He guys,
I have a '96 civic hatch that has over 215k miles on it. Im looking to lower it maybe 2 inches, but should i replace both the springs and the struts or just one or the other?
Also im looking at installing adjustable ride height coil over springs... is this worth while? I have had a buddy tell me to just cut off part of the springs. Thoughts?

 

What is your budget?
What is the purpose to lower the vehicle?
Are you looking for a reasonable comfort level?

 

Please... do NOT cut your springs.. it's completely unsafe, and it ruins the integrity of the spring. Not to mention, your ride quality will be terrible.

Depending on when your Struts/Springs were replaced last, it would probably be best to get a nice coilover set. Koni/GC Yellows are a good choice a lot of people go with. I had it on my previous EM1, and it rode great.

If you're on a budget, Tein/Eibach offer some nice lowering springs.

 

read this https://honda-tech.com/forums/suspension-brakes-54/click-here-all-you-curious-about-suspension-setups-their-costs-reliability-2967499/

for a 2 in drop you will need shocks and if they are the originals they need to be replaced anyway

come back after reading the sticky if you have more questions

 

Thanks guys!!
Budget is about $400.
And yes egsleepercivic, they are the original shocks so looks like Ill be replacing those as well.
The main purpose is to enhance the stance of the car, but also to help lower the center of gravity and better the cornering. Im basically trying to make my car a sleeper. But not a drag car. haha
I do appreciate all the answers guys!!!

 

If you can stretch your budget some, Progress CS-II coilovers are around $550-600 I believe, and are leaps and bounds better than anything else in that price range (raceland, Ksport, F&F, Blox, etc).

https://honda-tech.com/forums/wheels-tires-brakes-suspension-48/progress-coil-over-special-promotion-2692801/

 

I think I could. Just another month of saving and our weather here is not nice enough to change them out now anyways! haha

 

Purpose, what I meant was were you looking to track the car occasionally or just for pure aesthetics.

 

Would you guys suggest buying the shocks and springs separate or as a set?

 

Mostly stance. But I do want to try auto cross at some point. but I cant imagine I would be doing it a lot. Ride comfort doesnt bother me to much as I dont take long drives often.

 

I would still highly suggest the Progress coilovers. Just realise that you cant go "slammed" with them. They will give you a very nice drop, but going too low will damage the damper (unless you get extended top hats...).

 

Im not planning on slamming it. Its not practical for where I live with the potholes and such here in Michigan. Thanks!!

 

just get koni yellow/ground controls with off the shelf spring rates. you'll be happy, sure they're expensive, but they'll do exactly what you want and they ride great.

 

+1 for shocks and springs. Coil overs offer great performance, but can be pretty harsh on beat up roads. So if you need a semi-comfortable ride, I would lean towards the former.

 

Incorrect. Coilovers are not what make the ride harsh....the high spring rate does and the damper of the shock.

skunk2 coilover sleeves on stock shocks vs koni yellow with gc coilover sleeves will be leaps and bounds a different ride.

It's not the "coilovers" fault. Its the purchaser's.

 

True, but suspension travel is also a large part of the comfort equation. And I was referring to a complete coil over kit, which typically has high spring rates and stiff dampers, since they're built for auto-x and racing.

Most people want to lower the ride height with full coil overs, like the OP mentioned he wanted to do. IMHO, you're prone to a harsh ride when you do this... just ask my wife, I've got to sell my coil overs soon.

But if you're piecing the kit together with sleeves and shocks, then yeah, it's buyers choice and fault when it doesn't meet their goals.