Got together with 2 other friends, and put the new suspension in last night. The stock units that came off are in remarkbly good condition, after many many track days and 3+ years of driving. Major props to Honda for building such an incredible car.

The Mugens were very easy to install. We did the rears first. The rears took us about 20 minutes total. I still can't believe how easy that was. The fronts took a little longer, but the whole thing was done in about an hour. All the torque specs for the bolts were in the Japanese instructions! In fact, while we couldn't read anything, the illustrations were enough. Again, a big thumbs up to Honda/Mugen for building great products and making everything so easy.

Initial driving impressions:

1. 1/1 is the softest setting, and this felt even softer than stock. I think it'll be OK for the street though, maybe 2/2.

2. I then went immediately to 5/5, just to see what difference I could tell. Well, the difference is very obvious. The ride is very very harsh, and not at all tolerable on the street. You feel every single bump on the road. I felt a little car sick afterwards.

3. Bodyroll has been almost entirely eliminated. Turns can now be taken a little bit faster, and the car is telling me to go even faster than that. I think in terms of speed, I may have gained anywhere from 5-10mph on most corners. On the track, I would hope this translates into as much as 2s/lap reduction in the times. My friends who drove the car couldn't believe at the cornering abilities. It's almost glued to the road.

4. Weight transfer seems to be happening a lot faster now. You brake, and bam, the weight transfer occurs, and you can accelarate at the apex thru the corner sooner that before. Again, lower lap times are definitely in the works. I didn't feel any difference with torque steer. More test/tune is needed to fully explore the new suspension.

So, what settings would be good for the track? I am thinking 5r / 4f ? Also, should I go with an aggressive alignment, or neutral camber? I think a JDM rear sway bar should complete the package.

Overall, I'm very pleased with the decision. This is not an all our race suspension, but that's not what I was looking for. The Lowdowns seem like the perfect upgrade over the stock unit. The lower stance makes the car look kind of wicked, it's perfect.

 

Did they feel at all "bouncy" or underdamped?
Feels like with them set to 4 all around I might have been bottoming them out or something on the first bounce after creeping over a substantial speed bumb.

 

good review,

what makes you think the bigger sway bars would help you?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Bbasso &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">good review,

what makes you think the bigger sway bars would help you?</TD></TR></TABLE>

My understanding is that the bigger saw bar should increase the grip a little more, more immediate turn in, a little less understeer, and give me more control of the rear of the car.

All of which should translate to lower lap times, combined with the new suspension.

Are you saying the stock 22mm bar is good enough? For $100, I'd always though of the JDM bar as a cheap, but worthy upgrade.

 

3r/2f is more than enough on the streets. actually, that's what I ran at the autoX... since our pavement sucks and any higher setting would make the car skip.

 

I tend to find that 3f/5r works best for me on track. Autocross settings are never consistent, they tend to vary a lot depending on course layout. I prefer a lot or rotation for autocross, so the rear usually stays at 5, unless it's raining FWIW, I am using the Lowdowns along with the 26mm rear bar.

 

I was just curious as to why you thought...

 

i ran 1f/1r street and 3f/4r track when i had them

 

I run 2f/3or4 r with a 26mm rear sway bar on the street. Car works great for me.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by kkim &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I run 2f/3or4 r with a 26mm rear sway bar on the street. Car works great for me.</TD></TR></TABLE>

try that in NYC and get in line for a kidney transplant

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by BlueR &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

try that in NYC and get in line for a kidney transplant</TD></TR></TABLE>

no thanks. I'll stay right here and keep my kidneys, thank you.