[AutoShow] 2007 Honda Civic Type R - Across the Pond

Although here in the States, the Type R line has been dead for over a decade, in England, Honda’s performance pedigree trundled on until 2011. The final iteration of the “R Legacy” is what you see here—the FN2. This particular custom version belongs to David Haswell of Newton Under Roseberry, UK, who’d never even owned a Honda prior to this red pocket rocket.

He states, “I’ve always been a fan of cars bearing the red H…but had only ever ‘owned’ or ‘driven’ them in video games!” David’s Mugen love was spawned by the one-off Mugen version of the FN2. “I wanted the aero parts that made it look so distinctive and aggressive.” David’s mod addiction began with a simple Mugen oil and radiator cap and was quickly followed by the Mugen intake, garnish, and rear spoiler. A few months later the Civic was treated to paint-matched vented front wings, or fenders for us in the U.S. Enamored with the Mugen bits so far, he opted for a Mugen Sport suspension kit and switched out the original alloys for a set of 18-inch Work Emotions wrapped in Hankook tires.
By this time, Honda Japan had released the Euro-spec FN2 in Japan, giving some of the JDM tuners a crack at the car, and giving Dave a chance to buy some Spoon mono-block calipers and Project Mu pads. The FN2 is packing a 200hp K series under the hood, but Dave wouldn’t be a true tuner if he left that alone. He adds, “Despite being happy with the power of my car, I decided to try to extract a bit more from the excellent K20.”

A Tegiwa Kevlar intake brings the K motor some fresh cold air, and J’s Racing provided a new manifold and exhaust system. With a little help from U.S.-based Drag Cartel, a set of its drop-in cams were employed. With all of the new parts installed and an associated Hondata reflash, the Civic made a healthy 239hp at the wheels, and to help transfer that power to the ground is a Quaife LSD. The stock chassis is no doubt stiff, but not stiff enough for Dave’s liking, so a shock tower, pillar bar, and floor brace was provided by J’s Racing as well as a Type V hood.
Dave’s future plans are to simply enjoy the fruits of his labor and hit the track as much as possible. With the outstanding list of mods he’s done so far, we’re sure he’ll have a blast!