FL5 Civic Type R Intake Guide – Real Research, Real Feedback, No BS

The FL5 Civic Type R has a TON of intake options already – from cheap open cones to four-figure carbon setups. The problem is, they’re not all doing the same thing, and it’s hard to tell what’s actually worth your money.

This guide is based on real-world research, community feedback, customer experiences, and hands-on time with my own FL5. No paid hype, no sugarcoating – just what you should honestly expect from each setup.

What’s Covered

• OEM intake baseline
• Drop-in filters (COBB, Spoon, etc.) – Cobb 23-24 Honda Civic Type R Acura Integra Type S High Flow Filter – SBX Performance
• K&N panel & full intake – K&N 2023+ Honda Civic Type R / 2024+ Acura Integra Type S Performance – SBX Performance
• Ramair Pro Ram
• Pipercross
• PRL HVI – 2023+ Honda Civic Type-R FL5 High Volume Intake System – SBX Performance
• 27WON Hybrid Intake
• AIRTEC Motorsport induction kit – AIRTEC Motorsport Induction Kit for Honda Civic FL5 Type R – SBX Performance
• Armaspeed
• Infinity Design –Honda Civic Type R FL5 Intake – SBX Performance
• Eventuri – Eventuri Black Carbon Intake System Honda Civic Type-R FL5 2023-2024 – SBX Performance
• GruppeM – GruppeM Civic FL5 Type-R K20C 2.0L Turbo (2022-2025) FR-0529 – SBX Performance
• COBB Redline – Cobb Redline Carbon Fiber Intake for 24-25 Acura Integra Type S MT / 2 – SBX Performance

Baseline: OEM Intake

The stock FL5 intake is actually very good. Honda built it to control heat, be quiet, and keep the ECU happy in all conditions.

• Pros: excellent IAT control, reliable, quiet, smooth airflow, emissions friendly.
• Cons: very little sound, doesn’t show off turbo noises, leaves some flow on the table at higher power.

Drop-In Filters (Upgrades for the Stock Box)

COBB High Flow Filter (My Top Drop-In)

The COBB High Flow Filter is one of the best panel filters out right now for the FL5 / Integra Type S.

• High-flow polyester media (not just cheap cotton)
• Washable and reusable
• Precision-molded to drop straight into the OEM box
• Pre-oiled correctly – designed not to upset the MAF
• No tune required
• Installs in minutes

Spoon Sports Drop-In Filter

Spoon’s drop-in is aimed more at the OEM+ crowd. It’s conservative but very high quality.

• Spoon reliability and branding
• OEM+ sound and behavior
• Proper fit, no weirdness
• No tune needed

Other Drop-ins (Quick Notes)

• K&N panel: more sound, some tests show small power loss, and oil can affect the MAF.
• Foam filters: good flow, mixed filtration long term.
• HKS: currently does NOT offer a FL5/DE5 drop-in panel.

K&N Performance Air Intake System (69-1511TWR) – Not Recommended

K&N released a full intake for the 2023+ CTR/2024+ ITS. Sounds good on paper, but in the real world? Not competitive for this platform.

• Open cone + weak shielding = fast heat soak
• Oiled cotton filter can risk MAF contamination
• Performance gains are inconsistent at best
• Costs nearly the same as PRL with none of the engineering

Budget Full Intakes

Ramair Pro Ram

Ramair is a popular budget open-cone setup for FL5 owners who mainly want more sound.

• Loud intake and turbo noises
• Better midrange than stock in a lot of comparisons
• Relatively cheap
• Open cone = more heat soak in traffic or hot weather

Pipercross

Pipercross takes a similar approach to Ramair but with their foam filter and a more stylized shield.

• Clean-looking kit with a recognizable brand
• Foam filter design
• Performance sits mid-pack
• IATs still climb quickly like most open intakes

Mid-Tier Intakes (Most Common Choices)

AIRTEC Motorsport Induction Kit (ATIKHON03)

Where it fits: solid mid-tier intake with excellent real-world behavior.

AIRTEC’s FL5 intake is a very underrated option and honestly deserves more attention, especially for people who want better noise without sacrificing IAT control.

What It Does Well

• Laser-cut heatshield that seals to the hood — actual IAT benefit
• Uses the OEM front air feed — real cold air
• Large cotton cone filter — strong induction + turbo sound
• High-quality aluminum intake pipe with CNC-machined bosses
• Powder-coated black finish for OEM+ look
• Comes with silicone coupler + hardware + instructions

Real Behavior

• Sound: Loudest in the mid-tier group without going full open-cone chaotic
• IATs: Significantly better than most open-cone kits
• Build quality: Genuinely good — feels OEM+

If you want noise + good temps + fair price, this is the dark-horse mid-tier winner.

PRL HVI (High Volume Intake)

PRL’s HVI is one of the most widely used FL5 intakes and for good reason.

• Closed/boxed design with high airflow
• Strong community-backed performance
• Very good IAT behavior vs most open systems
• OEM+ fit, quality hardware

If you want a “buy it once and be done” intake that works for daily, track, and tuning, PRL is always a top contender.

27WON Hybrid Intake

27WON tried something different with their Hybrid intake. It’s not a copy of anyone else’s design.

• Filter sits high, easy to service (short-ram style)
• Three-sided shroud aims to help block heat and use factory ducting
• Billet twist-n-lock MAF housing
• Large dry-flow filter, multiple finish options

What It Does Well

• One of the loudest sounding intakes – lots of induction + turbo noise
• Nice hardware and a unique look in the engine bay
• Easy install compared to big box systems

Where I’m Cautious

• Not a lot of long-term data yet compared to PRL and others
• Early IAT reports are mixed

Right now I’d call 27WON a mid-tier, sound-first intake with good hardware but questionable IAT behavior until more data comes in.

Armaspeed

Armaspeed sits on the edge of mid-tier and premium: carbon flavor, open-cone layout.

• Good performance in many third-party comparisons
• Much louder than stock
• Visible carbon parts for engine bay flex
• Some reports of rough carbon finish on top
• Fitment feedback is mixed – some cars need tweaks

If you get a good batch and don’t mind fine-tuning the install, Armaspeed can be strong for the money. Just know QC isn’t as consistent as some others.

Premium Carbon Intakes – Deep Dive (No BS)

This is the top shelf. The “take my money” section. Carbon intakes look insane, cost insane money, and everyone claims theirs is the best. Here’s the truth based on real-world logs and owner feedback.

Infinity Design

Infinity Design is the real deal. This isn’t hype. It’s one of the strongest-performing carbon intakes for the FL5 when installed correctly.

What It Actually Does

• Midrange hits hard — one of the best for spool and throttle response
• Large carbon airbox keeps temps under control better than expected
• Unique hybrid cone/velocity design flows extremely well
• Engine bay presence is next level

Real-World Notes

• Fitment requires patience — align it properly or it rubs the hood
• Many owners raise hood bump stops slightly
• When installed right? One of the best premium intakes, period

Best For

People who want top-tier carbon + legit performance gains without the GruppeM tax.

Eventuri

Eventuri plays the “refined premium” role. Not the loudest. Not the craziest. Just extremely consistent and well-engineered.

What It Does Well

• Smooth, stable airflow thanks to the venturi housing
• Sealed carbon box keeps temps very stable
• Beautiful fit and finish — probably the best of all
• Intake sound is controlled, not obnoxious

Real-World Notes

• Not the loudest — don’t buy expecting chaos
• One of the most predictable premium intakes
• Very tuner-friendly

Best For

OEM+ builds and people who want premium carbon without extra drama or loudness.

GruppeM

This is the “I don’t care what it costs” intake. JDM unicorn vibes. Extreme carbon quality. A literal flex piece.

What It Does Well

• Insane top-end airflow — it breathes hard up high
• True ram-air design when moving at speed
• Loudest premium carbon intake — deep whoosh + turbo noise
• Best carbon fiber work of any intake here

Real-World Notes

• Expensive — you’re paying for carbon art
• Install has a lot of pieces and takes time
• Performance is strong, but value is personal

Best For

People who want the ultimate JDM flex and don’t flinch at the price tag.

COBB Redline Carbon Intake

This is the “tuner’s carbon intake.” It’s engineered for MAF stability, tuning headroom, and legal compliance — not internet flexing.

What It Does Well

• Sealed carbon box = reliable temps
• CFD-designed velocity stack smooths airflow
• MAF housing is larger than stock for tuning headroom
• Composite MAF housing avoids heat transfer
• 50-state legal (CARB EO D-660-272)

Real-World Notes

• Sound is more OEM+ than wild
• Extremely consistent on dyno pulls
• Best carbon intake for Accessport users

Best For

Owners prioritizing tuning stability, legality, and predictable behavior.

Quick Picks

• Best all-around intake: PRL HVI
• Best carbon / premium quality: Infinity Design
• Premium JDM “show + go”: GruppeM
• Refined premium: Eventuri
• Best for tuners / MAF headroom: COBB Redline
• Best “Sound + Temperature Control” Mid-Tier Intake:
  AIRTEC Motorsport Induction Kit – Loudest-feeling mid-tier intake with the best heat control thanks to its hood-sealing heatshield + OEM ducting.
• Best budget full intake: Ramair Pro Ram
• Most underrated: Armaspeed
• Best drop-in filter: COBB High Flow Filter
• Best OEM+ drop-in: Spoon Drop-In

Comparative Dyno Performance Metrics (Standardized Units)

Quality, Installation, and Cost Analysis