Please excuse me, this may be a noob question, but what is so great about coilovers? I tried to search this site for a short answer, but there are sooo many threads that mention the word coilover that its hard to filter down to a simple answer.

I have an unmolested 00 EM1. I would like to do a slight drop 1.5” and increase handling response. I know my civic is rare in the fact that it is still stock, so I’d like to do this right. Not too low, not cheap and nothing that will devalue my car.

The real question is why are so many people pro coilovers? What is so great about them? I have no desire to adjust the ride height, I am okay with only 1.5. I have looked at both coilovers and suspension systems. They are both similar in price so is there advantages of one over the other?

 

Anything you do will devalue a stock EM1.

If you must drop it go with koni/GC I think it what most suggest on here.

 

So just keep it stock? I like the way it handles now, just wanted the slight drop for looks. I am the second owner on this car and have all paperwork from original owner. I would prefer not to do anything that will devalue, thus why I was going to invest the $ in quality suspension upgrades.

 

You wanna keep the value, keep it stock.

 

Even though I would toss a set of coilovers on, and have the height adjustability/ability to change the spring rates to a degree.
It might be better if you just leave it stock.
It's rare, and the value is in the completeness of the original car.

 

Use the suspension you want for the mean time, while keeping the stock parts, when you decide to sell the car, put the stock parts back on.

 

This is the most logical pick for what you want. As for suspension, if you want to keep it affordable, go with Koni yellows with Ground Control springs. If you want the best, give AMR a call.

 

x2. I would invest in a storage unit or garage space somewhere to keep parts if you insist on modding. Including the matching vin motor and tranny. In 10 years you will thank us. In 20 years well...bring knee pads
This car is going to be the "Elenor" of hondas. Just watch.

IMO Koni yellows and GC are not the most affordable option.

 

As far as affordable and worth the money goes, yes, Koni/GC is. Is there cheaper? Yes. Are they worth the money? No.

 

You can get some decent 1 piece coils for the same price. Were talking about $900 which will get you into a F&F 2's which has adjustable dampening. I'm not trying to argue, just stating another option for the OP to look into. IMO GOOD 1 pieces> Sleeves.

 

Function Form suspension has lackluster rates. I say that from experience. Brake going into a turn, and your nose will scrape. On top of that, the Koni/GC combination has a lifetime warranty - F/F doesn't. The $1000 K/GC kit that GC lists on their site also includes top hats - completely unnecessary. You can find the K/GC combination, or buy them individually, for the $700 range.

"Adjustable dampening" is a catchphrase, nothing more. All it does is make a little clicking noise, with zero if any real difference.

 

Thanks for the feedback guys. It seems the Koni/GC is very popular and gets pretty good reviews. I like the idea of mods while keeping stock parts. While doing a national CL search, finding a stock EM1 with clean title is becoming more and more rare. I may just hold on to this one for a while.

 

Tein flex is something to consider...not a smooth ride but great for tracking.

 

Hmmm, never noticed an issue with F&F on my buddies hatch. And he got to select his spring rates. Koni/GC does have a nice warranty however. Iguess I have looked in the wrong placed for the combo, everywhere I see them with the correct perches is right at 800.

Adjustable dampening DOES make a difference...Reduces rebound bounce dramatically when it is set correctly. KONI Yellows have it.... It's not just a marketing thing...prove me wrong.

 

You can't go wrong with Koni.