Hi I am considering a suspension uprgade on my 02 ep3, and would like to know where the best place to start is. I was considering starting with lowering springs, but am getting mixed messages about that route. Im looking for increased handling, mostly daily driver in NYC where roads can be bad. Would better suspension be harmed by bad roads? Any help is greatly appreciated!

 

well it all depends on you and what you are trying to do. What kind of look are you going for? I had springs on my RSX first and they handled great, rode awesome, and easy to instal. Then I put on buddy clubs are the ride was much stiffer but I was able to go lower which was my plan. And they are adjustable.

 

I am looking to get rid of the wheel gap but I am considering fixing that with some volk rims or something, but would also like to drop the car just make it more aggressive looking and get better handling. I read somewhere that the lowering springs/ lowering a car can increase understeer also. what springs did you have? i got a quote for 350 just to have springs installed... I just want to make sure thats not an outrageous asking price also

 

I had Eibach Pro springs.

Sounds like you'll want some coilover. I'm not sure if one set is better or worse for the EP3 but I assume they are pretty much the same as DC5 ones.

 

Would coilovers make the ride rougher or is that only if you buy shitty ones?

 

Here's a couple of 'must' reads that should point you in the right direction:

Coilover Spring Rates
http://forums.clubep3.com/showthread.php?t=564642

EP3/DC5 Suspension Design
http://forums.clubep3.com/showthread.php?t=569763

How to Slam Your EP3 the Right Way
http://forums.clubep3.com/showthread.php?t=565170

Swaybar Size Thread
http://forums.clubep3.com/showthread.php?t=567637

 

I commute in the tristate / NYC area quite often... the RSX a-spec springs/struts would be a great choice.

They don't lower the car too much, and have a firm but comfortable ride; most importantly acura/honda oem quality and very nice handling characteristics.

From what I can recall you need rsx tie rod ends and 2-3 other mics parts as well...

 

Get racelands or rokkors bro. They are the two best coilovers out of shitty coilovers that is

 

ew. gross. no.
buy nice coilovers that won't ride like poo.

 

see white text

 

You need 2x 53541-S7A-003 END, TIE ROD; 2x 90301-S5A-003 NUT, HEX; 2x 94030-12280 NUT, HEX (12MM); and 2x 94201-30220 PIN, SPLIT (3.0X22) in order to fit the A-Spec kit (or any RSX-specific coilover kit) on an EP3; you’ll also need to remove material from the rear lower bushings:

A-Spec Suspension for the EP3
http://forums.clubep3.com/showthread...ghlight=a-spec

 

^ THIS.

 

If you are interested I have eibach sportlines that will fit your car 1.5 drop in the front 1.8 in the rear. local to NYC. I also know a shop around here that will install your springs for 200

 

I have rsx with stance coils and they handle great and rid not that harsh either. Springs are waste of money they will blow your stock shocks if that is what you using after a few 1000 miles and you will end up spending more money. just do it right the first time and get some used coilovers and safe yourself time and money!

 

I just had the front dropped with the sportlines and some new kyb excel g struts. I might go back to stock springs since I'm getting a lot of understeer and people talk down on springs and lowering in general. I like the way it looks but if my struts are really going to be ruined by lowering springs I definitely don't want to keep them. Thanks for the input!

 

Does everyone agree that the sportlines will hurt the excel g's? I just wanna make sure Im not wasting money taking off the new springs to go back to stock

 

If you are going to be DDing in NYC (which has bad roads). For a smooth ride, I would go aftermarket shocks w/ lowering springs. I ran kyb shocks w/ h&r spring back then & it was as smooth as stock, and lowered the car a descent amount. If you want to have that stiffness and handling of a track car, go full coilovers obviously. I'm on function & form type 2s right now, LOVE EM! Benefit of full coilover is that you can adjust the ride height and the shocks will handle it. But of course full coilovers cost more $$$ than shocks & lowering springs.

 

Thanks! I just don't want to see my brand new shocks blow out.

 

I have race land coilovers and they are great for the money. mine have been on for 3 years now with no issues. I am trading my car in and i need the stock suspension for a 2002 Ep3. I will trade straight out for the stock components . I have cash also if anyone has some stock suspension parts for sale.

 

^ wrong place. Look in the FS/WTB thread.

 

I have stock suspension for an 03 ep3. I pm'ed u

 

+1

 

Just get the ASPEC suspension and be done with it. Although the gap is still going to be there it only drops the car close to .75" lower.