2017 Honda Civic Type R

“Rescued”

Owned by: Josh Cook

Photos by: Chris Gosda

For Josh, the 2017 Honda Civic Type R wasn’t just another car—it was a dream. The aggressive styling, the race-ready engineering, and the performance potential made him fall in love instantly. But with a price tag that was out of reach, the Civic Type R seemed like it would remain just that: a dream.

That changed when he discovered a wrecked Type R at a Copart auction. Where others saw a total loss, Josh saw possibility. “I knew it was meant to be,” he explains. “I could see the build coming together in my head. This wasn’t just about fixing a car—it was about saving it from being parted out and creating something better than it ever was.”

The Journey: From Wreck to Showpiece

The Civic was in rough shape. It needed a new subframe, radiator support, entire front clip, fuel lines, brake lines, suspension, wiring, and computer. It wasn’t just a rebuild; it was a resurrection. Josh spent three years carefully sourcing parts, fabricating solutions, and breathing life back into the wounded Honda.

Today, what once sat wrecked at auction is now a $45,000 custom masterpiece, every detail refined to meet Josh’s vision.

Engine & Performance

Under the hood sits the legendary K20C1 2.0L Turbo, now heavily modified to push far beyond factory numbers.

• PLM front pipe, downpipe, and inlet pipe

• PRL air intake paired with a P600 turbo upgrade

• HKS intercooler and blow-off valve

• Injen big-mount intercooler for maximum cooling efficiency

• Radium coolant reservoir and catch can

• Hondata tuning dialed in for precise performance

Supporting all that power is an Action clutch with a lightweight flywheel, delivering fast response through the factory 6-speed gearbox. The result is a Civic Type R that is as brutal on the throttle as it is refined on the street.

Suspension & Stance

Josh opted for a full Airlift 3P/3H air ride system, combining performance with the stance needed to stop crowds.

• Bag Rider Super Low double-bellow bags (front and rear)

• Viair compressors for reliable operation

This system gives the Type R the flexibility to air out at shows, yet rise up for daily driving or spirited runs.

Wheels & Tires

A car this bold deserves wheels that stand out. Josh chose GMR 3-piece wheels:

• Front: 18×10.5 +18 wrapped in 225/35/18

• Rear: 18×11 +18 wrapped in 225/35/18

The fitment is aggressive, filling the arches perfectly whether aired out or in motion.

Body & Exterior Mods

The Civic Type R is already an aggressive platform, but Josh pushed it even further with carbon fiber, Mugen accents, and custom touches:

• Seibon Carbon Fiber V2 hood

• JS Racing grille

• Factory side mounts with Seibon carbon center blade wing

• Carbon fiber rear trunk plate and upper garnish

• Mugen fog light garnishes with yellow Mugen fogs

• Mugen rear roof wing

• Liquid vinyl front splitter and side skirts

• Street Arrow rear diffuser

• Roof and roof wing wrapped in Morpheus Starlight Black

• V-Land RGB headlights and taillights

• Custom purple carbon fiber front and rear badges

Every detail ties together, giving the car a one-of-a-kind show presence while keeping its racing DNA intact.

Interior & Audio

Inside, Josh went all-out, blending performance with comfort and custom flair.

• NRG quick release with steering solutions button relocation kit

• Avenue Galaxy steering wheel

• Acuity fully adjustable shifter with Hybrid cables, Likewise shift knob, and Dboyshiftz shift boot

• Aftermarket Recaro SR3 purple seats with Braum harnesses and a harness bar

• Custom rear speaker boxes with LED lighting

• JL Audio RD1000 amp powering JL 10TW3-D4 shallow subs

• Freeman’s Car Stereo installation in Gastonia, NC

With 5% luminous purple tint, the interior glows with attitude while the sound system ensures the ride is as loud as it looks.

Paint & Finish

The Civic’s Polished Metal Metallic paint gives it a sleek, factory-inspired finish, while the carbon fiber and purple accents add contrast. Under show lighting, the subtle shimmer of the metallic paint plays perfectly against the bold purple interior and carbon fiber accessories.

Future Plans

Josh isn’t done yet. He’s considering a full color change, more engine upgrades, and continued tweaks to make the Civic even more unique. “I want to continue altering the factory design so it truly suits my vision,” he says.

Thanks & Shoutouts

Josh credits his progress to the help and support of:

• PLM

• MAPERFORMANCE

• Seibon Carbon

• Freeman’s Car Stereo

• Braum

What began as a wrecked 2017 Honda Civic Type R at auction is now a head-turning, show-stopping build that represents passion, persistence, and vision. For Josh, it’s more than a car—it’s proof that with determination and creativity, even the most broken rides can be reborn into something extraordinary.

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