Hello FitFreak community!

I'm beyond thrilled to finally share my journey with the GK5 Fit. It's a project that's been on my radar for quite some time, and now I have the pleasure of bringing one under my wing.

The Hunt:
For those who've been on a car hunt, you know how arduous it can be. I've always had my heart set on a GK5 Fit, specifically one that was White, paired with a 6SPD, and whose condition matched its price. And man, did I have to scour far and wide.

From GTI to GK5:
Some of you might find it interesting that I'm transitioning from a 2019 GTI. While it's a fantastic ride, the costs started to weigh in. I've been yearning for something more "turnkey" - a vehicle that I can simply fire up and drive spiritedly without a second thought. Here's a photo of the GTI as it currently sits:

2019 GTI
KW Clubsport
Advan TC4
...many more JDM parts

The Find:
Luck, or perhaps destiny, had me stumble upon a GK5 that was a 2-hour drive from my place. It was a leap of faith; I went ahead and bought it sight unseen. Now, this isn't your pristine showroom vehicle. The paint job is in dire need of some work, both the front and rear windshields warrant replacements due to scratches, and there are mechanical woes like a defunct starter motor and a VTC actuator that seems to be on its last legs. And let's not even talk about the interior; it's crying out for a thorough detailing session.









The Plan:
While it sounds like I've bitten off more than I can chew, I have plans - big plans. Before I venture into adding my own parts, my immediate focus is to restore this Fit to a standard I can be proud of. It's going to be a challenge, but it's one I'm excited to tackle.

Stay tuned. The journey promises to be a blend of sweat, gears, and perhaps a little grease, but I promise it's going to be worth it.

 

If I thought buying a car sight unseen was a leap of faith, driving it for the first time was an adventure in itself.



A Sour Introduction:

It's not often a car ride leaves you feeling under the weather, but my first experience with the GK5 was, well, nauseating - literally. Whatever had taken residence inside this car had clearly been left unchecked for a long time.Gutting and Grime: Given the health hazard it presented, there was no choice but to go full Rambo on the interior. I stripped it down, right to its metallic skeleton. The carpets had seen better days (to put it mildly). I took them through a meticulous cleaning ritual - disinfecting, soaping, and then setting them out to sun-dry. Imagine driving around in a gutted GK5; it's an experience and a half!
A Visit to the Detailing Maestro:My next stop was with a trusted companion in car restoration – Sunny from **Auto Detailing Markham**. With access to his professional tools, we set to work. Every nook and cranny was shampooed, disinfected, and had the embedded dirt extracted. Then came the rust, courtesy of some careless winter wear. Thanks to Sunny’s expertise, the rust was treated, cleaned, and I used POR15 to seal it all up, ensuring long-term protection against corrosion.Soundproofing and Smooth Riding:

While the carpets took their sweet time drying, I went ahead and invested in Kilmat from Amazon. For those unfamiliar, it's a fantastic sound deadening solution to enhance drive quality. It was time well-spent prepping the GK for its plush insides.The Finishing Touches:

Reassembling the Fit was rewarding. Despite cleaning at every step, it seemed like there was always another layer of grime to tackle. Layers upon layers of disinfectant were used. However, the payoff was absolutely worth it. The once foul-smelling interior was replaced with the refreshing scent of cleanliness, and the ambient cabin noise was noticeably diminished.The Verdict:
Took the revamped GK5 for a spin and what a difference these changes made. The driving ambiance feels rejuvenated. Not only does the cabin smell and feel incredibly better, but the reduction in noise and resonance made for a much more enjoyable ride.

Stay tuned.

 

Subscribed! Can't wait to see what's coming.

 

The journey with my GK5 is becoming more exhilarating with each passing day. There's been an abundance of changes and I can't wait to share them here.

1. A Radiant Change:First on the list was modernizing my GK5’s lighting. All LEDs got an upgrade to a sleek 5000K Kelvin - be it the Dome Light, Trunk Light, or License Plate Light. The ambiance transformation inside and out is palpable.2. Bass Boost:
A friend gifted me a JL Audio Subwoofer and it was about time it found its place. The mockup's done and it's awaiting final setup.3. Engine Bay & Front Endeavors:4. Honk Upgrade:
Having grown up in the Asia, I have a penchant for the distinct horn sounds of European cars. Currently leaning towards either the Bosch Europa or Hella Supertones. The original horn was timid, to say the least. With the mounting point dilemma, a bit of drilling might be in the cards. More on this soon!5. Front Grille Facelift:
The pitted front grille got a thorough cleanup and was now wrapped in gloss black.6. Dent Duties:
Another rendezvous with Sunny from Auto Detailing Markham. This time, for paintless dent repair. Most dents were bid adieu, with a few left for the next session.7. Fluid Affairs:
The previous owner’s word on the recent oil change had me inspecting the engine oil, which, not surprisingly, was pitch black. The GK5 got a full synthetic 0W20 flush, coupled with OEM Honda filters.
Being used to German cars, I couldn't resist adding Liqui Moly MoS2 for that extra layer of protection.8. Clip Clop:
Acquired a pin clip set recently. Replaced and secured around 20 clips. No more worrying about any future rattles.9. Shift Shenanigans:
My shift surround was aesthetically challenged. The solution? A fresh paint job to match the car’s body color. (Matched to my friend's BMW AW Bumper, lol).
An S2000 CR Shift knob was lent to my by a friend. Although it looked stunning, it didn't resonate with me.10. Wheel Wonders:
Managed to snag a pair of OG Rays Volk CE28's in 15x7 +42. They came with Toyo Proxes T1R tires and are now secured with Muteki Lug Nuts.
After some thorough cleaning and brake bleeding with Motul RBF600, they're now proudly on the GK5. The brake is now phenomenal.
The OEM brakes, coupled with the new fluid and rims, have made a world of difference.11. Sonic Tweaks:
A productive evening at Sunny's led to the subwoofer wiring being finalized and a much-needed rear trunk cleanup. Another pack of Kilmat was employed, further diminishing road noise from the rear.With the amplifier's arrival just around the corner, the auditory experience promises to be improved.

 

Welcome. If you are interested in being added to the GTA Fit Whatsapp group, let me know.

 

wow, awesome progress! i actually traded in my 2016 GTI DSG for my now 2016 GK5 6MT for pretty much the same reasons (the cost being a huge factor).

 

September rolled in with a flurry of updates, and I'm eager to share the latest chapter in my GK5 journey. So, let's dive right in:

1. Drum Drama:
Took the necessary steps to clean them up, ensuring optimal performance and aesthetics.




2. Coilover Confidence:
Bid farewell to the stock ride height as BC BR Coilovers took center stage. Lowering the GK5 was surprisingly effortless, a refreshing change from my previous experiences.



3. Badge Banishment:
Embracing the mantra of minimalism, all badges and window stickers were ceremoniously removed. The goal? A sleek, clean aesthetic that lets the car's essence shine through.




4. Shifter Saga:
Inspired by a memorable ride in a friend's F87 M2 equipped with a CAE shifter, I embarked on a quest for a similar upgrade. I found RVER, a short shifter from China. Skeptical at first, but after installation, the improvement was palpable, especially coupled with Acuity Shifter Bushings.





5. Starter Salvation:
Addressing the pesky grinding noises during startup, a used starter from a wrecker came to the rescue. While 80% of the noise vanished, the persistent hum of the VTC actuator awaits its turn.
This one's quite the pain. For some reason, I've spoken to a few techs that are close friends of mine, and they mentioned that starter motor bolts don't really rust. I had to jack the car up way higher to replace the starter motor.






6. Hazard Hunt:
Scored a JDM hazard button from the illustrious @Action Jackson . Small victories that add to the overall charm of the build.




7. Fluid Refresh:
Castrol SRF breathed new life into the neglected clutch fluid, a testament to the car's enduring journey.



8. Fan Fix:
With the radiator fan on the fritz, an aftermarket replacement was sourced and installed, restoring the GK5's cooling prowess.





9. Door Drama:
Upgraded to replacement door cards salvaged from a wreckers, elevating the interior aesthetics to new heights.





10. Exhaust Elegance:
The unmistakable growl of the HKS exhaust now graces the GK5, adding a touch of aggression to its demeanor.



11. Wheel Wonders:
Fresh from the Land of the Rising Sun, new wheels have arrived, promising to elevate both form and function.




12. GTI Goodbye:
Bid adieu to my trusty GTI with one final track day at CTMP GP, a bittersweet farewell captured in a poignant snapshot.



With each update, the GK5 inches closer to its zenith, a testament to the journey's unwavering momentum. Stay tuned for the next installment, as October beckons with promises of further evolution and excitement!

 

September rolled in with a flurry of updates, and I'm eager to share the latest chapter in my GK5 journey. So, let's dive right in:

1. Brakes:
Brakes were running low, and I had plans on switching to a better brake setup down the road, Front Rotors were kept OEM, with pads replaced to AC Delco. The drum brakes were rusty, so I took the necessary steps to clean them up and made some slight adjustment, ensuring optimal performance and aesthetics.

2. Coilovers:
Stock Suspension had been replaced with BC BR Coilovers. Lowering the GK5 was surprisingly effortless, a refreshing change from my previous experiences. With 2 camber bolts up front, it came out to a healthy -3.5 (which is what I was aiming for) since the car's drivability had tons of room for improvement.



3. OEM Branding:
Embracing the mantra of minimalism, all badges and window stickers were ceremoniously removed. The goal is to keep the car clean and simple.


4. Shifter:
After having driven my friend's F87 M2 equipped with a CAE shifter, I embarked on a quest for a similar upgrade. After some research into the SEA Market, I was able to find a short shifter from China. Skeptical at first, but after installation, the improvement was palpable, especially coupled with Acuity Shifter Bushings. Hybrid Racing Shifter was definitely top of my consideration, but since this was priced very similarly, I wanted to give it a try.




5. Pre-Ownership Woes:
Addressing the pesky grinding noises during startup, a used starter from a wrecker came to the rescue. I was reluctant to know whether or not this would've fixed the grinding problems, but the cost made it bearable. 80% of the noise vanished, the VTC actuator is next.



6. Some JDM Goodies:
Was able to score a JDM hazard button locally from @Action Jackson . Small victories that add to the overall charm of the build.



7. Fluid Refresh:
Transmission has been flushed twice with Honda MTF. As well, Castrol SRF breathed new life into the neglected clutch fluid, a testament to the car's enduring journey.



8. Fan Fix:
With the radiator fan on the fritz, an aftermarket replacement was sourced and installed. Undertook the meticulous task of pulling out the front end to facilitate the installation of the new radiator fan, a necessary step in the pursuit of perfection.



9. Door Cards:
Upgraded to replacement door cards salvaged from a wreckers, elevating the interior aesthetics to new heights.





10. Exhaust:
The OEM Muffler was quiet to my liking, and I wanted to slightly change the tone of the GK5 to something deeper while daily driving, but louder when under heavy throttle. The HKS Silent Power will do the job for now.


12. Wheel Wonders:
Fresh from the Land of the Rising Sun, new wheels have arrived, promising to elevate both form and function - more to come in the spring!


13. GTI Goodbye:
Bid adieu to my trusty GTI with one final track day at CTMP GP, a bittersweet farewell captured in a poignant snapshot.





With each update, the GK5 inches closer to its zenith, a testament to the journey's unwavering momentum. Stay tuned for the next installment, as October beckons with promises of further evolution and excitement!

 

Greetings, FitFreaks!

As the year progresses, so does the evolution of my beloved GK5. Buckle up as I take you through the exhilarating journey from October to December:

1. Winter Wonderland:
Kicked off October with a picturesque wintery shot of my slammed GK5 on MST MT29s.


2. HKS Muffler Makeover:
The haze on the HKS muffler was starting to irk me, so I enlisted the help of my friend Ray to polish it up. Despite being the third owner, the results were surprisingly decent!


3. Stylish Additions:
Mugen bolts and an OEM Honda license plate added subtle yet significant touches to elevate the aesthetic appeal.


4. JDM Encounter:
Spotted a rare gem on the road - a JDM Rear GE Honda Fit, a delightful surprise amidst the urban landscape.


5. Track Day Triumph:
Mid-October graced us with favorable weather, perfect for a spontaneous track day. Equipped with MST MT29s (mistakenly sold as Rota Slipstreams) and Nitto NT05s, I pushed my half-decent Fit to its limits at Toronto Motorsports Park.


Check out the action-packed video:
6. Caliper Cleanup:
Took matters into my own hands and gave the rusty calipers a much-needed facelift with black POR15 paint.


7. Streamlined Rear:
Visited my good friends over at , located in Markham, Ontario. (It takes them 3 seconds to pull the rear wiper off, while I was struggling for half an hour trying to get the rusted wiper off, lol).

Finally installed the JDM Rear Wiper Plug, bidding farewell to the original rear wiper setup for a cleaner look:


8. Trunk TLC:
Revitalized the trunk with foam washers and fresh clips to banish rattles and ensure a snug fit.


9. Illuminating Upgrade:
Welcomed the arrival of JDM Headlights, complete with a custom harness for seamless integration.


10. Wired Perfection:
Ensured a clutter-free interior with the installation of a wire channel (raceway) for my Viofo A129 Pro Duo.



11. Vent Victory:
Tackled the broken passenger side vents with Sunny's expert assistance, restoring functionality and aesthetics.


12. Reflective Realities:
A poignant comparison between the first day and today illustrates the transformative journey of my GK5.



13. Spoonful of Inspiration:
A thoughtful gift of a Spoon Sports box has ignited dreams of a full Spoon Sports Catalogue build, tantalizing possibilities dancing in my mind.


14. Rustproofing Resilience:
Shielded the GK5's undercarriage with comprehensive rustproofing, ensuring longevity in the face of harsh conditions.




15. Paint Predicaments:
The 2016 Fit's paint issues became increasingly apparent, prompting action to address the chipping paint woes covered by Honda Warranty.

The journey continues, each milestone a testament to the passion and dedication poured into my GK5. Stay tuned for further adventures as we usher in a new year filled with promise and possibilities.

 

1. Auto Detailing Markham:
   Located in the heart of Markham, Auto Detailing Markham, owned by the illustrious Sunny, exudes Spoon Type One vibes. Here, meticulous attention to detail meets passion for automotive perfection.
   
   
   
2. Spoon EK9 Hatch - A Source of Inspiration:
   A Spoon EK Hatch build serves as a timeless muse, inspiring enthusiasts worldwide with its blend of performance and style.
   
   
   
3. PowerFlex Rear Torque Arm Insert - Finding Balance:
   After experimenting with various rear torque arm solutions, including the Hybrid Racing variant, I found solace in the PowerFlex Rear Torque Arm Insert. Strikes the perfect balance between performance and NVH.
   
   
   
4. JAS FL5 Type R - Engineering Marvel:
   Behold the awe-inspiring JAS FL5 Type R, a testament to precision engineering and racing pedigree.
   
   
   
5. GK5 Beside a Spoon FL5 - Bridging the Divide:
   A surreal moment as my GK5 shares the spotlight with a Spoon FL5, bridging the gap between aspiration and reality.
   
   
   
6. Cracked Bulb Woes:
   A disheartening discovery - a cracked bulb inside my newly installed JDM headlight, a minor setback amidst the journey of transformation.
   
   
   
7. Addressing Leaks and Challenges:
   With oil and exhaust leaks in the rearview, it's time to roll up the sleeves and tackle these challenges head-on.
   
   
   

However, It's All Part of the Journey:
While challenges may arise, it's the perseverance and dedication that define our journey. Every setback serves as a lesson, propelling us forward towards our ultimate goal.

 

Tell me about those JDM headlights.

Did you need to make any body or bumper modifications to install them?

It looks like they just drop right in.

 

It drops right in.

Be mindful of a few things:
- USDM / Base JDM headlights are 3 bulb (Low/Hi H4, Park/Turn Signal, Corner Bulb (USDM) or City Light (Inner Bulb for JDM).
- Headlight Cutoff line is reversed for JDM and USDM. It will need to be aimed a bit lower.
- You will need to splice or tap into your existing headlight harness to convert from 3-pin to 4-pin.
- High Beam and Low Beam still work independently. Custom harnesses will need to be made for simultaneous low/hi beam operation.

The information above is only applicable for pre-facelift units. Facelift has a totally different wiring diagram and operation.

Otherwise, all GK/GP headlights are interchangeable amongst each other in terms of chassis fitment.

 

Thanks for that info. I'm enjoying your build so far.

That poor car was abused and I'm glad you're giving it the love it deserves.

I'm curious how many miles are on it and I'm also curious to see how much carbon buildup is on the valves given the abuse the engine has seen.

 

Glad you're enjoying it. I'm slowly bringing it to good health while being within a reasonable budget. The starter swap gives me confidence to be able to repair the motor (VTC Actuator Replacement, Tensioner Cover Seal, Valve Adjustment) which should take care of the 1L drain for every 1-2 months.

I have already cleaned the intake manifold with CRC GDI IVD Intake Valve & Turbo Cleaner, ran Liqui Moly Pro-Line Engine Flush, cleaned the MAF sensor with CRC SensorKleen. After performing a throttle relearn, the car idles a lot better and bogs way less.
Flushing out all the fluids and replacing it with OEM (or better) has tremendously improved the drivability of the car. I had some bogging, which I believe was a result of carbon buildup on the intake manifold side, so when the cleanup above started to get rid of the dirt in the manifold, the readouts were likely throwing the idle off.

I have moved from factory recommended 0W20 to 0W30 in the winter, and to something thicker (0W30/5W30) in the summer for when the car gets a bit more driving. My most favorite oil is M1 ESP 5W30, which has good recognition amongst GDI/Turbo GDI guys over at BITOG. I might also tackle the intake manifold cleaning sometime in the Spring/Summer this year, to fully give the car a good clean.

Right now, before I continue on with any Engine/Suspension Service, I wanted to tackle the paint and preserve the shell. The rust belt is not known to be forgiving with cars, and my 2023 Toyota Camry, which has seen 1 winter season is already starting to have surface rust on the underside. The car is quite beat up - the vehicle appears to have a small claim which points me to a repainted hood and fender; a culprit of Honda's 19-064 TSB. This is a 7-page documentation highlighting affected Year, Make, Models, as well as areas of concern. My vehicle falls right into the VIN range. However, the TSB appears to mainly be focused on USA customers, and my car has quite a bit of unwarrantable damages althroughout, which means that I'd only get partial repair coverage. This isn't worth my time.

I'll be posting an update shortly regarding the status of my vehicle and what my plans are.

 

As promised, I'm here to provide an update on the current state of my GK5. Fair warning, it's not all sunshine and rainbows.


The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly: A Visual Odyssey

Today, I present to you a series of photos showcasing the reality of my GK5's condition. It's been a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs, but I believe transparency is key, so here's the unfiltered truth highlighting the following areas:

1. Surface Rust Inside Doors and Hinges
2. Dented Left Rear Door Sill
3. Dented Right Rocker Panel
4. Rusted Rear Quarter Panel
5. Scraped Rear Corner of Bumper
6. Paint Flaking / Chipping due to poor Honda Paint/Clearcoat.
7. Inconsistent Paint due to previous repair job
8. Cracked front bumper
9. Dented Left Side B Pillars
10. Dented Drivers Door Top Pillar
11. Dents all over the vehicle
12. Rough overall shape

Seeking Your Insights:

As I assess the extent of the damage, I'm faced with a crucial decision. Considering the multitude of issues, I'm inclined towards sending the vehicle to a trusted body shop for repair and primer. Subsequently, my friend will work his magic and wrap the vehicle, offering a cost-effective solution to restore it back to good shape.

 

In the midst of exploring options for refreshing the GK5, fate intervened with a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the road. On my routine morning commute to work, I encountered a harrowing near-miss that left me shaken yet grateful. I'm glad the Viofo was up and running.

Video here:

Anyways, just a quick update. More to come

 

Damn, that was a close one. Glad you were pay attention and have quick reflexes.

 

BTW, really enjoying your work in bringing the Fit back. If you really like this car, you should take the body shop route.