After 1+ year of debate...FL5 incoming!

[JCZ5]

TL/DR -

• Allocated a SGP FL5 after going back and forth between so many different cars (M2, M3, GTI, 5BW - all manual) - yes, did not stay within a certain "class" of vehicles
• ETA - Approx. 4 weeks - purchased from dealer group I have gotten a few cars from. Was told MSRP and no tariff pricing will be added (so I assume car is already in the US before the tariff deadline)
• Essentially bought it b/c of usability and the most amazing shifter

Long story...

Journey started probably 2 years ago when the FL5 was first released. I didn't actually think much about the car until I started watching reviews and hearing its high-praises. Also, just so happened I needed a more "daily driver", even though I live in NYC and WFH.

Went through a series of options, considering your usual factors of value, usability and fun to drive...I do have dedicated "fun" cars in the garage so my criteria was: something to take on roadtrips (6+ hours), fun drives just outside the city without me having to go pick up my dedicated "fun" car, and something robust enough to not have to worry.

• G87/F87 M2
  • Previously owned a F87 and really enjoyed the experience. Was the runner up to the FL5. But at the end of the day, I think I will appreciate the extra room in the FL5 (I will call it my truck) and the BMW shifter experience is mediocre
• M3
  • Great to drive, but had me thinking I rather have the M2
• GTI (MK 7.5)
  • Real surprise here, drove my friend's for a week. Really liked it and almost bought one for a little less than $30K. This was such a hoot and it proved a relatively slow, yet like car is a whole lot of fun!
• 5BW
  • Drove it briefly on a test drive once. What can you say more about the V8. But from a cost perspective to interior quality, idk if it was worth the high cost

In the end, I reached out to a few friends, car reviewers and youtubers. And based on my use case, the resounding choice was the FL5. I actually test drove the FL5 numerous times. There was only one test drive where I did not like the experience. But the other 5 times, really enjoyed the drive.

Now the biggest question folks are wondering is why are you waiting 4 weeks and not getting something now...well, this is due to me turning to the same dealer group I have purchased other vehicles. Relationships is still a real thing in my mind. And these guys did escalate to the Honda reps to try and secure an allocation.

Already thinking of mods

• ITS ADS module is a no brainer and will go on the car immediately
• Contemplating about the PRL rear motor mount
• Not necessary a mod...but how many folks did full / partial PPF on their FL5? I have it on my other cars, but the % cost of PPF compared to the overall value of the FL5 seems high

...will keep this thread updated as my FL5 comes in

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[6spguy18]

Congrats, you will love the FL5. I have a G87 TR M2 and just got a FL5 a month ago. The M2 has the engine but the FL5 does almost everything else better. The M2 is still a very good car but I like the FL5 a little better.

 

[Tw1stedlog1k]

I'm assuming you had an OG but you'll forget all about the M2 as you drive this platform more. At the same time, there will be days when you miss some of the excitement of the 6 cylinder and rwd antics.

 

[Clark_Kent]

Congrats and welcome (officially) to the club! You're the king of due diligence. Good for you. The FL5 is a great car, I know you'll enjoy it.

I elected to go partial ppf. I had the following wrapped: full hood, front fenders, A-pillar kit w/ leading edge of roof (6"), side mirrors, headlights, rocker panels, B & C pillars, custom piece on each rear door (bottom corner closest to rear wheel) resembling a shark fin. Did Exoshield on the windshield as well. Didn't see the point of having a rock chip free front end with a rock chipped windshield.

 

[chopsuey34]

Do the PRL RMM. I put mine on 2 weeks ago and was a little worried about the initial vibrations. But after about 100 miles (~3-4 drives), the vibrations settled down and now I barely feel them. Worth the money to do.

PRL is great, very small increase in NVH for performance benefits. I would not accept any more vibrations for a daily by buying anything else.

 

[DastardlyDave]

Congrats! I picked up my FL5 just a few weeks ago. It is not new, 2023 with 12k miles on it. I was looking into PPF as well until I washed it for the first time and happily found that the previous owned had already installed full front end STEK, including the windshield. I don't know what that costs, but I was happy to avoid it. I, too, am contemplating the ITS ADS module. I don't drive it every day as it's my second car (re:toy) so I am still on the fence.

 

[Superhatch]

Congrats and welcome to the forum!

I also waited about 5 weeks to buy from a dealer that has been selling at MSRP since the start. Worth it to support groups like that.

I also did front "track" PPF and a 4 year ceramic and I'm glad I did. I already have a small chip on the passenger roof rail (1mo ownership) and now am thinking about getting the roof and rails done too.

I already find the engine a bit buzzy and not sure I would want to add any more for a daily. I also bought the ITS module but haven't put it in yet. In comfort I think the car is fine. Perhaps people who have been driving softer cars their whole lives think it's harsh in comfort but I've been driving lowered/sporty cars and think the ride is fine. I'm in Wisconsin and our roads are...ok.

 

[dblagnt]

Congrats! I opted for full front PPF when I first purchased. But recently went for full PPF. I really like it for the detail factor and knowing I’m not going to scratch the paint during.

 

[zumbooruk]

TL/DR -

• Allocated a SGP FL5 after going back and forth between so many different cars (M2, M3, GTI, 5BW - all manual) - yes, did not stay within a certain "class" of vehicles
• ETA - Approx. 4 weeks - purchased from dealer group I have gotten a few cars from. Was told MSRP and no tariff pricing will be added (so I assume car is already in the US before the tariff deadline)
• Essentially bought it b/c of usability and the most amazing shifter

Long story...

Journey started probably 2 years ago when the FL5 was first released. I didn't actually think much about the car until I started watching reviews and hearing its high-praises. Also, just so happened I needed a more "daily driver", even though I live in NYC and WFH.

Went through a series of options, considering your usual factors of value, usability and fun to drive...I do have dedicated "fun" cars in the garage so my criteria was: something to take on roadtrips (6+ hours), fun drives just outside the city without me having to go pick up my dedicated "fun" car, and something robust enough to not have to worry.

• G87/F87 M2
  • Previously owned a F87 and really enjoyed the experience. Was the runner up to the FL5. But at the end of the day, I think I will appreciate the extra room in the FL5 (I will call it my truck) and the BMW shifter experience is mediocre
• M3
  • Great to drive, but had me thinking I rather have the M2
• GTI (MK 7.5)
  • Real surprise here, drove my friend's for a week. Really liked it and almost bought one for a little less than $30K. This was such a hoot and it proved a relatively slow, yet like car is a whole lot of fun!
• 5BW
  • Drove it briefly on a test drive once. What can you say more about the V8. But from a cost perspective to interior quality, idk if it was worth the high cost

In the end, I reached out to a few friends, car reviewers and youtubers. And based on my use case, the resounding choice was the FL5. I actually test drove the FL5 numerous times. There was only one test drive where I did not like the experience. But the other 5 times, really enjoyed the drive.

Now the biggest question folks are wondering is why are you waiting 4 weeks and not getting something now...well, this is due to me turning to the same dealer group I have purchased other vehicles. Relationships is still a real thing in my mind. And these guys did escalate to the Honda reps to try and secure an allocation.

Already thinking of mods

• ITS ADS module is a no brainer and will go on the car immediately
• Contemplating about the PRL rear motor mount
• Not necessary a mod...but how many folks did full / partial PPF on their FL5? I have it on my other cars, but the % cost of PPF compared to the overall value of the FL5 seems high

...will keep this thread updated as my FL5 comes in

congrats, you made the right decision

very similar to what I've gone through in the last two years, but only looked at 4dr and with exception of 4BW vs 5BW...

same reasoning made me purchase the FL5 (and the 4BW was just a tad too long to fit in our garage, since we have a workbench in the back).

I pulled the trigger last month when got a email from a local So Cal dealer asking for only $2k over msrp, no dealer installed accessories. (the ADM side sticker was $74k... all other dealers were at $5k some plus at least $3k in accessories, I was considering going out of state when I got the email)

already put in the ITS ADS (noticeable improvement in ride, as the CTR R+ was too harsh and could not really use it, my FA5 had koni yellow and stiffer springs from Mugen Si, but that was not as teeth rattling as the R+ mode, anyway not planning to track it, yet read that people are getting better lap times with the ITS), PRL RMM, removed the engine noise maker thingy, HR short shifter (had one in my '07 FA5 and loved it) + shift cable bushings + wood shift knob (did not like the feel of the aluminum finish, and metal gets way too hot), Acuity throttle pedal relocator (a must for me to heel toe), OBD port blocker, dashcam (hardwired it, front and rear)

still to be installed dual Hella horns, 27WON snorkel (both require removal of the bumper...), WOT cooling plate (on order)

considering the PRL high volume intake and pipe/hoses (need to take a break from purchasing/installing stuff, and waiting for CARB approval)

I also considered PPF and decided against it for the same reason above (price too high)

 

[JCZ5]

Congrats, you will love the FL5. I have a G87 TR M2 and just got a FL5 a month ago. The M2 has the engine but the FL5 does almost everything else better. The M2 is still a very good car but I like the FL5 a little better.

Thank you and jealous you have two wonderful driving machines! But glad even between the two, you liked the FL5 more!

I'm assuming you had an OG but you'll forget all about the M2 as you drive this platform more. At the same time, there will be days when you miss some of the excitement of the 6 cylinder and rwd antics.

I had the F87 M2C, would love to have it back in the collection one day, but at this point, why not try something completely new and go JDM.

Congrats and welcome (officially) to the club! You're the king of due diligence. Good for you. The FL5 is a great car, I know you'll enjoy it.

I elected to go partial ppf. I had the following wrapped: full hood, front fenders, A-pillar kit w/ leading edge of roof (6"), side mirrors, headlights, rocker panels, B & C pillars, custom piece on each rear door (bottom corner closest to rear wheel) resembling a shark fin. Did Exoshield on the windshield as well. Didn't see the point of having a rock chip free front end with a rock chipped windshield.

Much appreciate all your perspectives and advice over the year. Your details on the partial PPF is a good reference if I decide to go that route.

Do the PRL RMM. I put mine on 2 weeks ago and was a little worried about the initial vibrations. But after about 100 miles (~3-4 drives), the vibrations settled down and now I barely feel them. Worth the money to do.

PRL is great, very small increase in NVH for performance benefits. I would not accept any more vibrations for a daily by buying anything else.

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

 

[JCZ5]

Congrats! I picked up my FL5 just a few weeks ago. It is not new, 2023 with 12k miles on it. I was looking into PPF as well until I washed it for the first time and happily found that the previous owned had already installed full front end STEK, including the windshield. I don't know what that costs, but I was happy to avoid it. I, too, am contemplating the ITS ADS module. I don't drive it every day as it's my second car (re:toy) so I am still on the fence.

Congrats to you! STEK PPF is great, I have it on my other cars and the hydrophobic qualities are really great. Converted me from XPEL for sure.

Congrats and welcome to the forum!

I also waited about 5 weeks to buy from a dealer that has been selling at MSRP since the start. Worth it to support groups like that.

I also did front "track" PPF and a 4 year ceramic and I'm glad I did. I already have a small chip on the passenger roof rail (1mo ownership) and now am thinking about getting the roof and rails done too.

I already find the engine a bit buzzy and not sure I would want to add any more for a daily. I also bought the ITS module but haven't put it in yet. In comfort I think the car is fine. Perhaps people who have been driving softer cars their whole lives think it's harsh in comfort but I've been driving lowered/sporty cars and think the ride is fine. I'm in Wisconsin and our roads are...ok.

Waiting is the hardest part now...even though I basically waited for more than a year before making a decision.

Congrats! I opted for full front PPF when I first purchased. But recently went for full PPF. I really like it for the detail factor and knowing I’m not going to scratch the paint during.

There is a price to pay for having not to worry at all.

 

[JCZ5]

@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!

 

[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!

Yep. I'll do it tomorrow!

 

[chefNoka]

Welcome to the club!

ITS module make it a better daily and in +R mode not as bouncy as oem module. A must for me.

Not sure about the RMM, not a fan of introducing extra NVH to the car whatsoever. It's a great all around car, if you want ultimate raw driving experience, you have other cars for that.

I did the front PPF for peace of mind. Honda paint are thin, if you daily car, expect rock chips all over. Hit up @tommy911 on IG, hes in North NJ and offer very competitive price on the PPF. Mention the forum, you might get a discount.

Enjoy your new ride in great health!

 

[ProjectDD]

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

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

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