I've got a 98 Civic HX. I'm thinking about Tokico HP's to replace my OEM shocks and perhaps getting the Tokico springs which will lower the car a bit. Will the lowering affect gas mileage at all? I assume lowering the car will result in slightly better handling. What are the pros and cons of the lowering? Also, is tire longevity affected by lowering the car?


Modified by rhgindc at 7:06 AM 5/10/2008

 

just get an alignment after installationof the springs and your tires will be ok

 

The only way I can see lowering affecting fuel economy is perhaps by making the car more aerodynamic at highway speeds, which would increase fuel mileage. That seems like a long shot, however. Tire wear will be unaffected as long as you get the car aligned after installing.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by JohnnyWash1 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">The only way I can see lowering affecting fuel economy is perhaps by making the car more aerodynamic at highway speeds, which would increase fuel mileage. That seems like a long shot, however. Tire wear will be unaffected as long as you get the car aligned after installing.</TD></TR></TABLE>

It's not a long shot. Lowering the car evenly gives you a small but significant gain in highway mpg.

Tokico HP is really bottom of the line and wont improve handling. I can understand that you're on a budget. But see if you can save up for at least the Eibach Pro-kit and some KYB GR2's. These will improve your handling for daily driving and not give you a harsh ride.

 

If I remember correctly, the GR2s are not meant as performance shocks, just stock replacements. I've had great experience with Tokico HP, however. I wouldn't hesistate to use them again or recommend them.

 

get agx adjustable for 300 new off ebay.

the pair that go with agx would be skunk2 coilover.

 

my friend, who doesnt exactly have a good knowledge about cars once asked me "does a horn use gas?"

 

Lowering a car will make the camber negative (the top of the tire will lean in) this will make the inside edges of the tire wear faster since they are now holding the cars weight. An alignment wont help because on Honda's you casn only set toe. I have seen aftermarket camber kits for lowered Hondas.