Darn it... Lost again. Expert advice anyone?

[infiniti_4_life]

Ok, first off I would like to say that after spending hours and hours researching any info I can find on suspensions, I have come out more confused then I was before. On top of that I have discovered that 70% of threads are useless in providing any type useful info. However that still doesn't stop my addiction to this site.

That being said, here is my dilemma. I have an 07 SI coupe and im trying to decide on which suspension to go with. The plan is to have "her" track worth... yet not make scrambled eggs in the truck on daily commutes. Im not going to be racing any 25 hour marathons, Mind you.

I've been leaning towards the Tein Flex Coilovers, but then some wise guy comes along and says its crap for track use etc. By normal standards I would think that a $1,700 suspension would be worthy of my baby, but I guess im wrong.

Also whats the deal with the Chassis bracing? From the SI's I see if Mags they all state that the chassis flexes quite a bit and needs an X brace.

Can someone with some knowledge in this department shine some light down the hole that I've fallen. In return I wont forget you when im on the cover of Super Street! Thank you all!

[Highrev1]

Reserved...

[8thgenuser]

I see Highrev1 viewing this...I'm sure he has something to say.

Edit: Maybe not. Anyway, Greg (HighRev1) has posted exhaustively over the subject. Seek and thee shall find. Or just follow the link to the sticky: http://8thcivic.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41081

[LucasBlack]

i'm gonna try and keep this short, because i don't want to get too dorky and long-winded:

'track-worthy' -- in all seriousness, the part of the whole equation that requires the most tuning and changing is the driver. if you are unsure about a particular susp. upgrade, give yourself some more time to consider and find out more information. don't keep yourself from the track just to wait and figure out part swaps. it's better to exude more patience, than regret a purchase.
experience what all the car has in store for you as is.

chassis bracing -- i got my fa5 coming from an 02 z28 camaro, and the camaro had 'double-diamond' subframe connectors put on it. i look at chassis bracing as more of a helpful preventative rather than a performance upgrade. both for street use (regularly driving on streets that practically rattle your teeth) and for regular track use - i figure chassis bracing as a nice additive to possibly ward away future rattles and creaks, or at least to help postpone their forthcoming.

if you want to stiffen something up, stick with more performance-minded dampers and springs.

hope that helped a little....

[Sirbelch]

According to that wise guy, the Flex's have some what cheap dampers in them so they are not optimized for the track. The flex's compression and rebound can not be adjusted separately. So you add more of both or less of both. Being able to adjust compression/rebound separately will give you more ability to adjust for maximum performance. Also, since the Flex's are pre built, they have been made to cover the needs of the many, not the needs of the few, or the one, the one (Khannnnnn!) They do have a lot of other adjustments though. Ride hight can be adjusted separately from pre load and the fronts have adjustabile camber plates. So if you are looking for the last 2-3 tenths, PM Highrev1 from above. If you are looking to just have fun, the Flex's will be fine for you.

As far as the braces, They will help feel, and MAYBE get you a tenth.

[Yodums]

I'd just read what Greg had to say in that sticky. It covers a lot of ground for what you need to know. I'd start off with an aggressive camber setup and work from there. As for braces, I'd leave those as a last resort.

[Highrev1]

^^^Plus rep if I could for reading that sticky its long winded

"People tend to recomend what they have or what they've heard is "best" rather then give any sort of usefull info. So be picky as to who you take your advice from. EVEN ME I am heavily biased towards a race oriented setup. "

With that said I Will reply in a minute dam IM's killing me right now.

[infiniti_4_life]

Well a race oriented setup is kinna what im looking for, but since this is not a race car and 90% of driving will be on the street, im looking for the best errr i mean a good setup for the street with occasional visits to the mountain/track. So my question is this... Which would you recommended? I have read a lot of your replies and know you like to "make fun" of Tein.

I'm going on a camping trip to NC in 23 days and would like to get some Coilovers installed to begin my quest to keep up with my 17 year old sis and her SK2! LOL.

P.S. whats the stock SI spring rates?

[Highrev1]

Originally Posted by infiniti_4_life

I have discovered that 70% of threads are useless in providing any type useful info.

That is with ANY forum people talk about stuff that does NOT make a difference and really won't help.

The plan is to have "her" track worth... yet not make scrambled eggs in the truck on daily commutes.

There will NEVER be a neutral...Do you want all out track or DD? They are truly two completly different things I wish they weren't

I've been leaning towards the Tein Flex Coilovers, but then some wise guy comes along and says its crap for track use etc. By normal standards I would think that a $1,700 suspension would be worthy of my baby, but I guess im wrong.

That wise guy was probably ME!!! I am happy to say that. WHY? Cause there are facts to deal with when dealing with suspension tuning, or tuning in general. One word DAMPERS...They are THE most important thing you can do right. With that said any "pre-built" coilover does not optimize their dampers. They will make the most difference in any suspension that is why they are the most important. Just wait for Koni, Tokico, Kyb, etc. to come out with their dampers before you just on a "pre-built" setup. One knobe two adjustments Not and ideal way to go.

Also whats the deal with the Chassis bracing? From the SI's I see if Mags they all state that the chassis flexes quite a bit and needs an X brace.

Personally, and by some other accounts it really isn't needed unless your looking for that last 10th of a second. With that said if you do get one go for the D3 X brace. They know there stuff as fas as chassis bracing goes.

Can someone with some knowledge in this department shine some light down the hole that I've fallen. In return I wont forget you when im on the cover of Super Street! Thank you all!

Hopefully I can help if you need any specific questions PM me that goes for ANYONE!!!

I also own an S2K so with good tires and a good alignment you WILL keep up NOT pass but keep up easily. Pasing is a different story.


Stock spring rates.....
FG Civic Si FG
Front spring rate 200
Rear spring rate 230

I will be on early tomorrow no more for tonight sorry fiance is bitching

[Yodums]

Originally Posted by Highrev1

^^^Plus rep if I could for reading that sticky its long winded

It helps a lot. It's better than absorbing a bunch of misinformation from other various threads. As for the finance kicking ya off, well that's just one less person I've got to monitor on this forum. Just kidding.

[rkalloo]

fg2 > s2k, u need no mods to beat one, haha, especially if ur sis is drivin it,

[Kurt]

Originally Posted by rkalloo

fg2 > s2k, u need no mods to beat one, haha, especially if ur sis is drivin it,

Good one.

[infiniti_4_life]

Ok, Now we're headed somewhere. Is there a release date for any of the dampers? I would really like to get this done ASAP (tuning bug took a bite out of my ass) but Quality is my #1 goal. so...

Are you also waiting for the Koni' to be released?
Thanks Greg!

[infiniti_4_life]

Originally Posted by rkalloo

fg2 > s2k, u need no mods to beat one, haha, especially if ur sis is drivin it,

Funny thing is, I taught her how to drive stick... It still brings a smile to my face everytime i see her ripping through the gears.

[CaliGuy]

Originally Posted by infiniti_4_life

Ok, Now we're headed somewhere. Is there a release date for any of the dampers? I would really like to get this done ASAP (tuning bug took a bite out of my ass) but Quality is my #1 goal. so...

Are you also waiting for the Koni' to be released?
Thanks Greg!

Several members here are awaiting the Koni "Yellows", myself included. They are adjustable. I had a set on my last ride and absolutely loved them coupled with Neuspeed springs, which is likely what I'll do again.

Last I heard there was no word from Koni on when the "Yellows" might be available.

Expect to spend around 1k for a set of Koni's, springs and front (?) camber kit (which you will need).

[Izzy]

For those of us looking for a coilover setup, what should we be looking for though? Springs/shocks are cool and all, but I'd like to be able to adjust height accordingly -- though I know I won't do that often anyway.

Would KW's V3 dampers for their coilovers be the answer, since they're nearly completely adjustable, then add some custom Swift springs with the supposed spring rates that I'd want???? (Yeah, I know KW doesn't have anything yet...or if ever)

[Highrev1]

Originally Posted by infiniti_4_life

Ok, Now we're headed somewhere. Is there a release date for any of the dampers? I would really like to get this done ASAP (tuning bug took a bite out of my ass) but Quality is my #1 goal. so...

Are you also waiting for the Koni' to be released?
Thanks Greg!

No release date as of yet. With quality comes a higher price tag usually. I am not waiting for koni's as I have already had them custom made on my SI, double adjustable with seperate bump and rebound adjusters. Custom koni's are about 1200$ and take about 4-6 weeks to be made. Eitherway it is worth the wait for proper dampers to come out for this car rather than throwing a "pre-built" coilover on. Theres one post around here that has a bunch of shock dynos, edit...there isn't but I will post it up after I am done writing this. :)

Originally Posted by Izzy

For those of us looking for a coilover setup, what should we be looking for though? Springs/shocks are cool and all, but I'd like to be able to adjust height accordingly -- though I know I won't do that often anyway.

Would KW's V3 dampers for their coilovers be the answer, since they're nearly completely adjustable, then add some custom Swift springs with the supposed spring rates that I'd want???? (Yeah, I know KW doesn't have anything yet...or if ever)

Look for one that can prove their dampers. And aren't afraid to show you specs and talk about valving. Alot of times they say oh 35 way adjustable or some crap like that. But thats worthless information, you might as well tell me that it comes with springs too. Also if you want true adjustability stay away from dampers that adjust both bump and rebound with one knob. That is a less than ideal way to do things, they do that cause its less expensive to make, ie why I call them "cheap coilovers" meaning pretty much any of the "pre-built" coilovers. Look for the upcoming shock dyno thread. Also read through this one. It helps explain why even for the street it can be more ideal to get seperate items.
Piece Meal Suspensions???????? Get a good damper that adjust what you want not one that adjusts what the company wants. You could always get a set of sleeve type coilovers to adjust height.

[infiniti_4_life]

Well after sleeping on it, i have decided to wait for the Konis. Meanwhile I was thinking about purchasing a Progress rear sway bar and an X brace to have some piece of mind while burning rubber at the mountain. Now you said that its better to have the front bar as soft as possible. Does that mean I should replace the factory one with a smaller one, and install a bigger one for the rear? Also, where can one find this D3 X brace of which you speak?

[Izzy]

Originally Posted by Highrev1

No release date as of yet. With quality comes a higher price tag usually. I am not waiting for koni's as I have already had them custom made on my SI, double adjustable with seperate bump and rebound adjusters. Custom koni's are about 1200$ and take about 4-6 weeks to be made. Eitherway it is worth the wait for proper dampers to come out for this car rather than throwing a "pre-built" coilover on. Theres one post around here that has a bunch of shock dynos, edit...there isn't but I will post it up after I am done writing this. :)



Look for one that can prove their dampers. And aren't afraid to show you specs and talk about valving. Alot of times they say oh 35 way adjustable or some crap like that. But thats worthless information, you might as well tell me that it comes with springs too. Also if you want true adjustability stay away from dampers that adjust both bump and rebound with one knob. That is a less than ideal way to do things, they do that cause its less expensive to make, ie why I call them "cheap coilovers" meaning pretty much any of the "pre-built" coilovers. Look for the upcoming shock dyno thread. Also read through this one. It helps explain why even for the street it can be more ideal to get seperate items.
Piece Meal Suspensions???????? Get a good damper that adjust what you want not one that adjusts what the company wants. You could always get a set of sleeve type coilovers to adjust height.

That's why there was the mention of the V3 coilovers, since bump and rebound can be tuned. Obviously, I should be getting into contact with KW themselves, but they've only made V1 and V2 for the older EP3 so I doubt they'll make the V3 for the FG2 -- but it can be used as an example.

[LucasBlack]

look up dthreedesigns and you'll find their site. if i'm not mistaken, their x-brace for our car hasn't come out yet.

and i believe that post with the shock dyno's was on honda-tech_suspension forum sticky.