Journey with the FL5 (formerly "1+ year of debate...FL5 incoming!")

[zumbooruk]

@zumbooruk - Appreciate the detailed write-up! A lot of mods for sure. How do you feel about the shifter mod and how does it transform from what otherwise to be a steller stock shifter?

I actually just ordered the ITS ADS. Just came back from test driving a modded FL5 and the ITS. Huge difference in terms of ride comfort and quality. Unfortunately, the modded FL5 was also straight-piped. I am not that young anymore and it was way too loud for my taste.

Also hoping @PointByPatrol will share the magic tutorial of installing the ITS ADS without having to remove the bottom of the seats!

btw I forgot about the RokBlokz mud flaps and few others, see:
https://www.civicxi.com/forum/threads/what-did-you-do-to-your-fl5-today.51962/post-944012

I installed the short throw before putting on a lot of miles, literally the first weekend I had the FL5, so I cannot really compare. I had an older version in my '07 FA5 Si and loved it.

The combination of the short throw shifter and shift cable bushings feels more precise, less freeplay, and obviously shorter throws, the shifter also allows you to adjust the location of the shift knob (height and in a circle around, i.e. left/front/right/back), having a weighted shift knob also helps (and I really did not like the feel of the stock shift knob)

I am a software engineer, I usually break hardware (broke a lot of tabs already on the FL5, a few of trim pieces inside and in the trunk are glued or double sided taped...). but the seat cushion was super easy: one 10mm bolt in the back, two plastic latches up front, and lift the cushion, which is just a chunk of foam. if I had to do it all over again, I'd still remove the seat cushion.

Sponsored

 

[chopsuey34]

Awesome to hear the result. How about when the A/C is on? Heard vibrations re-emerge when this is on?

Have not turned on AC, so I can't say, it's been 40's in Michigan, no need. Ask a Californian!

 

[zumbooruk]

Have not turned on AC, so I can't say, it's been 40's in Michigan, no need. Ask a Californian!

I also have not turned on the AC. I will on my next drive and report back.

 

[blueroadster]

I have the PRL RMM and do get some vibration at idle with the A/C on. It is a little annnoying but definately worth the trade-off IMO.

Hardrace recently released their RMM. I haven't seen any reviews on it, but their products tend to have softer bushings that transmit less NVH.

https://hardraceusa.com/products/rear-engine-torque-rod-civic-type-r-fk8-fl5

Looks like a replica of the stock RMM with a rubber insert added. An easier solution using the stock RMM is to simply inject 3M Window Weld (55-60 Shore A) into the voids. Doing so will take about a week for the injected urethane to fully cure though.

 

[zumbooruk]

Looks like a replica of the stock RMM with a rubber insert added. An easier solution using the stock RMM is to simply inject 3M Window Weld (55-60 Shore A) into the voids. Doing so will take about a week for the injected urethane to fully cure though.

I believe that I've seen inserts for the OEM RMM

here:

https://www.powerflexusa.com/shop/pff25-1220-honda-civic-fl5-type-r-lower-torque-mount-insert-8901?category=2484#attr=2826

https://www.maperformance.com/produ...unt-insert-2023-honda-civic-type-r-pff25-1220

 

[blueroadster]

I believe that I've seen inserts for the OEM RMM

here:

https://www.powerflexusa.com/shop/pff25-1220-honda-civic-fl5-type-r-lower-torque-mount-insert-8901?category=2484#attr=2826

https://www.maperformance.com/produ...unt-insert-2023-honda-civic-type-r-pff25-1220

I would not suggest going that route. The stock RMM already has an insert on one side.

If you are looking to stiffen up the RMM, one option is to remove the insert and simply inject all of the voids with 3M Window Weld. Second and easier option is to replace with an aftermarket RMM while also considering the Shore A and overall bushing size as those will impact NVH.

 

[PointByPatrol]

@zumbooruk - Appreciate the detailed write-up! A lot of mods for sure. How do you feel about the shifter mod and how does it transform from what otherwise to be a steller stock shifter?

I actually just ordered the ITS ADS. Just came back from test driving a modded FL5 and the ITS. Huge difference in terms of ride comfort and quality. Unfortunately, the modded FL5 was also straight-piped. I am not that young anymore and it was way too loud for my taste.

Also hoping @PointByPatrol will share the magic tutorial of installing the ITS ADS without having to remove the bottom of the seats!

Here ya go!

Someone had to do it....

 

[JCZ5]

@PointByPatrol not all heroes wear capes…this is fantastic! Who knew you can just lift the bottom seat cushion up. It will be a few weeks before I try this, but thanks again for sharing with the community!

 

[FL5HondaGuy]

Full front and A-pillars PPF' d and full ceramic. Just do it. Welcome !

 

[JCZ5]

My ITS ADS module came in today. On the box, it shows the correct model number: 39381-31M-A03

However, when I look on the actual module, it lists a different number..."39380" - is this still correct or did the store send me the FL5 ADS module?

 

[zumbooruk]

My ITS ADS module came in today. On the box, it shows the correct model number: 39381-31M-A03

However, when I look on the actual module, it lists a different number..."39380" - is this still correct or did the store send me the FL5 ADS module?

from: https://dc5rparts.com/products/2024...fied-fits-2023-civic-type-r-fl5-39381-31m-a03

Special Note: Acura is currently providing this ADS unit under their own part number designation (39381-31M-A03) with a OEM Honda box. ADS unit may still have Honda's part number (39380-31M-A03) engraved on the unit itselft as displayed on the pictures. Keep in mind Acura and Honda are sharing this platform, hence Acura taking these units and loading their own tuning software to the ADS unit and assigning a different part number on the box only.

 

[JCZ5]

from: https://dc5rparts.com/products/2024...fied-fits-2023-civic-type-r-fl5-39381-31m-a03

Special Note: Acura is currently providing this ADS unit under their own part number designation (39381-31M-A03) with a OEM Honda box. ADS unit may still have Honda's part number (39380-31M-A03) engraved on the unit itselft as displayed on the pictures. Keep in mind Acura and Honda are sharing this platform, hence Acura taking these units and loading their own tuning software to the ADS unit and assigning a different part number on the box only.

Ah, that also explains how the box seemed to be opened and then someone else added another tape over it. I ordered from AllDiscountParts, so heard they are reputable. But glad I definitely didn't pay as much from dc5 parts lol

 

[JCZ5]

05.18.25 Update:

Three weeks ago, my dealer gave me an estimated arrival date of 5/27 - 5/30 to dealer. Yesterday, I checked in with my dealer and their internal tracking said the vehicle is now in Ohio and estimated delivery to dealership is now 5/23 - 5/27.

The train yard my car will disembark will probably be the Philadephia train yard. Since it is already in Ohio, I hope the estimate delivery will move up to week of 5/19.

...the wait continues!

 

[JCZ5]

05.17.25 Update:

Every since deciding on the FL5, there was a feeling I need to truly cross out the GR Corolla. GRC has been surprisingly hard to test drive, until today. Found a 2025 Premium with a little over 1K miles...

A few notable mentions from the short local test drive:

• AWD is a benefit on paper vs. FWD
• Smaller diameter steering wheel is very nice - wish the FL5 had that option
• Shifter is not bad, enjoyed the positive engagement - obviously not as great as the FL5

Overall, glad I got the itch scratched, can see why it is a great option and I really do love the rear biased option for AWD.

FL5 delivery is still estimated to be in 1-2 weeks.

 

[JCZ5]

05.26.25 - MDW Update and Delivery

Had a pleasant surprise last Tuesday that my FL5 had arrived! Originally was expecting delivery the week after MDW or later!

Luckily, I was off on Friday so I made my way to the dealer for an early AM delivery. Although I had already agreed on pricing and provided all relevant materials, it still took 1 hour to sign papers, etc. You would think dealers would streamline the process for all that was involved...

Delivery on Friday also meant I took it on my MDW roadtrip. Over the course of the weekend I was able to put over 450 miles, almost through break-in.

Likes

• The shifter...no surprise since that was one of the main reason why I decided to buy a FL5
• The vehicle's dynamics is truly excellent - I would say gives me the same high-level ethos as Porsche GT cars
• First mod was the ITS ADS module and wow, the module really smooths out the bumps. Although, I was also pleasantly surprised with the stock unit and it also was not too bad

Dislikes

• Interior noise was louder than I expected on highway speeds...yes, I know it is a performance car, but cabin noise while cruising was close to a GT4
• Horrendous noise when a rock got stuck in brakes...or rather how easy rocks were able to get into the brakes
  • Second day on the roadtrip, I kept hearing a small noise that sounded like metal on metal grinding. It progressively got louder to a point I was worried I needed a tow. While on my way to the nearest dealership, luckily whatever was there dislodged and I was back to my original schedule
• Rear seat height misalignment (see pictures); Although I was informed this may be normal...

Delivery day!

Nice and fresh...7 miles on the odometer

MDW hauler to the woods

So here is the QC issue...anyone else have this misalignment? The single passenger seat back sitting higher than the other?