MUGEN HIGH-PERFORMANCE BRAKE SYSTEM FOR HONDA CIVIC TYPE R FL5 45000-XNRC-K0S0
Here are the headline advantages of MUGEN’s complete brake system for the FL5 Type R, with the most important facts pulled from Mugen and official dealers:
- Exceptional stopping power and pedal feel — developed as a complete, matched system (calipers, pads, rotors, lines) to deliver stronger braking force and a more progressive, connected brake touch than stock.
- Race-grade heat and fade resistance — the system was developed and tested on circuits where rotor temps can approach extreme levels (Mugen states development up to very high rotor temperatures), so it sustains performance under repeated heavy use (track laps or aggressive driving).
- Rigid monobloc front calipers for improved control — newly developed front monobloc 4-piston calipers increase stiffness vs. multi-piece or cast calipers, reducing deflection and improving modulation and consistency under hard braking.
- Full, system-matched components (rotors, pads, micromesh lines) — using a matched pad/rotor/line package improves thermal management, reduces variability between parts, and gives predictable performance on both street and circuit.
- Developed with pro drivers and circuit validation — Mugen emphasizes professional driver and track testing during development, which typically yields a balance between ultimate performance and real-world usability.
- OEM-grade engineering & fitment intent — designed specifically for the FL5 Type R as a full Mugen option (product number 45000-XNRC-K0S0 / MSRP listed on Mugen’s site), so fitment and integration with the vehicle are OEM-minded.
Quick practical notes (short and useful)
- Expect stronger noise tendencies: Mugen notes their special metal-compound pads can produce more squeal than stock—normal for high-performance compounds.
- Professional installation & brake system check recommended (bleed lines, ABS/ESC calibration where needed) to keep safety systems functioning and get the best results.
**What you’ll feel: Street vs Track
Street use
- Firmer brake pedal and more immediate bite: Because the system is designed with high rigidity monobloc calipers + improved rotor/pad combo, you’ll notice the pedal goes to the floor less, with less “sponginess”.
- Better consistency when you do spirited braking (e.g., mountain roads, back-roads): Even if you’re not at full track speed, the system should maintain cooling and feel better than OEM when you push it harder.
- Possibly more noise or squeal: Mugen notes that “due to the use of special-metal brake pads, brake squeal may occur.”
- More aggressive brake dust & rotor heat impact: With stronger friction comes more wear potential (on pads/rotors) and you may feel the rotors get hotter or more glowing after hard use than stock.
- Pedal feel will remain more consistent even after multiple hard stops (vs stock which may start to fade or soften).
- In everyday commuting or city stop-and-go you may not “feel” drastically different, but the upgrade becomes noticeable when you brake hard or expect repeat performance.
Track/High-Performance use
- Later braking point becomes achievable: With better thermal capacity and improved rotor/cooling design (Mugen developed the system for rotor temps approaching ~900 °C) you’ll be able to brake deeper into corners before fade or loss of modulation sets in.
- Reduced brake fade over multiple laps: Better cooling, stronger materials, matched pads/rotors – this means the system holds up under repeated high-load braking better than stock.
- More stable pedal feel under high G and heat: Because monobloc calipers reduce flex, you’ll have more reliable and predictable braking feel when the car is heavily leaned over or under load. (See Mugen philosophy: caliper rigidity = consistent pad contact)
- Potential for slightly harsher behaviour when cold: High-friction pad compounds typically require more bed-in, may be “grabby” or make more noise cold, and might require a bit of warming before the full benefit shows.
- Need to manage rotor/pad temperatures and bed-in: On track you must ensure you warm up the brakes properly, clean off any glaze, inspect for pad wear/rotor condition, and ensure cooling ducts/airflow are optimal.
Installation & Setup Checklist (street + occasional circuit)
Here are important points to ensure you get the most from the system and avoid common pitfalls:
- Professional installation recommended
- As this is a full system (calipers, rotors, lines, pads) you’ll want a well-experienced workshop familiar with big brake kit installs.
- Ensure correct torque on caliper bracket bolts, correct pad shims (if required), proper bleeding of the system to remove all air.
- For a humid and hot like Asia, ensure the brake fluid used is high-boiling type (Mugen’s system includes high performance brake fluid in some models)
- Bleed and check for ABS/ESC interaction
- After install, check that the car’s ABS and stability systems are functioning properly; big changes in rotor size or pad compound may affect sensor calibration or feel.
- Bleed brakes after first few uses (many kits settle after a few heat cycles) and inspect lines for any sign of flex or leaks.
- Check wheel clearance, hub/rotor fitment
- Ensure your chosen wheel size and offset clear the new calipers/rotors completely (some aftermarket kits push clearance limits).
- Check hub run-out, rotor installer thickness (if spacers used), ensure rotor hats/bell parts match.
- Cooling / airflow optimisation
- Even though the kit is built for high temps, in track use you’ll need good airflow to the front brakes. Consider adding or checking brake ducts, ensure the OEM ducting isn’t blocked by dirt/debris.
- On road use heavily loaded/traffic/hill runs, ensure you give some “cool-down” time before full throttle sprints to manage heat soak.
- Bed-in procedure
- After install, perform pad/rotor bed-in as recommended (warm the brakes gradually, avoid heavy stops until they are at operating temp, then do a series of moderate to hard stops allowing cooling periods in between).
- Avoid heavy braking from high speed until you’re confident the system is fully bedded and stable.
- Regular maintenance & inspection
- High performance pads and rotors may wear faster than standard under aggressive use: inspect pad thickness, rotor surface for cracks or scoring, check for rotor warping, heat cracks, or discoloration.
- After track use, inspect for rotor hat/surface expansion, warping; check bolt torque.
- For street use: monitor pad wear and brake fluid condition (old fluid in humid Malaysia absorbs water which reduces boiling point).
- Expect the trade‐offs
- More high-friction pad compound → more noise, more wear, possibly more dust. (As Mugen warns)
- Harshness: On daily driving you may feel the pedal more aggressive, less “soft cushion” than stock. But that’s the trade-off for stronger performance.
- Cost: Greater cost for pads/rotors (especially when track-used), plus possibly more frequent maintenance.
