So I already read through the FAQ so please don't ask me to check that out I just wanted to get your input(s) on if I wanted to lower my car mainly for the looks but something that would also be functional if I wanted to take the car on a canyon run or to the track what would be the cheapest "beginner" suspension setup for a '95 CX hatchback? I'm talking about coilover/shocks/lca etc etc. I don't want to cheap out and get lowering springs on my stock shocks but I can't really afford $1,000 coilovers either I don't want superior performance just something that I guess you could call a beginners setup.

 

There is no such thing as a "beginner's" setup.
What is your budget? Can't do anything without that.

 

I highly recommend progress cs shock/coilover kit.
Little sportier than stock, but soft enough that you don't have to wear a kidney belt..
Paid less than $600 around 2 yrs ago..

 

anything you do unless you install everything yourself will not be cheap. even replacing the springs, like you said is cheap, really isn't. for example tein springs are about 150-200. cheap right? well take into consideration that it will cost at least 250-450 to get them installed on all 4. so right there you are already more than half way into getting a really good coilover set up. my opinion is to just save up until you know what the final goal of the car is. if performance is not the key then get some cheap setup off ebay. if it is then wait and do it right. no need to waste money.

by the way i have lowering springs with the stock shocks and struts on my 99 si. they came installed when i bought the car. they do just fine. even performance is better. just depends on what you want in the end. i will be replacing everything with a good coilover set when i save up enough money.

 

I'd say my budget (saving up) will be about $600 for the coilovers. @99siky I have "Option Racing" coilover sleeves sitting in my garage right now but I heard about stock shocks and coilover sleeves not being the safest thing to do? If I can get someone elses opinion on this that would be great cause I mean I can install those for now while I save up.Thanks. And Grumblemarc what I meant I guess you can say is that I don't need the best of the best suspension setup I just want something better than the factory suspension.

 

Progress CSII - 350f/350/r.

 

Moved to suspension forum.

 

http://progressauto.com/products/sea.../productID/644

Would that be the one Grumblemarc? Also, if i'm not mistaken the higher the spring rate the stiffer it'll be right? What's the advantage of stiffer vs. softer or vice-versa?


Edit: Thank you 94EG8.

 

Yup. Running a set right now. Lower you go the more stiff the springs have to be. So if you're looking on slamming the car these are not for you. Lower and no stiff=bouncy.

 

So progress doesn't have separate height adjustment?

 

Sure they do. They are not recommended for slamming cars. I mean you CAN but your ride quality will probably be **** unless you get 500lbs springs front and back (which they do NOT offer as a combo).

 

With a budget of $600, the Progress CS-2's would be your best bet. They can be had for less than $550 shipped (ClubCivic has a special on them now so jump on it). They won't get you slammed, but anything else that does is either junk or out of your budget.

I'd start with those, then if you still feel like you want more out of your handling, then go to getting better tires, a rear swaybar, and bushings.