Kevin's 2018 Rallye Red Build Journal

[kevinyong]

I figured it was time to create one of these journal threads for my 2018 Canadian Rallye Red Civic Type R. Backstory, I've been into Honda's for quite some time and have had the pleasure of owning a 1998 Integra Type R, 2007 Honda Fit and a 2007 Honda S2000. Photos below:

Fast forward to last year, i began my search for a Rallye Red Civic Type R as 2018 was the first year that colour would be introduced to the Canadian market. After an extensive search across of a Canada, I was finally able to find one at MSRP without the ridiculous mark up most dealers were asking. On July 7, 2018, I bought my 2018 Civic Type R #16147.

The following day, I installed a set of OEM window visors.

 

[kevinyong]

Within the first week of driving, I managed to get a nasty rock chip on the hood. I had that touched up right away cause it was such a eyesore a car that didn't even have 100km on it yet.

I guess I was just way too excited when the car was delivered, that I completely missed a bird dropping stain on the hood. I immediately called a local detailer and booked the car in for a full correction and ceramic coating. The dropping was so etched into the paint that he had to wet sand the spot to fully get rid of the marking. The results after the paint correction and coating were simply amazing though.

I didn't like how the OEM knob didn't have much weight to it, so I quickly ordered a Seeker Japan shift knob. Having previously used one in my Integra, I was familiar with the weight and quality of the knob. What a night and day difference it made in the shifting feel of the car.

 

[kevinyong]

With just under 900km on the car, it was time to lower it. I did my research on this forum and decided to go with Swift springs. Eibach provided a reverse rake which would bother me way too much. The swift springs provided a very nice and even drop all around.

Next on the list way the amber side markers. I like them on white and black FK8's but on red, I felt like it clashed too much. Ordered a set of OEM clear side markers and paired them with some white 194 LED bulbs. I had to no issues with fitment or the bulbs unlike what I read on the forums prior to purchasing them.

A friend that was in Japan brought me back a nice little souvenir.

 

[kevinyong]

I knew I had to have TE37's on the car as it's been my all time favourite wheel. It didn't really matter that everyone had a set on their FK8 already. I placed the order in August and recieved them in late October. I was a great day to finally see the wheels in person. I chose to get the wheels in formula silver as it's been a finish that's been on my list for a while. After the wheels arrived, I ordered a set of 255/40/18 Yokohama AD08R's for them and had them mounted and balanced at work.

That was pretty much it for my 2018 as it was quickly getting colder here in Vancouver, BC. So I prepped the car for storage with a good cleaning and then disconnected the battery and threw the car cover on for the winter.

2019 rolled around and I just couldn't wait to get the wheels on the car. So I headed over to a friends house cause I'm not allowed to work on the car in my condo parkade and we swapped the TE37's on. I knew going into it that with this sizing 18x9.5 +38 255/40/18, I would have to do some fender mods that I've read about to avoid rubbing. Once we put the wheels on, I could then clearly see the exact spots where the tire would make contact with the body. The first is the front tab that the fender line bolts to by the sidemarker. I had that portion of the fender liner trimmed, and the tab bent flat towards the body. That solved all the rubbing in the front of the car. The rear I heard that you had to cut the metal body that sticks outwards towards the flare. I wanted to avoid that for the time being as I didn't want to cut into my brand new car, so I had the flare trimmed and left the metal body part intact. Well to my surprised, that solved my rubbing issue. I will still rub on the metal flare on the rare occasion that I go over a big dip in the road at a higher speed but as for daily driving, I have eliminated 95% of the rubbing in the rear.

Not sure why Honda didn't include the fuel filler cap cover but for any Canadian 2017/2018 owners I ordered the following part from my local dealership and it just snapped into place.

 

[kevinyong]

Finally some non-iphone photos. I managed to get off my lazy ass to take some proper photos of the car.

Funny enough two of my close friends just purchased 2018 Rallye Red Civic Type R's this year, so we had to meet up and take some quick photos.

 

[EAClarke]

Curiously, why did you have a hard time finding a Type R in Canada for MSRP? It’s illegal for them to sell above MSRP. I actually got mine with $2,150 off MSRP.

As for the filler cap, mine came with my 2018.

The car looks gorgeous btw!

 

[kevinyong]

Every dealer around me was asking for $5000 above MSRP. They would say it has the paint protection package, carbon package, or the sales manager would drive it for 200km and they sell it as a "used " car for the marked up price.

 

[TypeSiR]

Fantastic! Enjoy your new ride. Thanks for sharing.

 

[EAClarke]

Every dealer around me was asking for $5000 above MSRP. They would say it has the paint protection package, carbon package, or the sales manager would drive it for 200km and they sell it as a "used " car for the marked up price.

Stupid dealerships. Glad it worked out though!

 

[NickB303]

Aegean Blue is the best type r!!! I’m starting the color wars!!!

 

[kevinyong]

Stupid dealerships. Glad it worked out though!

Thanks. Took some time but it was worth it in the end.

Aegean Blue is the best type r!!! I’m starting the color wars!!!

Bring it on! lol

 

[TypeSiR]

You guys get the full Recaro treatment and sensing bits that we at the States can’t get. I think it’s worth it.

 

[toddrhodes]

Man I love that stance. I'm not lowered, so hoping I don't have the same rubbing issues on a similar wheel, but Work, not Rays. Always loved the TE-37 though, just a classic wheel. I'm also looking at that exact tire and have flip-flopped in my head several times between 255/40 and 265/35. I think since I'm at stock height and intend to stay there, that the latter will work better for me.

Congrats on the car and great build and photos. Can't wait to see more.

 

[Iilac]

You guys get the full Recaro treatment and sensing bits that we at the States can’t get. I think it’s worth it.

What is the full Recaro treatment?

 

[Morning Mahogany]

Nice build. How much did the paint correction cost you? I may have to switch to jdm clears myself. *watching thread*

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