My friend's dad was talking to some people that race GS-Rs, and supposedly our stock height is the ideal height for handling. Is this true? It seems sketch to me. But he says that it has to do with Honda Engineers sending the car through wind tunnels. But I'm sure it has something to do with safety or something if Honda was the ones testing it. Anyone know for sure or can provide a stellar counter-argument as to why lowering a car is definately better?

 

In general, it's agreed that lowering a car too much will decrease it's handling. But there are plenty of reasons to argue why slight to moderate lowering of a car (if done properly... ie, replacing the shocks as well, using high-quality stuff) will increase the car's handling ability. The stiffer shocks/springs will allow for quicker turn-in, better roadholding ability, less roll, better weight transfer, etc. BTW, usually wind tunnels are used to test the CD (coeff of drag) for cars. They don't test suspension. Sounds like your friend's dad is talking out of his @ss. Tell him to watch Speedvision and look at the racing tegs/rsx's and ask him why they're lowered if he think stock height is best for tegs.

An OT question - were u born in either Korea/Japan/China? I've only heard koreans from korea say "it seems sketch" ... just wondering

 

Then tell him to ask why in the world Honda LOWERED the Type-R?!?! Furthermore why the Speedvision & Mugen ITRs are even lower than that? They have optimal handle characteristics that balance well with REAL world practicalibility. 99% of drivers won't drive something as low as my Integra... BUT, for that 1% that would... the handling is FAR superior.

 

How low is your integra?

 

Ur friend's dad could have meant the stock height is best with a normal driver in mind.

 

Well I have my teg lowered about 2.25 inches with koni yellows and comptech springs and they are some disadvantages like watching out for hard bumps and watching out for curbs when you park. However it handles and feels great on the road and if I want I can just raise the pirch on the shocks, oh and change the camber kits.

 

I'm riding on Eibach Sportlines and I have them on the lowest perch of my Koni's.... So what's that?? About 2.8"? I love it low, but parking curbs ARE bad, as is road work, speed bumps, and other hazardous CRAP... but all in all, you get used to it quick and it's not as much of an inconvenience as I thought it would be. I love it!

 

How do the koni shocks work? How much for a set?

 

i wouldn't trade them for ANY other shock out there. They are adjustable for height and firmness... just twist the **** to get your ride soft or REALY firm. It's not just firm, medium, soft either... it's like a volume control.... just turn it till it feels good. I set all mine 1/2 a turn from firm most of the time. I think I saw a groupbuy on them for $489 plus shipping a week or so ago. I think everyone that has them has nothing but good things to say about them.... good luck

 

Lowering your car for racing is all about suspension tuning. Tune the suspension right for the type of driving you do and track you're on and the car will handle well. I think for road racing the stock springs and shocks are too soft and the car leans too much. You lose some stability with that. Plus lowering the car a bit lowers the center of gravity. Sway bar diameter helps as well. Too big or too small will hurt the car on a road track.

I'm guessing they are trying to talk you out of spending the money to lower your car. Parents are sneaky!

 

The only thing I don't like about my car now is that about 10 months after lowering it, I am noticing many squeeking noises all around while driving. And I don't have polyurethane bushings (prone to squeeking) or a cheap setup (eibach springs and koni yellows, along with a neuspeed and ITR bars).....But the car is kind of noisy lately....other than that, the pros definitely outweigh the cons (everything everyone already mentioned).

 

man..i need new suspension...during "spirited driving" (practice at high speeds on backwoods roads) I actually bottom out my front end sometimes. I think my susp. is wearing out. Oh well...just another excuse to lower it.