As we already know from extensive testing in the past, the FK8 Civic Type R has a massive amount of power potential. Without any modifications, it’s pretty easy to get +50HP and +80LB-FT from the K20C through our VR Tuned ECU flash. All of our testing in the past was on stock or nearly stock FK8s, so when we recently had the change to test our tuning on an FK8 with bolt-on parts, we jumped on.
We already knew our VR Tuned system adjusted well to aftermarket bolt-ons, however, we wanted to know just how well it could do with bolt-ons. This specific FK8 CTR that we tested has a full HKS exhaust, Mishimoto intercooler, and Mishimoto intake. With these bolt-ons, the FK8 should have lower charge air temperatures and more total airflow.
Once we got the Civic strapped to the dyno, it made 315whp and 333wtq as a baseline number, which is quite a bit more than FK8s we’ve tested in the past. Surprisingly, the bolt-ons added a decent amount of power without any tuning. After getting a good baseline number, we pulled the ECU out to flash it with our VR Tuned file on the tuning bench.
With the tune installed on the ECU, we did another run on the dyno and the car put down 360whp and 391wtq! This represents gains of 45whp and 58wtq with our VR Tuned ECU flash! Be sure to check out the full video below to see this FK8 in action and the tuning process!
- Stock Power: 320HP and 295LB-FT
- Stage 1 Tuned Power: 360HP and 369LB-FT
- Stage 2 Tuned Power: 374HP and 382LB-FT
- Improved throttle response
- Works with bolt-on parts
Learn more and order your VR Tuned ECU Flash for FK8 Civic Type R here
If you have questions, please contact us. You can reach us by phone at 1-480-966-3040 or via email at [email protected].
whats the difference with the VR Tuned compared to Hondata? can you still achieve the same numbers?
Hi Reese!
Thanks for reaching out to us. Both are very good products however we have spent a ton of time working with the FK8 Type-R and currently produce the largest horsepower and torque gains over our competitors. We can also provide specific calibration’s per your modifications, fuel type and special requests.
Please shoot us an email at [email protected] and we can provide further details, thanks again!
You state the car tested had a “full hks exhaust” – did this car have an aftermarket downpipe and midpipe along with the hks exhaust system or just the cat- back exhaust system?
This particular car is using a UnitedSpeedRacing downpipe with an HKS catback.
Do you purchase the VR tuner with a preloaded tune and just plug in under the dash and flash it like a Diablo (I from the world of Mustangs)? I believe I read before the Hondata requires the ecu to be “jail broke;” is the same required for the VR tuner? Lastly I assume when you flash the ecu, there’s a counter that shows every time it’s flashed; is that assumption correct?
Hey Kendall,
Thanks for reaching out to us! Our ECU flash tuning does require removal of the ECU and shipping to our location here in Gilbert, AZ. We do however provide a same day turn around so the process is extremely quick. Please note that we are producing the largest overall gain ( HP & Torque ). Anytime an ECU is communicated with it will trigger the flash counter however the status of what was changed cannot be viewed, this has not been an issue at the dealer with our software.
For further information please free free to reach out to us direct at [email protected], we would love to get you set up and provide further details.
I just got a 2018 Honda Civic Type R and I’m interested in upping the horsepower and torque. I really like what you did and what you were able to get out of it with the stage 2 tune. Maybe you could help guide me on my journey I would love to let you guys do the work for me but dang shipping my ECU to Arizona kind of scares me.
Hey Alan!
Thanks for reaching out to us. We can certainly help and would love to guide you along with modding your FK8 CTR. Being your CTR is a 2018 it is no longer required to remove and mail the ECU, we can complete this with our handheld OBDII tool from your home, no ECU removal or tools required. Please contact us at [email protected] and we will provide you further details. Thanks again!
I got a 2021 FK8 and am looking to maximize hp and torque! There’s so many mods available it’s hard to know where to start and what to go with. Being a 2021 would my ECU need to be shipped? Based off a prior comment you said no shipping for 2018.
Nope! You can see our tune here!