18/03/2026 7:50 am
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I finally picked up my FL5 last week and honestly it is a dream but I already signed up for a track day at Big Willow in like 13 days so I am kind of panicking about getting it ready in time. I have about $3000 to drop right now but I am seeing so much conflicting stuff online. I looked into the Eventuri carbon intake because everyone says it is the gold standard but then I saw some dyno charts where it basically does nothing without a tune and I really dont want to mess with the ECU yet because of the warranty. Then there is the whole cooling situation... some guys on the forums say the PRL intercooler is a must-have for the California heat but others say the car is fine stock if you arent doing 30 minute sessions. I am just worried about heat soak ruining my day since it gets so hot out there in the desert. Should I be focusing on the intake and exhaust stuff for more power or is it better to just dump the money into cooling and maybe better brake pads? I need to order parts literally today to get them installed by next weekend so I am really on a clock here. What are the absolute must-have performance accessories that actually make a difference for a track beginner who still wants to daily this thing?
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12
18/03/2026 8:55 am
Quick reply while I have a sec. Since youre hitting the desert, you might want to consider these to keep the car healthy:
- CSF High Performance Aluminum Radiator Honda Civic Type R FL5
- RV6 Performance Front Adjustable Camber Ball Joints The radiator is essential for desert heat to avoid limp mode... and those ball joints keep you from shredding tires in one day. Better to stay safe and protect your new ride!
11
18/03/2026 7:51 am
Honestly, be careful chasing power first. I hit Big Willow last July and heat soak killed my session by lap four... timing just tanked. You might want to consider the PRL Motorsports Billet Intercooler Civic Type R FL5 to keep IATs in check. Pair that with Motul RBF 660 Racing Brake Fluid and you'll actually finish your sessions without the car pulling power or the pedal going mushy. I saw about a 20-degree drop in charge air temps with that core.
5
18/03/2026 8:15 am
Just saw this thread and honestly, congrats on the FL5, even if it is kind of a headache to prep on short notice. Big Willow is absolutely brutal and the stock cooling is unfortunately not as good as expected for those desert temps. I had issues with my setup last year and it really killed the vibe when the car started pulling power after just a few laps. Before I give you a real list of what to buy today, what tires are you planning to run? That makes a massive difference in how much heat you are gonna be generating through the corners. In the meantime:
- Look into some upgraded track pads from Hawk Performance Brake Pads. Their stuff is usually a safe bet for beginners.
- You really need an oil cooler. Just get any kit from Mishimoto Oil Cooler or a similar brand to keep those temps stable.
- Forget the intake, it is basically just expensive noise without an ECU tweak. Better to be safe than sorry when you are out in the middle of nowhere.
3
18/03/2026 8:25 am
Ok adding this to my list of things to try. Thanks for the tip!
3
05/04/2026 1:00 am
No way, I literally just dealt with this yesterday. Small world.
1
10/04/2026 10:00 pm
Re: "No way, I literally just dealt with this..." - yeah, it is basically a rite of passage for FL5 owners at this point unfortunately. I have had issues with my setup too, and honestly, the factory cooling is just not as good as expected for the desert heat. Everyone else already pointed you toward the radiator and intercooler which are huge, but since you are doing the install yourself, do not overlook the connection to the ground and the pedal feel. Been thinking about your list and if you want to actually survive the day, skip the intake and do this instead:
- Swap the lines so your pedal does not get squishy when the fluid gets cooking.
- Get stickier rubber because the stock tires are gonna get greasy after two sessions at Big Willow. Grab these if you can still get them shipped today:
Goodridge Phantom Stainless Steel Brake Lines Honda Civic Type R FL5
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 265/30ZR19 Focusing on heat management and grip is way better than chasing 10hp with an intake right now. You are gonna have a blast out there tho, just keep an eye on those temp gauges.