FK8 ADS UPGRADE

Just like many of you, I am an active member of several FK8/Civic Type R groups/pages on Facebook. While most of these groups may seem unproductive, filled with countless irrelevant questions and pointless trolling, there was one day when I stumbled upon a captivating post that had surprisingly gone unnoticed. None of the regular participants had an answer, and even the trolls were left clueless. No one seemed to possess the required knowledge to contribute anything meaningful to the discussion.

There was a gentleman asking if anyone had swapped out the “regular” Type R ADS unit for the Limited-Edition Type R ADS unit.

First of all… What is an ADS unit?

For those who may not know, the ADS unit stands for the “Adaptive Damper System.” On the FK8, there is an ADS ECU that adjusts the stiffness or softness of the shocks based on the driving mode you have set. For other manufacturers and car models, the ADS can sometimes be more complicated and continuously adjust as it reads suspension sensors at all four corners many times per second. This helps improve the car’s ride quality as you transition from smooth to rough roads. (More on this further down in the article)

As most of you may already be aware, I have a predilection for all things Original Equipment Manufacturer. What sets my heart aflutter even more is when I come across an OEM product that happens to serve as an enhancement for my current setup.

I conducted a thorough online search to acquire relevant information regarding the LE ADS unit. My intention was to evaluate the potential benefits of upgrading from the conventional Type R ADS unit currently installed in my vehicle. Regrettably, my search yielded minimal results, except for a three-page post on the CivicX forum. In this particular post, an individual (who, incidentally, was the same person from the Facebook group) sought clarification regarding the compatibility of the LE Type R ADS unit as a direct replacement for the aforementioned “regular” Type R variant. The responses provided within the forum thread, much like those within the Facebook group, were rudimentary and inconclusive.

Actually, it was a group of people all trying to pretend they knew, but they didn’t really know. Except for one person. He had claimed to have done the swap on his 2021 “regular” Type R, and it all worked flawlessly, with no error codes, improving the car’s performance. However, for some reason, others just skimmed over his promising reply and started saying things like… “Honda says the ADS unit is rewritable, so maybe you could just take it to the dealership, and they could reflash your ADS units with the LE program” or “if Honda had designed it to work on our cars, they would have used it from the beginning” or even “I wouldn’t mess with the electronics; it could fry the ECU, and then you’d be in trouble.”

The essence of the post can be summarized as follows: the real answer remained elusive, while some individuals sought to boost their post count with irrelevant and unhelpful remarks, ultimately compounding the confusion.

Except for one angelic man, he chimed in again and reiterated that he had done it and it was a significant improvement. His conviction was unwavering.

Upon carefully analyzing the user’s statement, extensively consulting the authoritative Honda parts catalog, and fortuitously stumbling upon a past Facebook post by an automotive shop showcasing their successful transition from Regular ADS to LE ADS, I was unequivocally convinced that the said modification was undeniably appealing and worth pursuing.

First, let’s discuss what an ADS unit is and why upgrading it would be beneficial to me (or any other non-LE FK8 owner).

The ADS system is a technology that enables a car to have a comfortable and adaptable suspension. With ADS, you can adjust the valve settings in the suspension to increase or decrease the damping level. This is advantageous because firmer damping can improve the car’s stability and responsiveness while cornering. However, excessively firm damping can make the ride uncomfortable, especially when you have passengers. That’s why the implementation of Adaptive Suspension is becoming more common among car manufacturers. It allows them to create a car that performs well on the racetrack while still providing a comfortable ride for everyday driving or when taking your partner out for a romantic dinner without any fuss.

Specifically, In a FK8,

All four dampers can adapt their damping to accommodate either comfort or spirited driving.

• In the normal driving mode, damping fluid in all four dampers flows through valving at a relatively high volume, offering less resistance and more compliance over bumps.
• Civic Type R drivers are in SPORT mode by default, and have two choices:
  • When COMFORT is selected, the damper solenoids open up the valving even further for greater flow and a more comfortable ride.
  • When +R is chosen, the valving is significantly constricted for an extremely firm ride—and surgically precise cornering.

There are two main styles of Adaptive Suspension Systems. The first is the type used by the FK8, called “valve actuated.” Valve actuated systems utilize a valve to control the flow rate of the fluid through the piston, rather than modifying the properties of the liquid itself. The more restricted the flow, the firmer the stroke of the damper’s piston.

The other style is known as Magnetorheological. The Magnetorheological or MagneRide damper typically uses a monotube design filled with magnetorheological fluid. This is a synthetic oil containing iron particles with a thickness of only a few micrometers (a few thousandths of a millimeter). When subjected to a magnetic field generated by one or more magnetic coils in the damper, the particles align.

Now that you’ve received a crash course on ADS and what it does, let’s discuss why you might want to upgrade from your “regular” Type R unit to the LE Type R unit. After reading the testimonial from the individual on the CivicX forum, I knew this was something worth looking into. The testimonial claimed that after installing the LE ADS unit, they were able to notice an increase in overall stiffness in all three driving modes. They also specifically mentioned that it made “Comfort” mode feel more like “Sport” mode, “Sport” mode feel more like “+R” mode, and finally, “+R” mode feel like “++RR” mode.

This situation intrigued me quite a bit because, as most of us “regular” Type R owners know, the comfort mode is unbelievably smooth and uninspiring. I never drove my car in comfort mode; it was just too numbing. Hell, I barely drove it in sport. Yep, I was always a +R kind of guy.

Before we dive any deeper, it’s worth mentioning that I have had Swift springs on the car since the second month I owned it. See the link below to read the DIY on how to install springs on a FK8.

Lowering the FK8

See more

Swift springs have an increased spring rate to enhance handling. They are designed to operate at the upper limit of what the OEM shocks are capable of handling. This means that in any mode other than +R, the car can feel bouncy and behave somewhat like an older Honda with cheap coilovers. The reason for this is because the spring rate of the Swifts is extremely aggressive, and the damping in comfort or sport mode simply isn’t sufficient. Essentially, the stiffer spring rates overpower the soft damping, and the shocks struggle to keep up. However, when paired with +R mode, the Swift springs create an ideal match and have been proven to be a potent combination on the track. Unfortunately, they can also be a bit aggressive for a smooth and comfortable ride when you’re taking your sweetheart out for a night on the town.

For reference, here are the spring rates of a stock FK8 spring and the Swift rates.

• OEM Spring Rate Front: 4.7 kgf/mm, Rear: 4.2 kgf/mm (this is for all “regular” Type R’s from 17-21)
• Swift Spring Rate Front: 6.3 kgf/mm, Rear 7.4 kgf/mm

As you can see, there is a significant difference between the OEM and the Swift springs. I am only referencing the Swift springs because that is what I have on my car. But you can easily find out the spring rates of any other aftermarket spring by looking at their websites.

As part of my research before making the decision to upgrade, I decided to compare the part numbers for all Type R shocks. I wanted to ensure that my OEM “regular” Type R shocks would be able to handle the increased strain of increasing the damping.

Below you can see from my extensive comparison list.

• That all years 17-21 and all models “regular” and LE FK8’s all shared the same shock part numbers.
• All years 17-21 “regular” Type R shared the same spring part numbers
• 2021 LE FK8 does have a different spring part number.
• 17-19 FK8’s have a specific ADS part number
• 20-21 “regular” Type R have a specific ADS part number.
• 21 LE Type R have a specific ADS part number.

It is unclear if the LE Type R spring rates are any different than the “regular” Type R rates. I tried digging around the interwebs and couldn’t find any conclusive evidence that they were a different spring rate. The only thing I was able to find out is that the spring thickness of the coils itself was thinner on the LE Type R. This is assumed to help the LE achieve the 50lb difference between it and the “regular” Type R.

However, the big news was confirming that ALL Type Rs shared the exact same shock part number. This meant I could safely run the increased damping programmed in the LE ADS unit. And it wouldn’t ruin my OEM “regular” Type R shocks. This was some genuinely exciting news.

I dug further and compared all years of ADS units. Only to find out that there is actually a different part number for the 17-19 Type R, the 20-21 Type R, and lastly the 21 LE Type R. This is also compelling news because, for all the people who go to the Facebook groups and ask for people’s opinions on how “lowering spring X” feels compared to “lowering spring Y,” we sit back and listen to people argue about an already subjective matter only to say that they have brand X on their car and they feel great, while someone else chimes in to say that Brand X is too bouncy.

Clearly, there are three different ADS units available spanning across all 5 years the FK8 was made. As it turns out, maybe the person who likes Brand X had the more aggressively dampened ADS unit (like the 17-19s had). Maybe the person who had said Brand X was too bouncy, well, maybe they had a 21 FK8 with a slightly softer dampened ADS unit. Just something to consider. I’m only trying to help open your eyes and see that there is so much subjectivity when it comes to individual opinions and, in this strange case, it is possible for both people to be correct. You should always try your best to do as much homework as possible when researching and look for obvious differences that no one is mentioning or questioning.

At this point, I’m really excited about upgrading to the LE ADS. (You should be too.) I am looking forward to the added benefits it brings. The LE is slightly faster around a track than the “regular” Type R, and it can be argued that there are multiple contributing factors.

• It’s 50 lbs. lighter.
• It has 19 inch lighter wheels.
• It is fitted with Michelin tires.
• It’s ADS unit is programmed to have stiffer valving.
• It’s Electronic Power Steering is more responsive.

Whatever you believe contributes the most. There is no denying that, comparing stock to stock, the LE is faster around a track than the “regular” Type R. I figured my car is already 50 lbs lighter, has 18-inch wheels, and 200tw tires. The only things missing were the updated ADS unit and the updated electronic power steering (which I’m still trying to figure out how to do).

It was settled then; I was going to order the LE ADS unit and install it on my car. The LE unit was only 250 dollars so what could I really lose from trying this out?

You may be thinking, why not just upgrade to a coilover if I’m so interested in improving the handling characteristics? Well good question, let me answer it like this…

• Swift Springs cost ~350 bucks. The LE ADS unit was only 250 bucks. Giving me an all in cost of just above 600 bucks (including shipping). Now you tell me what coilover I could get for 600 bucks!?
• Secondly, I’m still using OEM shocks that work with all three driving modes. There are no error codes or need to purchase error cancelers. Usually, when you switch to a coilover (unless you buy the RSR coilover) you lose the ability to retain the 3 driving modes. Plus, there is a suspension error on the dash unless you buy cancelers.
• I’m still able to keep a good amount of droop travel by maintaining OEM struts. Droop travel is beneficial when on track because it will help all four tires maintain contact with the ground. The more rubber you have in contact with the ground, the more grip you have. It’s not rocket science.
• Because I’m still able to use all three Modes, I can make the car comfortable to drive around town in and then crank it up to 11 when I’m on track.
• No coilover is going to be as comfortable as my car is when in comfort mode now. (With the LE ADS installed)
• High-end coilovers like JRZ, MCS, Moton, KW’s, ETC… all require rebuilding after a certain amount of time. Usually around the 1-2 year mark depending on how much track use they see) My OEM shocks will last much longer.
• Lastly, I love to mix and match OEM parts to help improve a cars performance. There is nothing that is more engineered, tested, quality controlled, designed to last, than OEM Honda parts. Plus, it also adds a uniqueness to your build.

OMG, that is a lot of reading without any pictures to keep you interested. So now, I will begin the installation process and show you how easy it is to increase the performance of your non-LE Type R, no matter what year it is.

But first, I’m sorry, one more story.

During my first endeavor to acquire the LE ADS unit from Hondapartsnow.com, I swiftly received an email the following day, apprising me that the product had been discontinued. Rest assured, the company promptly offered to refund my money for the purchase.

I felt discouraged. In today’s world, instead of keeping open purchase orders for parts that may take a while to arrive, parts suppliers often opt to label them as discontinued to avoid the hassle of tracking orders and waiting indefinitely for the parts to materialize.

I decided to try one of the many online stores that offer genuine Honda parts. I placed my second order for the LED ADS from a Honda dealer in Louisiana. It took them a few days, but they eventually emailed me. The email requested my VIN# to verify the compatibility of the part before shipping (since it was an electronic component). I replied to them, saying, “This will be installed on my 2021 Civic Type R. Although I understand that this part is not intended for my car, I am confident it will fit, and I agree not to attempt a return if it doesn’t.” I waited for a response for a few days, but received no reply. Thinking they wouldn’t fulfill my order, I grew anxious and decided to try ordering from another online Honda parts store. I placed my third order with AFHparts.com (before they discontinued online orders). However, I never received any communication from them either. No email, no confirmation, nothing at all. I began to believe that I would never get hold of this LE ADS unit. So, I simply gave up trying.

About a month later, after losing all hope and giving up on trying to do the LE ADS upgrade, I randomly received an email with a shipping confirmation from the Honda dealer in Louisiana. It stated that my order was on its way and would arrive in a few days! I was so excited! I couldn’t believe that I would be one of the lucky ones to get the acclaimed LE ADS.

Starting off, below you can see what the box looks like that the LE ADS unit comes in.

The unit comes attached to a bracket. You literally need nothing other than just unplugging the old one and plugging the new one in. Heck, I didn’t even unplug my battery. I know, so daring of me (◔_◔).

The ADS unit is located on the driver’s side C pillar, right underneath the plastic interior panel.

You do not need to remove the seats to gain access. The plastic interior piece just unclips (using a little force). Once removed, you can now see the ADS unit. You will need to fold down the rear seats at least.

Once removed, you can now see the ADS unit. Simply unplug the gray plug from the ADS unit. Unbolt the 10mm bolts holding it in place. Then unclip the green plug from the bracket.

Below, you can see the two ADS units side by side. I will admit, I did get nervous when I noticed that both units had the same part number laser-etched onto them. However, the LE ADS unit did have the white sticker on it, which had the correct LE ADS unit part number. I’m assuming that because it is a software difference, the part number for the unit itself is generic. And when a different program is loaded onto it, they add the sticker with the new part number.

Below is the new LE ADS unit installed.

Plastic cover going back on. Fold the seat back up and you’re done! It really is that easy.

This modification can easily be done in less than 15 minutes. And I guarantee you, nothing else you can install in 15 minutes will make such a drastic change. Honestly, as I backed out of the driveway, it was immediately noticeable.

I took the car out for a test drive and instantly fell in love with how the car felt. Mind you, I was only in Sport mode, and I noticed a significant difference. As I toggled the car into +R before hitting my favorite freeway on-ramp/test track, I could tell that the car was no longer just in +R mode. The LE ADS unit had completely transformed the characteristics of the car. I no longer felt as if I were driving a Civic that was on steroids. I now felt that the car was much more poised and almost had a Porsche dynamic to it (or at least, it’s what I imagine a Porsche to be).

Let’s be honest, I have no idea what it feels like to drive a Porsche GT3. However, I wholeheartedly feel that my Civic is now closer to a Porsche than it is to a Civic.

I know that it is a terrible comparison. I may be way off in my thinking. But, as I drive around in +R with the LE ADS unit installed, the car really does feel like a purpose-built sports car rather than just a civic with an R badge on it. The car feels much more planted in turns, there is more confidence, and there is much less bounce. It’s stiff, but in a good way.

Enough about what it’s like in ‘R’ mode. Let’s talk about sport and comfort mode. I feel like the most notable changes with the LE ADS unit were in comfort mode. So, remember in the beginning how I stated that I would never drive in comfort or sport? Well now, with the LE ADS unit, there are much more distinct differences in comfort levels in each mode. I can now drive the car in comfort mode with Angie, and it is not bouncy, jarring, or uncomfortable at all. Don’t get me wrong though, in comfort, the car doesn’t ride like a Cadillac. The car is still on the stiffer side. However, the increased damping, even in comfort, now allows the suspension to cope with the increased spring rates of the Swift Springs.

After having traveled almost 1500 miles and having one track day at Buttonwillow with the LE ADS unit, I can safely say that this was a very worthwhile upgrade. On the track, the car handles with even more razor-sharp precision. And during the freeway drive down there, I kept it in comfort mode and the trip was a breeze.

HOLD ON THOUGH!!! Please don’t misinterpret what I’m saying… While this is a very cost-effective, reliable, and unique way to improve your car’s performance, this is not the pinnacle of suspension tuning. If that is all you are after, then I suggest getting some JRZ’s or one of the other high-end brands mentioned above.

Upgrading your ADS unit is… dare I say, a “budget-friendly” way to improve the car’s performance. It’s also a fantastic way to get use out of all three driving modes. Because now there are more noticeable characteristics in each setting. I now find myself using the Comfort mode more often, especially when driving Angie around or taking a buddy for a drive who isn’t a “car guy”. In +R mode, there is no longer any pogoing or excessive bounciness either, and while the ride is stiff, it does have a nice “performance” feel to it.

Again, I just want to clarify that this is a significant improvement for anyone who has a “regular” Type R, especially a 20-21. I can’t speak to 17-19’s, and I’m not sure if the difference will be as noticeable, but I imagine it being noticeable nonetheless. However, nothing is going to beat 3-way adjustable coilovers when on the track. That being said, I’m sure in my future I will eventually pick up some high-end 3-way coilovers. For now, though, I’m confident that my Swift Spring/LE-ADS unit combo will be sufficient for years to come.

TLDR: Buy a LE ADS unit, install it on your non-LE Type R, and your life will change (for the better). You’ll thank me later. Dollar for dollar and pound for pound, it’s the best modification I’ve made to my FK8 thus far. Well, maybe that’s taking it a bit too far… But it’s definitely in the top three.

I truly hope this post helps motivate some FK8 owners to do this upgrade. As for the NON FK8 owners out there, I hope this post helps give you a new perspective on unusual ways you can look into modifying your car as we transition from the analog to the digital age of car modifications.

And as always, I hope that all of you were able to learn at least one thing that you didn’t know before. Because, after all, that’s the only way to keep growing and increasing your knowledge of automobiles. If you have any questions, concerns, hate, love, or just want to say hi, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me via email at billy@functiontheory.com, or DM me on Instagram @Functiontheory, or simply comment below, and I will respond.