Factory Fit or Track Weapon? The Real Cost of Replacing Your Type R’s Front Lip
You’ve scraped it on a steep driveway, caught it on a parking curb, or just want that aggressive look—and now you’re staring at replacement options ranging from a few hundred dollars to over two thousand.
TL;DR
Replacing the front lip splitter on your Civic Type R offers three clear paths. The OEM replacement costs roughly $200-$400 and gives you a perfect factory fit. Aftermarket carbon fiber options range from $600 to $2,600, offering lighter weight and aggressive styling. FRP (fiberglass) alternatives provide the aggressive look at a lower price point, around $900, but require painting. Carbon fiber is the premium choice for weight savings and visual impact, but FRP and OEM parts are more practical for daily drivers who risk scraping. Installation is moderate DIY with the right tools.
OEM Replacement: The Factory Fix
If your original lip is damaged and you want to restore your Type R to showroom condition, OEM is the way to go. For the FL5, replacing the entire lower front grille assembly (which includes the lip section) is often required because it’s a single integrated piece.
Factory parts guarantee perfect fitment. There are no gaps, no trimming, and no guesswork. The part number for the FL5’s front grille assembly is commonly listed as 71150-T60-A00 . Honda’s factory finish is durable and matches the car’s existing black trim perfectly.
The catch: The OEM piece is often sold as a larger assembly, not just the lip itself. This drives up the cost and makes replacement more involved than a simple bolt-on.
Aftermarket Carbon Fiber: The Performance Aesthetic
Carbon fiber is the enthusiast’s choice for a reason. It’s lighter than the factory plastic or FRP, often features a striking gloss or matte weave, and adds a motorsport-inspired look.
For the FL5: Options range from about $1,000 to $2,600. The EVS Tuning Carbon Front Lip and Splitter comes as a full kit at $2,595 . The Garage Unique Carbon Fiber variant is $1,250, offering a UV-protected clear coat and exposed weave . Automotive Passion offers a dry carbon splitter at $1,095, made from high-quality pre-preg material with a direct plug-and-play installation . Adro’s carbon front splitter is another high-end option, built to order .
For the FK8: Blitz offers a Carbon Front Lip Spoiler for 135,000 JPY (roughly $900-950) . APR Performance also makes an OEM-style carbon splitter at around $599 .
Installation: Many carbon lips are designed as direct bolt-ons using factory mounting points. Products like the Garage Unique lip include all hardware and hide the mounting holes after installation, giving a factory-fitted look .
FRP Alternatives: The Paintable Middle Ground
If you love the aggressive shape but want to color-match or save money, FRP is a solid choice. It’s essentially fiberglass-reinforced plastic, often supplied in a black gel coat.
The Garage Unique FRP variant costs $900 and gives you the exact same aggressive geometry as its carbon sibling, but in a paint-ready finish . Blitz also offers a non-carbon FRP lip for the FK8 at 68,040 JPY (roughly $450-$500) .
The tradeoff: FRP is heavier than carbon and requires finishing work if you want it to look perfect.
Installation: What You’re Getting Into
Most aftermarket lips are designed for direct fitment, but installation isn’t always trivial. Here’s what the process typically involves:
- Bumper Removal or On-Car: Some installs require removing the front bumper. Others, like the Project Aero splitter, can be installed with the bumper still on .
- Hardware: Most kits include bolts, washers, and nuts. Some use factory mounting clips; others require drilling.
- Access: Many installations require working under the car, often on a hoist or jack stands, to access the underside of the bumper and secure hardware .
- Time: While some shops quote under an hour for a lip install , a full splitter kit with aero rods and canards will take longer.
Comparison Table: Your Front Lip Options
| Option | Best For | Fitment | Key Material | Est. Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OEM Replacement | Restoration, perfect factory look | Exact fit | Plastic/Composite | $200-$400+ |
| Aftermarket Carbon Fiber | Track days, lightweight, show car | Direct bolt-on (varies) | Carbon Fiber | $600-$2,600 |
| Aftermarket FRP | Aggressive styling, paint-to-match | Direct bolt-on (varies) | Fiberglass | $450-$900 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an OEM front lip replacement cost for an FL5?
The OEM replacement is typically the entire lower front grille assembly, not just a lip. Expect to pay several hundred dollars for the factory part, plus labor for installation.
Is carbon fiber worth the extra cost over FRP?
Carbon fiber is significantly lighter and has a high-end aesthetic with exposed weave. FRP is heavier but costs less and can be painted to match your car’s body color perfectly.
Can I install an aftermarket lip myself?
Yes, many lips are designed as direct bolt-ons. However, you’ll need basic tools, jack stands or a lift, and patience. Some installations require removing the front bumper for easier access.
Which aftermarket carbon lip fits the FL5 best?
Brands like Garage Unique, EVS Tuning, Automotive Passion, and Adro all make direct-fit carbon lips for the FL5. Check customer reviews for fitment quality before buying.
What’s your experience with front lip replacement on your Type R? OEM or aftermarket? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.
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