“THE 11TH GEN 1.5T CIVIC IS THE SAME AS THE 10th GEN” – No it’s not.
“WHO WOULD BUY ONE OF THOSE STUPID CARS? THEY WILL NEVER MAKE THE POWER THE 10th GEN HAS” – Read Up!
Plain and simple, 10th and 11th Gen Civics are not the same. Unfortunately for us and the community, there is virtually no interchangeability or compatibility between our existing 10th Gen Civic products and this new platform. Fortunately, though, we are able to use our existing knowledge to get a head start with product development. Since the release of the 10th Gen in 2016, PRL Motorsports has moved to much larger facility, added many new key players to our team and implemented new manufacturing strategies/capabilities to our playbook in an effort to keep setting the bar higher. Let’s dive into some of the changes Honda made with the 2022 Honda Civic 1.5L Turbo.
At first glance, there are a few obvious differences in the engine bay. There is a notable increase in space between the radiator, fans and downpipe. - We suspect that this added space may be an effort to reduce engine bay and intake air temperatures.
The entire intake system is vastly different from the 10th Gen. From the turbocharger inlet pipe, to the bypass valve (which are both very reminiscent of the 10th Gen 1.5T Accord), the inlet hose, the MAF sensor orientation, the air box, and air duct. After looking into the intake system and air duct routing further, we can see that the 11th Gen utilizes rather efficient intake ducting, unlike the previous generation. For this reason we will be looking into continuing our High Volume Intake Air Box line that utilizes factory ducting.
We can also see that the turbocharger is different in terms of compressor outlet routing and the fact Honda didn’t locate the BPV into the turbocharger inlet pipe. However, there are quite a few differences that aren’t so obvious to the naked eye. Honda implemented a new part number for this platform and which has been seen described as a high-efficiency turbocharger.
As with the turbocharger, Honda has changed the cylinder head to a dual port design to suit, whereas the 10th Gen used a single port. This “new” head utilizes a different valvetrain and gets VTEC on the exhaust cam now. These changes helped increase response, fuel economy and bumped Honda’s base rated power about 6 horsepower and 15 lf/lb of torque more. We use the term “new” loosely, as the 11th Gen shares the same cylinder head and camshafts as the 10th Gen Accord. Talking with James from Ktuner and Derek from Innovative MotorWorks, 10th Gen 1.5T Accords make a bit more power than the 10th Gen Civic and shows all signs of having more power potential. The community can expect the 11th Gen Civic to outperform its little brother.
Downpipe, front pipe and exhaust system fitment has changed from the previous generation. No worries, though, we’ve already got the downpipe and front pipe part covered!
Though the bumper/chassis change has increased air ducting for the intake, it has provided less room to fit an aftermarket intercooler upgrade. This has proven to be a bit of an obstacle for us with product development.
With all of the keyboard warriors’ criticism of the 11th Gen Civic, folks seem to forget that the now loved and accepted was 10th Gen Civic was once criticized by the majority too. Yes, the 2022 Civic is only available in CVT, but so was the 2016 Civic. Yes, the 2022 Civic (1.5T) isn’t available in an Si trim level, but neither was the 2016 Civic. Yes, we know that both Generations don’t rev 8k, have 4 exhaust ports, sound loud or provide an audible VTEC crossover “like a Honda should,” but Honda notably improves power output from the factory each generation change – the 11th Gen Civic is no different. To date, the 10th Gen Civic Si is the most powerful Civic Si, both from the factory and with basic bolt-on modifications. We’re beyond excited for the release of the new Si and show what this platform is capable of.
