Best Suspension For A DD For Under 1k???

[07k20si]

Hi, all. I have been debating which suspension setup to go with, so I decided to ask the experts (you guys). I only want to spend about a grand. I plan on buying two sets of front camber bolts, SPC rear camber kit, Progress RSB, and an LX front sway bar. These parts are not included in my 1k budget.

This Si is my DD, so I don't plan on running any crazy camber that will wear out my tires unevenly. I also plan on using my car for drag, auto-x, and some spirited driving through the canyons. Basically, I am looking for a suspension setup that will be the most well rounded. I would like a 1.5' drop, cuz it looks perfect with 17's, but if a 1' is more optimal, I would consider it.

For under 1k I have found the following setups:

1. HFP ~ 600
2. Eibach spring with Tokico shocks ~ 685
3. Tein Basic Coilovers ~ 900
4. Form and Function Coilovers ~ 925
5. Megan Racing Street Coilovers ~ 895
6. Buddy Club N+ Coilovers ~ 980


Opinions and comments from experience would be great. This is my first time dropping a car, and I want to do it right. Remember, I am looking for the best all around setup for about 1k. Also, is it necessary to have the car corner-balanced when using coilovers or do you just make sure each corner is at the same height?

[Yodums]

Everything outside the $1,000 budget looks good. I probably wouldn't go with any of the shock/strut combos or pre-built coilovers that you mentioned if you were looking for getting the most out of your money for performance reasons. There are better choices out there or about to come out. I'd either wait for the adjustable Koni dampers to come out or take the plunge and go with this custom setup: WHO wants a Koni setup...??

Sounds like you may have lightly touched on this, but this is also a good read: Suspensions!!!

[07k20si]

bump for more opinions

[Highrev1]

“1. There is no "best"...

2. In order to pick what may work best for you're application, you need to take a look at what the car is doing now... cant make improvements if you have no base line to compare it to. So, what’s the car doing now that is unsatisfactory? and is it actualy the car thats causing the problem or is it the driver? This means learn how to drive your car to the absoulute LIMIT before you modify it!!!!!

3. 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.

4. You'll probably gain more by picking out the right tire then you would by changing out the suspension.... “

[07k20si]

I understand that there is no best setup.
I guess what I'm asking is.....is there much difference between the different coilover brands?

Also, is there an inherent difference or advantage over coilvers to a spring/shock combo, besides being able to adjust ride height?

[Highrev1]

Did you read the stickies? SHit even from the factory you technically have a coilover wause all that means is the spring over the shock/damper.

PERSONALLY I hate absoutly hate "pre-built" "coilover" setups. Piecemealing it is better. Piece Meal Suspensions????????

[07k20si]

Yes, I have read the stickies. I was asking, err I meant to ask, which setup would be better suited for a daily driver, occasional trip to drag strip, and the occasional auto-x. I do not need an auto-x specific setup, but what would you guys recommend as an all-around decent setup?

Highrev1, I know you prefer a pieced together setup, and I'm not here to argue with you.

I drive about 60 miles round trip to work. I do not want something that is too stiff. I don't mind something stiffer than stock, but I don't want lower back pains!

[King Bob]

if its primarily for a dd then I suggest the hfp kit, from what I hear it pretty livable and its cover under warranty. Just remember the lower you go the less suspension travel you will have which means a rougher ride.

[Highrev1]

Well that is the inherent difference between the two. You get to choose what you want for your suspension rather than relying on what someone else chooses rather than what you decide on. You are hoping on what they decided is right. You never Know

[07k20si]

thanks!

[Jardiniboy]

I'd go with the Eibach spring with Tokico shocks.

[07k20si]

Which Eibach spring would match better with the Tokico shocks, the sportlines or the pro kit?

[Jardiniboy]

Originally Posted by 07k20si

Which Eibach spring would match better with the Tokico shocks, the sportlines or the pro kit?

From those two I would pick the pro kit. Sportlines if you want that extra .2-.3 inches drop.

But if you're planning on doing autoX, don't get a progressive spring. I would get a linear one. Another spring that you could look into is the progress springs.

[Sirbelch]

GC springs and Koni yellows (when they come out). Of course i make this suggestion with the assumption that you know the limit of the vehicle. This sould be about 1200 bucks and will blow EVERYTHING on that list out of the water. A good autox set up will also be a good drag set up. A good auto x set up will have a stiff rear suspesion in order to make the car rotate. In a fwd car, the more weight transfer that you can prevent the more traction on your front tires your will have and the quicker times you will have in a drag race because the stiff rear suspension helps stop weight transfer.

[Jay Kincannon]

I have the HFP suspension, 17" HFP rims, and less than competition 225/45-17 tires (which will be replaced soon), Si sway bars, and Megan front and rear under tie bars. Here are my thoughts. (1) HFP suspension does not require a front or rear camber kit which saves money for other mods, (2) from all the comments I've heard 17" rims are the best set-up for DD and Auto-X, (3) the proper tires are either 225 or 235/45-17 quality tires, (4) Si sway bars have helped, and (5) Megan front and rear under tie bars, who knows. I do know this, once I get new tires my suspension will be complete. Until then, I am glad I did not go overboard with more expensive mods because I am quite satisfied with my choices. As Highrev1 has stated more than once, good tires make all the difference in the world and only you will know what is best for you car suspension wise through "trial and error". Personally I spent over $5,000 on my last car (03 Mustang GT) and I'm having more fun with my 06 Civic EX Coupe automatic. Go figure.

[Sirbelch]

^^^ if you get a front camber kit, you will front end will stick even more so you can have even more fun.

[06CivEXJon]

HFP suspension is great plus its under warranty or you can get eibach springs or Koni,Bilstein etc.

[07k20si]

Originally Posted by Sirbelch

GC springs and Koni yellows (when they come out). Of course i make this suggestion with the assumption that you know the limit of the vehicle. This sould be about 1200 bucks and will blow EVERYTHING on that list out of the water. A good autox set up will also be a good drag set up. A good auto x set up will have a stiff rear suspesion in order to make the car rotate. In a fwd car, the more weight transfer that you can prevent the more traction on your front tires your will have and the quicker times you will have in a drag race because the stiff rear suspension helps stop weight transfer.

Thank You, I forgot to add GC with Koni's in my list. They do run a bit more over 1k, but from what I have read, they are well worth the extra 200!!!!!!

[Highrev1]

Start with an alignment and tires. If you feel that isn't enough then get to some AUTOx's and find the real limits of the car.