Sporky SideGrades Texas FL5 Type R

[Sporky McGeuschky]

Hi Y'all, Sporky here!

It's March 2nd, 2025, and today is Texas Independence Day! The beginnig of March also marks the beginning of Spring down here. I figure it is now a good time for me to begin my unofficial thread.

Welcome, All Y'all, to Sporky SideGrades!​

I'm in my late 40s now, and I ain't getting any younger, so I bought my new 2025 Boost Blue Civic Type R in December of 2024 as sort of a Mid Life Christmas Self Gift. As this Type R is my first sports car, and I am new to performance vehicles in general, I cannot in good faith claim that this thread will be a maxxed out "Upgrades" and "Build" thread. We'll see. Once again, welcome to

Sporky SideGrades.​

Sponsored

 

[Sporky McGeuschky]

December 2024.
Bought my Type R at Hill Country Honda, San Antonio, Texas.

Dangit, I'm trying to upload my Chritmas Bow photo from PC... but I've been waiting on one photo... for 15 minutes.

I'm such a Boomer Noob at this.
Gonna have to do this the only way I know how:
Take a photo of a photo on my PC monitor and post from my flibbin iPad...

This photo is good though. It represents the extent of my technical prowess.

My official technical prowess level is:

Boomer Noob.

 

[Sporky McGeuschky]

iPad it is, then.
As much as I'd like to completely and permanently ditch my iPad, and ditch Apple in general,
to quote the famous Todd Howard,
"It just works".
Until I figure out how to use Android and Windows, AND get them to play nice together, I'm gonna have to stick with the (gulp) trusty iPad Mini.
Good thing dang near all my photos are on this thing.

Here are some photos of my Vehicle Window Data Card.

Vehicle Parts Content:

Final Assembly Point:

U.S. Port of Entry and Delivery Point:

Original Dealership:

"Sticker" Price:

The Car was driven 100 miles from Austin to San Antonio by the dealer, where I received it at Hill Country Honda.

 

[Sporky McGeuschky]

First Mod / SideGrade / Upgrade:

I do not have any photos of this upgrade. For video instruction on this Upgrade, please go to YouTube and watch:

Project BluRay How To Disable Active Sound Control (2022 Honda Civic)​

January 2025.

* My very first Mod is not a SideGrade, but an absolute MUST Upgrade, brought to us by a humble young man with a 2022 Honda Civic on YouTube: Project BluRay. He has a very short yet very detailed video showing how to properly disconnect the harness from the BS exhaust noise module doohickie.
Project BluRay takes down his dash AC assembly a bit further than is actually necessary for a Type R. Only the passenger side of the AC assembly needs to be loosened up unto just before about the stereo touchscreen. The whole assembly does not need to be removed. The whole glove box, though, does need to be removed. *

Thank you, Project BluRay! You are doing God's work.

 

[Sporky McGeuschky]

2nd Mod, and First interior SideGrade.

Mid January 2025.

* Ladies and Gentlemen, my Interior Suspension SideGrade:

Tempur Pillow , ​

brought to you by none other than Tempur Pedic. *

When you're as Middle Age as I am, a little extra Interior Suspension is great for highway drives.

Personally, I think the navy pillowcases go nicely with the red interior, and don't clash with the Boost Blue.

 

[Sporky McGeuschky]

Mid February 2025.

Second Interior SideGrade. It's really just an Accessory:

PowerA Car Charger for Nintendo Switch​

I've been reading a bit here on the legitimate gripe that is the lack of back seat USB. Well, I haven't wired the car or anything like that, but I found a good Lighter Outlet to USC C charger that is all one piece and plenty long enough to reach the back seat, and it's got a braided jacket. There is only one Lighter Outlet though, so any two people back there are gonna have to share.

This car charger is available at Wally World for about $14.00 U.S.

Plugging the PowerA Charger into the Lighter Outlet leaves the USB Outlets free.

Overall length is over 6 feet.

With the PowerA cable tucked between the center console and the passenger seat, there is still plenty of room for a back seat passenger to use it.

While it may not be the most ideal charger for the back seat, the PowerA Nintendo Switch Car Charger is a functional option at a low price.

 

[Sporky McGeuschky]

February 25, 2025.

First Real Permanent SideGrade:

XPEL Tint !​

Went over to Platinum Auto Films in NW San Antonio and got me some Tint!
Marco and Hilary Escamilla and the team at Platinum Auto Films have a nice shop right on Shaenfield, just outside of 1604. They install primarily Tint, PPF, and Wraps, and can perform a nice wash and detail as well. If Marco or Hilary are not there, ask for Jason.

I want to maintain as close to 50-State legal tint as possible in the event I do actually drive across the U.S.
I decided not to go fully "Merc'd Out" Paul Wall "Five percent tint so you cain't see up in my window" style.
I've been used to driving around in a 2015 JK Wrangler with zero tint and a rag top for the past four years, so "Light, Yet Effective" works for me.
I did still shell out for the highest end UV and Infrared Protection.

70% Front Windshield "Eyebrow".

50% on all Four Doors.

30% on the Rear Quarter Windows and Rear Windshield.

While I was at it, I went ahead and got a nice, light 70% for the Doors on the Wrangler.

 

[Sporky McGeuschky]

March 1, 2025.

Gotta protect the car's paint, and do my best to prevent a dirty exterior. PPF is very likely on my list for protecting my Type R... soon.
I also want to protect the body of the car even after getting a nice PPF applied.
While there are several choices out there, something about Rokblokz just appeals to me. So here we are, the

RokBlokz FL5 Rally Mud Flaps !!!​

from RokBlokz.com!
I followed the FL5 Installation Video on YouTube / RokBlokz . The video is very detailed and was pretty easy to follow. I am posting this Install to make it easy to see still photos, which may be easier to follow for some than a video.

This is what I am considering my first Instructional Install. I hope that this Install may help another FL5 owner, or even other FL5 owners (OK, lemme not get ahead of myself) in the future.

On with it, then!

RokBlokz is located in Springville, Utah.

The packaging was very efficient. Everything I needed and nothing I didn't need.

OK, no one NEEDS Smarties, but it is a nice touch!

All mounting hardware is included and separated by Front and Rear.

List of contents. I will go over the RokBlokz Window Vents later in this thread. Stay Tuned!

 

[Sporky McGeuschky]

Included with the order was a Thank You Letter, link to instructions, and a sticker.

The Rally Mud Flap Kit has everything you need for all four corners, including your choice of either Full Block Off or Hex Ventilated Inserts for the FL5 Front Wheel Vents.

The material is a very strong plastic that is also flexible.

 

[Sporky McGeuschky]

Make sure to have the proper tools. You will need:

* A plastic trim tool, preferably one with a fork, to remove some Punch Plugs (name?). I bought a Dorman Trim Tool kit at an auto parts store for around $20.00 to $25.00.

* A PH2 Phillips head screwdriver. A flat ratcheting type is the best. I couldn't locate mine, so I had to compromise by using a 1/4 inch socket wrench, a 1/4 inch socket, and a PH2 screwdriver bit. Not ideal, but it got the job done.

* A magnetic tray to hold the hardware. This also is not a necessity, but it is convenient.

Dorman Trim Tool kit... and a Craftsman PH2 Stubby.

My Jerry Rigged flat ratcheting screwdriver. This Kobalt socket wrench
set is non-magnetic, so the PH2 bit was constantly falling out onto the driveway... Yeah, I know.

Craftsman magnetic hardware tray.

 

[Sporky McGeuschky]

Before I start working, I want o make sure that there is room to work.

I'm starting with the Front Right Fender.
Since I don't have a proper Jack or Jack Stands, I will be leaving the wheels on the car, and the car on the ground.
This illustrates why a flat ratcheting screwdriver is ideal for this install.
With the steering wheel square, the space is very tight.

My Jerry Rigged setup is a bit bulky here.

"Even your Stubby is gonna be too big for this gap." !!! That's what she sai- !!!

Oh, whoops. Supposed to keep it clean here.

Your Stubby is gonna be too big for this gap, though.

So turn the Steering Wheel outward in order to make space to install the Rally Mud Flaps.

 

[Sporky McGeuschky]

Install Time.

Installing the Right Front Rally Mud Flap first.

Remove the OEM factory screws. There are two next to the Wheel Fender Vent, and one underneath it.

Use the Fork Trim Tool to pull the plastic Punch Plugs from above and below the Fender Vents. These are in there pretty tight. Be careful not to mar your paint while removing them.

 

[Sporky McGeuschky]

Next, choose whether you want to install the Full Block Off Insert or the Hex Ventilated Insert. These parts are labeled for Left and Right, so just make sure you have the correct part for the correct side. Also, have the correct hardware ready to use.

Front hardware for Front install. Note: At the top of the tray are the OEM Screws and Punch Plugs. This should be obvious, but at the bottom is the new RokBlokz Hardware.

Pull the Fender liner away from the Fender to make space for the Fender Vent Insert.

Place and line up visually the Vent Insert behind the Fender liner, and realign the Fender liner to its original position. *Note:* You may want to leave the liner near the top of the Fender Vent loose in order to place the RokBlokz Punch Plug behind the Fender liner.

Place the RokBlokz Punch Plugs at the top and bottom of the Fender Vent Insert. *Note:* In the RokBlokz install video, both of the Punch Plugs are installed in Front (on the Outside) of the Fender liner. *To me this looked a bit off, so I installed the top Punch Plug behind and underneath the Fender liner.* You must do what you feel is right, of course.

This photo shows the Rokblokz recommended method of Punch Plug placement. Both Punch Plugs are on the Outside of the Fender liner.

Fortunately, the RokBlokz Punch Plugs are very easy to remove prior to full Install and try out in a different placement, if you like.

I was able to easily pull the top Punch Plug in order to figure out whether I wanted it in Front or Behind the Fender Liner. I ended up putting the Upper Punch Plugs Behind the Fender Liner on my Install.

 

[Sporky McGeuschky]

Next up it is time to Install the Front Right Rally Mud Flap.

Prep three RokBlokz Button Head screws with Washers.

Attach the Rally Mud Flap at the Bottom with a Button Head Screw and Washer.
*This photo shows the way I opted to Install, with the Top Punch Plug Inside of and Behind the Fender liner.*

*This photo shows the RokBlokz method of Install, with the Top Punch Plug on the Outside of and in Front of the Fender Liner.*

Screw in the other two Button Head screws and Washers, and leave them somewhat loosely attached.

Next, put two of the Large Countersunk screws together with Washers and screw them into the Top and Bottom Fender Vent Inserts.

*Note:* The Large Coutersunk screws actually go into the RokBlokz Punch Plugs. I was at first confused about this, but it makes perfect sense when you see how it works.

Now decide whether you want your Rally Mud Flaps Pulled Out Wide or Tucked In Tight. *Note:* In the RokBlokz Install Video, the installer uses a level to get the Rally Mud Flaps square before tightening the screws. Since my car was on the ground on a sloped driveway, using a level would have had no useful effect.*
So I just Tucked the Mud Flaps in Tight and secured all the screws as-is.

Rally Mud Flaps Pulled Out Wide.

Rally Mud Flaps Tucked In Tight. This is the method I chose.

Next, tighten down all the screws. Be careful not to over tighten so as not to strip any OEM factory holes.

Now Install the other side the same way as the first side. Remember to turn the Steering Wheel in the opposite direction in order to complete the Install.

RokBlokz Left Front Rally Mud Flap Installed.

Congratulations! You finished the Front Install.
The difficult part is complete. The Rear Install is much easier.

 

[Sporky McGeuschky]

Before starting the Rear RokBlokz Rally Mud Flaps Install, prep the Mud Flaps by inserting the correctly labeled Pull-Through Tab, from Front to Rear, through the correct Rear Mud Flaps.

RokBlokz Rally Mud Flap Kit with Rear Pull-Through Tabs Installed.

I will show the Install of the Right Rear Rally Mud Flap next.

Right Rear Mud Flap. The Text faces Downward, and the Hole is toward the Outside of the Mud Flap.

Remove the Three OEM factory Screws closest to the Bottom of the Fender liner, as well as the closest Screw that is Underneath and Behind the Fender.

Three Screws Behind the Rear Fender.

One Screw Underneath the Rear Fender.

All Four Rear Right OEM factory Screws loose and ready for removal.

Make sure you have all the Parts and Rear Hardware nearby.

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