bobdobbs
08-31-2003, 03:51 PM
How's this for wasting no time: Got my EP last week and installed my Tein SS coilovers yesterday. The Tein SS coilovers are a little more money than the Basics and they use the same springs. The difference is the damper is adjustable. The only catch is you need to enlarge the lower mounting bolt holes to 16mm (from 14mm). I had a machine shop do this and I recommend that. They have the equipment to make sure the holes are straight. The Tein part number is DSA22-KUSS2, which is listed as for 01+ Civic EM2/ES1.
I also installed Ingalls front and rear camber kits. I need an alignment, but the camber doesn't look too bad to me. The drop I chose is slightly less than what the Tein instructions recommends. Their reference setting is 20mm from the bottom of the spring perch to the bottom of the strut threads. I have about 23mm, meaning my car sits just a tiny bit higher. The drop looks perfect to me.
As for ride, it's better than stock in every way. The car has far less body roll and it handles road imperfections much more gracefully than before (e.g., no more loud THUMPS from the rear suspension when you hit a pothole). I haven't pushed it because the toe is off, but so far the only drawback to this mod is the cost. The coilovers make the stock wheels and tires much more bearable. I'm not itching to upgrade them (yet!).
Enjoy the pics.
http://www.italycars.net/civic/DSCN0632.jpg
http://www.italycars.net/civic/DSCN0636.jpg
http://www.italycars.net/civic/DSCN0633.jpg
http://www.italycars.net/civic/DSCN0634.jpg
I also installed Ingalls front and rear camber kits. I need an alignment, but the camber doesn't look too bad to me. The drop I chose is slightly less than what the Tein instructions recommends. Their reference setting is 20mm from the bottom of the spring perch to the bottom of the strut threads. I have about 23mm, meaning my car sits just a tiny bit higher. The drop looks perfect to me.
As for ride, it's better than stock in every way. The car has far less body roll and it handles road imperfections much more gracefully than before (e.g., no more loud THUMPS from the rear suspension when you hit a pothole). I haven't pushed it because the toe is off, but so far the only drawback to this mod is the cost. The coilovers make the stock wheels and tires much more bearable. I'm not itching to upgrade them (yet!).
Enjoy the pics.
http://www.italycars.net/civic/DSCN0632.jpg
http://www.italycars.net/civic/DSCN0636.jpg
http://www.italycars.net/civic/DSCN0633.jpg
http://www.italycars.net/civic/DSCN0634.jpg