BEYOND THE BUILD EP.2 | KEVIN'S VARIS FK8

BEYOND THE BUILD EP.2 | KEVIN'S VARIS FK8

 

At first glance, Kevin’s 2018 Honda Civic Type R already stands out. But to those who understand what they’re looking at, it goes far beyond wide fenders and loud aero. This car is a dream realized, a project that turned from casual ambition into a precision-crafted icon in just two years.

"This car is a dream that came true. Something I only dreamt of or played in video games thinking, ‘one day, I hope to build a car,’" Kevin says. In just 24 months, he’s transformed his FK8 into a full Varis widebody build, winning awards, making it to SEMA, and pushing the boundaries of what a Civic Type R can be.

A Vision Built on Precision

The exterior is dominated by the Varis widebody kit, one of only a few of its kind globally, but Kevin didn’t just bolt on panels and call it a day. His goal: build something OEM+ inspired but elevated to art. That goal shows in every choice, especially the custom 1-of-1 full carbon fiber roof — not wrapped, but authentic carbon, shaved to bare metal while preserving the structural integrity of the original roof.

The wheel and tire setup reflects the same dedication. Instead of going with the expected 18s, Kevin worked with Ron at AR Motorwerkz to spec out a set of BBS LMRs in 19-inch sizing, paired with Toyo R888Rs to bring aggressive presence to match the Varis body lines.

Detail Inside and Out

Inside, the cabin is a tactile experience of contrast and craftsmanship: Alcantara across the dash, glovebox, center console, and door panels. A powder-coated 4-point roll cage not only adds function, but ties in beautifully with the red tone of the wheels.

From the valved titanium exhaust that brings the K20C1 to life, to details like carbon aero, and curated hardware, this is a build that breathes precision.

"I can go on with an extensive mod list on the car but I can proudly say that I was able to execute my dream spec of how I would have wanted to build an FK8 Type R back in the day."

Recognition Earned

Kevin's FK8 hasn’t just made noise online — it's been recognized on the highest stage. His Civic was featured as a booth car in Central Hall at SEMA 2024, and took 1st place at prestigious shows like Wekfest and Spocom. Each award is more than a trophy — it's a marker of how far passion, planning, and execution can take you.

"Another dream I could have only prayed for and it came true. All glory to God for all the opportunities he has blessed me with on this car building journey."

Shoutouts and Gratitude

No build like this happens alone, and Kevin gives genuine credit to those who helped bring it to life:

  • Ashley – his fiancée, advisor, and "harshest critic"

  • Mike at Ingenious Auto Solutions – for bringing the vision to life with care and precision

  • Greg aka fullersjdm – for consistent support and maintenance

And to the brand partners who believed in the project: R1 Concepts, Alpharex, Toyo Tires, APR Performance, Morimoto, Megalifebatteryusa, StudioRSR, Yonristic Performance, Bulletproof Automotive, DressUpBolts, JQWerks, Sweidit, SpecDTuning, Red Tiger Dashcam, Gyeon USA, Lasfit Air, Triple Seven, Modified Nonstop

"Overall, I’m still new to the automotive industry. Still trying to learn and grow in this space... The dedication, hours, and years put into a car define the authenticity and love for the car community."

The Journey Ahead

Kevin’s FK8 is more than a build — it’s a manifestation of vision. And while this car is already operating at a level most dream of, Kevin makes one thing clear: he's just getting started.

From everyone at StreetSaga: thank you Kevin for trusting us to share your story. This is what Beyond the Build is all about.

 

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