i was wondering how to set up my bumpstops.

93 civic lx, b18c, koni sport shocks GC 425f/400r (soon to be 400f/300r probably), gsr front sway, progress rear.

My front shocks are from the 90-93 integra (koni sport) so they are roughly 1" shorter case than stock size EG.
Im now using the firmest 1" or so peices of the stock bumpstops all around, linear rate springs, and plenty of travel i figured it probably doesnt get on the bumpstops during cornering, but i know the stock ones are designed to sorta make the stock springs "progressive rate" so w/ that in mind, should i be using some other setup for bumpstops?
the car's a daily driver, and i want to make it good for autox in teh comming months (willing to switch rear coils for autox days if need be).
the car is lowered about 2.25" and i may raise it if need be.
thanks for any help!
-steve

 

Bump rubbers are REALLY under-rated and often ignored but can be very helpful - particularly if you are talking about a lowered, street-driven car that might whack a pothole or something at speed and bottom out a strut or shock. Handling can also be tuned with them. Back when SCCA showroom stock endurance cars were required to run stock springs, teams would treat rubbers like springs, with a variety of rates available for adjustment...

You can put a tie wrap on the strut piston to see how much travel you use up in a test situation, just for educational purposes. Slide it to the strut body, then drive around a bit - you might be surprised. You should also find out what the manufacturer recommends with respect to maximum compressed length, for safe operation without damage.

Excellent question!

Kirk

 

Good answer there.

I did the ziptie thing because I couldn't seem to get rid of a push. Turns out the car was bottoming out. I actually ended up raising the car up approx. 3/8". It handles much better now.


[Modified by civicrr, 8:23 PM 4/15/2002]