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How can i raise the ride height in the back just a bit, without changing the springs?

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Old Apr 25, 2007 | 12:42 AM
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Default How can i raise the ride height in the back just a bit, without changing the springs?

Hey guys, i got a question. I have a 5th generation Lude sitting on H&R Race Springs and Bilstein sport shocks. Its the best suspension i have ever had, and probably will ever have, i absolutley love it... But! heres the thing, its just a bit too low, ive had to repair my front end a few times (nothing drastic, but still a headache after 3 years of enjoying this beautifull setup relishing every corner which was well worth it lol) .,

So here is my question,, i have a set of Neuspeed Sport springs sitting in my basment that i can install that are higher in ride height compared to the H&R Race Springs, so it would raise my ride height in both the front and back of the car yea, BUT the problem is that when it raises it up, it raises the front end up a little bit higher then the back (which results in the front tire to fender gap to be significantly larger then the rear tire to fender gap) which personally, and this is all preference, i dont like that, i dont like it when the back squats lower than the front in ride stance. Ive always been used to haveing the front a bit lower, cuase i personally love that stance for my import (esspecially being fwd)..


So lol after the long build up (sorry, i had to explain) .. my question is how can i get the back of the suspension a bit higher useing the Neuspeed springs (any spacers? welding tricks? any suggestions would help) to help me cure the problem of having the ride height highered, yet have the back a bit higher aswell, even though the springs squat the back as is?

that is my question. thank you in advance. (also i can elaborate if need be, and i appreciate any feedback, as ive been dwelling on this problem for quite a while now)
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Old Apr 25, 2007 | 05:35 AM
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honestly there isn't much you can do about that, without an adjustable spring perch you can't change the ride height easily.

You could try getting shims big enough that they would fit around the strut and securely down on the spring perch to raise the bottom of the spring up, but firstly I doubt you could find them and secondly that is somewhat sketchy....

You could always call eibach and give them the exact specs you want to make you a set of springs.....
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Old Apr 25, 2007 | 07:33 AM
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Default Re: How can i raise the ride height in the back just a bit, without changing the springs? (Masterbob

Use the sport springs in the rear and keep the race springs in the front.
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Old Apr 25, 2007 | 11:27 AM
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Default Re: How can i raise the ride height in the back just a bit, without changing the springs? (Masterbob

^ doing that is going to change the spring rate in the back unless there sport and race springs use the same spring rate.

usually sport springs are soften then their "race" equal so I wouldn't suggest putting soft springs in the back since the lude is pretty front heavy already.

you'll get the look you want... yeah maybe but your going to loose a lot of stability in twisties and launching going to be hard
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Old Apr 25, 2007 | 02:01 PM
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Default Re: How can i raise the ride height in the back just a bit, without changing the springs? (Masterbob

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by MilanoLude &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Use the sport springs in the rear and keep the race springs in the front. </TD></TR></TABLE>
thats just gonna exacerbate the problem of the front end being too low
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Old Apr 25, 2007 | 03:53 PM
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Sell all those springs you got and get yourself a set of GroundControl coilovers. They go for about $300. I'm sure you could sell those springs for a decent price, so it would end up costing you $100 and maybe some change. Then change your ride hight every day just like you change your socks. You do change your socks daily, right?
Anyhoo, forget the socks for now, GC's will ride just as good as the H&R springs. You can also request a custom spring rate.

That's what I would do. But whatever you decide to do, don't try to mix-match springs.
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Old Apr 25, 2007 | 04:10 PM
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Default Re: How can i raise the ride height in the back just a bit, without changing the springs? (Masterbob

from what ive read, having only a pair ( 2 springs) isnt good for your car/recommended..u should go for a complete set btu id recommend gettign an adjustable coilover for about a hundred more..WORTH IT over time.. has anyone tried skunk 2s? theyre like 300 bucks for a set
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Old Apr 26, 2007 | 01:26 AM
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Default Re: How can i raise the ride height in the back just a bit, without changing the springs? (Masterbob

First off all id like to thank everyone that has posted so far, i appreciate it guys.

Ok, the idea about the sport springs in the back and the race springs in the front wasnt a good idea for the reasons a few guys above mentioned, adding even more lowness to the front, and softening up the back end way more than the front (horrible idea for fwd imports). But thanks for the quick idea lol

The 2 ideas that i really can take into consideration is calling Eibach and seeing what they have to say. I know that Eibach has a reputation for building custom springs for customers, but! at what cost? and can they manipulate ride height suggestions front to back at the request of a customer (as far as springs go)

The coilover idea is something im kinda two sided on, but only cuase ive have a set of the coilover kits (Skunk 2). Now i can say that my experience with the skunk 2 coilover kit was not good in my opinion, the springs were decently stiff, but they lacked the drivablitly of my standards. I like high end performance and stability, but not at the cost of bouncing cuase of poorly designed linear springs as the skunk 2 kits. ... But i have never riden in a prelude with a good Ground Control Coilover setup (the 300$ one) with a set of decent shocks to actually see how smooth it is.
Someone made a comment that it will be as smooth as my current H&R Race spring / Bilstein Sport shocks? Id have to say that a very bold statment in my experience, not that i doubt your idea, cuase you may have riden in that setup, but in my personal experience i have not sat in a import with a better combination of very high handling perfomance / ride comfort and drivability of a h&r race/bilstein sport combo.

And to the spacer or spring perch raiser comment, how do i build that? or where do i get one? i have tryed looking online but could never locate a spacer or ride heightning device or insert for a prelude

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Old Apr 26, 2007 | 05:18 AM
  #9  
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It wouldn't be some mass-produced part, you could just try ghetto-rigging it to work with washers from some hardware supply. I really don't like that idea anyways.

Call eibach and see what they say, it can't hurt to get a quote.
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Old Apr 26, 2007 | 06:34 AM
  #10  
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I've heard of ppl using hockey pucks...and drilling out holes for the strut cap bolts to go through into the strut tower....

Its really ghetto...i've never done it but ive heard of it being done before.

It would prolly add about an inch to an inch and a half.
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Old Apr 26, 2007 | 09:18 AM
  #11  
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Default Re: How can i raise the ride height in the back just a bit, without changing the springs? (Masterbob

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Masterbobo &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
The coilover idea is something im kinda two sided on, but only cuase ive have a set of the coilover kits (Skunk 2). Now i can say that my experience with the skunk 2 coilover kit was not good in my opinion, the springs were decently stiff, but they lacked the drivablitly of my standards. </TD></TR></TABLE>


First of all, SKUNK2 coilovers are junk IMHO. (hence the harsh ride)
I had them once and NEVER again.

I'm now riding on Koni Yellows and GC coilovers and wouldn't want anything else.
I went through many different suspension set-ups and I'm telling you this from personal experience. If you want a perfect set-up for street, you can't go wrong with GC coilovers. The ride will depend on your shocks as well, so if your shocks are decent you'll be ok. Why are you scared of coilovers? One bad experience doesn't mean that every coilover is like that. I had more than a couple of bad set-ups before, but now that I found the one I really like I'm a happy camper.


<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Masterbobo &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Someone made a comment that it will be as smooth as my current H&R Race spring / Bilstein Sport shocks? Id have to say that a very bold statment in my experience
</TD></TR></TABLE>

You think that's a bold statement, yet:
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Masterbobo &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">i have never riden in a prelude with a good Ground Control Coilover setup (the 300$ one) with a set of decent shocks to actually see how smooth it is.</TD></TR></TABLE>

GC will be nothing like the junk2. You have nothing to worry about.
And what do you mean by "a good GC coilover setup, the $300 one"? If you mean "the original GCs" instead of the cheap "ebay GC style coilovers, then I suppose we could call it the "good GC setup". Stay away from cheap coilovers.

Now I don't quite understand what you're trying to do here... You want to be able to adjust the ride height but you would kinda sorta like to stay away from coilovers.
If you decide against coilovers you can say bye to ride hight adjustability. It's that simple. Some shocks offer a couple of different height points for the springs, but that's about it. Forget the inserts and perches and shortcuts.

I'm not sure if you're aware of this, but Eibach makes GC springs.
If you're gonna call Eibach to ask them about making you custom springs with custom ride height, why not just ask for coilovers with custom spring rates?
Then, you can adjust the height to your liking any time you want.
Plus, I have never heard of anyone not being happy with these (as far ride quality is concerned).

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Old Apr 26, 2007 | 09:25 AM
  #12  
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Default Re: (VTECepidemic)

What about putting a solid spacer between the top hat, and the body? Its not the best solution, but other then the center of the tophat not being snug in the body, which if you spent some time on a lathe you could fix, and the bolts being shorter, I don't see anything wrong w/ that.

Well after writing that run-on I think maybe the custom springs may be the way. If you don't have access to a machine shop you'll pay atleast $100.
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Old Apr 28, 2007 | 12:20 AM
  #13  
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Default Re: (M@)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Masterbobo &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
The coilover idea is something im kinda two sided on, but only cuase ive have a set of the coilover kits (Skunk 2). Now i can say that my experience with the skunk 2 coilover kit was not good in my opinion, the springs were decently stiff, but they lacked the drivablitly of my standards. </TD></TR></TABLE>


First of all, SKUNK2 coilovers are junk IMHO. (hence the harsh ride)
I had them once and NEVER again.

I'm now riding on Koni Yellows and GC coilovers and wouldn't want anything else.
I went through many different suspension set-ups and I'm telling you this from personal experience. If you want a perfect set-up for street, you can't go wrong with GC coilovers. The ride will depend on your shocks as well, so if your shocks are decent you'll be ok. Why are you scared of coilovers? One bad experience doesn't mean that every coilover is like that. I had more than a couple of bad set-ups before, but now that I found the one I really like I'm a happy camper.


<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Masterbobo &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Someone made a comment that it will be as smooth as my current H&R Race spring / Bilstein Sport shocks? Id have to say that a very bold statment in my experience
</TD></TR></TABLE>

You think that's a bold statement, yet:
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Masterbobo &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">i have never riden in a prelude with a good Ground Control Coilover setup (the 300$ one) with a set of decent shocks to actually see how smooth it is.</TD></TR></TABLE>

GC will be nothing like the junk2. You have nothing to worry about.
And what do you mean by "a good GC coilover setup, the $300 one"? If you mean "the original GCs" instead of the cheap "ebay GC style coilovers, then I suppose we could call it the "good GC setup". Stay away from cheap coilovers.

Now I don't quite understand what you're trying to do here... You want to be able to adjust the ride height but you would kinda sorta like to stay away from coilovers.
If you decide against coilovers you can say bye to ride hight adjustability. It's that simple. Some shocks offer a couple of different height points for the springs, but that's about it. Forget the inserts and perches and shortcuts.

I'm not sure if you're aware of this, but Eibach makes GC springs.
If you're gonna call Eibach to ask them about making you custom springs with custom ride height, why not just ask for coilovers with custom spring rates?
Then, you can adjust the height to your liking any time you want.
Plus, I have never heard of anyone not being happy with these (as far ride quality is concerned).

Ok, now you have my attention, and im highly considering trying out the ground control setup with my exsisting bilstein sport shocks, and if need be will i be able to use the shocks i have now on the ground controls? and 2) what spring rates are you rideing on front/back? (also are you in a 5th gen prelude?)
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Old Apr 28, 2007 | 12:21 AM
  #14  
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Default Re: (M@)

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


First of all, SKUNK2 coilovers are junk IMHO. (hence the harsh ride)
I had them once and NEVER again.

I'm now riding on Koni Yellows and GC coilovers and wouldn't want anything else.
I went through many different suspension set-ups and I'm telling you this from personal experience. If you want a perfect set-up for street, you can't go wrong with GC coilovers. The ride will depend on your shocks as well, so if your shocks are decent you'll be ok. Why are you scared of coilovers? One bad experience doesn't mean that every coilover is like that. I had more than a couple of bad set-ups before, but now that I found the one I really like I'm a happy camper.


You think that's a bold statement, yet:


GC will be nothing like the junk2. You have nothing to worry about.
And what do you mean by "a good GC coilover setup, the $300 one"? If you mean "the original GCs" instead of the cheap "ebay GC style coilovers, then I suppose we could call it the "good GC setup". Stay away from cheap coilovers.

Now I don't quite understand what you're trying to do here... You want to be able to adjust the ride height but you would kinda sorta like to stay away from coilovers.
If you decide against coilovers you can say bye to ride hight adjustability. It's that simple. Some shocks offer a couple of different height points for the springs, but that's about it. Forget the inserts and perches and shortcuts.

I'm not sure if you're aware of this, but Eibach makes GC springs.
If you're gonna call Eibach to ask them about making you custom springs with custom ride height, why not just ask for coilovers with custom spring rates?
Then, you can adjust the height to your liking any time you want.
Plus, I have never heard of anyone not being happy with these (as far ride quality is concerned).

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


Ok, now you have my attention, and im highly considering trying out the ground control setup with my exsisting bilstein sport shocks, and if need be will i be able to use the shocks i have now on the ground controls? and 2) what spring rates are you rideing on front/back? (also are you in a 5th gen prelude?)


also excuse me for the double post, im brand new to these forums lol
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Old Apr 28, 2007 | 07:54 AM
  #15  
mgags7's Avatar
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bilstein shocks FTW

bilstein&gt;koni
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