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July 1, 2025
Out of the box, the FK8 Honda Civic Type R is a fantastic car, but it lacks any real exhaust note outside of the fake one pumped into the cabin. So today, we’re fixing that on this 2020 Honda Civic Type R by installing a brand new AWE Touring Edition exhaust system. If you’ve found yourself in the same boat, looking to install a new AWE exhaust on your Type R, this is the article for you. Let’s get started!
To begin, you’ll need the following tools ready to go:
Ratchet wrench
Impact (if available)
Exhaust hanger removal tool (recommended)
Trim removal tool (recommended for plastic clips)
Pry bar
10mm socket
11mm socket
14mm socket
16mm socket
17mm socket
Time to rip out the old exhaust system. The Touring Edition exhaust from AWE that we installed on this Type R includes the front pipe, which we’ll be swapping out as well.
The first step is to remove some of the panels and heat shields from the underside of the vehicle. We utilized our MaxJax two post lift for this installation. With the vehicle in the air, we removed the metal heat shield from under the engine, as well as the plastic underbody shield. This gives us access to the OEM front pipe.
We also removed the plastic clips from the rear underbody panels beneath the rear bumper to gain access to the exhaust hangers. We definitely recommend having some backup plastic retainer clips handy in case you break any (trust us).
With all the under panels out of the way, we can now drop the OEM exhaust. Start with the three bolts that attach the front pipe to the downpipe.
There are several exhaust hangers throughout the vehicle that need to be disconnected. Start with the middle hanger. It’s important to remember the orientation of this hanger, as it must be reinstalled the same way to prevent any fitment issues. We recommend using an exhaust hanger removal tool with some sort of lubricant so you don’t have to wrestle it around too much.
Next, have a stabilizing jack or a friend ready to support the rear muffler section as you remove the two rear exhaust hangers. Finally, once you remove the “hidden” hanger that sits above the subframe near the front pipe, you can drop the OEM exhaust out. Note: This final hanger will not be needed with the AWE exhaust, so you can remove it completely.
Since we’re replacing the front pipe, remove the three bolts attaching the OEM pipe and drop it out.
We’re not done removing parts just yet. Since the AWE exhaust has a larger diameter, we need to make room to route it without interference. Remove the OEM front tunnel heat shield and set it aside. You’ll reinstall it after the new front pipe is in.
Finally, remove the metal o-ring gasket from the OEM downpipe, you’ll need it for the new exhaust. We had to use a metal pick to free ours from where it was seated.
With everything officially out of the car, take this time to sort any removed hardware and clean all mounting surfaces to ensure a tight seal for the new exhaust.
Out with the old and in with the new shiny stuff. The first part of the exhaust to install is the new front pipe. As mentioned before, this pipe has a larger diameter than OEM, and things get tight. To route the new AWE front pipe up and over the subframe, you’ll need to remove the lower engine mount bolt so we can shift the engine slightly to make room. Don’t worry , everything goes back together as it should.
With the engine mount bolt out, have your pry bar ready. Start the new front pipe into the tunnel (from the front). Once it hangs up, use the pry bar to shift the engine while twisting the front pipe into place. It’s hard to describe, but you’ll see what we mean. Once the pipe slides in, remove your pry bar and reinstall the engine mount bolt.
Next, make sure that metal o-ring gasket is seated into the new front pipe and bolt it into place using the three nuts removed earlier. It’s crucial that there are no clearance issues, the last thing you want is exhaust rattles with your new system.
Now reinstall the heat shield we removed earlier, again making sure nothing is contacting the exhaust and that there’s sufficient clearance to prevent rattles.
The next step is to install the midsection and resonator. The AWE system uses slip joints and band clamps to connect each section, making installation easy and eliminating the need for gaskets. Make sure each piece is properly oriented to ensure a good fit. Install this section using the OEM rubber hangers, making sure they’re oriented correctly. Keep the band clamps tight enough to hold everything in place but loose enough to rotate as needed.
Do the same for the muffler portion. Having an extra set of hands helps a lot with this step. Once everything is attached to the hangers, take a few minutes to check that all sections are rotated properly and positioned correctly, ensuring nothing contacts the heat shields or the car’s frame. Then go through and tighten all the clamps.
Finally, it’s time to install the iconic triple exhaust tips. We chose the triple chrome silver tips for this setup. These slip over the exhaust pipe and clamp down with T-bolts. Align them carefully and do not overtighten.
With the new exhaust fully installed, the last step before buttoning up the panels and trays is to start the car. Not only to hear it for the first time, but also to check for any leaks while the system is still fully exposed and the car is in the air. If everything checks out, reinstall all the panels and hardware.
It goes without saying, this exhaust is high quality. From the fit to the ease of installation, the AWE Touring Edition Exhaust for the FK8 Type R exceeded our expectations.
And how does it sound? Well, we think it sounds pretty dang good! A nice, subtle tone that breaks the mold of the “Honda Civic at 3 a.m.” stereotype. At highway speeds, there’s no drone thanks to AWE’s drone-canceling 180 Technology, which really works.
All in all, it’s easy to see why AWE has become one of the go-to exhaust systems for the Honda Civic Type R. If you’re interested in checking out an exhaust system for your car, make sure to do so at MartiniWorks.
Check out this exact exhaust system HERE!
Alex Gelina "Also Known as Gels"
