R03

I am doing some searching, and wondered whether someone might know the answer. I have an ej6 1998 dx. I want to replace my suspension, but with OEM stuff. What is my best option? I am looking for something along the lines of how a integra type r feels. si? sir? ek9 from a jdm place? type r dc2? options? Thank you,

D.T.P

Well you are **** out of luck for dc2 since the rear struts mount different in the lower control arm and ek/dc2 lcas arent the same.

MPR

^Unless he swaps the LCA's for dc2 LCA's. Or does that only work for eg's?

R03

Alright, I have found 1 solution.

http://www.function7.com/products/ekr-lca

"These custom arms allow you to fit the JDM/Integra Type-R Eye-Type rear shocks on your 96-00 (EK) Civic."

I will have to take a look at oem lca(s) from si, sir, ek9, maybe one of those will work with the dc2 gear.

Option 2: EK9 lca.

MPR

The si/sir ek coupe rear LCA's are not like dc2's. They are longer and a different style.

This is what I did to make ITR shocks fit on my 00' SiR coupe... http://www.torontocivics.com/showthread.php?t=178260
I don't really recommend other people try that though, unless you know what you're doing. It's a delicate procedure. I got lucky and didn't damage the shocks. lol. And don't worry, my car sits high because I set it up that way on purpose.

R03

I actually came upon your thread lastnight, def not an option for me at this time.
Though thank you for input.

I think I will just grab full ek9 suspension, and be done with it. DC2 stuff might make me sit a little higher too I think.

MPR

^Nothing wrong witha little extra ground clearance...

R03

Definitely not I do like your car, and it's setup. I do not mind my height using stock suspension, but it just does not handle the way I want it too. Comfortable yes, confidence inspiring...no. For $150 to $200 I can have the front and rear shocks/spring with lca's off an ek9. I will try this, and check in with the finished product. Thank you gentlemen,

ol Dusty

iTrader: (2)

If I can add my 2 cents, if you wanna keep stock height and get some better handling on the cheap, get a bigger front sway for the front like an ITR, and a rear sway bar, if you go thick like the ITR, then you need a sub frame brace, there's a few options, BWR seems to be the cheapest option, ASR on the high side. There is also strut tie bars, some are kinda BS, some are great. Like most things you get what you pay for, The ones I find make the most difference is a good front upper, something that basically has minimal adjustment, again your desire for OEM stuff is a good choice here, a CTR or ITR if the ITR fits not sure, I'm not the Ek expert here like MPR, and a "C" pillar bar in a hatch is a great improvement. The huge hole in the back of the car created by the hatch instead of metal between the window and the trunk like a coupe or sedan allows for crazy flex back there. Sure you could get a Miracle X bar but that pretty much makes the hatch useless for space but the "C" pillar can come out quick when you need to.

MPR

Don't get me wrong, I'm not telling you to raise your car. Most people like theirs lowered and that's fine as long as you keep the proper suspension geometry. I've seen lots of lowered cars that have horrible handling and chew up tires like no tomorrow. A lot of people think that lowering your car automatically improves handling (not saying you are one of them), but in reality ride height actually has very little to do with handling than most people think.

My car is a real life example that handling and ride height are two different things. That is partially why I set it up this way. I had it on the track at cayuga last month and the extra ride height had very little to do with it's handling. The spring rates, dampeners and geometry have a much more dominant effect on handling. So don't think that higher ride height automatically = worse handling.

As for confidence inspiring, I actually have a lot more confidence in the way it handles now vs. when it was lowered. By far. It's actually more stable, corners flatter, more neutral and tracks better in the snow/rain (and doesn't act like a plow...lol). This is mainly due to slightly higher spring rates, better shocks (from an itr) and better suspension geometry.

Comfort depends on your spring rates, dampening rates and suspension travel (if you're always near the bump stops, it ain't gonna be smooth...lol).

R03

I definitely do not want a low car, I believe since the ek9 is a close weight to my own ej6, the geometry should be pretty much all figured out for me. By no means do I believe slammed cars handle good, or better. The suspension has to give, and take, otherwise tires will break loose. My car just tends to move around a little too much.

The issue is most likely, I own a 98, it has 170XXXkm, probably original suspension, kind of bouncy, not blown or damaged. It feels all wrong, does not suit my driving. I am sure ek9 gear would sort it out, and change it's handling characteristics. With that I will follow up with sway, and strut bars, stock ek9 gear.

MPR

^Even changing the bushings alone makes a world of difference in the feel and handling of a vehicle.

It's surprising how much geometry and feel is lost through old soft bushings. I can feel that is now the weak point on my setup and I desparately need new bushings within the next year or so. I've got 277XXXkms on the original bushings. They are hurting, no doubt...lol.

I drove an eg hatch with all itr springs and shocks. It handled great and was not slammed too low either. That is one good cost-effective setup using honda oem components. I like that you're sticking with oem stuff rather than going aftermerket.

R03

Would you get oem bushings? or some after-market kit?
I should probably do everything at once.

MPR

^I will be going with energy suspension urethane bushings.

kaval

Play around with some front and rear sway bar setups, camber, a wicked set of tires, and new bushings, especially rear trailing arm bushings.
Done and done.