Toyota Corolla GR 3-cylinders VS Audi RS3 5-cylinders (the odd number cylinders)

 

The Toyota G16E-GTS (GR Yaris/GR Corolla) 3-cylinder and Audi RS3’s 2.5 TFSI 5-cylinder are examples of odd-cylinder engines, which are uncommon compared to 4-, 6-, and 8-cylinder designs.

Why use odd numbers of cylinders?

Engineers choose odd-cylinder layouts when they want a balance between:

• Compact size
• Lower weight
• Unique power delivery
• Distinctive sound
• Packaging advantages

Toyota G16E-GTS 3-Cylinder

Why Toyota chose 3 cylinders

The GR Yaris was designed for rally homologation.

Advantages:

• Extremely compact
• About 10-15 kg lighter than a comparable 4-cylinder
• Shorter crankshaft reduces rotational losses
• More room for AWD drivetrain and cooling
• Faster engine response

Disadvantages

• More vibration than an inline-4
• Requires balance shaft engineering
• Rougher idle characteristics

Power density

The 1.6L G16E produces:

• Up to 304 hp (GR Corolla)
• Around 190 hp per liter

One of the highest-output production 3-cylinder engines ever built.

Audi RS3 2.5 TFSI 5-Cylinder

Why Audi keeps the 5-cylinder

The RS3’s engine traces its heritage to the legendary Audi Quattro rally cars of the 1980s.

Advantages:

• Smoother than a 4-cylinder
• More compact than an inline-6
• Strong low-end torque
• Unique firing order creates the famous Audi warble

Disadvantages

• Longer and heavier than a 4-cylinder
• More expensive to manufacture
• Packaging is tighter in transverse applications

Sound Character

The 1-2-4-5-3 firing sequence creates the iconic uneven exhaust note:

Growl + warble + turbo whistle

Many enthusiasts consider it one of the best-sounding modern turbo engines.

Comparison to the classic B18C, 2JZ, VR38DETT as per table 

Engine	Character
Toyota G16E 3-cylinder	Lightest, most aggressive, rally-focused
Honda B18C 4-cylinder	Best balance of smoothness, revs, simplicity
Audi 2.5 TFSI 5-cylinder	Most charismatic sound and torque
Inline-6 (2JZ, RB26)	Smoothest and strongest potential

For pure driving excitement, many enthusiasts rank them:

1. Audi 2.5 TFSI 5-cylinder
2. Honda B18C VTEC
3. Toyota G16E-GTS 3-cylinder

The Audi wins on sound and torque, the Honda wins on naturally aspirated response and mechanical feel, while the Toyota wins on power-to-weight and modern rally-car character.

SPOON STABILIZER SET FRONT FOR HONDA CIVIC FL5 K20C 51300-FL5-000

 

SPOON STABILIZER SET FRONT FOR HONDA CIVIC FL5 K20C 51300-FL5-000

Part Number: 51300-FL5-000

The SPOON Front Stabilizer Set is a performance-oriented front anti-roll bar developed specifically for the FL5 Civic Type R. 

It is designed to reduce body roll, sharpen steering response, and improve cornering stability while maintaining good road manners for street use.  

Key Features

• 30mm hollow stabilizer bar (OEM FL5 front bar is approximately 29.2mm hollow)
• 2-way adjustable stiffness
• Outer hole: 130% of OEM stiffness
• Inner hole: 136% of OEM stiffness
• Includes dedicated polyurethane bushings
• Suitable for both street and circuit driving
• Improves:
• Turn-in response
• Cornering grip consistency
• High-speed stability
• Steering precision  

Compatibility

• Honda Civic Type R FL5
• Engine: K20C1 Turbo
• Chassis code: FL5  

Important Installation Note

If your FL5 is lowered more than 40mm, or if you plan to use the 136% stiffness setting, SPOON recommends the separately sold 51302-FL5-000 Adjustable Stabilizer Link to maintain proper suspension geometry and prevent preload issues.  

The Verdict

For an FL5 owner looking for better handling without sacrificing daily drivability, this is one of the most balanced sway bar upgrades available. 

Unlike extremely stiff aftermarket bars that can make the front end nervous on rough roads, SPOON’s tuning philosophy focuses on maintaining Honda-like refinement while increasing cornering capability.

Best paired with:

• SPOON Rear Stabilizer Set (52300-FL5-000)
• SPOON Adjustable Stabilizer Links
• SPOON Progressive Springs or quality coilovers
• Performance alignment setup

Handling Gain: 8.5/10
Daily Comfort Impact: Minimal
Track Suitability: Excellent
Value for Money: 8/10  

SPOON STABILIZER SET FRONT FOR HONDA CIVIC FL5 K20C 51300-FL5-000

SPOON 4 IN 2 EXHAUST MANIFOLD FOR HONDA ACCORD CL7 18100-CL7-000

 

SPOON 4 IN 2 EXHAUST MANIFOLD FOR HONDA ACCORD CL7 18100-CL7-000

The SPOON 4-2 Exhaust Manifold is one of the most respected naturally aspirated (NA) upgrades for the Honda Accord Euro R CL7. 

Designed specifically for the K20A engine, it uses a 4-2-1 layout to maximize exhaust scavenging and improve torque throughout the usable rev range.  

1. Genuine Honda K20A Optimization

• Developed around Honda’s high-revving K20A engine.

• Primary and secondary runner lengths are tuned to improve cylinder scavenging.

• Emphasizes mid-range torque without sacrificing top-end power.  

2. Proven 4-2-1 Configuration

• 4-2-1 headers generally provide stronger mid-range and street drivability than 4-1 designs.

• Particularly effective for road courses, mountain roads, and daily-driven performance cars.  

3. Premium Construction

• TIG-welded stainless steel construction.

• SPOON’s “Far Insert” manufacturing method minimizes port mismatch and improves flow consistency.

• Excellent durability and resistance to cracking.  

4. Weight Reduction

• Approximately 3.4 kg versus about 5.7 kg OEM.

• Reduces weight ahead of the front axle, slightly improving turn-in and steering feel.  

Best Supporting Mods

For a CL7 Euro R, this manifold works exceptionally well with:

• SPOON or J’s Racing intake

• High-flow catalytic converter

• 60 mm cat-back exhaust

• Hondata K-Pro tuning

• Lightweight flywheel

Enthusiast Verdict

Among naturally aspirated K20A upgrades, the SPOON 18100-CL7-000 is considered a benchmark header. 

Unlike many aftermarket headers that focus solely on peak horsepower, this design improves the entire powerband, making the Accord Euro R feel stronger exiting corners and during everyday acceleration.  

For a CL7 Euro R owner seeking OEM-level fitment with genuine performance gains, this is one of the highest-rated exhaust manifold upgrades available.

SPOON 4 IN 2 EXHAUST MANIFOLD FOR HONDA ACCORD CL7 18100-CL7-000

AIRTEC Motorsport Intercooler Upgrade for Honda Civic Type R FK2 - WITH BIG BOOST PIPE Kit sku: 411273

The AIRTEC Motorsport Intercooler Upgrade for Honda Civic Type R FK2 – WITH BIG BOOST PIPE Kit (SKU: 411273 / ATINTHON02) is a popular cooling upgrade for the 2015-2017 FK2 Civic Type R.

Matter the most especially for owners running increased boost pressure, ECU tuning, intake upgrades, or track-day use. The kit combines a large front-mount intercooler with AIRTEC’s larger-diameter hard boost pipes for improved airflow and charge-air cooling.  

Key Features

• Large stepped intercooler core (60mm to 100mm design)
• Cast high-flow end tanks
• Alloy air scoop to improve airflow through the core
• Hand-crafted Big Boost hard pipe kit included
• 63mm outlet size
• Direct-fit installation behind the OEM bumper
• Available in Natural Silver or Pro-Series Black finishes
• Compatible with all Honda Civic Type R FK2 models (2015-2017)  

Proven Cooling Performance

AIRTEC’s dyno testing on a modified FK2 demonstrated significantly lower charge temperatures compared to the factory intercooler:

Lower intake temperatures help reduce heat soak, maintain power consistency, and improve reliability during repeated hard acceleration or track sessions.  

Dimensions

• Width: 1000mm (including end tanks)
• Height: 370mm
• Depth: 60mm / 100mm stepped core
• Outlet: 63mm  

Advantages of the Big Boost Pipe Kit

The included boost pipe kit replaces restrictive factory pipework with larger hard pipes and silicone couplers, helping:

• Improve airflow efficiency
• Reduce pressure drop
• Support higher horsepower builds
• Increase throttle response when combined with tuning and intake modifications  

Is a Tune Required?

Generally, no ECU retune is required after installing an intercooler and charge pipe upgrade alone. However, the greatest power gains are realized when combined with a custom tune. 

Community feedback from Civic Type R owners consistently reports improved intake temperatures and consistency without requiring immediate tuning.  

Suitable For

• Stock FK2 owners in hot climates
• Stage 1 and Stage 2 tuned FK2s
• Track-day enthusiasts
• Owners planning turbo, intake, or exhaust upgrades

For a tuned FK2 running increased boost, this AIRTEC package is considered one of the most effective supporting modifications because the factory intercooler becomes a heat-soak limitation relatively quickly under repeated hard driving.  

AIRTEC Motorsport Intercooler Upgrade for Honda Civic Type R FK2 - WITH BIG BOOST PIPE Kit sku: 411273