Civic Type-R 2017+

Just as the Civic Type R evolved into a tarmac devouring beast of a hot-hatchback, we here at Mishimoto have kept up with the K20C1's induction needs. Our entire race intake setup unleashes more of the CTR's competitive spirit on the track, but what about those not ready for complete custom tuning yet? Enter our performance turbo inlet kit fresh off the production line.

If you're looking to update your FK8's intake system but conflicted on which Mishimoto set up to grab, make sure that you check out our video on the benefits of each system, but make sure to keep reading for specifics on our inlet kit:

Honda and the long list of racers using this platform already proved that the factory inlet delivers adequate performance, but, as we covered in the last post, many OEM components leave room to improve. We utilized a combination of cast and mandrel-bent aluminum for our inlet design for the perfect form and function.

It's a tight squeeze in the front of the FK8, which makes snaking a larger

It's old news that the FK8 Honda Civic Type R is a record-setting speed machine. Now that the years have passed, plenty of drivers are looking for ways to take the Civic's record-setting run even further, and we're ready to deliver the solution.

There's no shortage of speed when it comes to the Civic Type R, but we wanted to unlock even more gumption from the K20C1 with our race intake kit. Before we dig into our performance testing results, though, let's just take a minute to admire Ye's hard work:

In our last post, we alluded to the look and make-up of our kit's final form, but now since it's here, let's review. To start, the main component we aimed to improve was the turbo inlet pipe. Honda and the long list of racers using this platform already proved that the factory inlet delivers adequate performance, but like with any OEM component, there's plenty of room to improve. We utilized a combination of cast and mandrel-bent aluminum for the perfect form and function.

It's a tight squeeze

Every enthusiast evolves through a modification journey. It starts with the cheapest and rudest mods you can get your hands on. As we touched on in the last post, intakes are often first on the list, and many settle for a filter on a stick. It satisfies the itch, makes a racket, and provides the placebo of speed. Unlike simple filter-on-stick intakes, our performance intake kit for the FK8 provided the turbo soundtrack but combined it with measurable performance gains. While our FK8 intake performs well alone, we wanted to take it a step further by addressing the turbo inlet.

Engineering on the turbo inlet began with our development on the CTR's race intake. However, we wanted to provide improved airflow for those who are not ready for an oversized MAF tune yet. In case you missed the development of our race intake, let's review, so you're up to speed. 

From the factory, the turbo inlet pipe is a hefty chunk of cast aluminum. Honda designed this inlet to run directly over top of the

The FK8 Civic Type R is bred for the track. Sure, you see these auspiciously styled Civics roaming the streets and highways, but you don't set front-wheel-drive lap records at the Nurburgring being developed for comfort. If the performance brakes and tires, styling, and big shot K20C1 weren't already enough, enthusiasts are still demanding more from their CTRs. A demand that we're here to fulfill.

In our last post, we covered our plans for the new race intake, but no design is complete without a round of prototyping here at Mishimoto. While the 3D modeling process gives us precision designs, we still need to double-check the fitment in the vehicle.

The prototyping process starts with a scan using our Faro Design ScanArm. This scanner creates an exact digital copy of both the stock components, along with the Civic's engine bay. Our engineer, Ye, then uses these scans as a virtual workspace to create our design.

As previously stated, the digital workspace only gets us so far, so now it's

The Honda Civic is a mod machine. To some, they might be the butt of a joke, but for many, these little compact cars hold a treasure trove of modification and tuning potential. Even though the FK8 comes from the factory as a track devouring top performer complete with the towering wing, monstrous brakes, and sport bucket seats, it's no exception to this trend. The heavy-hitting K20C1 under the hood and handling that almost defies physics only add to the to-do list for these civic owners. The drivers want more, and we're here to deliver.

Given the Civic Type R's potential both on the road and the track, big turbos and custom tunes are becoming the norm for enhancing performance. However, the joy of big boost hits a wall due to the restrictive MAF (mass airflow) sensor housing. In essence, the MAF sensor is calibrated to a specific housing size for accurate airflow readings. The ECU then uses these readings to deliver the precise amount of fuel to run at peak efficiency. Making even the slightest

One of the many wonders of science and engineering is its ability to progress continuously. Ten years ago, the mention of a bone-stock Honda Civic setting front-wheel drive track records would be met with ridicule. Sure, they had some formidable variants, but it was the intro of the K20C1 and armada of aero in the FK2, and now the FK8, Honda wanted their Civic to be taken more seriously. Even with their leaps and bounds in such a short time, the mighty K-series still has some issues staying cool, which is where we step in.

Honda isn't the only company out there continuously improving. If you might remember, after our initial evaluation of the cooling system, our best course of action was to add to or beef up other parts of the system, specifically with our Secondary Race Radiator and Oil Cooler kits. Now with some added elements in our radiator fin playbook, our sights are set again on the CTR's primary radiator.

It's almost characteristic of Honda to aim the exhaust headers straight toward

Just from looking at the Civic Type R, you can tell that it's built to perform. The exterior styling is aggressive, yet functional. Every grill, opening, and spoiler incorporated into the design is there for a purpose, and that purpose is speed. Even with the amount of legwork that went into making this Civic the cream of the crop, everyone is still after increased performance.

When most think about the performance of any vehicle, they think of how fast they can make it. Dreams of tunes, intakes, intercoolers, and exhausts are what drift through every enthusiast's mind when it comes time to start modding. Performance should really come from the car's ability to keep performing every time you push the start button. Making sure all the components under the hood are doing their job is a good first step.

With all the heat that's being generated over the CTR's cooling system we thought we'd take a look at the potential failures. Since we have some plans in place for other cooling enhancements,