My car is a 97 civic HX stock except stereo and plasti dipped rims and roof. Just ordered from THMotorsports my Koni/GC 350f and 280r setup with GC tops and bumpstops. I'm planning on a drop of about 1.5 to 2 in max. Most likely will want Koni's near soft setting, but will experiment.

I drive on the conservative side but like to have fun on twisty roads.

The car tracks good, bushings are good. What else might I need done?

Should I axe the HX rims and 185 wide tires? I like the HX rims, might put 195 60 14.

 

Any answers to your question would be speculation. Drive it first. If you feel like its lacking somewhere, then address it.

 

That makes good sense now that I think about it. I'm too analytical sometimes. I'll try different heights and damping settings. Think I'll also wait to add rear sway. Thanks B Serious

 

My advice would be to drive it first and modify only as needed.

This said, if you like to corner fast, with the increased roll stiffness you may start feeling the flex in the tires some more. At some point you may want to tighten their response by moving to a shorter and stiffer sidewall (i.e. 15" wheels).

The car is a system, and it is as good as its weakest link.

 

Get a good set of UHP summer tires and enjoy for a while. Avoid the temptation to slam this **** out of it and it will feel great. If you feel the need to make any other changes, they will make themselves apparent over time.

 

No problem, man. Enjoy the setup. 1.5 to 2" lower than stock is a good height.

 

That's true also with so many things. Thanks for your input.

 

I thought about getting falken azenis in 195/60r14 but then with el nino coming I think I'll stick with my all seasons for this rainy season. Maybe next spring. Thanks.

 

your rates may be on the soft side. i daily drove my 99 civic with 400F/450R for a few years, autox it and did plenty of other fun stuff.

 

Yeah I know, I just wanted a fun dd and I will never race or track this car. I'll keep my lean burn HX engine, which surprisingly I still get close to original gas mileage. Maybe I'll only lower it around 1.5 inch also. Thanks.

 

Not a problem. Keep in mind that a good summer tire will do great in the wet, it's snow and mud that they're not designed for.

 

1.5" is max recommended lowering for koni sports. If the car drives fine, throw the suspension on and drive it.

Why would you need wider tires?

 

Ha! Finally, someone understands how stock-length shocks work.

Try telling this to some fool who has his car lowered 3" on yellows with 250LB GC's, and has had "0 problems since day 1 bro".

 

It's hard to argue with stupid.