Team Dynamics Honda Civic Type R FK8
Chassis: Honda FK8 Civic Type R Bodyshell with homologated safety rollcage built to NGTC regulations with a range of standardised components
Engine: Two-litre turbocharged
K20C direct injection Neil Brown Engines-tuned motor with fly-by-wire throttle control, 16 valves (four per cylinder), in-line four cylinder twin overhead camshaft
Transmission: Front-wheel drive; Xtrac six-speed sequential-shift gearbox and differential
Electronics: Cosworth Electronics specified package incorporating electronic control unit, dash, data-logging
Power: 350+bhp
Top speed: 160mph
Max RPM: 7000rpm
Weight: 1280kg (without that pesky success ballast)
Wheelbase: 2699mm
Fuel tank: ATL 80-litre Kevlar cell
Front suspension: Rml-designed full front sub-frame incorporating suspension, brakes, transmission and engine location that attaches to specified rollcage locations. Multiadjustable double wishbone suspension with Penske damper with Eibach springs
Brakes: AP Racing specified package: twin four-piston, two-pad callipers on 362mm disc (front) and 304mm disc (rear)
Clutch: AP Racing carbon
Wheels: Team Dynamics supplied 18-inch centre-lock wheel
Tyres: Dunlop: 265/660 R18 available in soft, medium and hard compounds I turn the map dial on the steering wheel to ‘2’, blip the throttle and the engine starts to metronomically rev itself in cool down mode. Before switch off, it needs a 10-degree difference between oil and water temperatures.
After a quick debrief with Neal, and another couple of laps, all too soon the runs are over and I’m climbing back out of the Ngtc-spec weapon.
The overriding feeling is of how responsive and positive the chassis, engine and transmission are to every input. The experience is only slightly marred by the conditions. I would love a go in one of these fantastic machines in the dry to get a better feeling for what they’re capable of.
The success of TOCA’S current rule set needs little justification within these pages and from what I can see, Silverstone’s International circuit will be an interesting challenge for the BTCC fraternity next September.
Neal will use this same chassis again next term. Should he net a win here, at least I can bask in having helped show his Civic which way the corners go.