i have been autocrossing for a while now in STS...so im familiar with good spring rates and such for Street Tires...well i have desided to make the jump to SM, and i've picked up a nice 91' Civic Si Hatch...my question has to do with ya'lls opinions on spring rates for a SM hatch? (this will be a strickly autox car, so drivability is not an issue) im just not very familiar with the characteristics of Race Rubber...i know that with street tires you can be too stiff for the tires, but how stiff is too stiff with Race Rubber for such a light car? the car i drove before in STS was a 98 civic and really liked the 400f 500r setup, i do know that the two cars are COMPLETELY different, but does the hatch like to be a little stiffer in the rear or should i be a little more conservative back there? im not looking for somebody to tell me exactly what setup to get, because im sure it will change a little here and there, im just trying to figure out a good starting point...thanks

and i did search, and if i missed anything, please point me to the post that would answer my questions...thanks again

 

short answer is there is no perfect setup. I think the top 6 or 7 cars at nationals this year had setups that were nothing alike. Just go with whatever feels good to you.

 

yeah i know im gonna be constantly changing things, im just new to the characteristic of the car and race rubber, i guess wasn't looking for a direct answer, just maybe a good place to start...thanks for the quick reply

 

And personally I would get the 1988 Civic DX hatchback. Stiffer (no sunroof), lighter (no sunroof).

 

I don't know of this would help but, I'm currently I'm running a CRX (CSP/ITA) with a suspension technques, rear bar, and stock front bar; 400f / 600r spring rates on tokkico shocks (shocks came with the car and not, by any means, my first choice).

The car is a little twichy at times, but it's perfect for autocross / or shorter/slower road courses.