For many decades enthusiasts in the US wanted the Civic Type R, but they never brought it to the US. They always stuck us with the watered-down SI model, at least until the FK8 came along. The FK8 is the first turbocharged Civic Type R ever and the first to come to the states. It’s been a massive success, and the aftermarket support has been exploding. As with any turbocharged car, an aftermarket intake is a great first modification.
There are quite a few cold air intakes on the market and picking the best one can be a daunting task. We put together this list to help you narrow down the options and pick the best one. If none of the intakes on this list suit your needs, be sure to browse our website or talk to one of our performance specialists to find the perfect intake for you!
#1 Eventuri Black Carbon Intake System
If you want the best of the best, Eventuri is the way to go. Their FK8 intake is made entirely of high-quality carbon fiber for an awesome look and improved thermals. Their intake differs from most thanks to their unique box and filter design. Air from outside the vehicle is colder than air under the hood, so Eventuri increased the size of the inlet and added a second to the airbox, nearly doubling the cross-sectional area which the turbo can draw from.
- Horsepower: +14 to +20HP
- Torque: +22 to +29LB-FT
As tested by Eventuri and multiple other sources, this intake is proven to gain 14-20 horsepower and 22-29 lb-ft consistently. This sophisticated design and carbon construction comes at a premium, but you get what you pay for.
#2 Injen Evolution Cold Air Intake
In the world of aftermarket intakes, Injen is one of the biggest names around. Their intakes generally have a simpler design than something like the Eventuri intake above, but they produce decent power gains. The Injen intake for the FK8 does not use a full box, rather a small heat shield to keep the hot engine bay air away. The benefit of not using a full box is an increase in turbo noise which the FK8 lacks in stock form.
- Horsepower: 20HP
- Torque: 17LB-FT
Injen claims power gains of 20hp and 17 lb-ft. Aside from the power gains, throttle response, and fuel economy are also improved. If you’re on a budget and want a cold air intake for your FK8, Injen is the way to go. Injen offers two different versions of their FK8 intake which are nearly identical. The “Short ram” intake (SP1582) uses a smaller heat shield compared to the full intake (SP1583.)
#3 AFE Power Takeda Momentum Intake
Somewhere in between the sophisticated design of the Eventuri intake and the simple Injen intake is aFe. Their intake uses a roto-molded housing which helps reduce heat soak and protect the filter from the hot engine bay air. The box is not as complicated as the box of the Eventuri intake, but it’s still more effective than a simple heat shield.
- Horsepower: 14HP
- Torque: 16LB-FT
The large filter improves flow compared to the stock intake while also improving filtration. aFe rates the power gains at 14 horsepower and 16 lb-ft.
#4 HKS Cold Air Intake
HKS is one of the oldest and best known JDM tuning companies on the market. They produce everything from suspension, intercoolers, turbo systems, and intake systems. Their intake system for the Civic Type R includes a high-quality, carefully crafted carbon fiber intake box with a polish aluminum intake tube. This intake system is available with an AFR corrector, which prevents any check engine lights without tuning the ECU.
- Optional AFR corrector
- 50% more airflow
Compared to stock, the HKS intake flows about 50% more air as tested on HKS’ flow bench. Unfortunately, this intake is a little expensive compared to some of the other options on this list, but if you’re a fan of the HKS brand you’ll absolutely love this intake system.
#5 GruppeM Carbon Fiber Ram Air Intake
The next intake system on this list comes from GruppeM. While all the other intakes on this list pull cold air from outside the vehicle by using the stock intake snorkel, GruppeM takes it a step further by also pulling cold air from the driver’s side fender. The additional cold air from the fender gives the GruppeM intake a big increase in air flow and reduced intake air temperatures.
- Extra air snorkel
- Carbon fiber construction
Their high-quality box design combined with a trusted K&N filter makes this a very popular choice for many FK8 owners. On top of that, the entire box is constructed from carbon fiber and gives the engine bay a very premium look.
#6 PRL Motorsports
Last but not least is arguably the most popular FK8 intake system on the market which is the PRL High Volume intake. What makes this intake so popular is that is has a very similar design to the most expensive intakes on this list, but it’s also the cheapest intake on the list. Coming in at $400, it’s a great option for FK8 owners who want to go fast for as cheap as possible.
- Very affordable
- Carbon fiber construction
Aside from the incredibly attractive price, this intake is unique thanks to the 2-piece billet MAF housing with velocity stacks. This helps to ensure the MAF gets consistent readings and eliminates the need for tuning after installation!
What are the thoughts on the K&N typhoon intake for the type r?
It’s not something we’ve tested yet in our facility, however, we’ve heard good things about it!
So you guys have tested these 3 intakes?
How does the Mishimoto intake compare. It would be a great spot between the Eventuri and the Injen in terms of price as well as power
Yes, the Mishimoto intake also offers good performance at a great price!
You mentioned check engine lights prevented with the HKS, but what about the INJEN intakes and the others. Would I be right in assuming that I’d have check engine lights with the others, outside of the HKS?
Depending on the MAF sensor placement and restriction in the area, check engine lights are avoided. Most manufactures will test their product to ensure there is no CEL after installation.
Do you need a tune for the Eventuri system to work or does it actually work with a stock motor etc.
It will 100% work with the stock ecu tuning. If you would like to maximize the performance, a tune and exhaust are recommended. They aren’t necessary, just helpful to increase the power all around.