When I run coilovers do I need to install the top caps or can I run without them.

 

top caps? you mean the ones they have pictured in some marketing pics of the springs uninstalled? they dont get used at all. otherwise, its like a normal spring install, you will need to retain and reuse the stock top hats.

 

You definatly need them.

 

yeah the aluminum caps on top of the springs

 

care to explain why they are so needed?

 

they help keep the spring centered.

 

i can see how that would work. however, my ERS fit right into my stock top hats anyway.

 

If the springs fit good into the stock top cups, then you dont need them. if the springs are too slim in diameter and leave space in the top cup, youll need to use the top caps the coilovers came with, or else the spring could get off center. This happened to my friends Golf

 

I have never used the aftermarket upper spring seats on a Honda. If you reuse your factory upper spring perch that bolts into the car, then you already have your load bearing surface. I have seen some companies supply conical upper perches and it is okay to have them so long as they physically touch and transfer the load carrying to the car's stock upper spring seat. If the upper spring perch doesn't touch the factory seat but instead is attached to the top of the shock rod, then your bottom side upper shock mount rubber is carying the entire load and impact of the car at will fail soon. Those rubbers were made to locate and immobilize the top shock rod but not to carry the weight of the car.

The coil-over upper perches tend to have a 3/8th inch or so lip that can help things stay centered but I find that if the springs drop out of preload more than that 3/8ths, they won't usually reline up properly with that lip and can cause problems whereas they will self-center if there is no lip to be on. Having the upper perch also tends to build a little dead length into the height and could be limiting in lowering if you are already at the bottom of your threading.

In all, you can go either way but make sure that if you use an upper perch that it rests and bears load into the factory upper seat or you are asking for trouble. If you springs can drop out of preload when jacking up, I'd stay away from them.


[Modified by CRX Lee, 8:40 PM 2/10/2003]