the Atom ?
The Rotrex Kid said:
Great work on the HR shifter, I’ve got one in my EP3 and it’s a delight to use it every time I drive the car.
Had a Coolerworx shifter and a ZPO shifter on other cars and the Hybrid Racing feels the best out of the lot of them .Walshenham said:
Nothing to add to this, except I wish I had kept mine as a track/ fast road toy 
That looks like a lovely example .
That looks like a lovely example .
StuE39 said:
The HR cable bushes are fantastic. I've still got the standard shift mechanism on my FN2. Even just changing those bushes gave a big improvement in feel. I fitted a HR Delrin 130R gear knob but unfortunately with the standard shift throw, the increased height of the gear knob didn't feel great. I fitted a Mugen ball instead and that felt much better throw wise. However, the 130R felt better as its lightness really increased the feel of the gear change.
You're making me want the HR short shifter unit too now.
The HR shifter is the best upgrade but the HR cable bushes add another feel to the shift action and i will finish this off with the detent springs and heavy duty gear selector springs .You're making me want the HR short shifter unit too now.
So on to the last shifter upgrade and this will finish off the gear shifter upgrades .
The last part of the puzzle was to install some Hybrid Racing detent springs and heavy duty gear selector springs .
First of was to gain access to the x 3 detent springs that are on top of the rear box so the engine mount needed to come out along with the battery and air filter set up .
The Hybrid Racing detent springs are 80% stiffer over the OEM spring which aids the transmission gear selector fork .
Then the old OEM units removed .
Old vs new spring .
Then new Hybrid Racing spring installed .
Then it was on to fitting the Hybrid Racing heavy duty gear selector springs .
First was to remove the gearbox shifter arm assembly .
The Hybrid Racing heavy duty gear selector springs are 82 % stiffer than the OEM units and aids in centering the gear selector and shifter action .
Removal of the selector shaft assembly .
Old vs new springs .
Then all re installed with the two new Hybrid Racing Springs .
The shift action and throw is now amazing . Very short throw and has a lovely solid movement that clicks in to gear with a very satisfying action and it is easley the best shift action feel i have ever had in any of my cars .
The last part of the puzzle was to install some Hybrid Racing detent springs and heavy duty gear selector springs .
First of was to gain access to the x 3 detent springs that are on top of the rear box so the engine mount needed to come out along with the battery and air filter set up .
The Hybrid Racing detent springs are 80% stiffer over the OEM spring which aids the transmission gear selector fork .
Then the old OEM units removed .
Old vs new spring .
Then new Hybrid Racing spring installed .
Then it was on to fitting the Hybrid Racing heavy duty gear selector springs .
First was to remove the gearbox shifter arm assembly .
The Hybrid Racing heavy duty gear selector springs are 82 % stiffer than the OEM units and aids in centering the gear selector and shifter action .
Removal of the selector shaft assembly .
Old vs new springs .
Then all re installed with the two new Hybrid Racing Springs .
The shift action and throw is now amazing . Very short throw and has a lovely solid movement that clicks in to gear with a very satisfying action and it is easley the best shift action feel i have ever had in any of my cars .
Time for another update and one a bit more track focused .
After my little shunt at Goodwood in my last track car below ( how not to drive Goodwood ) the first thing on the build list for the Civic was a rear roll cage as with out the roll cage and the other safety parts on my old Fiesta ST ( bucket seats , harness etc ) The crash at Goodwood would have been much worst .
I ordered a SW Motorsport bolt in half cage with halo bar .
First part was to remove all of the rear seats and rear door cards etc .
Then on to removing the carpet etc .
Next up it was to drill the holes for the spreader plates and get the cage bolted in .
Test fit in to its location .
Then fitted with all of the trim pieces re installed .
This should help out if i run out of talent again
After my little shunt at Goodwood in my last track car below ( how not to drive Goodwood ) the first thing on the build list for the Civic was a rear roll cage as with out the roll cage and the other safety parts on my old Fiesta ST ( bucket seats , harness etc ) The crash at Goodwood would have been much worst .
I ordered a SW Motorsport bolt in half cage with halo bar .
First part was to remove all of the rear seats and rear door cards etc .
Then on to removing the carpet etc .
Next up it was to drill the holes for the spreader plates and get the cage bolted in .
Test fit in to its location .
Then fitted with all of the trim pieces re installed .
This should help out if i run out of talent again
Kev_Mk3 said:
Fantastic work. Recently ordered a SW motorsport cage for a friend's VXR or shall I say OPC Nurburgring Astra. Delivery took forever and when my friend arrived to install it at mine the cage was never going to fit it was totally the wrong cage. Got hold of SW and thankfully I'm only a hour and a bit from them so drove up and they ended up fully re designing the cage and installing it for us. Granted took a few days so his holiday was inconvenienced but at least they sorted it and where great about it.
I've since ordered a few other bits in the last month for a new project of mine and again service is very very slow lol May get the cage from them to but waiting till new year for that
I guess your going to underseal around the plates etc?
Many thanks and im very happy with it .I've since ordered a few other bits in the last month for a new project of mine and again service is very very slow lol May get the cage from them to but waiting till new year for that
I guess your going to underseal around the plates etc?
I think i recall reading about the VXR on there FB page with the good outcome .
The cage is very nicely made and was a special as i wanted the Halo bar and lower rear bar . Fitment was good so no problems there but it was a pain to get it in the car with loads that needed to come out to get it to fit in the car ( seats , carpet , steering wheel , shifter , etc etc )
Im very happy with the cage and it is very well made but TBH the service was not the best . Took 12 weeks to be delivered when i was quoted 3 weeks and the spreader plates were missing . I also ordered a bucket seat mount that again took forever to be delivered and call backs / emails were very poor . Good products but customer service is a touch lacking .
Spreader plates have all been painted and undersealed but i will update this later as this lead to another job that needed to be done .
Any info on your new project or is this hush hush
Kev_Mk3 said:
Yeah very nice cages TBF.
Project is a Clio 200 Cup. So far all new brakes, lines, fluid, spicier pads, axel spacers, fully stripped with motamec seats and SW goodies inside. May do a project on it soon just been so busy doing it. To late to start one on the Swift lol
Nice look forward to some updates .Project is a Clio 200 Cup. So far all new brakes, lines, fluid, spicier pads, axel spacers, fully stripped with motamec seats and SW goodies inside. May do a project on it soon just been so busy doing it. To late to start one on the Swift lol
Will you still keep the Swift ?
culpz said:
Very cool updates and upgrades on this. Is this Nighthawk Black I take it?
I've had mine since start of June and, not usually being a massive Honda fan, it's really actually surprised me and I'm enjoying it way more than I thought I would. Long story short, i bought a MK2.5 Focus ST2 from a garage start of the year and it was an absolute nail. Constant issues with it since day 1. After a lot of back and forth and allowing them to try and fix all the issue, but failing, they advised me they had an 09 facelift FN2 Type R up for more than I paid for the Focus and told me they'd do a straight swap for me. Seemed like a no-brainer.
I do miss the Focus still, as a generic Ford fan and the sound of that 5-pot, but this thing hasn't put a foot wrong since I've had it. Just feels solid in comparison, whereas the Ford felt brittle. Much better condition, newer, less miles, no issues, better spec, the ride is nowhere near as bad as people make out, it handles infinitely better and getting better MPG. VTEC is addictive but it always seems fast enough even below 5.5k, even when it's not. Think the instant throttle response helps with that. Also feels way ahead of it's time in terms of the interior.
I do intend to keep hold of it but I'm also craving a nice, comfy Lexus barge for some reason!
Yes you are correct Nighthawk Black is the colour and im a sucker for a Black car even tho they are a pain to keep clean I've had mine since start of June and, not usually being a massive Honda fan, it's really actually surprised me and I'm enjoying it way more than I thought I would. Long story short, i bought a MK2.5 Focus ST2 from a garage start of the year and it was an absolute nail. Constant issues with it since day 1. After a lot of back and forth and allowing them to try and fix all the issue, but failing, they advised me they had an 09 facelift FN2 Type R up for more than I paid for the Focus and told me they'd do a straight swap for me. Seemed like a no-brainer.
I do miss the Focus still, as a generic Ford fan and the sound of that 5-pot, but this thing hasn't put a foot wrong since I've had it. Just feels solid in comparison, whereas the Ford felt brittle. Much better condition, newer, less miles, no issues, better spec, the ride is nowhere near as bad as people make out, it handles infinitely better and getting better MPG. VTEC is addictive but it always seems fast enough even below 5.5k, even when it's not. Think the instant throttle response helps with that. Also feels way ahead of it's time in terms of the interior.
I do intend to keep hold of it but I'm also craving a nice, comfy Lexus barge for some reason!
I loved my little Ford Fiesta ST and do miss that but have really fallen in love with this for some reason even tho everyone seems to hate them .
Just need to finish off the build for this year and get a least one track day under its belt .
Cambs_Stuart said:
I really like these. They're one of the few: "Fast, Cheap, Reliable" options left.
And I'm really enjoying the thread. Looking forward to some track day action pictures soon!
Many thanks mate and you are very true with the fast ish ,cheep ,reliable and fun comment .And I'm really enjoying the thread. Looking forward to some track day action pictures soon!
Im just about to book Bedford and with work the only fee slot i can see is December so that should be fun in the cold and rain in a car i have only driven once
Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff