T TypeOne

Feature Car Friday: USDM FD2 Civic Type R

Sep 27, 2017

I know what you’re thinking… a “USDM” FD2 is an oxymoron in the world of Honda tuners. But is it possible? I met Yuichi Kimoto, a Honda enthusiast from Tsu-shi, Mie, Japan last year and I was really surprised at the work he has put into his 2008 Civic Type R. I’m sure those who are reading this already know, but in case you don’t the Civic Type R was never offered in America. Instead, we get the watered down “Si” model which not only comes with a different drivetrain, suspension and interior, but it also comes to our shores looking significantly different than it does anywhere else in the world.

The headlights, bumper, fenders, rear lights…ect are all different in Japan. The JDM FD2 Civic Type R body conversion is pretty popular over here in America, (for good reason because it is beautiful) but have you ever thought about if the USDM conversions are popular in Japan? The short answer is yes, and Kimoto san’s FD2 is a fine example of that.

Starting out as a sacred Japanese market FD2 Civic Type R, Yuichi wanted to change it up a bit and decided to do the USDM Civic Si (09+) conversion. With all of the parts sourced through a USDM parts dealer in Japan, Yuichi went to work. As you can tell from the pictures, it doesn’t look much different than something you’d see at a local car meet in the USA. Granted the black Regamasters and red Type R Brembos set it apart but it looks pretty much like a slightly modded Civic Si.

The rear end was subjected to the same treatment, a USDM trunk lid and tail lights were swapped out for their OE counterparts.

A pair of Spoon aero mirrors were added in place of the stock parts.

A Yuichi has had a few different sets of wheels on this car but he has stuck with the a set of traditional Japanese wheels, Desmond Regamasters.

Look close and you’ll see just about the only factory body panel left. The rear FD2 Type R bumper. I don’t blame him, the FA5′s flat rear bumper isn’t as good looking at the JDM version.

NGR quick release, hub and steering wheel were swapped out in place of the factory unit. He has also recovered the dashboard in a dark gray suede… something that might not be hugely popular in the USA, but unique for sure.

Sabelt harnesses take place of the factory belts.

The USDM conversion wouldn’t be complete without an authentic Civic Si gauge cluster.

Even though the US spec K20Z3 valve cover is silver, Yuichi decided to keep things clean and simple and had the valve cover painted Nighthawk black pearl.

USDM goodies from us as well as PWJDM can be found under the hood.

USDM or not, Mugen mufflers are always a great choice.

The must have USDM stickers!

We commend Yuichi for sharing the passion for his Honda just like we do and we can’t wait to see what other mods he has in store. Even though it may be something we are all familiar with it will certainly be a rare sight in Japan. Check out the complete mod list below! If you’d like to have your car featured on our site, feel free to send your submission to info@hybrid-racing.com!

 

'08 FD2 Civic Type-R

Exterior
USDM FA5 '09 Civic SI SDN Conversion
(Front bumper, Hood, Fender, Headlights, Taillights, Trunk, Sideskirts, Rear wing)
HOP OEM Splashguard
HOP OEM Foglamp
HOP OEM DRL
Headlights SMART HID6000k,Foglamp SMART HID3000k
etc:LED lamps
Rolled fenders

Interior
Suede covered dashboard (color:dark gray), A, B, C Pillar(color:black)
Password:JDM Stainless Steel Shift Knob Type I.I (Honda / Acura)
HOP OEM '09 CIVIC SI gauge cluster
NRG shortboss
NRG 2.5GEN quick release (carbonblack)
NRG steering
Carrozzeria navigation system
Diamond audio D661 speakers
Alpine V12series amp
Rockford punch series woofer 25cm×2
2.5inch Sabelt harness
Mounted battery relocated in trunk
Password:JDM Battery Tie Down

Suspension
Buddy Club Racing Spec coilovers
Custom RSR Spring rates
DME camber kit rear
Beaks bar

Brakes
MUGEN stainless brake lines
Endless MX72pad
DIXCEL Hardening slotted brake rotors

Under the hood
K20A FD2 CTR OEM
Hybrid Racing Slim Oil Cap
Hybrid Racing Liquid Filled Fuel Pressure Gauge
Hybrid Racing Fuel rail
Hybrid Racing Shifter Cable Bushings
Hybrid Racing Reservoir Cover
Password:JDM Dry Carbon Fiber Cooling Plate
Password:JDM Dry Carbon Fiber ECU Over-Cover
Password:JDM Dry Carbon Fiber Fuse Box Over-Cover
Password:JDM Dry Carbon Fiber PowerChamber Intake
Password:JDM Dry Carbon Fiber Spark Plug Cover
SKUNK2 Racing Fender Washers
SKUNK2 Racing Low-Profile Valve Cover Hardware
SKUNK2 Racing Radiator Caps
NRG Fender Washers
NRG Hood damper
The matte black paint the intake manifold
Painted in Nighthawk Black Pearl head cover
MUGEN sports muffler

Wheels and tires
Desmond Rega Master 18×8.5 +35
215/35/18 Nitto NT555

 

 

 

 

Link to share

Use this link to share this article