BUILD
THE FL5

The FL5 carries very few flaws from the factory. But some parts of this car are undeniably bad. Get me on the topic, and I will go on and on about how atrocious the Piano black paint is. On every major aero or trim piece lays a coating of the softest paint you have ever come in contact with. Just simply driving the FL5 induces a level of scratching on the black paint that will make you rip your hair out. This was an issue I noticed immediately, and recognized I would have to fix very shortly. My remedy? The EOS Carbon Fiber Wing Deck. This is an OEM style replacement that uses the same mounting points, and measures almost identical to stock. Due to its true carbon fiber construction, it weighs nearly half of what the stock wing deck does. But all of that is null compared to the true reason I love this wing — No. More. Piano. Black. The finish is sturdy. The weave is eye catching even from a distance, and when I look out my back window I can see the pattern shimmer off of the bottom of the wing. It's intoxicating. True carbon fiber is a timeless look. Not a day has gone by since its conception that it hasn't left the masses drooling. And of course it has its functionality and all, but I'm not a head engineer for HRC Indycar — so what do I care about the functionality? I just love the look! You love the look too! There are few things that get car guys riled up as much as a big carbon fiber wing — and for that I give this piece an 11/10.

This build breakdown is going to feature a lot of parts that attribute to the extermination of the soft Piano black trim and aero. It's enemy number 1 for me. After the Carbon Fiber Wing Deck, I was so pleased with it that I just NEEDED more carbon. While looking through my own catalog here on 4th to 5th Automotive I found the perfect fix for my newfound carbon addicted itch — the EOS Carbon Hood Scoop. I would no longer have to walk to the back of my FL5 to see the carbon! I would have the ability to see the weave while looking at the front of my car from the window of my house. And of course my wife staring at me while I do so — in a relatively judgmental manner. But she doesn't have carbon fiber on her car, so she'd never understand. Installation was almost as easy as the wing. Just a few more bolts than the 6 needed to swap the wing deck. The construction is strong. It is a true carbon fiber piece that feels strong and extremely light. There are no complaints about fitment either. It comes with its own hardware and uses the stock mounting points from the OEM Scoop. Once you close that hood, it truly impresses you. I was not expecting it to do as much as it did for the front end of my FL5. Not only does it get rid of the awful Piano black — but it allows the vent to be seen. It no longer blends in with the car. You have depth to a previously lackluster part of the car. You will never realize how hidden the hood vent looks, until you install this one. It holds its own against every part of the car and demands attention. Never to be looked over again.

Suspension is always the most dramatic, and scary mod for a car. And when I took into consideration how much I adored the stock handling, it made this even more of a challenge. I knew lowering was a must. From all the images on social media I had seen, it elevated this already beautiful car to something that demanded your attention. After weeks of research I decided on the RSR Drop Springs. The reasoning for this choice? Maintaining as much distinction between settings of the magnetic ride. And boy did they. These claim to lower the height by about 0.8". From my personal experience it lowered it about an inch to an inch and a quarter. I have nearly tire to fender fitment with almost 0 compromise in the comfort and drivability. I will admit I regretted this decision the first morning I took it out after install. Comfort felt like sport, sport felt like R+, and R+ felt like I was in the GTD Grand Touring class. But in that same first week something magical happened. The springs settled — the suspension softened — and the height LOWERED. If I ever had dialed daily fitment in my life, it wasn't until now. With 15mm front and 20mm rear spacers, this wide Civic fills itself out. It looks as squashed and planted to the ground as it feels when carving through the curves. And has almost no expense of the comfort it had before. Is it still stiffer than stock? Of course. But it's not back breaking stiff. You still feel it settle in and relax when you switch to comfort for the long interstate drives. When you put it in R+? It won't let go of the white line you're riding in the corners. If you're chasing new PRs at your local track or autocross event, this is not the mod for you. But if you bought the FL5 Type R as a commuter that allows you to enjoy your passion every day? The RS-R Down Springs will get you exactly where you are wanting to go!