bnetkillzone

First off, I know that this has been discussed a TRILLION times. Dont reply telling me to search around, because I have and am very close to narrowing down to purchase a custom spring rate GC and Koni Yellow shocks. Just treat this thread as spring rate advice specific to me.

I am not totally clueless in the spring rates I want. I am very close to choosing them however needed to seek further advice. The spring rates that I am contemplating are 450lbs/in front and 350lbs/in rear or 425lbs/in front and 325ish rear.

Is 100lbs/in difference from front and rear rates too much? Should it be closer?

I know the front of the car is heavier than the rest and needs a higher spring rate so i dont bottom out. I know OTS Koni's max out at around 500lbs. I know i dont need camber kits.


What I want:
-A finger to no finger wheel gap
-Decent ride quality (which is why i dont want too high of spring rates)

My current setup:
-Strictly Daily Driver commute from Vallejo to Napa with seldom spirited driving.
-Stock suspension
-15in GSR Blades with Kumho 195/50/15

If there is any further information with my setup or driving that you need to know to help me, please ask me.

Thank you for all your input,
Hopefully with all your answers I will be able to purchase, install, and post pics

Libertariat

You wouldn't notice a difference in either setup with rates that close to each other as far as ride comfort goes.

I would go for the higher front rate. I've got 350lb front springs and it's really too soft.

And koni's don't "max out" there is just an optimal range for damping. Saying they max out implies they might blow or something. Plenty of people have ran 600ll rates on konis for years. They can just live with an underdamped shock.

You sound a lot like me, daily driver but you want to maintain some level of comfort. I've got 350/350 now and wish I had 450/350.

bnetkillzone

Thank you very much, I knew my research paid off, i just needed to acknowledge that what I was doing is correct. Hopefully in the next month or so I will be able to purchase, install, and post pics. I'll go with the 450F/350R. Thank you very much!

Nategreat923

This was exactly the thread I was looking for. Im just strict DDing and want the best comfort possible. Thanks!!

Libertariat

Then why were you looking at all? Stock is the best thing possible for comfort.

Nategreat923

Why? Because I am tired of the back breaking Ebay garbage and want something that rides/ handles correctly while still maintaining a decent ride height. Gotta look all hellaflush to be a cool kid, ya dig?

egsleepercivic

380/380 not that low, maybe a finger and a half gap, 205/50/15 no rubs or bottoming out , not my daily so thinking about 450/450

Tigmactor

Ok, I'm a noob, so this might be a dumb question. I'm wanting to put Koni yellows with GC on my car. where should i look for springs? What brand? Are springs a universal thing or are they designed specifically for each vehicle?

Libertariat

The GC (Ground control) Coil sleeves are your springs. And yes, springs and shocks are totally different for each vehicle. Sometimes they are cross compatible between similar makes/models of cars.

Message THMotorsports in the sponsor marketplace for the best deal:

https://honda-tech.com/forums/wheels-tires-brakes-suspension-48/koni-shock-ground-control-coilover-combo-2028746/

red4d16

The GC kits come with Eibach springs tailored to your vehicle, you can't just install any spring as they are all different sizes and rates. When you buy the GC coilover kit you can either buy their off the shelf standard rates, or ask for custom rates.

red4d16

Furthermore, if you are looking for 1 to no finger gap, you'd better go with a 400+ front spring rate, ideally 500 if you don't mind a harsh ride. Being low your tires will rub the upper fender wells and you can't be low and not rub AND have ride comfort. I'm running 500 front and 400 rear, it's harsh but I rarely rub and I'm tucking a little bit of tire.

I originally had the off the shelf 340/250 rates and I constantly rubbed over any big dip. It was frustrating and was way too soft for my tastes.

Libertariat

400 might not be enough. I scrub my tires on dips and bang my oil pan on driveways in cul de sacs no problem with 350lb front rates with a similar ride height. I'd recommend at least 450.

bunga28

from what I gather on this thread and if you don't mind me asking, the higher the spring rate (stiffer ride), the lower the car? What I want is around 1" lower than OEM for exclusively DD, no racing but for comfort/pothols. So can I get Koni/GC combination with 450F/350R or I need to get a lower rate (like 400F/300R)? Thx.

98civdx

Oil pan!?


The lower you go, the more ride quality will be affected. However, the lower you go, the more spring rate you will need to keep from bottoming out the shocks. Which will make the ride stiffer, AKA affect ride quality.

Either setup will work great for a 1'' drop. A 350R generally is a great spring rate for a DD that may see some sprited driving. I run 350lb's in rear, they deffinetly are NOT that bad. However, some people are different. My buddy wont ride in my car, as it's too stiff and hurts his back. (650F 350R) But, for me it's fine for a DD, as long as you can avoid the really bad roads/bumps.


Also, 50lb's truely wont make that much difference in ride quality, if any at all.

Libertariat

Indeed, at least that's what I think it is. The weird slope-y curb that my buddies driveway has is particularly steep for some reason. Never had it happen at my house. And with a sudden drop the front of my car drops a bit. 350lbs is a bit soft for the front, imo.

98civdx

Wow, I have never even come close to my pan at my height. ( I think we're close to the same height)

I do damn near tear my lip off trying to get into my garage, if I am not careful.

chiprez

So I'm looking at 350/350 only cause my car is 95% DD with some esperited driving. Also want slightly stiffer rear rates since I do occasionally carry rear paSsengers.

bnetkillzone

How far you looking to drop it?

chiprez

Believe it or not, not much. I'm thinking 1" in the rear and 1.5" in the front. I'm looking for suspension travel and as maybe -1.5 deg camber. I have GSR sway bars that will hopefully will do good against body roll.

Tigmactor

Thanks for the information. I'm hoping to have little or no finger gap and was thinking that 500F/400R would be good rates?

98civdx

That would be fine.

921lsturbo

Just ordered 450/550 dd but tracked almost every week in it my be a harsh ride but my 60ft times are gonna be great

mangina

I have 350/350 on my DD (92 civic) and are dying to switch my back springs to 250's.

not a comfortable ride at all.

einstein57

The thing about spring rates is that its all subjective. What is "too stiff" depends on what your used to and what you expect. Its not so much of a big deal on a track car as your lap times will tell you if you've made the right decision. I personally prefer a softer setup that allows me to get my moneys worth out of my dampeners.

JustDoinMej2

do any of you guys have pics of your car? to see you ride height