Honda Accord (1990 - 2002) Includes 1997 - 1999 Acura CL

coilovers vs struts and springs

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Old Jul 3, 2009 | 09:14 AM
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Default coilovers vs struts and springs

so im probably gona be lowering my car soon. and i searched but didnt find anything. whats the difference between the 2? as of performance not physical differences.. i dont mind a harsh ride just dont wana damage anything on the car if i hit a bump.
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Old Jul 3, 2009 | 09:17 AM
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Default Re: coilovers vs struts and springs

i was gona go with the kyb gr-2 non adjustable struts with the H&R race spring set (lowering it 2.2" front 2.0" rear) ive 17" adr wheels on with a 205/45/17 tire on. looks silly without being lowered.

Last edited by 96f22b2; Jul 3, 2009 at 09:17 AM. Reason: typo
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Old Jul 3, 2009 | 11:43 AM
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Default Re: coilovers vs struts and springs

Originally Posted by 96f22b2
i was gona go with the kyb gr-2 non adjustable struts with the H&R race spring set (lowering it 2.2" front 2.0" rear) ive 17" adr wheels on with a 205/45/17 tire on. looks silly without being lowered.
Here's an example for you.

This is a real coilover kit, sprins are mounted on the strut itself, you can adjust the height and adjust how soft or how hard the ride could be according to each product/company.


These are springs, known as "sleeve over", but a lot of people call them coil overs. Ride height is adjustable, they mount over the strut, whichever you may choose.


These are springs, ride height is not adjustable, once they're installed, whatever the height you get is the height it will be.


These are the struts, this is what helps control the softness or stiffness of the ride, some are ajdustable, it will be stated whether a 4 way, 5 way or 10 way if you will, which is you can choose different settings for your aplication.


A lot of people say that Gr2's are very similar to stock shocks.
When it comes to springs, just keep an eye for what the spring ratio is, some may state it in Kilograms or pounds. You mentioned that you wouldn't care if the ride was hard, so... numbers as 600front and 500 rear are definetelly going to feel much sportier than 300front and 250rear.
If you are going to daily drive your car, there's no real need for a coil over kit, that's more of a performance set up than the option you mentioned you wanted to get.
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Old Jul 3, 2009 | 11:50 AM
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Default Re: coilovers vs struts and springs

Originally Posted by gianinline
If you are going to daily drive your car, there's no real need for a coil over kit, that's more of a performance set up than the option you mentioned you wanted to get.
so which would be the best/cheapest for daily use?
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Old Jul 3, 2009 | 11:57 AM
  #5  
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Default Re: coilovers vs struts and springs

I personally would say struts with sleeve overs, just in case you may want to drop or raise the car in the future. But it will depend on the price of products from company to company.
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Old Jul 3, 2009 | 12:34 PM
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Default Re: coilovers vs struts and springs

Originally Posted by luisrblue
so which would be the best/cheapest for daily use?

yeah I would like to know also.

I was gona order off of tirerack btw...
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Old Jul 3, 2009 | 12:38 PM
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Default Re: coilovers vs struts and springs

Originally Posted by gianinline
Here's an example for you.

This is a real coilover kit, sprins are mounted on the strut itself, you can adjust the height and adjust how soft or how hard the ride could be according to each product/company.


These are springs, known as "sleeve over", but a lot of people call them coil overs. Ride height is adjustable, they mount over the strut, whichever you may choose.


These are springs, ride height is not adjustable, once they're installed, whatever the height you get is the height it will be.


These are the struts, this is what helps control the softness or stiffness of the ride, some are ajdustable, it will be stated whether a 4 way, 5 way or 10 way if you will, which is you can choose different settings for your aplication.


A lot of people say that Gr2's are very similar to stock shocks.
When it comes to springs, just keep an eye for what the spring ratio is, some may state it in Kilograms or pounds. You mentioned that you wouldn't care if the ride was hard, so... numbers as 600front and 500 rear are definetelly going to feel much sportier than 300front and 250rear.
If you are going to daily drive your car, there's no real need for a coil over kit, that's more of a performance set up than the option you mentioned you wanted to get.
Also arent there electric "motors" u can mount on top of the strut to raise and lower it? it comes with a little headunit to programand make your own presets. there the brand that there suspension parts are green, i forget the name.
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Old Jul 3, 2009 | 12:44 PM
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Default Re: coilovers vs struts and springs

I think springs and shocks are cheaper, but not by much, take into account what you get with a coilover. The main benefit to coilover is the simplicity in installation. You pretty much just bolt in the coilver, even after you made adjustments, and then easily make adjustments when on the car. If you will never adjust the suspension except for first time, then go with th spring and shock.
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Old Jul 3, 2009 | 12:55 PM
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Default Re: coilovers vs struts and springs

i think im gona go with some coilovers. what are some good brands under like $900?
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Old Jul 3, 2009 | 01:24 PM
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Default Re: coilovers vs struts and springs

Originally Posted by 96f22b2
i think im gona go with some coilovers. what are some good brands under like $900?
It will depend on where you're looking, but my friend had bought a coilover kit for his sentra from Ksport, it feels like a race car ready for the track. There's a brand that i think it's affordable, called megan racing, i know they have a coilover kit, not sure of the price. Also, dropzone makes a kit, they call it d1, and there's a guy who made a review on another forum about them and he loves it.
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Old Jul 3, 2009 | 01:25 PM
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Default Re: coilovers vs struts and springs

Originally Posted by 96f22b2
Also arent there electric "motors" u can mount on top of the strut to raise and lower it? it comes with a little headunit to programand make your own presets. there the brand that there suspension parts are green, i forget the name.
That was probably made by tein. I've seen it before, only 1 accord with it though, seem it in more than a couple of civics already.
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Old Jul 3, 2009 | 02:14 PM
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Default Re: coilovers vs struts and springs

Originally Posted by gianinline
That was probably made by tein. I've seen it before, only 1 accord with it though, seem it in more than a couple of civics already.
Yeah by tein. those are cool.
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Old Jul 3, 2009 | 11:29 PM
  #13  
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Default Re: coilovers vs struts and springs

same boat as u...my drop is more on looks though...what i plan on going with is megan racing lowering springs and kyb shocks.....i just wnwat the car drop to be in tire limit and not be jumping all over the place....
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Old Jul 5, 2009 | 05:38 PM
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Default Re: coilovers vs struts and springs

what about d2 coilovers? can you guys give me any refference on that?
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Old Jul 5, 2009 | 06:13 PM
  #15  
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Default Re: coilovers vs struts and springs

I know a lot of people with ground control coilover's and hear a lot of great things about them.

Personally I have the skunk2 coilover "sleeves" and skunk2 struts.
Only costed me $520, not bad considering the improved handling, ride height, and ride comfort.

Now it also depends how far down you want to go.
Any ideas? That can really narrow it down.
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Old Jul 6, 2009 | 12:31 AM
  #16  
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Default Re: coilovers vs struts and springs

Originally Posted by JdmAtlcd5
what about d2 coilovers? can you guys give me any refference on that?
Read a review about someone who has D2 racing coil overs and says he loves it. 36way adjustability of dampening, height adjustment, pillow ball mounts and adjustable camber plates. A lot of bang for the buck if you ask me...lol Guy had said it handles nice and sporty, and was surprised with how streetable they are for the daily routine.

Then read another review, and on his own words: "these coilovers are good for someone wanting to lower their car more than a spring/strut combo would, not not for a hardcore racer. i believe there are better options out there for people looking to track their cars, even if it does cost about a grand more."
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Old Jul 6, 2009 | 10:22 AM
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Default Re: coilovers vs struts and springs

Where ever you get them from, I wouldn't recommend anywhere on eBay unless it is from a specialized company. You want to make sure you get something like that from a well know company. GL on your search.
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Old Jul 6, 2009 | 10:27 AM
  #18  
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Default Re: coilovers vs struts and springs

Originally Posted by gianinline
Read a review about someone who has D2 racing coil overs and says he loves it. 36way adjustability of dampening, height adjustment, pillow ball mounts and adjustable camber plates. A lot of bang for the buck if you ask me...lol Guy had said it handles nice and sporty, and was surprised with how streetable they are for the daily routine.

Then read another review, and on his own words: "these coilovers are good for someone wanting to lower their car more than a spring/strut combo would, not not for a hardcore racer. i believe there are better options out there for people looking to track their cars, even if it does cost about a grand more."
they are good but madd expensive.....
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Old Jul 11, 2009 | 06:04 PM
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Default Re: coilovers vs struts and springs

I am in the same boat as a couple of u guys. im plannin on dropping my 02 accord. im getting mixed comments from my friends. its between coilovrs and springs. they say coilovrs onli if u plan on auto crossin. so i think im leaning toward the spring set up. any good ones out there for a sedan. my friend told me to got with either tokico yellow (its what they are called) shocks for lifetime warranty or kyb shock cuz they are adjustable and ground control springs... wat do u guys suggest
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Old Jul 12, 2009 | 04:42 AM
  #20  
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Default Re: coilovers vs struts and springs

Well, coilovers don't have to be for autocross. I mean sure some can be expensive, but some people do not mind spending the money for them. Also if you like the possibility for adjustment, like for a lot of guys raising it up in the winter, you don't have to take the whole assembly back out and put your stock back in. Coilover sleeves are a good alternative for this, and come at a cheaper price. I will say that I myself have skunk2 coilover sleeves and struts, as stated above, for the fact that I wanted to be able to adjust them, and that they were cheaper than full coilovers.
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