Just bought my first 3rd gen civic si after wanting one for a very long time. I've been looking around and there doesn't seem to be any good shocks or struts available for these cars anymore.

I'm aware of the tein medieval kit, but don't want to shell out 1200 bucks for it at the moment. I was thinking of possibly using a koni strut and shock from another car that was a similar fit. I even came across a car online (85 hatch) that the owner stated was using EF civic front shocks. Anyone ever hear of anything like this?

 

Looking into modifying the stock front struts to accept bilstein sport cartridges from a VW rabbit. Tried a set of inserts from a Golf, but they're a bit too long. If I can find a set of used front Bilstein sports from a rabbit to play with I should have something figured out soon.

 

cool. no you can't use shocks from an EF. you need a shaft that can take the punishment of also being an integral part of the front suspension..

if you are lucky you can track down some konis. or tokico still makes illuminas. the best thing you can do is just save your money for the teins. they have a shortened body/shaft so that way you don't bottom out the shocks, which is a VERY common problem with these cars.

 

From what I understand, Tokico has discontinued the Illuminas for the 3rd gens. Do you know of a vendor that is still selling some? I like the Teins, but it seems like a bit of a hassle to get a set of them(timing/money).

Yeah, the EF shocks will definitely not work for the reason you stated. If you have ever seen a Bilstein sport strut, it has a huge shaft. Its actually like a shock that is inverted so that the outer housing is used as the moving shaft. The Golf inserts were a little too long, and knowing that the Rabbit inserts are a little shorter they will probably fit the bill nicely. Just need to find a used set to experiment with.

I did take a look at a complete Bilstein sport strut for a rabbit, but it would be too much work hacking off the upright mounts, spring perch, and brake line brackets for it to be worth it.

I'm thinking- take the guts out of a stock 3rd gen front strut, and make provisions for the Rabbit insert to fit inside. Seems doable to me!

 

The Teins are worth every penny.

 

I don't doubt it, just not sure when I'll have 1200 bucks ready to shell out on the suspension for this car. In the meantime I'm looking into "alternatives".

 

check with Koni. i think they were working on getting an insert if you have a set of stock shocks.. you will probably have to email..

 

I would love to use Konis, especially if they're yellows. I have a set of re-valved yellow's on my EF and they're awesome.

The front struts are so simple I can't believe no one is making them anymore(except KYB). I have a set of GR2's on my car now so that I can mess around with the stock ones. The rears look pretty easy as well, there are probably a bunch of shocks that can be made to fit(the VW's also look similar, plus the rabbit is also very similar in weight and weight distribution to the 3rd gen so that helps as well).

The early VW's are very well supported in the suspension department by the aftermarket. I'm sure replacement suspension will be available for a while.

 

integra type R or 88 civic shocks i've been told will work for our cars.

i lucked out and i have a full set of shortened yellows.

 

nice, do you have a build thread for your car somewhere? I'd love to see it.

 

well, i do. but the website it's at is blocked so i can't post it here. honda-tech loves me! but not red pepper racing.. that site is blocked..

 

RPR? I assumed you would be on there as well. I'm still waiting for my account to be approved so I can post there as well! Its been like two weeks! What is your user name over there?

 

same. gallery is rpr . com/gallery/v/EATme

 

Cool I'll check it out.

Went to the Pick A part today and found an almost perfect set of tail lights and rear panel for my car. Also picked up a rabbit strut that was laying on the ground. The rabbit strut is almost exactly the same length as the 3rd gen strut fully extended and fully compressed.

Also, the ID of the Rabbit strut housing is the same as the third gen strut OD, so I should be able to cut the threaded portion off the top of the rabbit housing and slide it over the 3rd gen housing and weld in place.

Still need to get an actual Bilstein Sport(they're shorter than HD) or Koni Sport insert for a rabbit to finalize things. Also, the threaded part of the strut that goes through the strut mount is larger in diameter than the 3rd gen strut, so the strut mount will have to be figured out as well.

I'll take some pictures tomorrow after I put the 3rd gen strut on the lathe to take out the guts.

 

cool deal. keep us updated..