Info on Suspension “Kits”
12-Dec-2004, 08:10 AM
#1
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Info on Suspension “Kits”
Info on Suspension “Kits”
I’ve been thinking of upgrading/replacing my suspension over the winter. I currently have H&R Sports and Koni Red struts. I’m happy with the ride, drop and handling, but everything will be almost 3 years old by the summer and I’m sure things are wearing out.
I’ve noticed that a lot of companies are coming out with these Suspension Kits that are comprised of matched springs and struts. There are the Tokico HPK (Blues) and D-Spec (Illuminas?) kits, Koni RSK (Reds) kit and my favourite, the H&R Cup (Yellows) Kit.
I’ve read that the matching of springs with the proper rates to shocks with the appropriate damping/stiffness results in a superior riding and handling car. Because these kits are fairly new, there isn’t a lot of info out there from other sources besides the manufacturers. I was wondering if anyone has them, knows anyone or is planning on purchasing a set.
Thx.Mike
I’ve been thinking of upgrading/replacing my suspension over the winter. I currently have H&R Sports and Koni Red struts. I’m happy with the ride, drop and handling, but everything will be almost 3 years old by the summer and I’m sure things are wearing out.
I’ve noticed that a lot of companies are coming out with these Suspension Kits that are comprised of matched springs and struts. There are the Tokico HPK (Blues) and D-Spec (Illuminas?) kits, Koni RSK (Reds) kit and my favourite, the H&R Cup (Yellows) Kit.
I’ve read that the matching of springs with the proper rates to shocks with the appropriate damping/stiffness results in a superior riding and handling car. Because these kits are fairly new, there isn’t a lot of info out there from other sources besides the manufacturers. I was wondering if anyone has them, knows anyone or is planning on purchasing a set.
Thx.Mike
12-Dec-2004, 09:11 AM
#2
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basically from what I've heard... thats somewhat correct. basically you don't want to exceed the spring rate that the shock is capable of dampening.
for off the shelf koni yellows for example you don't want rates any higher then 500 lbs/in.
personally from what I've looked at most of these kits can be found for cheaper then buying springs and shocks separately. which is a good thing. one stop shopping. however I also think that if you get say Koni yellows with a threaded perch and buy custom spring rates from Eibach.. (around 80 bucks for a set of 2) you could come up with a setup that rivals those and be cheaper. so long as you corner wiegh the car properly everything should be great.
anyways thats just my 2 cents.
for off the shelf koni yellows for example you don't want rates any higher then 500 lbs/in.
personally from what I've looked at most of these kits can be found for cheaper then buying springs and shocks separately. which is a good thing. one stop shopping. however I also think that if you get say Koni yellows with a threaded perch and buy custom spring rates from Eibach.. (around 80 bucks for a set of 2) you could come up with a setup that rivals those and be cheaper. so long as you corner wiegh the car properly everything should be great.
anyways thats just my 2 cents.
12-Dec-2004, 09:58 AM
#3
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I have the Tokico Illumina "kit".
It didn't lower the car too much but that is how I like it. Plus the handling is excellent. The manufacturers have matched the correct spring rate for their shock, so it would be a good setup in the end. On top of all this, Tokico gives a lifetime warranty for these shocks as long as I use their springs. I'm happy with my purchase.
It didn't lower the car too much but that is how I like it. Plus the handling is excellent. The manufacturers have matched the correct spring rate for their shock, so it would be a good setup in the end. On top of all this, Tokico gives a lifetime warranty for these shocks as long as I use their springs. I'm happy with my purchase.
12-Dec-2004, 04:37 PM
#6
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Astroboy was selling those kits last month for a little over $600 and the HP kits for $550ish. Personally I like the H&R Cup Kit, but it's around $1000.
The only negative feedback I have read on the Tokico kits is that they don't lower enough. I think Bruno has the H&R, so I'll wait for his response.
The only negative feedback I have read on the Tokico kits is that they don't lower enough. I think Bruno has the H&R, so I'll wait for his response.
12-Dec-2004, 05:04 PM
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Originally posted by DumbasSi
The only negative feedback I have read on the Tokico kits is that they don't lower enough. I think Bruno has the H&R, so I'll wait for his response.
The only negative feedback I have read on the Tokico kits is that they don't lower enough. I think Bruno has the H&R, so I'll wait for his response.
12-Dec-2004, 05:26 PM
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Originally posted by DumbasSi
Astroboy was selling those kits last month for a little over $600 and the HP kits for $550ish. Personally I like the H&R Cup Kit, but it's around $1000.
The only negative feedback I have read on the Tokico kits is that they don't lower enough. I think Bruno has the H&R, so I'll wait for his response.
Astroboy was selling those kits last month for a little over $600 and the HP kits for $550ish. Personally I like the H&R Cup Kit, but it's around $1000.
The only negative feedback I have read on the Tokico kits is that they don't lower enough. I think Bruno has the H&R, so I'll wait for his response.
12-Dec-2004, 08:35 PM
#9
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Astroboy had them on sale, so the prices I'm sure are different now. It would still be cheaper then buying the parts separately. The RSK kit is similar to what I have now, but I want some adjustability for different driving conditions. I'm way to lazy to be messing with coilovers.
Kimchee how much is the drop? How much did you pay for the kit?
Kimchee how much is the drop? How much did you pay for the kit?
13-Dec-2004, 03:24 AM
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I'm not too sure of the actual measurements but the "finger-gap" is what I can tell ya.
The front is almost flush with the fender, maybe 1 finger gap.
The rear is about 1.5 - 2 finger gap.
I think it's because of he heavier B-series motor in the front makes the front sag more.
I paid $940 for my kit about a year ago.. it was from one of the affiliates here... I think it was RT motorsport.
The front is almost flush with the fender, maybe 1 finger gap.
The rear is about 1.5 - 2 finger gap.
I think it's because of he heavier B-series motor in the front makes the front sag more.
I paid $940 for my kit about a year ago.. it was from one of the affiliates here... I think it was RT motorsport.
13-Dec-2004, 09:57 AM
#13
yeah, I got the H&R, and I'm very happy with them. going on 2.5 years of ownership I think...
lastly... if you think your susp is wearing out after 3 years then
to you. 
in other words, your suspension has just broken it... it should be showing any real signs of wear at all yet. On the other hand, I don't know where you drive exactly, or how you drive... so ????
but I highly doubt that a regular driving car would kill a set of koni reds in 3 years. So reconsider spending that money.
lastly... if you think your susp is wearing out after 3 years then
to you. in other words, your suspension has just broken it... it should be showing any real signs of wear at all yet. On the other hand, I don't know where you drive exactly, or how you drive... so ????
but I highly doubt that a regular driving car would kill a set of koni reds in 3 years. So reconsider spending that money.
13-Dec-2004, 08:50 PM
#14
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Originally posted by bbarbulo
On the other hand, I don't know where you drive exactly, or how you drive... so ????
but I highly doubt that a regular driving car would kill a set of koni reds in 3 years. So reconsider spending that money.
On the other hand, I don't know where you drive exactly, or how you drive... so ????
but I highly doubt that a regular driving car would kill a set of koni reds in 3 years. So reconsider spending that money.
Crappy Hamilton roads and they were slightly used when I bought them. I'm thinking I just want some adjustability and I thought to ask for some opinions.
14-Dec-2004, 09:53 AM
#16
Rick, sick of low and stiff, ride on progressive rate springs like Eibach.
Michael, I understand why you wanna replace what you got. I went through 4 setups if I remember right... before spending the ends on H&R coilovers. And finally I'm extremely happy. The ride is complient enough to drive it every day if I had to... it rides fantastic on the highway, it rides well in the city. It handles unlike any car I've ever been in (but it has other susp mods as well). They are perfectly matched dampeners to the spring rates.
In fact, my biggest problem after that was seats, cuz I kept sliding off the seats. So a couple of days ago, I decided that seats would have to become part of the suspension budget, so I got a pair of Sparco Monzas. Anyways... I can't say enough great things about the H&R product. I've ridden Tein HA I think... with ITR spring rates on an EG coupe (Kyle feel free to jump in if I'm wrong about the model of the Teins)... it handles sickeningly well also... but the ride around town is unforgiving. I mean, I like it... but not many ppl would, especially daily driving. So be careful of getting too much of a race setup... make sure you get something streetable.
Michael, I understand why you wanna replace what you got. I went through 4 setups if I remember right... before spending the ends on H&R coilovers. And finally I'm extremely happy. The ride is complient enough to drive it every day if I had to... it rides fantastic on the highway, it rides well in the city. It handles unlike any car I've ever been in (but it has other susp mods as well). They are perfectly matched dampeners to the spring rates.
In fact, my biggest problem after that was seats, cuz I kept sliding off the seats. So a couple of days ago, I decided that seats would have to become part of the suspension budget, so I got a pair of Sparco Monzas. Anyways... I can't say enough great things about the H&R product. I've ridden Tein HA I think... with ITR spring rates on an EG coupe (Kyle feel free to jump in if I'm wrong about the model of the Teins)... it handles sickeningly well also... but the ride around town is unforgiving. I mean, I like it... but not many ppl would, especially daily driving. So be careful of getting too much of a race setup... make sure you get something streetable.
14-Dec-2004, 01:37 PM
#17
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I was very happy with my 8 way adjustable KYB's and H&R springs, I also had all bushing's replaced with urethane, but it wasn't very practical for day to day driving. Even on the softest setting's it still hurt, but it handled like a MotherFooker.
14-Dec-2004, 02:06 PM
#18
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Originally posted by kimchee
I'm not too sure of the actual measurements but the "finger-gap" is what I can tell ya.
The front is almost flush with the fender, maybe 1 finger gap.
The rear is about 1.5 - 2 finger gap.
I think it's because of he heavier B-series motor in the front makes the front sag more.
I paid $940 for my kit about a year ago.. it was from one of the affiliates here... I think it was RT motorsport.
I'm not too sure of the actual measurements but the "finger-gap" is what I can tell ya.
The front is almost flush with the fender, maybe 1 finger gap.
The rear is about 1.5 - 2 finger gap.
I think it's because of he heavier B-series motor in the front makes the front sag more.
I paid $940 for my kit about a year ago.. it was from one of the affiliates here... I think it was RT motorsport.
i am currently unsure of which way to go:
1) h&r sport springs + stock shocks, or
2) illumina kit
if anyone has any before/after (stock shock to illumina shock) experiences that'd be great....
14-Dec-2004, 02:24 PM
#19
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I went from stock springs and shocks with full urethane bushings to coilovers(450F/350R - progressive rate) and tokico illuminas.
Obviously the ride was stiffer, but I only lowered the car 2" or less.(for those of you who use the finger gap method, that's about 2 fingers with a 16" rim) With shock settings of 2F/3R (of 5) the ride was manageable in the city and super smooth on the highway. I give credit to the progressive rate springs for this. Also so you know I was riding on 45 Series Yoko Parada tires which do not have the softest sidewalls out there.
On a friend of mine's car (97 coupe) I installed a set of KYB AGX's with an eibach prokit. The ride is much smoother than that of my car but the car is equipped with stock bushings, which takes alot of sharpness out of bumps. For an everyday driver who likes to play around in the corners while keeping your spine aligned, this would be a great setup
Obviously the ride was stiffer, but I only lowered the car 2" or less.(for those of you who use the finger gap method, that's about 2 fingers with a 16" rim) With shock settings of 2F/3R (of 5) the ride was manageable in the city and super smooth on the highway. I give credit to the progressive rate springs for this. Also so you know I was riding on 45 Series Yoko Parada tires which do not have the softest sidewalls out there.
On a friend of mine's car (97 coupe) I installed a set of KYB AGX's with an eibach prokit. The ride is much smoother than that of my car but the car is equipped with stock bushings, which takes alot of sharpness out of bumps. For an everyday driver who likes to play around in the corners while keeping your spine aligned, this would be a great setup
15-Dec-2004, 03:13 PM
#20
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Originally posted by sane
kimchee, did you notice a big difference in ride quality from stock?
i am currently unsure of which way to go:
1) h&r sport springs + stock shocks, or
2) illumina kit
if anyone has any before/after (stock shock to illumina shock) experiences that'd be great....
kimchee, did you notice a big difference in ride quality from stock?
i am currently unsure of which way to go:
1) h&r sport springs + stock shocks, or
2) illumina kit
if anyone has any before/after (stock shock to illumina shock) experiences that'd be great....
Let's put it this way:
-If you have old shocks that are not good anymore, why not just purchase the "kit".
-If you plan to keep the stock shocks and just install lowering springs, the stock shock will blow in a matter of weeks/months (depending on how low your drop is).
For example, my brother has a 97 EK. He bought neuspeed race springs that lowered his car over 2". He didn't buy shocks with it... he just slapped the springs on. Now, about 4 months after his install... his shocks are totally gone. Very bad handling.
With these Illumina's that I got, I could stiffen the dampening or make the ride softer by twisting a ****/screw on the top of each strut. It's lovely for street use, I still have to test them out on a track this summer.
Hope this helps.
