Club-Version FL5 Civic Type R Build Thread

[ttccnn49]

@Club Version your video reminded me I wanted to order a set of gloves. Thanks!

https://www.alpinestars.com/products/tech-1-zx-v2-gloves

I bought this one late last year, love it so far, especially with the discount price, made in Italy and touch screen compatible

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[Club Version]

5-6ish Hard Earned Track Days!!
My A052's have finally given their last push laps. In retrospective I have nothing to complain about, the tires lasted 6 track days and about 8k daily driven miles. I think that's a win!

The following pics were taken from this past Sunday at the track after my first session, I knew something felt off on left hand turns.

Before you sound the alarm, yes, I know I need more front camber, yes, I have a solution coming, and yes, I already ordered new tires. My next set will be the Bridgestone RE71rs in a 255 35 R19.

However, the delaminated tires didn't stop me from having fun in other peoples car. A good friend of mine just got an FL5 and I had the privilege of instructing him on his first laps ever on the track. I even took his car out for a lap or two..

Enjoy the following video of me instructing him for a full session. Hopefully it will help others when they go out on track.

 

[Club Version]

Quick Mod Update
Went out of my way and got myself some fancy Spoon Sports brake lines and Rigid Collars. Shooting to have them installed before my next track day.

Also, I have already replaced my delaminated A052's with the king of cheater tires the RE71RS's.

 

[Imped]

Following along for the Rigid Collar install...I've had a F/R set on my shelf for months but haven't found the time to kick off that project yet.

 

[Club Version]

Following along for the Rigid Collar install...I've had a F/R set on my shelf for months but haven't found the time to kick off that project yet.

Appreciate it, I’m getting them installed this week.

 

[Vtec87pr1]

Appreciate it, I’m getting them installed this week.

Are you still running 255 35 R19 ?

 

[Club Version]

Are you still running 255 35 R19 ?

Yes, I actually like the tighter fit on the rim and the slightly taller sidewall.

Also, in my opinion, the turn-in feel is sharper with the 255’s.

 

[Vtec87pr1]

Yes, I actually like the tighter fit on the rim and the slightly taller sidewall.

I'm running same tire size i was thinking of changing it to 265 35 . I'm in the process of purchasing tires whats your recommendation if I may ask.

 

[Club Version]

I'm running same tire size i was thinking of changing it to 265 35 . I'm in the process of purchasing tires whats your recommendation if I may ask.

I would not go with the 265 35 19 that’s a bigger difference from stock in overall diameter than the 255 35 19 size.

If you are a casual track enthusiast I would go more for the RE71rs, as they have better road manners. The A052’s heat up quickly and will drop off after a few laps, so you will need to be on your A-game right off the bat to get the best out of them. Also, the A052’s hydroplane a lot in the rain, the RE71rs have been excellent in the rain so far.

 

[Club Version]

The Rigid Collar Effect is Real!!
Happy to report I got the Spoon Rigid Collars installed on the car. A local dealership was happy to install them for me and provide warranty for the install, it did not come cheap though.

It only took a day for the install and instantly upon driving the car off the lot, I noticed a smoother clutch engagement and less overall NVH. In addition, small imperfections on the road have been smoothed out, and overall power delivery has improved with less wheel hop. If you have the time or funds to get these installed I would recommend. A huge bonus too, is my alignment is much more even on all four corners; before, my caster and front camber were off by .2 to .3 degrees on each side, now they are practically even as shown below:

 

[DGI]

Great build! I share your approach to modding. Mods should have a purpose and be evaluated.

Big fan of Spoon in that regard. Will be following along!

 

[Club Version]

Great build! I share your approach to modding. Mods should have a purpose and be evaluated.

Big fan of Spoon in that regard. Will be following along!

Thank you! My next track day is in January, hopefully I can provide further feedback then. I'm also installing the Spoon brake lines which should help on pedal modulation and reliability.

 

[Club Version]

It's been a while...
After three months I finally got back to the track this weekend with back to back track days at two separate tracks.

Quick recap since my last outing, I've installed the RE71RS tires (255 35 R19), Spoon Sports Rigid Collars, Spoon Sports Brake Hose Set, and I finally installed the Satin Black Whiteline 22MM rear sway-bar. Lets just say now the car is super loose, which I'm stoked about. In addition, the new brake lines provide further confidence and consistency in the brake zones. I feel that the car is in the perfect sweet spot for being on the OEM suspension and ADS module.

Sebring
I started off my weekend early on Friday at Sebring International Raceway to participate in the Level 2 MSF training organized by Chin Track Days. First off I have to thank all of the staff from my mentors, to the flag workers, and to the vendors on site. They all worked together to provide the best experience possible!! If anyone is interested in getting MSF certified and have the track experience you should do it, don't wait, just do it!!

From the scenarios you are put through and the insightful sit down class, promise me it will elevate you to another level as an instructor and as an overall better driver. In my opinion if they charged double or triple the price it is still worth it. On that note unfortunately I did not record my sessions with my mentors as that would ruin the integrity of the program, but I did record some POV track sessions that I will be editing and posting later next week on my channel. In the meantime enjoy the following pictures I grabbed.

HMS
The next day I got up bright and early to attend a Track Day at Homestead Miami Speedway (AKA my home track) organized by Performance Driving Group. The weather could not have been any better to set some PB's. The morning started with 55+ degree weather and clear skies. I was able to grab my new PB (1:39.85) on the second session out around 10AM. I spent the first session dialing in the tire pressures of the new RE71RS. This time around I ended up with 31PSI in the front and 35.5PSI in the rear when hot. In addition, with the new rear sway bar I've eliminated the understeer I was experiencing on the hairpin of T8. All in all it was an amazing Track Day and I had a lot of fun instructing a fellow FL5 owner and his venture into the Track Junkie life style. Almost forgot to mention I met @Icehawk in person as well he was out there pushing the limit of the car on the OEM tires and brakes.

Enjoy the following pics and video of my PB!!

 

[conchajm]

I'm that "fellow FL5 owner" mentioned above ?. Thanks @Club Version for all the tips and tricks. You made my first track day ever an unforgettable experience and definitely got hooked! Already signed up for a 2-day event with NASA at HMS in early March. Can't wait to get out there again to push my FL5 and keep learning.

As a next step in my learning curve, I want to invest in a good lap timer to start understanding how different driving techniques and mods in the future (for now I'm running stock with a brake fluid upgrade for my next track session) impact my lap times. I noticed that in some videos in this thread you were tracking with an AIM timing device. Maybe a Solo 2? But I understand that you prefer the Garmin Catalyst now. In doing some research and looking at different blogs and recos, I got that the Solo 2 gives more metrics, lets you access the data externally and GPS seems to be more precise (25 Hz vs. 10 in Garmin). However, the Catalyst seems to be better for beginners like me as it has live coaching, the interface seems to be easier and the metrics are just enough (all the stuff the AIM pumps out might be just too much or overwhelming for a beginner). Since you’re now an advanced driver, curious to know what makes you prefer the Catalyst over the AIM.

Cheers and congrats on the sub-1:40 PB!

 

[Club Version]

I'm that "fellow FL5 owner" mentioned above ?. Thanks @Club Version for all the tips and tricks. You made my first track day ever an unforgettable experience and definitely got hooked! Already signed up for a 2-day event with NASA at HMS in early March. Can't wait to get out there again to push my FL5 and keep learning.

As a next step in my learning curve, I want to invest in a good lap timer to start understanding how different driving techniques and mods in the future (for now I'm running stock with a brake fluid upgrade for my next track session) impact my lap times. I noticed that in some videos in this thread you were tracking with an AIM timing device. Maybe a Solo 2? But I understand that you prefer the Garmin Catalyst now. In doing some research and looking at different blogs and recos, I got that the Solo 2 gives more metrics, lets you access the data externally and GPS seems to be more precise (25 Hz vs. 10 in Garmin). However, the Catalyst seems to be better for beginners like me as it has live coaching, the interface seems to be easier and the metrics are just enough (all the stuff the AIM pumps out might be just too much or overwhelming for a beginner). Since you’re now an advanced driver, curious to know what makes you prefer the Catalyst over the AIM.

Cheers and congrats on the sub-1:40 PB!

Thank you so much for the kind words!!

I used to have an old Aim Solo 1 which they don't sell anymore that operated on 10 Hz. You're right on the money about the Catalyst. Imo it's the best option on the market with an easy learning curve.

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