Hey guys,

I have a 94' Prelude VTEC. I'm debating between TEIN FLEX coilovers and GC/Koni combo. The car will be daily driven and taken to the tracks (more road less autoX). The flex offers 559f and 335r while GC recommended either 400f and 300r or 400f and 500r. A progress rear sway bar will also be used.

What spring rates are you guys running?
WHat do you think of the suggested rates?

I've taken into consideration future mods for each choice. Teins can be revavled at $125 a piece, with custom spring rates at $50 a piece. Still not sure about koni and GCs. Which would be a better buy? (considering I can get both for wholesale prices)

Thanks

 

Note: my info is based on autocrossing a 97 Prelude prepped for STS for about two years... I had the car at about 6-7 lapping days during that time... now I autocross a 89 Civic Si in STS, and recently hopped back into the Prelude because of mechanical issues with the Civic ...

I was running OTS Koni's with GC's (450F/450R), staggered tires (215 on the front/205 on the rear), ST Rear Sway bar, stock front bar. The setup did not rotate enough for autocross, however, you generally want it to rotate more than a car setup for lapping. If I was still racing the Prelude I would raise the rear rates to 550, maybe even 600. These rear rates are approaching/exceeding what I feel OTS Koni Yellows can handle.

Obviously the Progress Rear Bar is thicker and will induce more oversteer, also remember I was running the staggered tires so you need to make up for that...


450F/450R is bareable on the street for driving, but got annoying at times... I was more interested in winning so I was willing to make this sacrific. You need to decide how much you are willing to sacrific. I've seen ITS prepped Prelude running spring rates in the range of 900F/1100R, but that is going to be hell on the street and revalved Konis are a must...

If you are interested in racing the Prelude I suggest the Koni/GC setup. The Flex setup is understeer based, and you will need to purchase springs with different rates to get the car to rotate how you want. With the GC's you can specify the rates you want when you order them the first time.

 

Wow, thanks for such an informative post. A few questions for ya...

I also plan to run wiht staggered tires (215f,205r) and a larger rear sway bar. HOwever, I'm still not sure what rates to run at. Most people are using stiffer rear springs, yet you have the same rates for both front and back. I won't be autoXing as much, more road racing. How well do you think your setup will do for road racing/track? For the sake of driving comfort, what do you think about a 400f/400r setup?

Another question... what do you mean by "understeer based." Why is it that Tein or other brands will give FF cars stiffer front springs? HOw would this work compared to stiffer rear springs (which induces rotation)?

Thanks

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Mugenlude &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Note: my info is based on autocrossing a 97 Prelude prepped for STS for about two years... I had the car at about 6-7 lapping days during that time... now I autocross a 89 Civic Si in STS, and recently hopped back into the Prelude because of mechanical issues with the Civic ...</TD></TR></TABLE>
Funny I use to auto-x a 98 Prelude now I'm working on a 1990 Civic Si for STS. Notice a pattern with Preludes and auto-x. For raod race they aren't that bad.

I ran 450f and 425r with a stock front bar and Progress rear bar. I've found that the car is neutral with 215 azenis all the way around. If I continued the brain damage with the Prelude I'd go to 550 springs in the rear.