Hey guys, I know engines like the back of my hands, but I have not a clue about suspension. I come to rely on all the Honda gurus out here, to help me to pick the best Tien setup for my EJ8 coupe. I don't know what spring rate means, let alone which one I need. Also, I don't want to slam it on its nuts, just wan't to have a low even look(clean).

Please don't flame too hard, I am just asking you to spend my money for me ( have 2000 for suspension).

Also, if any other parts are needed, LCA's, H-braces, tie bars, that would benefit me please let me know, as well as what brandl! Any other recommendations are welcomed, and encouraged.

Thanks in advance guys.


Modified by MonstroniuM at 1:37 AM 2/14/2006

 

morning bump, very curious to hear what some of you have to say.

 

such a great website, very informational.

 

The first place to start for many people SHOULD be "what do I want to do with my car?"
Because choosing a suspension is a lot like choosing how to build your engine: there is no best of both worlds, its all compromise. One route will benefit you differently than another, and the disadvantages of one route may not be something you can live with.
At the very basic, you have shocks and springs. Shocks are valved to specific damping levels, to control body movement in such a way as to acheive different handling and ride characteristics. Spring rates play the other major role in ride quality and handling. The two work together, and have to be matched well to perform well. Higher damping and stiffer spring rates will work to reduce excessive body roll, lead to flatter cornering, and generally improve handling, but at the cost of ride quality. How stiff is too stiff is going to vary from person to person, but as a general rule, unless you're very serious into competitive driving, there's no reason to go super stiff on suspension. And just like engine components, there are lots of different places to source your parts from. Thats where the other half of your research should be in, figuring out who's got the best thing for your application.
The only other thing that is really necessary would be an alignment to take care of toe after you have installed the suspension and lowered the car. Things that are nice to have would be better tires, better rotors/pads, a rear swaybar, and possibly new bushings. These would all have more noticeable benefits than, say, strut bars and tie bars and LCA's.
edit: We do what we can, but if you don't find the answer you're looking for, there's always the search function. Oftentimes people choose not to respond due to the question having been answered previously in some form or another. H-T is also a database of knowledge, you need to know where to look.