Lowering newb w/ some good questions

jonebone · 03-20-2007, 10:00 AM

I really wanna lower my SI now, and I have a few questions since I've never lowered a car. First off I've been doing my research and have read most of these threads and I'm trying not to ask the same questions other people have. I know I want approximately a 1.5" drop and the springs I'm considering are either: Tein S-Techs (1.5 front, 1.4 rear), Eibach Pro (1.4 front, 1.4 rear), or H&R Sports (1.6 front, 1.3 rear).

I'm sure I'll eventually need struts and probably should invest in a rear camber kit as well. My questions are:

1. Not how long will the stock struts last (that's been asked over and over and over again), but more importantly, what happens when the stock struts go? Is the car drivable and just really bouncy? Or is the car not drivable? How can you tell when the struts have blown?

2. Whats the price of a typical spring install? I don't have any spring compressor tools at my house, or I would DIY.

3. Anyone have preferences in the 3 brands I've mentioned? If so, let me know how you like the drop and how is the ride quality.

Thanks for the help.

importtuner13 · 03-20-2007, 02:08 PM

Here's a little of what I know abut what you asked.
1. When the stock struts go the ride will be bouncy, but you can still drive it. Mostly you can feel the car easily compress down and then get stiff and bottom out so to speak on the springs.
2. I couldn't tell you an average spring install because I've done all of my own. If you want to DIY Autozone rents them for free. You just give them a deposit and when you return the tool they give it back. That's just an option for you.
3. Sounds like any way you go they are going to be good springs. The only ones i driven a FG Si with is the S-Techs. From what I got from them they handled nice and gave good ride quality. I liked the way they looked, but the car also had 19" wheels on it so the fender gap was filled up with those as well. I've driven other cars with Eibachs and enjoyed the sport handling without giving up too much comfort for the street. I've never driven on H&R springs, but from what I've heard they're a good quality set of springs. I would stick with the Tein or Eibach, but thats just because I have some experience with them. Hopefully some other members will have some good info to help you make your decision.

iknowmysh1t · 03-20-2007, 02:20 PM

when you have aftermarket springs on stock struts depending on where you live(i live in nyc aka pothole city) you will blow your stock struts in no time at all and with the increased spring rates on stock blown struts you will have problems down the line with other suspension parts. i.e. bushings, tires, control arms, etc. just make sure you have money for aftermarket struts in the long run.

simplicated1979 · 03-20-2007, 02:34 PM

1. depends on ur driving habbits the struts can take a while before they blow they can last up to almost a year before they blow. You will see a liquid leak on the wheels (gas leak from blown struts) or the ride will be very bouncy and you will notice the car bottoming out. it's not very safe to drive the car like this in terms of handling and other suspension parts are subjected to be affected . if you drive on ruff roads then they can be blown within a month or 2 because they are being compressed and weekened faster.

2. if you get a quote from a dealer it can be about 150-200 due to their stupid $90 dollar per hour rates

. but if you goto a shop it can be cheaper around 100-130 bucks for install.

3.I've had experience with eibach they are fvcking awesome, and teins are great also never tried h&r's but i don't think you can go wrong with either 3.
I also personally like the drop the teins will give you as the ride stance looks really well with the front dropped 1.5 and rear 1.4.

***darna*** · 03-20-2007, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonebone

I really wanna lower my SI now, and I have a few questions since I've never lowered a car. First off I've been doing my research and have read most of these threads and I'm trying not to ask the same questions other people have. I know I want approximately a 1.5" drop and the springs I'm considering are either: Tein S-Techs (1.5 front, 1.4 rear), Eibach Pro (1.4 front, 1.4 rear), or H&R Sports (1.6 front, 1.3 rear).

Thanks for the help.

pro kit lowers 1". sportlines lowers 1.4".

simplicated1979 · 03-20-2007, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darna

pro kit lowers 1". sportlines lowers 1.4".

good catch

***NewEdgePerf*** · 03-20-2007, 03:29 PM

You may want to consider the Progress Springs as well. They drop you Civic 1.3/1.2 inches.

If you have never done a spring install before, you may want to consider having someone help you who has. You could have an install party. People come over and help one another with milder installs, and you have a cookout or whatever. It always helps to have someone there who has been through the process.

Tony D

esx005 · 03-20-2007, 03:35 PM

i have neuspeed not put on yet but i can't wait,unless you change the drop dramatically or the rim and tire combo dramaticaly you should not need a camber kit just an alignment(i think)someone else can correct me if i am wrong

jonebone · 03-21-2007, 03:50 PM

Bump for a new question.

I've noticed that I should probably get a camber arms on the rear to correct the alignment. After installing these, how do you modify the settings? Do you need an alignment machine?

Also, what are the sway bars and are they needed for a drop? I dont know what these do at all....

**CrackThatTec45** · 03-23-2007, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonebone

Bump for a new question.

I've noticed that I should probably get a camber arms on the rear to correct the alignment. After installing these, how do you modify the settings? Do you need an alignment machine?

Also, what are the sway bars and are they needed for a drop? I dont know what these do at all....

it would be recomended to have your alignment done by a auto shop but there are ways around it. For one you could always go to your local auto parts store & ask for a "camber gauge" for alignments, or pick up one at eBay @ http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cambe...91794057QQrdZ1

Its not that difficult doing it yourself WITH PROPER TOOLS & KNOWLEDGE.....

MrEmO · 03-24-2007, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrackThatTec45

it would be recomended to have your alignment done by a auto shop but there are ways around it. For one you could always go to your local auto parts store & ask for a "camber gauge" for alignments, or pick up one at eBay @ http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cambe...91794057QQrdZ1

Its not that difficult doing it yourself WITH PROPER TOOLS & KNOWLEDGE.....

does that tool help measure the toe?

im gonna install my springs "DIY" with a friends help. i just got a jack with two jack stands for $26 at kragen today. and im just gonna rent a spring compressor when i decide to do it.

check this link out http://gametrax.net/springs/index.html

**CrackThatTec45** · 03-24-2007, 08:41 PM

yeah that link is very good reference, for our car the front is the same concept, just with the rears. You'll have to pop out the shock and then just pry out the spring that way....

As far as the camber gauge adjusting toe from using similar tools like that one listed it will correct toe. All you have to do is turn the actual level so it is running with the side of the vehicle, instead of sticking straight out as shown in the camber picture in the eBay listing, but keeping it connected to the rotor. Just take time & kinda "pre-plan" before hand, you'll be good

MrEmO · 03-24-2007, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrackThatTec45

yeah that link is very good reference, for our car the front is the same concept, just with the rears. You'll have to pop out the shock and then just pry out the spring that way....

hOw do you pry out the rears? im going to be installing my springs this week. but ive never done an 06 civic. only older hondas. i heard the rear was different and i saw it with my own eyes. i just havent figured out whats going to happen when i try to install my new springs

**CrackThatTec45** · 03-24-2007, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrEmO

how do you pry out the rears?

When we did my buddies I found it easier to drop the rear shock arms from the bottom bolt and by doing that you release a good amount of tension that was on the spring, and with that it gives you just enough room to either A) take a pry bar & just kinda manuever the spring out or B) Grab a hold of it with a set of spring compressors ( I choice A)...just also keep in mind when u go to put that new spring in you are going to have a hell of a time trying to re-connect that bottom bolt of the shock (I did atleast) unless u either jack up directly underneath where the shock connects or just lower the vehicle onto a block or anything placed directly underneath the shock to give you that strength to compress the spring to reconnect the shock. REMEMBER ONE SIDE AT A TIME!

Im sure there is a more civilized manor in the install that others have discovered but this is just one way that worked kinda well & speedy for me.....

MrEmO · 03-24-2007, 10:31 PM

thanx man!

Tom1222 · 03-24-2007, 10:50 PM

I just had the HFP springs installed on my stock struts and shocks and I already have the Progress 22mm Bar in the back. The car is a totally different animal. Handels a lot better and it no longer leans as much in the corners. Also the car is less bouncy on the road and ride quality hasn't suffered. I like them a lot!

PS: Oh, I paid 100 bucks for the installation.

**CrackThatTec45** · 03-25-2007, 01:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom1222

PS: Oh, I paid 100 bucks for the installation.

damn bro thats a steal & a half if unable to do it yourself, cant beat that price!!.....you know anyone or just walked in & said what u wanted done?

Tom1222 · 03-25-2007, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrackThatTec45

damn bro thats a steal & a half if unable to do it yourself, cant beat that price!!.....you know anyone or just walked in & said what u wanted done?

It's a small Performance shop called Omega Motorsports and I was referred to them by another member here on site because I was looking for a place to get my windows tinted. He said they tinted windows for Peyton Manning and some other local celebrities so that was good enough for me. They have some nice vehicles sitting outside their shop.

Overall their prices are very reasonable. Their hourly install charge is 50 bucks which is better than most other places. They did probably cut me a break since I get a lot of stuff done there. Got my windows tinted $129.00, springs installed $100 and Nitrous system installed 800 bucks.
(That included the kit and installation). So they got a good chunck of my credit card.

**CrackThatTec45** · 03-25-2007, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom1222

It's a small Performance shop called Omega Motorsports and I was referred to them by another member here on site because I was looking for a place to get my windows tinted. He said they tinted windows for Peyton Manning and some other local celebrities so that was good enough for me. They have some nice vehicles sitting outside their shop.

Overall their prices are very reasonable. Their hourly install charge is 50 bucks which is better than most other places. They did probably cut me a break since I get a lot of stuff done there. Got my windows tinted $129.00, springs installed $100 and Nitrous system installed 800 bucks.
(That included the kit and installation). So they got a good chunck of my credit card.

yeah alot shops are cool like that, either way you look at it tho there still getting your money. Damn for those prices I'd still go back there time & time again. Local tint shop around me that i used, did my coupe for $140 which i found to be good lol

Tom1222 · 03-25-2007, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrackThatTec45

yeah alot shops are cool like that, either way you look at it tho there still getting your money. Damn for those prices I'd still go back there time & time again. Local tint shop around me that i used, did my coupe for $140 which i found to be good lol

$140 is not a bad price. A lot of places want to charge around 200 bucks for tinting which I think is outrageous.
Next Mods will probably be a set of Pulley's, an RT HighPerformance Cat and a Purge Valve

03-20-2007, 10:00 AM	#1 (permalink)
jonebone Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Calvert County, MD Age: 24 Posts: 377 Jonas iTrader: 0 / 0%	Lowering newb w/ some good questions I really wanna lower my SI now, and I have a few questions since I've never lowered a car. First off I've been doing my research and have read most of these threads and I'm trying not to ask the same questions other people have. I know I want approximately a 1.5" drop and the springs I'm considering are either: Tein S-Techs (1.5 front, 1.4 rear), Eibach Pro (1.4 front, 1.4 rear), or H&R Sports (1.6 front, 1.3 rear). I'm sure I'll eventually need struts and probably should invest in a rear camber kit as well. My questions are: 1. Not how long will the stock struts last (that's been asked over and over and over again), but more importantly, what happens when the stock struts go? Is the car drivable and just really bouncy? Or is the car not drivable? How can you tell when the struts have blown? 2. Whats the price of a typical spring install? I don't have any spring compressor tools at my house, or I would DIY. 3. Anyone have preferences in the 3 brands I've mentioned? If so, let me know how you like the drop and how is the ride quality. Thanks for the help.

03-20-2007, 03:29 PM	#7 (permalink)
*NewEdgePerf* 8thcivic Sponsor Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Cresaptown, Md Posts: 133 Tony D iTrader: 2 / 100%	You may want to consider the Progress Springs as well. They drop you Civic 1.3/1.2 inches. If you have never done a spring install before, you may want to consider having someone help you who has. You could have an install party. People come over and help one another with milder installs, and you have a cookout or whatever. It always helps to have someone there who has been through the process. Tony D __________________ Specializing in Parts for the New Civic and Honda Fit. Dealer for Progress, Ingalls, and more! www.newedgeperformance.com

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03-20-2007, 02:08 PM	#2 (permalink)
importtuner13 Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: California Posts: 36 iTrader: 0 / 0%	Here's a little of what I know abut what you asked. 1. When the stock struts go the ride will be bouncy, but you can still drive it. Mostly you can feel the car easily compress down and then get stiff and bottom out so to speak on the springs. 2. I couldn't tell you an average spring install because I've done all of my own. If you want to DIY Autozone rents them for free. You just give them a deposit and when you return the tool they give it back. That's just an option for you. 3. Sounds like any way you go they are going to be good springs. The only ones i driven a FG Si with is the S-Techs. From what I got from them they handled nice and gave good ride quality. I liked the way they looked, but the car also had 19" wheels on it so the fender gap was filled up with those as well. I've driven other cars with Eibachs and enjoyed the sport handling without giving up too much comfort for the street. I've never driven on H&R springs, but from what I've heard they're a good quality set of springs. I would stick with the Tein or Eibach, but thats just because I have some experience with them. Hopefully some other members will have some good info to help you make your decision.

03-20-2007, 02:20 PM	#3 (permalink)
iknowmysh1t Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 970 iTrader: 0 / 0%	when you have aftermarket springs on stock struts depending on where you live(i live in nyc aka pothole city) you will blow your stock struts in no time at all and with the increased spring rates on stock blown struts you will have problems down the line with other suspension parts. i.e. bushings, tires, control arms, etc. just make sure you have money for aftermarket struts in the long run.

03-20-2007, 02:34 PM	#4 (permalink)
simplicated1979 Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: BK, New York Posts: 1,463 shaba iTrader: 0 / 0%	1. depends on ur driving habbits the struts can take a while before they blow they can last up to almost a year before they blow. You will see a liquid leak on the wheels (gas leak from blown struts) or the ride will be very bouncy and you will notice the car bottoming out. it's not very safe to drive the car like this in terms of handling and other suspension parts are subjected to be affected . if you drive on ruff roads then they can be blown within a month or 2 because they are being compressed and weekened faster. 2. if you get a quote from a dealer it can be about 150-200 due to their stupid $90 dollar per hour rates . but if you goto a shop it can be cheaper around 100-130 bucks for install. 3.I've had experience with eibach they are fvcking awesome, and teins are great also never tried h&r's but i don't think you can go wrong with either 3. I also personally like the drop the teins will give you as the ride stance looks really well with the front dropped 1.5 and rear 1.4.

03-20-2007, 03:35 PM	#8 (permalink)
esx005 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: ft. worth TX Posts: 927 jeremy iTrader: 2 / 100%	i have neuspeed not put on yet but i can't wait,unless you change the drop dramatically or the rim and tire combo dramaticaly you should not need a camber kit just an alignment(i think)someone else can correct me if i am wrong

03-21-2007, 03:50 PM	#9 (permalink)
jonebone Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Calvert County, MD Age: 24 Posts: 377 Jonas iTrader: 0 / 0%	Bump for a new question. I've noticed that I should probably get a camber arms on the rear to correct the alignment. After installing these, how do you modify the settings? Do you need an alignment machine? Also, what are the sway bars and are they needed for a drop? I dont know what these do at all....

03-24-2007, 08:41 PM	#12 (permalink)
CrackThatTec45 ------------------------- Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: New York Age: 23 Posts: 12,418 Mike iTrader: 37 / 100%	yeah that link is very good reference, for our car the front is the same concept, just with the rears. You'll have to pop out the shock and then just pry out the spring that way.... As far as the camber gauge adjusting toe from using similar tools like that one listed it will correct toe. All you have to do is turn the actual level so it is running with the side of the vehicle, instead of sticking straight out as shown in the camber picture in the eBay listing, but keeping it connected to the rotor. Just take time & kinda "pre-plan" before hand, you'll be good

03-24-2007, 10:31 PM	#15 (permalink)
MrEmO Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: sO caL Posts: 172 iTrader: 0 / 0%	thanx man!

03-24-2007, 10:50 PM	#16 (permalink)
Tom1222 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Indianapolis, Indiana USA Posts: 3,100 Tom Smith iTrader: 6 / 100%	I just had the HFP springs installed on my stock struts and shocks and I already have the Progress 22mm Bar in the back. The car is a totally different animal. Handels a lot better and it no longer leans as much in the corners. Also the car is less bouncy on the road and ride quality hasn't suffered. I like them a lot! PS: Oh, I paid 100 bucks for the installation.