Hi, Im new here. I got a stock 95 Accord. My question is "Can I just get Eibach Lowering Springs and replace Shocks & Struts with new OEM? I only want to drop it 1-inch maybe 1.5-inch. Or is it better off with Coilovers? I asked because my thoughts are why would I spend ALOT on Coilovers just to drop an inch but correct me if I'm wrong. Dont know too much about Suspension yet but I'm learning. Also planning to get tires and rims in the future. Thanks in advance.

 

You can use lowering springs, but the factory shock dampening rates will not be correct for the increased spring rate.

 

You really should invest in coilovers, you can do the koni/gc set up. Seems to be a popular choice, but i chose progress coils.

 

Oh thats right. i forgot about the ratios adjustments. Aw man haha. Then I guess I got to invest in them. Thanks guys.
Yeah I think I would pick Progressive myself. I got to do more research though.

 

oem is also not designed for the use it will see at the lower end of its travel. You are forgetting camber kits. It gets very expensive to mess around with suspension correctly.

 

I decided to go with Koni/GC. but do I really need camber kits if I am only gonna lower about 1-1.5in? I dont want to slam.

 

Whats the big deal? Ive lowered tons of cars on stock struts - i got around just fine lol

 

Yes and yes. Coilovers are better in literally every way but you can use lowering springs with stock struts, Ground Control sleeves on Koni Adjustable struts are pretty cheap and probably the best combo out there.

But on the cheap you can use drop springs it wont handle as well but it will be fine.

 

when we give advice on here it's the correct and best way to do it. I dont like cutting corners. stock struts are designed for travel at a specific range in the body and when you lower them to a lower point you're changing the range it's functioning in. This usually causes them to blow out prematurely. Yes sure you "can" use them but you will end up changing them out and buying them twice. Cheap springs will bounce like a **** and you will hate yourself after a few miles for being cheap. As far as alignment is concerned, once again you have altered the design and function of the wheel and suspension. If its a drastic change the tire will wear out very very quickly. Even dropping an inch is a huge change in geometry. When on an alignment rack adjustments are made by hairline turn of the alignment kit. Dont be cheap when you build things because you will spend more than the rich guy doing the same thing because he only paid for it once!

 

Our cars do not have camber adjustment. You will either need to purchase a camber kit or parts to allow camber adjustment.
With the rear control arm you can use longer bolts and washers to bring the rear camber back into spec, but the front will require an adjustable BJ or adjustable upper control arm bolts.
Ignorance is bliss.
Shocks need to be valved correctly to properly control(dampen) the spring rate of a non stock spring. Using higher rate than stock springs with a stock spring rated damper will cause for a bumpy ride, including bad pitching of the car. If the shock cannot control the spring, it will be a bouncy ride, if the shock overpowers the spring the car will crash over irregularities in the road.

 

It's never been explained to me, I wasnt being ignorant just trying to suck more info out of you ahah. Thanks for the explanation as it does help a lot.

 

Thanks for the info guys. I didnt think I needed camber kits in my opinion as in tire touching the wheel well or fenders. I didnt know our camber couldnt be adjusted and also didnt think of the camber hairline adjustment besides the toe re alignment. Ill look into a camber kit.

 

I read in various places that you don't need a camber kit for basic drops with Hondas. So you do need it for Accords to keep proper camber? Mad Mike always seems to be right in the past, so this is very good to know. I learn something new every day

 

you will want to be able to adjust your camber. Any change in the height of your vehicle will result in the positioning of your tire. People say they dont need it but in reality that's because they arent concerned with tires or their alignment. You will be happy to get normal wear out of a tire with correct camber.

 

The problem is finding a good camber kit. There are good ones out there but they don't sell for $20.

 

eibach pro kits and kyb gr-2 or tokico blue will work well last a long time and cost a LOT less than GC/koni. at less than 2 inches i wont even waste the money on camber kits unless its worse than about -2. camber kills tires FAR less than bad toe.

 

Yea def dont want to be buying new sets of tires more often than usual haha

 

I dont know, seems like Koni/GC will be a better ride than the others.

 

Your tires will wear out prematurely regardless of whether its bad toe or camber. Both are bad and harmful to tires. Doesn't take much to wear it down quick

 

Ive been using the SPC adjustable ball joints. made here in Colorado. They have done me good. But I also have the adjustable ingalls kit on the end of the control arm. My tires wear perfectly when in spec and I always do my own alignment on the hunter machine myself. Just make sure you inform whomever is doing the alignment that all aspects of the tire are adjustable once you install the kit otherwise they will pretend like the last 30 years they have being doing alignments they have never noticed an adjustable ball joint etc.

 

I have a 00 Accord coupe. Originally had Tein S-tech springs. Were about $200, on Tokico shocks. Hated the set up. Sure, it lowered it about 1.5-2", however it was way too soft for my liking. Plus I had rear rubbing over bumps. After extensive research and homework, replaced the entire setup with Koni Yellows and Ground Controls. You can adjust your height and I absolutely love them. Best set up for the price. About $900 for everything. Regardless of your choice, do it right, do it once. You won't be let down.

 

how do you find those kits? are they made for certain models? or you just piece together a set?

 

Thanks for the review!! Question though, was it $900 with top hats included or no?

 

Yes, everything. I didn't change them out. It's not a kit. The GC springs will run you about $300-$350, depending on where you shop. When you buy them however, make sure you specify they'll be used with Koni shock. SUPER IMPORTANT. The springs used with Konis are different than the springs used with other shocks. The Koni's are roughly $130-$150 a piece. I bought all mine on Ebay. Did it in stages too, just to save on money. Bought the springs and rear shocks, replaced such. Waited a month or so to get more money and did the fronts. With Konis being adjustable, as with the springs, I spent a month trying to find the best setup. But once you find it, you'll never want to run anything else again. I'm a big Ebay buyer, just make sure you buy from someone with a good positive feedback score. Plus alot of sellers on Ebay are companies. You can find good deals, just shop around. The internet is great.

 

just google them . SPC camber kits. Many companies sell them. I would believe so, I got some for my 96 accord