Make your Type-R inspired Civic a real deal with this crate engine

Updated Feb 18, 2021 | Same topic: Automotive Industry Updates

Transform your Civic into a sleeper track car.

In May this year, Honda Performance Development will be releasing a K20C1 Civic Type R crate engine with the “Controls Package.” This product will be sold in limited numbers, but it will surely attract people who are planning to start a K-engine powered car build or an engine swap.

While the K20C1 Civic Type R crate engine is nothing new, the Controls Package certainly is. With the said package, the aforementioned crate engine will include an engine swap harness, accelerator pedal, wiring harness, as well as a pre-tuned engine control unit (ECU).

These will make the process of installing the engine easier, and it will also eliminate any issues that might stem from using incompatible ECUs and wiring harnesses. 

A picture of the Control Package's wiring harness and ECU

The Type R crate engine Control Package's wiring harness and ECU [Photo: Honda Performance Development]

>>> Related: 2021 Honda Civic Type R: Expectations and what we know so far

Interestingly enough, Honda is also making the crate engine available to anyone who can afford it. So, it is no longer restricted to racing teams. But then again, the crate engine itself costs 6,790 USD (around Php 326,000), and the control package is priced at 2,210 USD (around Php 106,000).

As such, that’s a total of 9,000 USD or about Php 432,000 in the current exchange rate. Suffice to say, it’s quite pricey. Moreover, a report has indicated that it will be sold in US-based dealers. 

A picture of the K20C1 crate engine in an engine bayt

The K20C1 Type R crate engine installed on a car [Photo: Honda Performance Development]

On top of the hefty price-tag, the K20C1 crate engine with the Controls Package is a limited-run product. Only 93 of these packages will be available and it isn’t even built to be road legal.

So alas, only the most dedicated few will be able to get their hands on the crate engine with the Controls Package despite lifting the “racing teams only” restriction.

Do note however that the K20C1 can indeed fit inside the engine bay of the Honda Civic FB, Honda Civic FD, and the currently available Honda Civic FC.

A picture of the Honda Civic Type R

The idea of turning a regular old Civic into a real Type R is glorious

>>> Related: Rumor: Next Honda Civic Type R to get 400 hp via hybrid powertrain?

As pointed out time and time again by automotive publications and numerous Honda fans, the K20C1 is one of the best inline-4 engines Honda has ever made. The 2.0-liter K20C1, in stock form, can make up to 316 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque.

There’s also the fact that despite the slim chance of acquiring it due to its limited production run and the expensive price tag, just knowing that this product exists will arguably make any Honda fan happy. 

For the latest car news, car reviews, and helpful car maintenance tips, keep it here on Philkotse.com

Know more about Honda Civic Type R 2024

Honda Civic Type R

The 2025 Honda Civic Type R is a high-performance, compact, five-seater, front-wheel-drive liftback. In the Philippine market, it carries a standard retail price of Php 3,870,000.  

Under the hood of the Civic Type R is a 2.0-liter inline-4 gasoline turbocharged engine that can make up to 316 horsepower and 420 Nm of torque. The said engine is then paired with a six-speed manual gearbox with rev-matching. 

Size-wise, the latest version of the Civic Type R is 4,593mm long, 1,890mm wide, and 1,407mm in height. It also has a wheelbase length of 2,735mm and a ground clearance of 123mm. 

Locally, the Honda Civic Type R competes against the Subaru WRX, Dodge Charger, Lexus ES, BMW 3 Series, and Mercedes-Benz CLA, among others.  

>>> New and used Honda Civic Type R 2025 for sale in the Philippines

Honda Civic Type R Launch

The sixth-generation 2023 Honda Civic Type R was initially introduced in July 2022. It then saw an initial release in its home country of Japan. It then reached the Philippine market in January 2023, where it retails at Php 3.880 million. It is sold in limited numbers locally.  

Honda Civic Type R exterior

Honda Civic Type R Exterior

The all-new Honda Civic Type R comes with a number of exterior features that make it a potent performer on the track and the road. For the former, it gets a set of functional vents, a honeycomb grille, wider fenders, and a rear wing. The rear also gets a triple-tip exhaust, as well as a Type R rear diffuser.

Lighting for the Civic Type R includes automatic LED headlamps, LED daytime running lamps, front fog lamps, LED side turn signal lights, and power-adjustable and power-folding side mirrors, among others.  

Honda Civic Type R front

Honda Civic Type R side end

Honda Civic Type R rear

Honda Civic Type R taillights

Honda Civic Type R wheel

Honda Civic Type R spoiler

Honda Civic Type R Interior

Inside the Civic Type R are red bucket seats which come with red Honda badges, and red floor mats. Up to five can be seated, and all are kept cool by an automatic air-conditioning system.  

The driver then gets a push-to-start button with smart entry, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster, and a tilt & telescopic steering column, among others. 

Honda Civic Type R interior

Honda Civic Type R seats

Technology & Safety Features

The highlight of the Civic Type R’s on-board tech is the Honda LogR. This is the car’s datalogger which records one’s performance on the track. It keeps tabs on a driver’s lap time and other relevant driving data.  

Safety-wise, the Civic Type R is also comprehensive. Present on the said model is the Honda Sensing driver assist system which includes adaptive cruise control, low speed follow, lane keep assist, road departure mitigation, lane departure warning, collision mitigation braking, forward collision warning, and automatic high beams.  

Keep everyone entertained aboard the Civic Type R a nine-inch touchscreen headunit with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also has Bluetooth and USB connectivity. A wireless smartphone charger is also available.  

Platform & Chassis

The 2025 Honda Civic Type R uses a front-wheel-drive, front-engine layout. Up front is a dual-axis strut suspension system, while the rear uses a multi-link suspension. Braking is then handled by Brembo 350mm ventilated disc brakes for the front, and 305mm disc brakes for the rear. It also gets an electronic parking brake with an auto brake hold.  

Engine & Drivetrain

Under the hood of the Honda Civic Type R is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 gasoline engine. Power is sent to its front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox that comes with a built-in rev-matching system. 

Honda Civic Type R engine

At the maximum, this engine can make up to 316 horsepower and 420 Nm of torque. Managing that power are four drive modes. There’s Comfort, Individual, Sport, and +R.  

There are only two available colors for the Philippine-spec 2025 Honda Civic Type R. There’s the Civic Type R’s signature Championship White, and the other is Racing Blue.  

The Honda Civic Type R is officially the most powerful front-wheel-drive liftback/hatch in the Philippine market. So in that niche, it is unmatched. That said, it is also on-par with a number of coupes and sedans in the local scene when it comes to track performance. This Honda, however, has an edge over plenty of other sports cars as it has a roomy interior that’s still practical for daily use.

Honda Civic Type R 2025 Price List

Variant Price
Honda Civic Type R 2.0 MT Turbo ₱3,870,000

Honda Civic Type R Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Attractive, yet subtle styling 

  • Roomy for a performance model 

  • One of the fastest, most powerful FWD models available 

  • Abundance of on-board tech 

  • Powerful engine 

  • One of the few performance models that come with a manual gearbox

Cons

  • Sold in limited numbers

Honda Civic Type R FAQs

1. How much does a Honda Civic Type R cost?

In the Philippines, the price of Honda Civic is priced at P3,870,000 with only one model available.

2. Is the Honda Civic Type R fuel efficient?

 The Honda Civic Type R is a high-performance sports car, and as such, it prioritizes performance over fuel efficiency. The EPA rates the Honda Civic Type R at 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

3. What makes the Civic Type R so fast?

The Civic Type R is fast due to its turbocharged engine and lightweight chassis.

4. What does Type R stand for?

The "Type R" badge on Honda vehicles stands for "Type Racing." It is a high-performance variant of certain Honda models that are designed and engineered for racing and performance enthusiasts.

5. Does Type R have VTEC?

Yes, the Honda Civic Type R is equipped with Honda's VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) technology.

₱ 3,880,000

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Cesar G.B. Miguel

Cesar G.B. Miguel

Author

Cesar Guiderone B. Miguel was born and raised in Iligan City, Lanao Del Norte. He graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in English degree from Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology. He previously worked as a freelance writer for various websites, as a member of the Iligan City Disaster Risk Reduction Management's training staff, and as a medical sales representative.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goridus.goridus

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