Hello all. I apologize for the weird topic. But, I have two questions that aren't related that I wanted to ask. I've looked, and I'm not sure I have a clear answer to the first one. And, in not even sure if I'm having the same problem as others for the second question.

The first question is simple. For a 1997 Accord LX coupe 4cyl, non-VTEC, lowering springs or coilovers? I don't have a lot of money. But, I can save. And, I'm not looking to do track stuff. I just want a better look, and maybe a little more handling. The reason I ask is, I knew lowering springs tend to be popular with those that already have nice suspension. (I.e Camaros, BMWs, etc.) And, coilovers tend to add a bit to suspension that isn't outright meant for performance. But, which one is specifically better for me? Or, is it still a good idea to start with the springs and "graduate"?

The second problem is this... the last time I tried starting my Accord, the tach went all the way around, and got hung up BEHIND the peg that the needle usually rests on. Now, when I try to start, the needle hits the bottom of the peg. I'd this normal? Is it a sign of something bigger? Or, do I just need to open the bezzle and fix the needle or swap clusters?

I hope this was OK. Have a great day.

 

When I started doing work on the accord I was a student and didn't have have that much to spend on my 96 accord. Looking back, honestly, I would have still done the suspension work and brake upgrades, but would have saved a lot of the money i spent chasing engine mods/speed on the basic non-vtec SOHC engine. If you want a nice sporty sound, just stick a cone filter on to the end of the stock intake pipe, and you will have saved some money there.
Yes, the intake, header, exhaust (good brands for each) made a little difference to the power, but it sure wasnt worth over $1300 between parts and labour, I'll tell you that for sure.

Re suspension, I always found it handled really well at the stock/near stock ride height. My experience with coilovers or lowering springs is that unless you spend a LARGE amount for top quality parts, it actually makes the handling worse, and totally ruins the ride of the vehicle, worse if you live somewhere with bumpy roads like me. Just so you know, your accord has a better suspension setup than any Camaro ever built. The double wishbone on the accord is really superior to almost any macpherson setup.

What I did on mine that helped the handling, was to "lower" it slightly by running run a lower profile tyre (205/55/15) . 205/50/15 could be an option as well. I also changed the sway bar bushings to polyurethane (black energy suspension or prothane), and eventually refreshed all the suspension bushings to prothane polyurethane. Made the ride a slightly harsher but tightened up the handling and haven't had to change any of the bushings in many years.

Re brakes, good brake pads (stop tech sport) makes a big difference. I don't regret changing the brake hoses to braided stainless or using good fluid either. I did the rear drum to disc swap but that was a lot of work involved, and i got the source parts for very cheap, which I feel will be harder to find now 12 years later.

I can't answer re the tachometer, since I'm not sure the solution there.