I am hoping to get my hands on a 88-91 Civic Si in the near future. My plan for the car is to keep the motor basically stock and upgrade the suspension and brakes so that I can safely do lapping/track days at my local track. I have been out of the honda game for a while so please excuse any stupid questions.

For the suspension I am just planning on a Koni/GC combo. I noticed they offer at least three types of shocks and pick your own spring rates. For someone like me who will use the car as a daily driver and doesn't want a bouncy slammed ride, but will do track events occasionally, what shock/spring rate combo would you suggest. I plan on getting the widest moderately aggressive tire I can put on the stock wheels.

The Si has 4-wheel disc brakes if I remember correctly. What is needed to make the brakes adequate for track use? Just upgraded rotors, pads, SS lines, and fluid? Or do you need to get new calipers as well? If so, which do you suggest or is there a package that is a good buy for the money?

Thanks in advance!

 

Its generally recommend to just do brake pads, brake fluid, and good tires for your first track days. I might recommend a helmet if you don't already have one.

 

EF Civic hatches use drum brakes for the rear, not disc. Easily changed. For track use, good brake fluid and pads to start out. As you get faster, look into ducting.

For a DD, you'll probably want to stick with off the shelf, standard Koni sports. Keep the rear spring rate under 500lbs/in and you should be pretty well off for tolerable ride quality. Certainly not smooth, but tolerable.

Finally, do some searching. All of this has been covered ad naseum. If you can't find a current topic on the subject of interest, be sure to check the archives.