Hi,
I've been scouring all of the options for my 1996 Sedan on ebay and craigslist for a cheap lowering suspension. I also need to get new shocks. I'm not looking for anything performance oriented. Just wants to drop the car a 1-2 inches. Any suggestions?

Should I even consider coil-overs? Thanks.

G-Von

 

Just get lowering springs and new shocks. Shocks can be had from rock auto for $30 a corner and springs should be no more than $200 new or $200 used. Cheap coilovers will ride like garbage, blow out and end up being more expensive in the long run. But they will allow you to drop the car a lot. Installation is pretty easy on your own but will be expensive ($300-400) if you pay a shop. You could probably lower it with used springs, new shocks and doing the work yourself for $300 total. Thats pretty cheap to me. Or just cut the springs for free.

 

Thanks man! I found a couple options. I definitely don't want to pay more than $200. I would do the install myself.


Is there a shock for lowered cars? Most of the stuff out there says "for standard height".

 

You definitely need to pair lowering springs with upgraded shocks. Stock replacement shocks will not last long with lowering springs....maybe a few months before their performance starts to degrade. Lowering springs are not only shorter than stock (so the shocks are compressed more), but they also have a higher spring rate to compensate for the lower drop. The combination of these two things is what will blow stock or stock replacement shocks, and they are not built to handle a drop and a stiffer spring. They may feel ok at first, but will quickly become bouncy and uncomfortable.

Spring wise, your quality brands are Neuspeed, Eibach, H&R, and Tein. All of these companies offer multiple springs with differing drops. You really cant go wrong with a choice from any of these brands. Just up to what exact drop you want.

For shocks, there are a few options for your Accord. Notable shock brands are KYB, Tokico, Bilstein, and Koni. Stay away from cheap options like TruHart, Lowtek, Stagg, and low priced "performance" shock.....they are junk. Some of these quality brands offer multiple models for the car, you're gonna want to stay away from the base ones, since they are just OEM replacement options.....like KGB GR2 or Excel-G, Tokico HP
(Blues), and Koni STR.Ts . And even for the better shocks, there are some that are better than others.....the KYB AGX and Tokico Illuminas are good, but not the best. The two best shocks for the Accord are the Bilstein HDs, and Koni Sport (Yellows). I personally have Koni Yellows on both of my 5th Gen Accords, and have nothing bad to say about them.

New, getting a quality suspension setup isn't cheap. Konis and Bilsteins will run about $500 for a set, plus another $200 for new springs. I'd definitely try and find a used setup if you can. You will most likely have to spend more than $200, but even in the $300-350 range, you're already saving half your money.

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I actually have a friend selling a suspension setup......we recently upgraded his car to a full coilover setup so he doesn't need these any more. They are the Bilstein HDs paired with Neuspeed Sport springs. Drop wise they are right in the 1.5-1.7 range. I believe he's asking $300 for them. Let me know if you're interested.




And this is about the drop you can expect with them (my car a few years back)

 

You should buy that guys setup ^^^^ The best way to get cheap suspension is to buy a good setup used, and that is what he has. Get it!

 

Did he buy them? I am interested if they are available.

 

 

I'm also in the market for a used set of 4 lug rims. Something gunmetal is preferable.