Championship White FL5 Build by InfiniteRaiders

[infiniteraiders]

After selling my 2019 Crystal Black Pearl FK8 during the crazy COVID used car craze and prepping to propose, I'm finally back in what should be my forever car. After calling multiple dealers and asking for their longest sitting model, I finally brought her home and she was absolutely filthy! I did not have them wash it to make matters worse, which my salesman said was a first time for him (lol).

I've been detailing for almost 6 years so I did a full polish and ceramic coat to bring her back to life. I'm putting a little cinematic video on this... should be ready in the new few days. Used Adam's Advanced Graphene Ceramic Coating and Diamond Glass for the windows.

Current "Modifications":

@45 miles
-Rear Windshield Wiper Delete

-EVS Front Tow Hook

@435 miles
-Sylvania Super Bright LED 921 (Reverse Light) & 194 (Trunk Light)
-Flapflab Stone Guards

-Chasing Js Intake Cover Bolts

-K&N Intake Filter

@827 miles
-XPEL XR Window Tint 55% Front/20% Sides/15% Rear

@1022 miles
-Chasing J’s Fuse Box Cover

-MUGEN Window Visors


Accessories:

@435 miles
-All Weather Floor Mats
-Type R Trunk Tray and Dividers
-Seatback Protectors
-Door Edge Guards and Handle Protectors
-Broadway Blue Mirror
-Center Console Organizer
-Thenice Sunglass Holder
-Acuity Chain and +5 HP Charm
-Infotainment Screen Protector

I'll have pictures/videos of the above coming soon as well. Looking forward to sharing this build along with the community. My goal isn't to do anything crazy but to enjoy a few track days a year, set some PRs, and make this car "mine."

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[patoricku]

congrats man!

 

[Shingo Shoji]

Welcome back

 

[MvV]

lookin' great !! this being a brand new car what did you use for prep/polish (product, tool, pads, etc) and what did you use for ceramic coating ? thanks !!

 

[TheFactor]

Welcome to the Bright side

 

[infiniteraiders]

lookin' great !! this being a brand new car what did you use for prep/polish (product, tool, pads, etc) and what did you use for ceramic coating ? thanks !!

Thanks! I believe the dealership stored their cars outside so it was pretty filthy and had tons of water spots. I used Rupes Yellow Microfiber with Sonax Perfect Finish for 95%. For the wing (and tough spots), I two stepped with Rupes Blue Foam using Jescar Correcting Compound followed by White Microfiber with Sonax PF. Finished with Adam’s Advanced Graphene. Had a new bottle so I’ll run it out and then use something else in 3-5 years.

 

[infiniteraiders]

Picture of the Acuity Shifter Chain & Charm. Just a cool little add on, IMO.

 

[infiniteraiders]

No longer riding around in a fish bowl! This is the longest I’ve ever waited on a new car. Simply because my tint guy was out of the country for 3 weeks. I normally go darker in the back but ended up going 15% rear/20% sides/55% windshield. XPEL XR all around.

If I get in “trouble” for the windshield, I’ll replace it with a sun strip.

 

[infiniteraiders]

OP updated with rear windshield wiper delete, front tow hook, and Chasing J's intake cover bolts.

 

[Importraceram]

Congrats! Nice build so far. How does the FL5 compare to the FK8?

 

[infiniteraiders]

Congrats! Nice build so far. How does the FL5 compare to the FK8?

Thanks! To compare the two is difficult.. while some will say it’s the same car due to motor/transmission.. there’s enough differences to make each unique IMO. Here are my pros and cons, that I can think of.

Pros
-Exterior Styling (subjective) — I love that the wider fenders and quarter panels are actually molded to be wider vs having the piece that attached to the rear to make it wider. FK8 can be spotted from miles away, while a FL5 is a little more subtle (minus the wing), which I prefer.
-Handling — Not sure if it’s because it was 3 years since driving the FK8 with a 08 TL Type S (heavy!) and RWD Model 3 (can’t take corners fast) but the handling on this car feels far superior. I don’t know what Honda did to change the suspension, maybe nothing, but the this chassis is amazing!
-Braking — Stops on a dime. FK8 did too, this does it better. Again, don’t know how or why.
-Interior Dash — LOVE that I can customize the dash and have the S2000 style cluster. Add to that the individual mode and perfection. The hex pattern is also a plus as a personal preference, just great interior styling.
-Red Carpets — Was hesitant on these at first but has grown on me and love them!

Cons: (yes, it has some)
- No fog lights — Not a big deal, just wish it had it. Maybe on the refresh?
- Interior storage space — this is my biggest gripe with the car.. the cup holders don’t move. I miss how the FK8 (10th in general), had the super deep cup holder for things like a hydroflask. Also the arm rest storage was much bigger on the FK8. The space in front of the shifter is tiny, only good for holding your phone. I got the little accessory to add a tray but still small. Glovebox can barely hold the manual. I used to be able to fit CD cases in there (8th gen) so these are shrinking over the years. Same with the door storage.. barely can hold a glasses case. That being said, no sunglasses storage so I replaced my driver side handle with one. I get the car is made for the track… but FK8 had so much interior storage, I miss that.
- Fake engine noise/lack of — The pumped in sound is terrible and can be unplugged, I’ll be doing this soon. And engine sound in general is nothing to write home about, stock. This wouldn’t deter me from the car but something that could’ve been better.
- Audio — Yes, it’s Bose but I expected it to be better. This will be something I upgrade in due time. ELS is something I wish the car had from the Integra Type S but I get why it doesn’t.
- From my wife: no heated seats, no auto seats, no auto folding mirrors, no auto lift hatch. She has a Model Y so she loves to rub those features in my face… I don’t care for them and wouldn’t expect them in a Type R.

If budget is a concern, you can’t go wrong with the FK8. It really just comes down to the minor things and what you want.

 

[Importraceram]

Thank you for the detailed reply, lots of great insight!

Being that my FK8 is the best handling car (lightest by a wide margin) that I have ever owned, it’s hard for me to imagine that any other modern civic handles better. With that being said, I have heard this on countless occasions which is truly incredible to hear. From the sounds of it the FL5 seems like a worthy upgrade for me in the next 18’ish months assuming prices continue to trend downwards.

I bought my FK8 back in 2023 and, you hit the nail on the head, did so due to price. Unfortunately I was not in the FL5 market (price-wise) at that time so figured the fk8 would provide a similar experience for $12-15k less.

 

[infiniteraiders]

I forgot to include earlier, my wife hasn’t mentioned ride quality being an issue once. Could be because the seats are so damn comfortable and that she had a WRX before the Y. That thing was rough. I have the Type S ADS but haven’t installed it yet. Might test it on the track to see what’s better.

If you’re that happy with the FK8, the only way you’ll know if a switch is right for you is to test drive the FL5. Only reason I sold my FK8 is because I got like 44K for it from Vroom and lost $60 from the loan lol. Plus the money helped for an engagement ring. Worked out in the long run since I ended up liking the 11th gen design. If I didn’t, I would’ve found myself back in a FK8.

 

[Club Version]

OP updated with rear windshield wiper delete, front tow hook, and Chasing J's intake cover bolts.

What brand is the Wiper Delete and how was the install process?

 

[infiniteraiders]

What brand is the Wiper Delete and how was the install process?

CHRYMUM on Amazon. Just search “rear wiper delete for honda.” Install was easier than the FK8. I’m working on an install video for it.

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