2008-2009 Civic FD2 Type R conversion

**EJ1** · 02-10-2013 07:44 PM

Dear Ozhonda community,

After years and years of contemplating what Honda I should invest in I've come to a brick wall in my decisions.

Currently own 2 cars (Toyota Chaser JZX100 MT and Diahatsu charade)

Original decision was to buy an EM1 years ago and boost it but that idea soon died out as soon as I realised turbocharging Honda's kills their heart and soul. An NA Honda is what they're all about.... Response and handling.

After deciding the boosted EM1 was a bad idea I was contemplating the NA route with a K swap. Either EM1 or DC2 type R are my current idea's. A few months ago I was intending to head to NZ to buy an FD2 type R but I cannot seem to find anyone willing to move there with me for a year to qualify for the personal import scheme.

So now I'm stuck in the predicament of purchasing either an EM1 or DC2R which would both receive a JDM K20A swap. Another thought which has recently came across as a good idea was to buy an FD2 civic and do the type R conversion. (motor, interior and exterior)

My question is which model out of all the Civic FD's would be the most suitable and straight forwards for the type R conversion, What differences are there in the chassis of an FD civic (vti,sport,vti-l ect) sold here as opposed to the FD2 type R civic. (ie more rigid chassis, different suspension setup mcpherson strut/double wishbone ect), Will the engine bolt in to the existing engine mount supports when the time comes for the K20A to be put into it, What parts are needed for this conversion mechanically wise. Any other information I've left out which you may feel the need to answer please feel free too.

Cannot seem to find any FD2 Type R civic K20A motors around anywhere which I didn't think it would be easy to find as there aren't many around that have been written off.

If I were to go the FD2R path I would have to sell both of my 2 cars to fund the FD2R conversion as I know it would cost in excess of 10k.

If I were to got the EM1 or DC2R path I'd be selling the Diahatsu and keeping my JZX100 for a weekend cruiser where as the EM1/DC2 would be my dedicated daily and hills car.

I need some input from members on here any help would be greatly appreciated.

Best regards Cristos.

**integraR** · 02-10-2013 07:54 PM

civic fd2 australian sports model uses k20 (the lower performance one)

**EJ1** · 02-10-2013 07:57 PM

Yeah I'm familiar with the motor they have (K20AZ2) I believe.

**Honda_FD** · 03-10-2013 05:57 PM

Any Sports FD and FD2 will make it a lot easier. Because it has a K frame for the 2.0L Engine
You can either get a JDM K20 from EP3 and DC5 or Buy the K20 from an FN2R
Since the FN2R has electronic throttle and all that jibber jabber makes it easier for a swap.
Because you can just put the head and computer in and it'll work straight away.
Or if you have the money do a complete swap and get the extra power.

**EJ1** · 03-10-2013 06:50 PM

What about the vti fd2? Assuming the installation would be a bit more difficult to convert from the R18...

Have sourced a brand new fd2 type r engine which is made to order by spoon for around $6,700.

If I were to buy the fd sports for example can I make use of the exhaust manifold, gearbox, driveshafts, inlet manifold and various other components temporarily?

The fd2 k20a motor built to order is manufactured as a short motor I believe. Will also be looking at fd2r gearboxes for the conversion.

**xenonkuraz** · 03-10-2013 08:07 PM

VTI/VTIL = FD1
SPORT = FD2

I would choose the FD1 frame if I was to do an FD2R conversion;

- body shape would be true to the type R (no side mirror indicators and sunroof) and therefore more lightweight
- cost less to get your frame, as you are going to remove the engine anyway

Ps fd1 (r18) vs fd2(au) k20z2

**Honda_FD** · 03-10-2013 08:20 PM

Originally Posted by xenonkuraz

VTI/VTIL = FD1
SPORT = FD2

I would choose the FD1 frame if I was to do an FD2R conversion;

- body shape would be true to the type R (no side mirror indicators and sunroof) and therefore more lightweight
- cost less to get your frame, as you are going to remove the engine anyway

Ps fd1 (r18) vs fd2(au) k20z2

I thought FD1 was 2006-2008
and FD2 was 2009-2011 - With the facelift

Not the engine.. Was I wrong this whole time? lol

**EJ1** · 03-10-2013 08:40 PM

Didn't the FD2 sport come without a sunroof option and without the mirror indicator option? I would have thought the sport would have been better for the conversion... I don't mind the mirror indicators but a sunroof wouldn't suit the conversion nor would it suit my driving needs.

Hence Honda Civic "FD2" type r. Not FD1 type R. The FD2 type R is the facelifted model right?

Thought the VTI was also an FD2 chassis? Guess I hadn't looked into it enough.

I was contemplating buying the VTI for the price until I thought the FD sport would have made a better candidate. Maybe the VTI is still the best option I have?

**curtis265** · 03-10-2013 08:40 PM

Originally Posted by Honda_FD

I thought FD1 was 2006-2008
and FD2 was 2009-2011 - With the facelift

Not the engine.. Was I wrong this whole time? lol

yes, yes you were.

**curtis265** · 03-10-2013 08:42 PM

FD1 is for the R18A engine
FD2 comes with the k20Z2

that's all it is iiirc, the chassis are more or less the same (apart from the subframe)

the FD2R has a lot more spot welds and all that on the chassis i think

**EJ1** · 03-10-2013 08:49 PM

So the FD1 subframe is different as opposed to the FD2?

Does anyone know if they're interchangeable assuming if I did fit the K20A I'd need the FD2 subframe correct...

Yeah I believe you're right I read somewhere that there is an increased number spot welds on the chassis, Any other useful information anyone can provide me? All this information is really helping right now and I do appreciate it highly.