Hybrid Suspension Upgrade from Si

Bun707 · 02-16-2007, 10:36 AM

Hi All... my first post here as I just got a 2007 Civic Hybrid on Sunday. So far it's been great, just slow. It's been kinda tough finding hybrid specific posts too!

I've got an order put in for an '07 Civic Si's front and rear sways, and now I've seen how cheap it is to get a used Civic Si's suspension. From what I've read nearly every suspension component is interchangeable between any 8th gen civic. However, given the Hybrid's added weight and different weight distribution with the batteries, is there anything I should be aware of before ordering some struts and springs? The Civic Si coupe's suspension should drop right into the Hybrid sedan right?

I'll probably be leaving the tires and wheels alone for cost reasons (even though they probably are the weakest link in the handling department).

Thanks for the advice!

**Tim** · 02-16-2007, 09:10 PM

Were I you, I'd use the Si sedan suspension.

You'd be the first to attempt such a swap as far as we know. So far, people have swapped Hybrid parts *onto* their non-Hybrids (the coveted LED mirrors), and they've wanted to swap other parts (the automatic climate control), but I'm not aware of anyone having done the reverse.

Welcome to the 8th, by the way!

honda93 · 02-16-2007, 11:57 PM

Hi All... my first post here as I just got a 2007 Civic Hybrid on Sunday. So far it's been great, just slow. It's been kinda tough finding hybrid specific posts too!

Slow helps you average 45+ mpg.

I've got an order put in for an '07 Civic Si's front and rear sways, and now I've seen how cheap it is to get a used Civic Si's suspension. From what I've read nearly every suspension component is interchangeable between any 8th gen civic. However, given the Hybrid's added weight and different weight distribution with the batteries, is there anything I should be aware of before ordering some struts and springs? The Civic Si coupe's suspension should drop right into the Hybrid sedan right?

Get whatever is available. More people will offer their Si Coupe suspensions for sale simply because more of them have been produced thusfar. But yes, any 8th Gen Civic setup will work.

I'll probably be leaving the tires and wheels alone for cost reasons (even though they probably are the weakest link in the handling department).

The tires are a large part of why the car handles like shit, but they are a large part of why the car averages 45+ mpg. You are ultimately going to have to decide if you want the handling or mileage, because a simple tire change will not allow both. Lopping 20% of the cars mileage puts you slightly above the regular gas Civic LX/EX models and I doubt you'd want that.

Anthony "Mario" Crea

Bun707 · 02-20-2007, 10:02 AM

Thanks for the advice... I'm not sure if I'm going to do the suspension upgrade right now. But it's nice to know it's an option. If I do it, I'll be sure to post about my experience and throw some pictures up.

As for the tires, on my wife's Prius I switched out the Goodyear Integrities for Goodyear TripleTreds and noticed a descent jump in handling, but mileage dropped from about 52mpg overall to 47mpg. I know many of the Prius owners had good luck with the Hydroedges. Definitely if a new set of rims and tires wouldn't set me back a grand I'd do it.

Robert J · 04-22-2007, 11:40 AM

Hi - I've been working on this decision for some time for my 06 HCH- even calling companies like H&R and Honda Racing R&D to get thier opinion.

Most say "give it a try, and let us know if it works" - lol

Most knowledgable advisors have said to go for the Civic, but not the SI choice though. I have plans for a full coilover system, because most importantly, you need to be able to adjust the camber after you are done - unless you leave it at the stock ride height. I plan to lower about 1 1/2" to improve the cornering. At least, you need to add in a camber adjustment kit front and back to make sure that you have the maximum tire patch on the road when you corner - that is the actual goal of any suspension upgrade.

You will be wasting your money to have a nice stiff suspension - with your tires running on their edges !!!!!!

The good news: I tested my stock suspension last week with both the stock wheel/tire combo, and then with a racing wheel'tire combo at Portland International Raceway. The HCH impressed everyone with its ability to take a set while cornering - even with the STOCK suspension. The front would take a dive on entry, but then would balance and sit on a nice steady set for the corners.

Even without any suspension work - the HCH is an awsome, well balanced handling setup.

The bad news: I got blown away on the straights as the best I could muster was 90 mph on the front and back straights. Other problem was that the stock wheels held in a lot of heat in the front brakes -- get some ultra lite 17" racing wheels/tires if you ever plan to really drive your car hard.

Overall, my times were about 5 seconds slower per/lap on the 2 mile roadcourse track than other cars that I have driven there, but I did put on quite a show in the corners, and 5 seconds isn't too bad considering the horsepower.

I'll be happy to keep in touch with you about your suspension adventure, and will let you how I decide to approach my decision as well.

Robert

87turbolook911 · 06-12-2007, 09:16 AM

I just ordered Eibach Pro kit springs for my '07 HCH. $207 shipped from Tirerack.com

I'll post pics of the install and before and after shots once I'm done.

I'm just looking to get rid of the huge tire/fender gap and maybe improve the handling a bit. I don't think it'll affect mpg. I plan on keeping the stock rims and tires (for now).

wrxsti03 · 06-13-2007, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim

Were I you, I'd use the Si sedan suspension.

You'd be the first to attempt such a swap as far as we know. So far, people have swapped Hybrid parts *onto* their non-Hybrids (the coveted LED mirrors), and they've wanted to swap other parts (the automatic climate control), but I'm not aware of anyone having done the reverse.

Welcome to the 8th, by the way!

I have the complete SI suspension on MY06 Hybrid. You can read my post here...

Suspension swap

The only thing which is not plug and play is the front and rear swaybar bushings and chassis brackets. End links are ok.

The front struts and rear shocks N springs are a easy switch... you love the handling I do !

Yes the coupe suspension fits the sedan... as in my case.

02-16-2007, 10:36 AM	#1 (permalink)
Bun707 Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 4 iTrader: 0 / 0%	Hybrid Suspension Upgrade from Si Hi All... my first post here as I just got a 2007 Civic Hybrid on Sunday. So far it's been great, just slow. It's been kinda tough finding hybrid specific posts too! I've got an order put in for an '07 Civic Si's front and rear sways, and now I've seen how cheap it is to get a used Civic Si's suspension. From what I've read nearly every suspension component is interchangeable between any 8th gen civic. However, given the Hybrid's added weight and different weight distribution with the batteries, is there anything I should be aware of before ordering some struts and springs? The Civic Si coupe's suspension should drop right into the Hybrid sedan right? I'll probably be leaving the tires and wheels alone for cost reasons (even though they probably are the weakest link in the handling department). Thanks for the advice!

04-22-2007, 11:40 AM	#5 (permalink)
Robert J Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 7 Robert iTrader: 0 / 0%	Si vs. non SI suspension upgrade on your HCH Hi - I've been working on this decision for some time for my 06 HCH- even calling companies like H&R and Honda Racing R&D to get thier opinion. Most say "give it a try, and let us know if it works" - lol Most knowledgable advisors have said to go for the Civic, but not the SI choice though. I have plans for a full coilover system, because most importantly, you need to be able to adjust the camber after you are done - unless you leave it at the stock ride height. I plan to lower about 1 1/2" to improve the cornering. At least, you need to add in a camber adjustment kit front and back to make sure that you have the maximum tire patch on the road when you corner - that is the actual goal of any suspension upgrade. You will be wasting your money to have a nice stiff suspension - with your tires running on their edges !!!!!! The good news: I tested my stock suspension last week with both the stock wheel/tire combo, and then with a racing wheel'tire combo at Portland International Raceway. The HCH impressed everyone with its ability to take a set while cornering - even with the STOCK suspension. The front would take a dive on entry, but then would balance and sit on a nice steady set for the corners. Even without any suspension work - the HCH is an awsome, well balanced handling setup. The bad news: I got blown away on the straights as the best I could muster was 90 mph on the front and back straights. Other problem was that the stock wheels held in a lot of heat in the front brakes -- get some ultra lite 17" racing wheels/tires if you ever plan to really drive your car hard. Overall, my times were about 5 seconds slower per/lap on the 2 mile roadcourse track than other cars that I have driven there, but I did put on quite a show in the corners, and 5 seconds isn't too bad considering the horsepower. I'll be happy to keep in touch with you about your suspension adventure, and will let you how I decide to approach my decision as well. Robert

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02-16-2007, 09:10 PM	#2 (permalink)
Tim non-Cilantrist Join Date: Mar 2006 Age: 29 Posts: 4,599 iTrader: 10 / 100%	Were I you, I'd use the Si sedan suspension. You'd be the first to attempt such a swap as far as we know. So far, people have swapped Hybrid parts onto their non-Hybrids (the coveted LED mirrors), and they've wanted to swap other parts (the automatic climate control), but I'm not aware of anyone having done the reverse. Welcome to the 8th, by the way!

02-16-2007, 11:57 PM	#3 (permalink)
honda93 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Property Tax Hell... NJ Age: 34 Posts: 869 iTrader: 2 / 100%	Hi All... my first post here as I just got a 2007 Civic Hybrid on Sunday. So far it's been great, just slow. It's been kinda tough finding hybrid specific posts too! Slow helps you average 45+ mpg. I've got an order put in for an '07 Civic Si's front and rear sways, and now I've seen how cheap it is to get a used Civic Si's suspension. From what I've read nearly every suspension component is interchangeable between any 8th gen civic. However, given the Hybrid's added weight and different weight distribution with the batteries, is there anything I should be aware of before ordering some struts and springs? The Civic Si coupe's suspension should drop right into the Hybrid sedan right? Get whatever is available. More people will offer their Si Coupe suspensions for sale simply because more of them have been produced thusfar. But yes, any 8th Gen Civic setup will work. I'll probably be leaving the tires and wheels alone for cost reasons (even though they probably are the weakest link in the handling department). The tires are a large part of why the car handles like shit, but they are a large part of why the car averages 45+ mpg. You are ultimately going to have to decide if you want the handling or mileage, because a simple tire change will not allow both. Lopping 20% of the cars mileage puts you slightly above the regular gas Civic LX/EX models and I doubt you'd want that. Anthony "Mario" Crea

02-20-2007, 10:02 AM	#4 (permalink)
Bun707 Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 4 iTrader: 0 / 0%	Thanks for the advice... I'm not sure if I'm going to do the suspension upgrade right now. But it's nice to know it's an option. If I do it, I'll be sure to post about my experience and throw some pictures up. As for the tires, on my wife's Prius I switched out the Goodyear Integrities for Goodyear TripleTreds and noticed a descent jump in handling, but mileage dropped from about 52mpg overall to 47mpg. I know many of the Prius owners had good luck with the Hydroedges. Definitely if a new set of rims and tires wouldn't set me back a grand I'd do it.

06-12-2007, 09:16 AM	#6 (permalink)
87turbolook911 Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 52 iTrader: 1 / 100%	I just ordered Eibach Pro kit springs for my '07 HCH. $207 shipped from Tirerack.com I'll post pics of the install and before and after shots once I'm done. I'm just looking to get rid of the huge tire/fender gap and maybe improve the handling a bit. I don't think it'll affect mpg. I plan on keeping the stock rims and tires (for now).