I've just purchased a 91 civic hatch that I plan to use in local auto-x events. I don't expect to jump right in and be a top competitor, but I've got to start somewhere. My question is regarding suspension components. Due to the fact the car is in desperate need of new shocks I've planned on suspension mods 1st. I want to do things right the 1st time. I don't want to put something on there and have to turn around and replace it when I find out it's not up to my needs. I have read alot of info on this and many other sites, and my question is...I'm trying to decide between koni yellows w/ GC coilovers made spec. for the koni's or a full coilover setup from tein(probably ss?). It seems that as far as price & adjustability both are in the same ball park. I have read about alot of people having sucess w/ konis, but not much out there about the teins. It seems to me having the threads on the shock body would be superior to having them on a sleeve over shock. I know there are alot of choices out there so I'm looking for personal experiences and the results you have had with your setups. Also...I'm not ruling out other brands, it's just that these 2 seem to be very popular, so if you have any other suggestions let's have 'em. Thanks.

 

the first question you need to answer is what class you're going to run in. my gut feeling is that you want to run STS, which would make your current suspension options ok. you need a copy of the rulebook, which states what mods you can or cannot make to run a legal car in a certain class, and will help you decide what you want to do.

now with STS in mind, a suspension is a good place to start. don't get too excited and blow money out your hole though . GC/Koni is wildly successful and is superior to the Tein SS for a couple of reasons. Custom spring rates from the factory at no extra charge, superior damping, and ease of service (koni and GC are both in the US and have excellent customer service).

where you run into trouble with both setups, is when you go waaaaay low on the ride height and the shocks don't have enough travel. at this point you have to raise the car, or shorten the shocks.

 

if you want to keep your money in your pocket for now, just replace the shocks, and go drive...

 

Where can I get a copy of the rule book? I do plan on doing a motor/tranny swap do to the fact my car is 1.5 liter 4spd. I assume this will put me into a very competetive class. I know I will probably be racing against much more powerful cars, but I bought the car with the swap in mind. As far as the koni/GC setup..do you have any advice on where to get them? I've seen them on ebay, but of course they will be off the shelf not custom valved. Do I need to get the coilovers directly from GC in order to get the spring rates I want?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by carracr625 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Where can I get a copy of the rule book? I do plan on doing a motor/tranny swap do to the fact my car is 1.5 liter 4spd. I assume this will put me into a very competetive class. I know I will probably be racing against much more powerful cars, but I bought the car with the swap in mind. As far as the koni/GC setup..do you have any advice on where to get them? I've seen them on ebay, but of course they will be off the shelf not custom valved. Do I need to get the coilovers directly from GC in order to get the spring rates I want?</TD></TR></TABLE>

http://www.sccaclothing.com/cg...arch2

the swap will put you in SM, which is a very fast class. i think before you do the swap, get a feel for auto-x in general--even if you want to do the swap. regularly auto-x'ing will change your plans for car mods, usually for the cheaper, and give you a clearer picture of what you want to do when.

for the konis, tornactive.com has the best prices i've seen, but there may be others. to get custom rates on the GC's you must order from them, and their prices aren't too far off 3rd party retail anyway. as far as the custom valving, that can be done through koni or their affiliates at about $100/shock. AFAIK, koni yellows can stomach 500 lbs springs adequately (some even say 600#) before needing a revalve.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by bad-monkey &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">where you run into trouble with both setups, is when you go waaaaay low on the ride height and the shocks don't have enough travel. at this point you have to raise the car, or shorten the shocks. </TD></TR></TABLE>
another option is to use the GC top-hats that extend suspension travel by about an inch or so... they're really inexpensive but nicely made...

 

I don't think that the motor/tranny swap will necessarily put you in SM, if the combo was available in that chassis/model at a later date. It might 'technically' be not allowed, but no one will ever notice, or care.

The best mod you can do is wider tires and wheels. The next would be shocks, then some beefy-*** sway bars. I did not take this order and now realize my error, having all of them, now.