Differences between OEM, Koni Sports, and Neuspeed/Koni SP3's.
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From: Greenfield, WI, USA
Differences between OEM, Koni Sports, and Neuspeed/Koni SP3's.
Well since I had the privilege to have the regular Koni Yellows and the Neuspeed/Koni Yellows your faithful Mod Keith decided it would be a good idea for me to do a little write up on the differences between the 2 so I decided to add in OEM shocks as well so then there can be comparison between all 3.
OK just to start out with a few measurements between the 3.
<U>Rear Shocks</U>
<U>OEM</U>
-Total Shock Length =22 1/4"
-Total Shaft Length =8 1/2"
-Total Shaft Travel (max w/o bumpstop) =5 13/16"
<U>Regular Koni Sport (Yellow)</U>
-Total Shock Length =22 15/16"
-Total Shaft Length =9 3/16" (with adjuster)
-Total Shaft Travel (max w/o bumpstop) =5 5/8"
<U>Neuspeed/Koni SP3 (Yellow)</U>
-Total shock Length =22 1/8"
-Total Shaft Length =8 3/8" (with adjuster)
-Total Shaft Travel (max w/o bumpstop) =4 13/16"
<U>Front Shocks</U>
<U>OEM</U>
-Total Shock Length =18 5/8"
-Total Shaft Length =7"
-Total Shaft Travel (max w/o bumpstop) =4 3/8"
<U>Regular Koni Sport (Yellow)</U>
-Total Shock Length =18 7/16"
-Total Shaft Length =7 3/16" (with adjuster)
-Total Shaft Travel (max w/o bumpstop) =3 3/4"
<U>Neuspeed/Koni SP3 (Yellow)</U>
-Total Shock Length =17 5/8"
-Total Shaft Length =6 3/8" (with adjuster)
-Total Shaft Travel (max w/o bumpstop) =3"
OK now with all of the Koni's whether regular or the Neuspeeds and also front and rear the adjuster adds 5/16" to the shaft length and also the total length. But I just wanted to get overall measurements so thats why I included them. Also I did it all in inches since I didnt have the most accurate metric ruler so it was just easier to do it in standard, besides who needs metric!!
Now I am not going to go through how much they are exactly different since all of the measurements are there so it would be pretty easy to figure it out.
The main thing I was looking at though when I did measure them is the total shaft travel. I mean there is quite the difference between the Neuspeed/Koni's and the OEM shocks and still quite the difference between the regular Koni's as well which struck me as odd considering right from Neuspeed's website they state....... "NEUSPEED's 5 grooves and use a standard length piston rod."
Now I am not a mathmatician or anything but it pretty plain to see that there is no way that the piston lengths between the Neuspeeds and the regular yellows are the same?? I mean how could they be unless there is more piston inside the shock body of the Neuspeed ones?? Thats the part I dont understand?? The nice thing about it is the fact that you know how if you use like any type of "Race" spring that when you jack up the car the spring wont stay inside the hat?? Well with the Neuspeed's that isnt a problem since the shaft is shorter so the whole assembly stays together nicely so it wont come out of the hat which it did with my regular Koni Yellow's (another reason I returned them).
Now the main reason I returned them is because I liked the better adjustability with the Neuspeeds over the regular yellows. See With the regular Koni's there was 2 grooves in the front and 3 in the back. With the fronts the only thing you could do was LOWER the perch 15mm and with the rears you could either raise it 15mm or lower it 15mm. Now with the Neuspeeds there are 5 grooves in both the front and rear and with the front you can now raise the perch 15mm (in 7.5mm increments) and also lower the perch 15mm (also in 7.5mm increments) and the same goes for the rear.
So what that means to me is like say the Neuspeed race springs I have I decided lowered my car too much well I can raise the front AND rear together equally so then it doesnt have to be that low anymore. Also another big reason for me is since there seems to be a problem when you lower it that sometimes one corner may be higher than the other well I can either raise or lower the perch to now make my car an equal drop. This also helps with some springs that lower the front more than the rear you can equal it out that way as well. Another thing is that (even though coilovers are the way to go for this) you also have better adjustability with corner weighing your car as well.
So I think with all of those reasons it was worth ME returning the regulars and getting the Neuspeeds. Now I am not going to say that the Regular Koni's are worthless compared to the Neuspeeds cause that by far is not true since Koni has been around for years they must be doing something right!! And besides if you have regular Koni's you can send them in to get more grooves put into them even though it then does void your warranty.
Now while I cant give you driving differences between the 3 since I returned the regular Koni's I will try to add some more info about how they ride once I get them installed (need a bushing kit first!!) So i will then be able to give a ride differences between at least the OEM shocks and the Neuspeed/Konis even though its not going to be the best test because I am going to be going from the OEM shocks/Springs to aftermarket of the shocks/springs and also a bushing kit AND sway bars so the comparison would be pretty night and day I would assume.
Now for some pics!!
A few pics of all 6 of the shocks side by side.
<U>Rears</U>
All 3 shaft lengths.
All 3 shock bodies.
All 3 shafts and part of shock bodies.
All 3 whole pics.
Just Koni's shock bodies and partial grooves pic.
Just Koni's shock body and shafts.
Just Koni's Whole.
Just Koni's with tape measure.
<U>Fronts</U>
All 3 shaft lengths
All 3 whole.
All 3 shaft and body.
Another all 3 whole.
Just Koni's grooves and body.
Just Koni's whole.
Just Koni's with tape measure.
Sorry for the quality of pics I had to take them with a 35mm since I have no digital yet!! They still arent that bad you can get the idea from them.
Well thats about all I have for now if you have any questions feel free to ask and I will see what I can do to answer it, but please dont ask for other measurements or pics of the regular Koni's since I no longer have them.
*EDIT* One thing I would like to add right away is that these are for the 89-91 Civic/CRX's I am not sure about other years or the differences in the 88's either?
OK just to start out with a few measurements between the 3.
<U>Rear Shocks</U>
<U>OEM</U>
-Total Shock Length =22 1/4"
-Total Shaft Length =8 1/2"
-Total Shaft Travel (max w/o bumpstop) =5 13/16"
<U>Regular Koni Sport (Yellow)</U>
-Total Shock Length =22 15/16"
-Total Shaft Length =9 3/16" (with adjuster)
-Total Shaft Travel (max w/o bumpstop) =5 5/8"
<U>Neuspeed/Koni SP3 (Yellow)</U>
-Total shock Length =22 1/8"
-Total Shaft Length =8 3/8" (with adjuster)
-Total Shaft Travel (max w/o bumpstop) =4 13/16"
<U>Front Shocks</U>
<U>OEM</U>
-Total Shock Length =18 5/8"
-Total Shaft Length =7"
-Total Shaft Travel (max w/o bumpstop) =4 3/8"
<U>Regular Koni Sport (Yellow)</U>
-Total Shock Length =18 7/16"
-Total Shaft Length =7 3/16" (with adjuster)
-Total Shaft Travel (max w/o bumpstop) =3 3/4"
<U>Neuspeed/Koni SP3 (Yellow)</U>
-Total Shock Length =17 5/8"
-Total Shaft Length =6 3/8" (with adjuster)
-Total Shaft Travel (max w/o bumpstop) =3"
OK now with all of the Koni's whether regular or the Neuspeeds and also front and rear the adjuster adds 5/16" to the shaft length and also the total length. But I just wanted to get overall measurements so thats why I included them. Also I did it all in inches since I didnt have the most accurate metric ruler so it was just easier to do it in standard, besides who needs metric!!
Now I am not going to go through how much they are exactly different since all of the measurements are there so it would be pretty easy to figure it out.
The main thing I was looking at though when I did measure them is the total shaft travel. I mean there is quite the difference between the Neuspeed/Koni's and the OEM shocks and still quite the difference between the regular Koni's as well which struck me as odd considering right from Neuspeed's website they state....... "NEUSPEED's 5 grooves and use a standard length piston rod."
Now I am not a mathmatician or anything but it pretty plain to see that there is no way that the piston lengths between the Neuspeeds and the regular yellows are the same?? I mean how could they be unless there is more piston inside the shock body of the Neuspeed ones?? Thats the part I dont understand?? The nice thing about it is the fact that you know how if you use like any type of "Race" spring that when you jack up the car the spring wont stay inside the hat?? Well with the Neuspeed's that isnt a problem since the shaft is shorter so the whole assembly stays together nicely so it wont come out of the hat which it did with my regular Koni Yellow's (another reason I returned them).
Now the main reason I returned them is because I liked the better adjustability with the Neuspeeds over the regular yellows. See With the regular Koni's there was 2 grooves in the front and 3 in the back. With the fronts the only thing you could do was LOWER the perch 15mm and with the rears you could either raise it 15mm or lower it 15mm. Now with the Neuspeeds there are 5 grooves in both the front and rear and with the front you can now raise the perch 15mm (in 7.5mm increments) and also lower the perch 15mm (also in 7.5mm increments) and the same goes for the rear.
So what that means to me is like say the Neuspeed race springs I have I decided lowered my car too much well I can raise the front AND rear together equally so then it doesnt have to be that low anymore. Also another big reason for me is since there seems to be a problem when you lower it that sometimes one corner may be higher than the other well I can either raise or lower the perch to now make my car an equal drop. This also helps with some springs that lower the front more than the rear you can equal it out that way as well. Another thing is that (even though coilovers are the way to go for this) you also have better adjustability with corner weighing your car as well.
So I think with all of those reasons it was worth ME returning the regulars and getting the Neuspeeds. Now I am not going to say that the Regular Koni's are worthless compared to the Neuspeeds cause that by far is not true since Koni has been around for years they must be doing something right!! And besides if you have regular Koni's you can send them in to get more grooves put into them even though it then does void your warranty.
Now while I cant give you driving differences between the 3 since I returned the regular Koni's I will try to add some more info about how they ride once I get them installed (need a bushing kit first!!) So i will then be able to give a ride differences between at least the OEM shocks and the Neuspeed/Konis even though its not going to be the best test because I am going to be going from the OEM shocks/Springs to aftermarket of the shocks/springs and also a bushing kit AND sway bars so the comparison would be pretty night and day I would assume.
Now for some pics!!
A few pics of all 6 of the shocks side by side.
<U>Rears</U>
All 3 shaft lengths.
All 3 shock bodies.
All 3 shafts and part of shock bodies.
All 3 whole pics.
Just Koni's shock bodies and partial grooves pic.
Just Koni's shock body and shafts.
Just Koni's Whole.
Just Koni's with tape measure.
<U>Fronts</U>
All 3 shaft lengths
All 3 whole.
All 3 shaft and body.
Another all 3 whole.
Just Koni's grooves and body.
Just Koni's whole.
Just Koni's with tape measure.
Sorry for the quality of pics I had to take them with a 35mm since I have no digital yet!! They still arent that bad you can get the idea from them.
Well thats about all I have for now if you have any questions feel free to ask and I will see what I can do to answer it, but please dont ask for other measurements or pics of the regular Koni's since I no longer have them.
*EDIT* One thing I would like to add right away is that these are for the 89-91 Civic/CRX's I am not sure about other years or the differences in the 88's either?
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,273
Likes: 3
Re: Differences between OEM, Koni Sports, and Neuspeed/Koni SP3's. (Vinceg99)
Not to be an *** 
but thanks for your write up with the pictures...this has been discussed before in the roadrace forum. But your pictures just prove the point that there is no handling advantage between the neuspeeds and the regular konis as far as travel is concerend
The big reason people were pissed about the neuspeed konis was that they were led to believe by crappy advertising that the shocks were shortened. When in fact they are not. Koni just has installed a droop limiter which is like a internal bump stop that limits the shaft from full extension. Does this increase travel...no. Is there any advantage for handling...no. In the end shaft comparison doesn't matter it is body length that should be compared.
Are the neuspeed konis revalved any differently the the regular konis...according to crxlee on this board they are not.
Extra snap ring grooves can be machined into regular konis by any machine shop for $20 or a case of beer.
here you go just to add to the thread
https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=419957
https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=513245
but thanks for your write up with the pictures...this has been discussed before in the roadrace forum. But your pictures just prove the point that there is no handling advantage between the neuspeeds and the regular konis as far as travel is concerendThe big reason people were pissed about the neuspeed konis was that they were led to believe by crappy advertising that the shocks were shortened. When in fact they are not. Koni just has installed a droop limiter which is like a internal bump stop that limits the shaft from full extension. Does this increase travel...no. Is there any advantage for handling...no. In the end shaft comparison doesn't matter it is body length that should be compared.
Are the neuspeed konis revalved any differently the the regular konis...according to crxlee on this board they are not.
Extra snap ring grooves can be machined into regular konis by any machine shop for $20 or a case of beer.
here you go just to add to the thread
https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=419957
https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=513245
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 6,725
Likes: 0
From: GA
Re: Differences between OEM, Koni Sports, and Neuspeed/Koni SP3's. (Vinceg99)
so Neuspeed sells Koni shocks with their name on them? and those are the ones with more rings, as compared to the other Koni's? I like the idea of the rings. I didn't know about them.
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Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 6,228
Likes: 0
From: MA
Re: Differences between OEM, Koni Sports, and Neuspeed/Koni SP3's. (B16_madman)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by B16_madman »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">so Neuspeed sells Koni shocks with their name on them? and those are the ones with more rings, as compared to the other Koni's? I like the idea of the rings. I didn't know about them.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Yes to everything you said.
Nice job Vince! Tons of pics!!!!
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Yes to everything you said.
Nice job Vince! Tons of pics!!!!
Thread Starter
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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 5,130
Likes: 1
From: Greenfield, WI, USA
Re: Differences between OEM, Koni Sports, and Neuspeed/Koni SP3's. (89civicdx)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 89civicdx »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Not to be an *** but thanks for your write up with the pictures...this has been discussed before in the roadrace forum. But your pictures just prove the point that there is no handling advantage between the neuspeeds and the regular konis as far as travel is concerend</TD></TR></TABLE>
OK well like I said this was Keiths idea for me to do this so if its a repost well then so be it. I also never said anything that the Neuspeeds would out perform the regualr yellows in fact I stated about being able to retain the springs in the hats as CRX Lee had said.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 89civicdx »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">The big reason people were pissed about the neuspeed konis was that they were led to believe by crappy advertising that the shocks were shortened. When in fact they are not. Koni just has installed a droop limiter which is like a internal bump stop that limits the shaft from full extension. Does this increase travel...no. Is there any advantage for handling...no. In the end shaft comparison doesn't matter it is body length that should be compared.</TD></TR></TABLE>
I was never led on by crappy advertisement?? The thing I liked is the 5 grooves over the 2/3 grooves compared to the regular yellows. Also the fact that its nice not to have to worry about the springs coming out of the hat when I am jacking up my car never thought about it when going through a tight corner and your tire lifts up.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 89civicdx »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Are the neuspeed konis revalved any differently the the regular konis...according to crxlee on this board they are not.</TD></TR></TABLE>
I dont know about anyone one else but I was never brought to believe this so I dont know where people heard this?? Only things I heard is the shorter piston and the more grooves.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 89civicdx »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Extra snap ring grooves can be machined into regular konis by any machine shop for $20 or a case of beer.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Yes I already stated that <U>BUT</U> you get this done and it will void your lifetime warranty from them and I called Koni about this exactly. Even if they do it you warranty is no longer valid.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 89civicdx »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">here you go just to add to the thread
https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=419957
https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=513245</TD></TR></TABLE>
Thanks there is a quite a bt more info in those!
but thanks for your write up with the pictures...this has been discussed before in the roadrace forum. But your pictures just prove the point that there is no handling advantage between the neuspeeds and the regular konis as far as travel is concerend</TD></TR></TABLE>OK well like I said this was Keiths idea for me to do this so if its a repost well then so be it. I also never said anything that the Neuspeeds would out perform the regualr yellows in fact I stated about being able to retain the springs in the hats as CRX Lee had said.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 89civicdx »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">The big reason people were pissed about the neuspeed konis was that they were led to believe by crappy advertising that the shocks were shortened. When in fact they are not. Koni just has installed a droop limiter which is like a internal bump stop that limits the shaft from full extension. Does this increase travel...no. Is there any advantage for handling...no. In the end shaft comparison doesn't matter it is body length that should be compared.</TD></TR></TABLE>
I was never led on by crappy advertisement?? The thing I liked is the 5 grooves over the 2/3 grooves compared to the regular yellows. Also the fact that its nice not to have to worry about the springs coming out of the hat when I am jacking up my car never thought about it when going through a tight corner and your tire lifts up.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 89civicdx »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Are the neuspeed konis revalved any differently the the regular konis...according to crxlee on this board they are not.</TD></TR></TABLE>
I dont know about anyone one else but I was never brought to believe this so I dont know where people heard this?? Only things I heard is the shorter piston and the more grooves.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 89civicdx »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Extra snap ring grooves can be machined into regular konis by any machine shop for $20 or a case of beer.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Yes I already stated that <U>BUT</U> you get this done and it will void your lifetime warranty from them and I called Koni about this exactly. Even if they do it you warranty is no longer valid.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 89civicdx »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">here you go just to add to the thread
https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=419957
https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=513245</TD></TR></TABLE>
Thanks there is a quite a bt more info in those!
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Greenfield, WI, USA
Re: Differences between OEM, Koni Sports, and Neuspeed/Koni SP3's. (89civicdx)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 89civicdx »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">again...nice write up 
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Thanks I try!
</TD></TR></TABLE>Thanks I try!
Thread Starter
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From: Greenfield, WI, USA
Re: Differences between OEM, Koni Sports, and Neuspeed/Koni SP3's. (filthyCREX)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by filthyCREX »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">whats the price difference in the SP3's to the Sports?</TD></TR></TABLE>
Well regular price to regular price they are both $141.40 a piece. I mean there are sometime you can find deals on the Sports more than you would on the SP3's. Like shox.com you can get either the sports or the sp3's for the $141.40 each with free shipping. But other places dont have the SP3's but have the Sports for cheaper.
Well regular price to regular price they are both $141.40 a piece. I mean there are sometime you can find deals on the Sports more than you would on the SP3's. Like shox.com you can get either the sports or the sp3's for the $141.40 each with free shipping. But other places dont have the SP3's but have the Sports for cheaper.
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Re: Differences between OEM, Koni Sports, and Neuspeed/Koni SP3's. (Vinceg99)
WOW, This is a very, very informative thread, great write-up man. I think more people need to see this, so I'm bringing it back up from the dead.
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Re: Differences between OEM, Koni Sports, and Neuspeed/Koni SP3's. (VX)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by VX »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">WOW, This is a very, very informative thread, great write-up man. I think more people need to see this, so I'm bringing it back up from the dead.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Thanks!! It was my first like big write up on things and well sicne I had all the shocks I figured why not??
Also just an update on things, Now while I dont have them installed quite yet (been busy and not in a hurry due to winter) I must say that it was a royal PITA to get the Neuspeed Sport springs mounted onto the Neuspeed/Konis!!
I couldnt use one of those cheaper spring compressors cause it would hit the metal dust boot no matter what way I tried. I guess the like teeth or whatever you would call them (the things that grip onto the spring itself) were too long.
So what I ended up doing is a really really ghetto way, I used the spring compressor to compress it a bit more than I needed in order for it to fit onto the shock and then I went and used some rope and looped it around all the compressed coils a few times on each side (so it was even and just in case the rope started breaking) slid them onto the shocks and then untied the rope.
I must say while yes it took longer than being able to just compress it put it on and then take off the compressor this didnt work too bad at all. I mean it was easy to untie it and I didnt have it super compressed so its not like it sprung all hard into the shock hats or anything so it went along pretty easy AFTER some trial and error of course
Anyone else have any questions feel free to ask.
Thanks!! It was my first like big write up on things and well sicne I had all the shocks I figured why not??
Also just an update on things, Now while I dont have them installed quite yet (been busy and not in a hurry due to winter) I must say that it was a royal PITA to get the Neuspeed Sport springs mounted onto the Neuspeed/Konis!!
I couldnt use one of those cheaper spring compressors cause it would hit the metal dust boot no matter what way I tried. I guess the like teeth or whatever you would call them (the things that grip onto the spring itself) were too long.
So what I ended up doing is a really really ghetto way, I used the spring compressor to compress it a bit more than I needed in order for it to fit onto the shock and then I went and used some rope and looped it around all the compressed coils a few times on each side (so it was even and just in case the rope started breaking) slid them onto the shocks and then untied the rope.
I must say while yes it took longer than being able to just compress it put it on and then take off the compressor this didnt work too bad at all. I mean it was easy to untie it and I didnt have it super compressed so its not like it sprung all hard into the shock hats or anything so it went along pretty easy AFTER some trial and error of course
Anyone else have any questions feel free to ask.
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Re: Differences between OEM, Koni Sports, and Neuspeed/Koni SP3's. (Vinceg99)
Bump for more peeps to see, this should be in the FAQ thread, and in the FAQ thread in the EG+ Civic forum as well.
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tthomass
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Feb 22, 2005 03:12 PM
