imported_][ce_colD

Hi everyone, before you get all angry and say search the archives
I did. LOL I don't really understand the whole concept. To my
understanding when you change your suspension set up to
springs or coilovers this puts stress on your shocks which will now
not last very long. If I purchase a good brand (shocks), how long does it
last before I need to replace it? Or does it last the lifetime of the
vehicle?

I am looking to get coilovers and shocks(If I need do?), I don't
really know what to get. The reason behind my decision is that
my 17"s will look ugly without it. BTW I am a daily driver and drive
my car everyday of the year unless im snowed in. LOL
Also I am a relaxed driver, I don't drive fast unless I'm late for
work, so this is mainly for the look and comfort.
I am looking for a 1.5" front drop and 1.75" rear drop. Or what
ever makes the height a even level. I dont want to drop more than 2".

So any help would be great, I will be getting the coils this month.

KNIGHT RIDER

at 2 inches, your stock shocks should be fine unless u are going to the tracks...they will wear out a little faster, but nothing major that u must replace them right away.

DumbasSi

I'll give my opinion because I am one of the few 7th gen Civic owners on this board. I have a 2003 Civic LX Coupe. Currently my suspension set-up consists of H&R Sport springs on stock struts and 17" 5Zigen wheels.

The H&R springs I feel are a good drop. Not too low to make the car diffacult to drive in the winter or over speedbumps, etc. They do drop the car around 1.5" and take away the huge wheel gap the car has when stock. They ride very well on the stock struts and are not too stiff. After 1 year and around 10,000k's, the struts are still fine according to Honda. At my last oil change, I had them inspect the suspension and they said everything was good.

From the research I have done, your options may be limited compared to the older generation Civics. Our newer ones do not have the same suspension design and there are not too many companys that sell parts. Also, the 2001-2002 suspension is slightly different the the 2003-2005. The first few years had problems with the front struts and they were redesigned for 2003 to a bigger diameter of the strut (50mm vs 55mm) so make sure ewhn you order parts, you choose the correct year.

This winter I plan on upgrading my suspension to Koni Yellow struts which are adjustable for damping and are probably the best strut out there for any Honda. The front's are inserts and you need to re-use your old struts (see link) and the rear is bolt on. I may also switch to lower springs, but then camber kits will be adsolutely necessary. Right now with the current drop, my camber is not a problem. I also plan on adding an RSX rear swaybar which is slightly bigger (19mm vs 13mm).

I'm just wondering why you want coilovers and by your post I think you mean the sleeve type like GC or Skunk2. They can be a PITA in the winter unless you maintain them and they also ride very stiff unless you get custom rates.

Here is a few links you might find usefull.
http://hondatuningmagazine.com/tech/0205ht_suspension/
http://www.7thgencivic.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=171892

bbarbulo

iTrader: (2)

^^ yeah I'd have to say listen to Mike.

imported_][ce_colD

Good advice...I had no idea about this. haha
So DumbasSi your still on your stock shocks?
If not what brand?

What will I need to get to obtain a decent set up?

DumbasSi

My struts are stock and are still fine after 1 year of driving on Hamilton's crappy roads, but they will be replaced with Koni Yellow's over the winter.

I'd say an excellent set-up for a daily driver would be the Koni Yellow struts with your choice of springs. Personally I like H&R, but Neuspeed or Tein are good too. Expect to pay about $1000 for new springs and struts.

SteveZ

since its a daily driver, im guessing you are looking for more comfort then adjustability. get a good set of springs with the drop you want instead of coilover as they will be more of a smoother ride. also, if you are going to drop, do it right. change your struts. dont keep stock. stock and oe replacements are not meant for a drop. they wont last and will do more harm then good.

imported_][ce_colD

I see...what about the shocks? Do I need to change it?
I will change the struts. but Im just confused about the shocks?

DumbasSi

Struts are the shocks. Same difference, but technically the 2001-2005 Civics have a MacPhereson strut suspension.

imported_][ce_colD

wow stupid me. LOL

Cool, thanks a lot for the help.

I am gonna go for a similar set up since you know a lot about
suspension. BTW your rims lightweight?

Nova_Dust

Your stock strut and spring set up is called "Coilover". The aftermarket ones you buy to adjust dempening and height is called "Adjustable Coilover".

DumbasSi

Not really, I've just done my research. There isn't alot of people who have modified 7th gen Civics so I've had to read alot. My wheels are 19lbs each. Not exactly "lightweight", but not bad for a 17" wheel.

SteveZ

your stock set up is called coil springs. coilovers have caps which allow them to be adjustable.

Buddah

Good choice! I've got those too

Koni yellows are awesome. Haven't had any problems with them since I installed them and that was 3 years ago....no leaks. I've got skunk2 coilovers. The ride is a lil hard but, good for a slightly heavier EK sedan. Good luck with it.

bustedB16

just wondering....is it true that koni yellows have a lifte time warranty or is that just a rumour?

SteveZ

they do for the original purchaser