From Alfa to Honda. A short insight into the FN2 Type R.

[Champ_White_Matty]

I loved my Alfa 147 Twin Spark. A really, really great little motor that gave lots of things a good run for their money - however, after realising long trips were not so pleasant in a 1.6, I decided I was ready for something else. At first I wanted Alfa - but a 3.2 V6 147 was not feasible as a daily, and the 1.75 Giulietta was just not quite right. Nothing in between I fancied. I decided to look further afield. Low and behold, I noticed a stunning 2008 Championship White FN2 Type R for sale, just down the road from a family member's house who I was going to be visiting that weekend for a family get together - how convenient. After a very enjoyable test drive, and a week of persuading the Mrs I needed a new car, I bought my first Honda. Specifically, one of the very first Championship White Edition FN2's made. RX58HUY - was a Honda press car, it did the rounds at motor shows and magazines and ended up in my hands. Always loved the FN2 shape Civics and the shoe just seemed to fit when I finally had chance. The 2.0 N/A i-VTEC K20 engine is just unbelievably awesome. For anyone who hasn't had experience with one, it's fairly civilised up to about 5,800 RPM, quick, don't get me wrong, but when you hit that magical spot at 5,800, you know it. Not like a turbo kicking you in the back (and balls) but a more linear (boost?) of power. It revs so freely, all the way up to 8,600, and then you bounce off the rev limiter and then you drop into second and the fun continues. The handling is razor sharp and the brakes are not far behind. I believe this is a true drivers car and I couldn't be happier. Funnily, it delivers better MPG than the 1.6 Alfa and despite having a very stiff ride, the red and black alcantara bucket seats are surprisingly comfortable. This is one car I don't think I'll ever sell.

I love it - and despite the bashing the FN2 has received over the years, the Championship White Edition with 201 BHP and limited slip differential is the perfect blend of limited edition performance car, and Japanese daily practicality.

[Butter Face]

Welcome to the civic club mate. Lots of love for the FN2 round here recently!

[Champ_White_Matty]

Champ_White_Matty said:

Butter Face said:

Welcome to the civic club mate. Lots of love for the FN2 round here recently!

Thanks! Even been getting waves from other CTRs - was used to it as an Alfa driver but wasn't expecting it in this! Will take a look for fellow Civic drivers on here...

[RossF1984]

Looks lovely in Championship White. I am just over two weeks into FN2 ownership. Can only agree with everything you have said and don't think there is much better about at the price point.

[Champ_White_Matty]

RossF1984 said:

Looks lovely in Championship White. I am just over two weeks into FN2 ownership. Can only agree with everything you have said and don't think there is much better about at the price point.

Thanks mate, it's such a nice colour! Nice - are you enjoying it?! What colour did you go for?

[RossF1984]

Yeah love it, spent a couple of weeks getting it where I want it. Tidying it up (Stone chips), cleaning, doing brakes, etc.

Planning on giving it a major service very soon. Also in discussions with Honda UK re: roof corrosion where it meets the screen, which is a common fault.

I went for Alabaster Silver.

[Champ_White_Matty]

RossF1984 said:

Yeah love it, spent a couple of weeks getting it where I want it. Tidying it up (Stone chips), cleaning, doing brakes, etc.

Planning on giving it a major service very soon. Also in discussions with Honda UK re: roof corrosion where it meets the screen, which is a common fault.

I went for Alabaster Silver.

Stunning. Yeah, I've been doing the same with mine. Just had it through its MOT. New tires, and tracking re done and I'm replacing some of the rear brakes this weekend. Other than that, mines in great condition. My roof/window line is in pretty good nick. What's Honda's statement on that situation?

[RossF1984]

Thanks!

Mine isn't bad but is showing early signs of bubbling so want to get it sorted ASAP. Local dealers brushed me straight off on initial contact so I went directly to Honda UK. Their first response was that they would pay 50% of the cost as a good will gesture but I am arguing that the car came with a 12 Year Corrosion warranty which should not be affected by the fact that the car does not have FHSH. Still awaiting their response, although I am pretty happy with the 50% gesture, 100% would be better.

[Thales]

The FN2 shape looks different gravy in Championship White. Lovely car OP.

[Usget]

They're great cars. A real bargain. I think people are only just starting to appreciate them properly now.

A fast road setup from TGM Sport (Eibach progressive springs, OEM Sachs dampers, camber bolts) will hugely improve the ride quality, which was my only real criticism of mine.

[Champ_White_Matty]

Thales said:

The FN2 shape looks different gravy in Championship White. Lovely car OP.

It does stand out! Thankyou - doing my best to look after her!

[Mark-t]

Honda paid 100% of my roof repair and supplied me with a Jazz courtesy car, albeit that was 3-4 years ago. My car didn't have FHSH either.
Same as above, local dealer didn't want to know, HUK arranged it with another dealer for me.

Isn't the standard limiter at 8200rpm on these? 8600rpm limiter is normally set after an ECU flash (Hondata, etc) - perfectly safe so don't worry. Potentially, being the press car it was given the higher limiter from factory

[RossF1984]

Mark-t said:

Honda paid 100% of my roof repair and supplied me with a Jazz courtesy car, albeit that was 3-4 years ago. My car didn't have FHSH either.
Same as above, local dealer didn't want to know, HUK arranged it with another dealer for me.

I will be pushing extremely hard for this to be resolved under warranty, seems only fair!

[voicey]

Nice car! I have an M200 that I use for hacking around in...

[CABC]

these originally got so slated in contrast to the ep3. but i'm wondering just how transformed they are with LSD and collies (ride and wheelspin being the 2 main complaints). That engine is last of a breed.
i'm looking for a new occasional track & light use daily car. FN2 looks very attractive.

Lovely car.
any plans for it?

[Champ_White_Matty]

Mark-t said:

Honda paid 100% of my roof repair and supplied me with a Jazz courtesy car, albeit that was 3-4 years ago. My car didn't have FHSH either.
Same as above, local dealer didn't want to know, HUK arranged it with another dealer for me.

Isn't the standard limiter at 8200rpm on these? 8600rpm limiter is normally set after an ECU flash (Hondata, etc) - perfectly safe so don't worry. Potentially, being the press car it was given the higher limiter from factory

Might look into the roof line thing before the 12 year warranty runs out. Mines only very slight, but if they can do it free then why not?!

Yeah, no evidence of it being raised but it definitely goes past 8,200 on mine?! Maybe they wanted to show off 🤔

[Champ_White_Matty]

voicey said:

Nice car! I have an M200 that I use for hacking around in...

That's a real beauty - the Mugen rear end is absolutely gorgeous. That's why I kept the GP rear end on!

[Champ_White_Matty]

CABC said:

these originally got so slated in contrast to the ep3. but i'm wondering just how transformed they are with LSD and collies (ride and wheelspin being the 2 main complaints). That engine is last of a breed.
i'm looking for a new occasional track & light use daily car. FN2 looks very attractive.

Lovely car.
any plans for it?

I've not had any wheelspin at all since owning - even flooring it in the rain it seems to have held its ground at all times! It handles any corner you throw at it... The engine really is a beauty, it sounds fantastic from inside, might try taking the sound proofing out from the engine for a laugh, easy enough to put back in. I'd definitely say go for one, I test drove my mates EP3 in comparison and I really didn't like it - it seemed very twitchy and jolty, was also never a fan of the looks but wanted to know if all CTRs felt like that. The FN2 does not! I'd definitely go for one, especially a CWE as it comes with the LSD, (and limited edition status).

Thanks!

Not a huge amount planned but got a few things in mind. Won't be going down the boosted route a lot of FN2 owners go down, but I'd quite like to go for some better cams and a remap. The exhaust/engine note and intake sound I'm perfectly happy with as is.

I'd quite like the Mugen wing, but paint and wheels are staying stock and white. Also hoping to have some M20 style vents fit into the bonnet - don't know if I want to cut into the original bonnet so I think I'll try and get a spares/repairs one, have it done on that and then get it sprayed at my mates paint shop. Keep the original for good measure and originality. Other than that, not a lot else. A few subtle performance mods and some tasteful exterior and I'll be pleased. Maybe change out the rather dated clarion double din for something newer!

[CABC]

yes, i'd leave a CWE looking as std.
why change cams? (i mean specifically for this car, not generally, as you would do for say an mx5)
certainly no boost! on this of all engines.
Suspension would be my priority. i think that would transform the car for both ride and hanndling.

[Kingdom35]

I have the Diesel Type S as my commuter, few hundred off 140k, had it since 70k and 6yrs old, now 12yrs old, cant fault it.

Yearn for a Type R, whats the MPG like is my only concern and the age now, theyre going for around 5.5-7k for a 2010 with reasonable mileage. Im really really tempted as I think they will appreciate when they finally get the respect they deserve.

Cracking looking car by the way and I also love the Mugen look. Cult Classic JDM