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Damper Adjustment On New Coilovers?

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Old Sep 28, 2004 | 06:54 PM
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Default Damper Adjustment On New Coilovers?

So I got some new D2 Coilovers installed, I wanted to know if it was okay to have them full stiff right when i install them new?
Or do i need to progress from soft to hard?

Any input is appriciated.

Thanks!
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Old Sep 28, 2004 | 06:59 PM
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Default Re: Damper Adjustment On New Coilovers? (integlspwr2k)

I would go soft at first for a couple of days just to make sure everything has seated right then get an allinment just for good measure after that go as stiff as you want. At lest thats what my dad and I did on our Miata last year. But what do I know I'm new
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Old Sep 28, 2004 | 11:31 PM
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Default Re: Damper Adjustment On New Coilovers? (Pete W.)

What spring rates did you get? I have to run mine at full stiff w/ 9 kg/mm front & 7 kg/mm rear to get proper damping...
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Old Sep 29, 2004 | 04:28 AM
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Default Re: Damper Adjustment On New Coilovers? (stealthx32)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by stealthx32 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">What spring rates did you get? I have to run mine at full stiff w/ 9 kg/mm front & 7 kg/mm rear to get proper damping... </TD></TR></TABLE>


1000 lbs/inch rear and 800 lbs/inch in the front.
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Old Sep 29, 2004 | 06:59 AM
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Default Re: Damper Adjustment On New Coilovers? (integlspwr2k)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by integlspwr2k &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">


1000 lbs/inch rear and 800 lbs/inch in the front.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Brave man.
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Old Sep 29, 2004 | 08:28 AM
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Default Re: Damper Adjustment On New Coilovers? (vtecvoodoo)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by vtecvoodoo &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Brave man.</TD></TR></TABLE>

How so?
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Old Sep 29, 2004 | 12:55 PM
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Default Re: Damper Adjustment On New Coilovers? (vtecvoodoo)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by vtecvoodoo &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Brave man.</TD></TR></TABLE>

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Old Sep 30, 2004 | 02:33 AM
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Default Re: Damper Adjustment On New Coilovers? (stealthx32)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by stealthx32 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">What spring rates did you get? I have to run mine at full stiff w/ 9 kg/mm front & 7 kg/mm rear to get proper damping... </TD></TR></TABLE>

are you sure you really need to run them at full dampening for only 9k/7k? I was messing around with some 11k all around, and I only had it up to about 3 full turns stiff, which is half way to max, and that was more than enough dampening for the 11k springs.

and for the original questions, I suggest starting out low and turning it up bit by bit till you like the feel.
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Old Sep 30, 2004 | 04:22 AM
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Default Re: Damper Adjustment On New Coilovers? (integlspwr2k)

Do you have "natural" road racing courses in the islands or airports? I've never heard of the former and kind of figure that rates like you describe would be a bit much for a Sebring-type course.

K
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Old Sep 30, 2004 | 04:43 AM
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Default Re: Damper Adjustment On New Coilovers? (vtecvoodoo)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by vtecvoodoo &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Brave man.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I agree with that. Maybe I missed it but I saw neither the car nor the usage but 800f/1000r will be beyond punishing on the street for any car and over the top for many Honda family even as dedicated racecars.

I'm betting with those high spring rates, the D2 dampers, if they are like the vast majority of JDM dampers (meaning linear valvings, minor if any real adjustment effect), will be mostly ineffectual at those kind of spring rates but the car will be so stiff that it won't move that much anyway and the dampers are just along for the ride. I hope you have billiard table smooth pavement surfaces and and really grippy tires.

If this is a street car, I suggest that you cut those spring rates in half and you'd be in a better ballpark. This can be accomplished by cutting one each of the current front and rear springs in half then installing half a spring on each side.
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Old Sep 30, 2004 | 05:48 AM
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Default Re: Damper Adjustment On New Coilovers? (CRX Lee)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by CRX Lee &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">


If this is a street car, I suggest that you cut those spring rates in half and you'd be in a better ballpark. This can be accomplished by cutting one each of the current front and rear springs in half then installing half a spring on each side. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Could you please elaborate? Would that be a horizontal or vertical cut?
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Old Sep 30, 2004 | 06:32 AM
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Default Re: Damper Adjustment On New Coilovers? (descartesfool)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by descartesfool &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Could you please elaborate? Would that be a horizontal or vertical cut?</TD></TR></TABLE>
It depends. If you are going to use them currently then a horizontal cut is recommended. If the spring is not to be used for awhile and storage space is important, cut them vertically and the components require much less shelf space. I do this to all of my racecar springs over the winter to save precious garage space. A bit harder to put them back together for the next usage but well worth the space savings.
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Old Sep 30, 2004 | 06:40 AM
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Default Re: Damper Adjustment On New Coilovers? (CRX Lee)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by CRX Lee &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">If the spring is not to be used for awhile and storage space is important, cut them vertically and the components require much less shelf space.
I do this to all of my racecar springs over the winter to save precious garage space.
A bit harder to put them back together for the next usage but well worth the space savings.</TD></TR></TABLE>

lol!
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Old Sep 30, 2004 | 06:41 AM
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Default Re: Damper Adjustment On New Coilovers? (CRX Lee)

Lee,

Good house-keeping tip! I have always stored mine in those little cardboard boxes, and they do use up a bit of shelf space. With your idea, I can fit them all in half the space!
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Old Sep 30, 2004 | 07:49 AM
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Default Re: Damper Adjustment On New Coilovers? (descartesfool)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I agree with that. Maybe I missed it but I saw neither the car nor the usage but 800f/1000r will be beyond punishing on the street for any car and over the top for many Honda family even as dedicated racecars. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Even for a race car? I know many HC guys are running 1000 to 1200 lbs/inch in the rear, and 800ish in the front (no front sway-bar). They don't seem to be having problems with simi-bumpy tracks like Beaverun and Summitpoint.

Boy I would love to spend time testing spring rates all day at a track with a good data logger.


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Old Sep 30, 2004 | 08:02 AM
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Default Re: Damper Adjustment On New Coilovers? (descartesfool)

This is ridiculous!

And to think that Lee is supposed to be this big deal shock expert!

To store springs for the winter first note the free length, then compress them to coil bind (on the car if you don't have a press with enough stroke), then heat them cherry red and let cool.

When you need to use them again just heat them up again and stretch them to the correct length.

Scott, who isn't trying to be a know it all, but just wanted to help...it's all about helping...
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Old Sep 30, 2004 | 08:04 AM
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Default Re: Damper Adjustment On New Coilovers? (577HondaPrelude)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 577HondaPrelude &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Even for a race car? I know many HC guys are running 1000 to 1200 lbs/inch in the rear, and 800ish in the front (no front sway-bar). They don't seem to be having problems with simi-bumpy tracks like Beaverun and Summitpoint. </TD></TR></TABLE>

I knew that a Prelude person would chime in. The first time I wrote it I mentioned Preludes and Integras but decided in the name of simplicity to say "many Honda family" so that CRXs, hatchback Civics, and some Integras would be included but not necessarily track dedicated Preludes and very aggressive Integras and Civic coupes.

The poster never mentioned what the car was or what the usage was but those spring rates would likely be seen only in the most race specific heavier members of the Honda family.
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Old Sep 30, 2004 | 05:11 PM
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Default Re: Damper Adjustment On New Coilovers? (CRX Lee)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by CRX Lee &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

I knew that a Prelude person would chime in. The first time I wrote it I mentioned Preludes and Integras but decided in the name of simplicity to say "many Honda family" so that CRXs, hatchback Civics, and some Integras would be included but not necessarily track dedicated Preludes and very aggressive Integras and Civic coupes.

The poster never mentioned what the car was or what the usage was but those spring rates would likely be seen only in the most race specific heavier members of the Honda family.</TD></TR></TABLE>

it would be in a EK civic coupe. and those spring rates are very much streetable.

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Old Sep 30, 2004 | 05:21 PM
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Default Re: Damper Adjustment On New Coilovers? (integlspwr2k)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by integlspwr2k &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

it would be in a EK civic coupe. and those spring rates are very much streetable.

</TD></TR></TABLE>

then i question if the springs are actually that rate.

what springs are they?
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Old Sep 30, 2004 | 09:20 PM
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Default Re: Damper Adjustment On New Coilovers? (slammed_93_hatch)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by slammed_93_hatch &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

then i question if the springs are actually that rate.

what springs are they?</TD></TR></TABLE>

came with the coilovers.
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Old Sep 30, 2004 | 10:04 PM
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Default Re: Damper Adjustment On New Coilovers? (integlspwr2k)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by integlspwr2k &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

came with the coilovers.</TD></TR></TABLE>

hmmmm

a bunch of guys order "custom JIC magic" coilover. sent them to crxlee and the custom coilover were just stock ones, nothing was different.

just a heads up. did you get any dynoing or anything about the rates at all?
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Old Sep 30, 2004 | 11:19 PM
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Default Re: Damper Adjustment On New Coilovers? (slammed_93_hatch)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by slammed_93_hatch &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

hmmmm

a bunch of guys order "custom JIC magic" coilover. sent them to crxlee and the custom coilover were just stock ones, nothing was different.

just a heads up. did you get any dynoing or anything about the rates at all?</TD></TR></TABLE>

i double checked to make sure they were shipped with teh correct spring rates from the motherland,

you have to keep in mind, "streetable" is a very subjective statement. It's really up to how tender your *** is. For me I was riding around with 11k/11k F/R and I hated it, but my friend thought it was fine, because he's used to his crazy stiff zeals setup in his hatch.
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Old Oct 1, 2004 | 05:34 AM
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Default Re: Damper Adjustment On New Coilovers? (integlspwr2k)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by integlspwr2k &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">


1000 lbs/inch rear and 800 lbs/inch in the front.</TD></TR></TABLE>


<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by integlspwr2k &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">very much streetable</TD></TR></TABLE>


Hmmmmm.... Are you sure they are not 10kg/mm and 8kg/mm??? Sounds about right.

Jim - who thinks someone has the lb/in and kg/mm mixed up.
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Old Oct 1, 2004 | 06:33 AM
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Default Re: Damper Adjustment On New Coilovers? (Mr Milano)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Mr Milano &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Hmmmmm.... Are you sure they are not 10kg/mm and 8kg/mm??? Sounds about right.

Jim - who thinks someone has the lb/in and kg/mm mixed up. </TD></TR></TABLE>

nah he requested the stiffest springs we could load him up with, hehe

personally I wouldn't have recommended such a stiff rate, but hey its what he wanted,
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Old Oct 1, 2004 | 07:51 AM
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Default Re: Damper Adjustment On New Coilovers? (Eddiebx)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Eddiebx &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

i double checked to make sure they were shipped with teh correct spring rates from the motherland,

you have to keep in mind, "streetable" is a very subjective statement. It's really up to how tender your *** is. For me I was riding around with 11k/11k F/R and I hated it, but my friend thought it was fine, because he's used to his crazy stiff zeals setup in his hatch. </TD></TR></TABLE>

yep streetable is very subjective.... i think my setup is very streetable.
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