So I've got a '93 Civic DX.

Right now, there's no swaybars on it, at all, whatsoever. It's got H&R sport springs, and Jamex shocks while, while a good deal at $40 for the set used, are not quite keeping up with the springs to my satisfaction. It's running on 205/50/15 AVSi's. The fronts are in good shape, the rears are shot. They're riding on TE37s (real ones, 15x6.5 +45mm).

I recently bought used Tokico Illuminas from johng. They'll be going into the car. However, before I do that, I have to make a choice about springs. Here are the options:

I have 2 ERS 300# springs I just got from Zsolt. I also have 2 ERS 450# springs, but they're only 6" long, which may be too short for the Civic. Anyone know for sure? I'm also not sure I want to go that high with the spring rates because this car will be primarily a street driver. In the long run, it will eventually get a motor swap, at which time it'll be nice to have stiff rear springs to reduce weight transfer, but that won't happen for at least a year. I used to have an integra GSR with 380/250 on AGXes, and a 25mm GC bar, and I loved the way it handled and rode. I'd like to get there with the civic. The civic being ligher, I'm assuming I'd need softer springs to achieve similar results. So I'm thinking the 300# would be good for the front, but I need something for the rear. If anyone has any good suggestions, ESPECIALLY if you've got some ERS in that rate laying around you want to part with, let me know.

The other problem with going the ERS route is that I got the threaded sleeves with the Tokicos, but didn't get the spring seat, so I'd have to get those from somewhere (anyone got some extras?). Which means extra $$$.

Now, the other option is to simply stick with the H&R sports. I like the ride height where it is, but I have no idea what the spring rates are (haven't called H&R).

The car will also be getting Integra LCAs front and rear (PU bushings in the rear), with some sort of Integra bar in front (whatever the junkyard finds to send me for $26), and either a GS-R rear bar or an ITR rear bar (depends on handling and spring choice).

So to sum up:
1) place your vote for springs, with explanation of why
2) offer to sell me ERS springs you have lying around in appropriate rates for low $$.
3) offer to sell me GC lower spring seats you may have lying around (need all 4)
4) make swaybar suggestions if you feel so inclined.

-Mike

 

For a daily driver, leave the H&Rs and put some decent shocks and swaybars on the car (like you mentioned). The integra front and rear sway will help quite a bit. You could always do the ITR rear sway, but be careful with that setup for a street car, because you will rotate at will...sometimes when you don't want to. Trust me on that and thank the old lady on the onramp who decided to stab her brakes while in the middle of the turn.

I personally am not a big fan of sleeved coilovers for a street car because they are noisy and they are linear rate. 6" springs probably would be too small. I had 7" springs on my DX and they were about right. I wouldn't want anything shorter than 6" though.

I was where you are at now last spring in trying to make up my mind about what to do about my 93 Dx. Had the GC coilovers with tokico whites (375/450) and it was dang harsh in that car. Went to a set of Sparco lowering springs with decent shocks, the GSR rear bar and the car corners decent while being safe and fun to drive (without being harsh).

 

6" ERS springs should work without any problems. With a 450# spring, you will be able to compress it 3.51" before coil binding. It takes 4.09" to coil bind the 7". I think the shock will hit the bumpstop before it coil binds. If you want to run lower rates (than 450#), you might need to go to a 7" spring. I used to use my old Civic EG coupe for a daily driver & some track use. Right before I switched it to a race car, I used to run 375 F & 450 R with a EX bar in the front & a 22mm GC in the rear. With the proper alignment, it should work pretty good.

Oh yeah. If you can't find them used, you should be able to order the seats from GC.


[Modified by civicrr, 5:48 PM 3/1/2002]

 

Or, just buy these from me
https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=138305

 

Just to clarify, the 300# and 450# aren't on the car. The 450s used to be on the front of my NSX, and the 300# I traded for the 550# that used to be on the back of my NSX.

Anyway... My biggest concern with the 6" isn't so much coil bind as it is ride height. Sounds like I should just stick with the H&Rs, so I don't have to shell out for more springs and lower perches.

-Mike

 

IIRC, HR Sport springs are in the 270-310# range...

lemme go dig up more info

Tom

 

The info I have says 276f/220r.

 

gripp, ride height souldn't be a problem with the 6" spring. My car is at a conservative height for a race car. It is about the same height as a car with Eibach Sportlines. There is room to move it up, too. If you don't want to spend $, that is another story (which I can relate to).

 

That sounds right. I guess I was kinda close.

Tom

 

I found a local guy with a pair of 7" 300lb... I might get those. Then I'd have 300# front and back, which with the Tokico's should ride pretty decently, and with an integra front bar and a GS-R rear bar should handle decently.

The REAL bummer is, though, that someone tried to steal the car last night. They smashed the window, messed up the ignition somethin' fierce, and ended up just taking the shift ****. At least they didn't take the Volks. So now I get to look forward to an insurance deductible.

-Mike

 

Mike,
I know exactly how you feel. I spent 4 hours today putting the lower half of my dash back together, re-doing wiring, and rigging my ignition to work without the steering wheel lock...(thieves tried to jack my car too, and also worked my ignition something fierce.)

F*CK EM!

Tom

 

The problem with 6" springs is that you hear the springs unseat and rattle around if you take corners fast as your suspension unloads. 7" springs are better, but still prone to it. That's why I dislike sleeved type coilovers for the road.