Coilovers ?

[Eddie Murphy]

I plan on buying coilovers. I want a more comfortable ride yet better handling as well. I want to lower as LITTLE as possible(.8-1.3). I have stock suspension, what coilovers would you recommend for my 03 Civic Si EP3?

[poeticfinesse21]

A-spec, hands down. Especially since you say you want to lower as little as possible. It's only about a 1" drop or slightly less.
http://www.ephatch.com/forum/showthread.php?59257-DIY-A-Spec-Suspension-on-ep3

[Eddie Murphy]

Thanks a lot. I'm just looking for something out of the box I can quickly install.
There has to be one out there that isn't too low or too stiff, suggestions?

[303EP]

A-Spec is the way to go for what you're wanting from a suspension setup. Not too stiff and only lowers the car by an inch. Another great suspension setup is Koni yellows paired with Ground Control sleeves. The struts are adjustable and the sleeves are height adjustable so you can adjust everything to your liking (Not exactly "out-of-the-box" installation however)

[Hasbro]

A-spec, hands down. Especially since you say you want to lower as little as possible. It's only about a 1" drop or slightly less.
http://www.ephatch.com/forum/showthread.php?59257-DIY-A-Spec-Suspension-on-ep3

+1

[b_ron]

Can anyone vouch for the dc5r suspension? seems a lot cheaper

[EP3Lov3]

Can anyone vouch for the dc5r suspension? seems a lot cheaper

Poeticfinese can chime in on this, he has that setup

[poeticfinesse21]

Can anyone vouch for the dc5r suspension? seems a lot cheaper

That's what I have on my car and it's great, pretty much the same thing as the A-spec kit. The reason it's so much cheaper is because it's used and most people don't like buying used suspension. I paid $300 shipped for mine and it looked practically new when I got it. Seller said it only had 15k :mbiggrin:
Just ask a million questions and ask for a million pictures before you buy.

[Eddie Murphy]

I want to get a coilover system with upper mounts, easy to install. Doe's anyone know of ones that don't ride too stiff and that don't lower past 1.3 inches?

[b_ron]

That's what I have on my car and it's great, pretty much the same thing as the A-spec kit. The reason it's so much cheaper is because it's used and most people don't like buying used suspension. I paid $300 shipped for mine and it looked practically new when I got it. Seller said it only had 15k :mbiggrin:
Just ask a million questions and ask for a million pictures before you buy.

i'm just between getting the aspec/dc5r or coils again (on blown stocks right now)
but if the cost for suspension, tie rod ends/parts comes out to be more than coilovers, i might as well just get coilovers

like the OP, i dont want much of a drop, but still comfortable.

[Eddie Murphy]

I hear ya b_ron, but which brand makes most sense to buy for a slight drop and to maintain comfort?

[lemonhead228]

Try looking into to buddy club n+. Read nothing but good reviews on them. And my boy had a set on his ep and loves it. Ride is really close to stock at the softest setting.

[Her-Name's-Ally]

I think next I want to try the BC BRs custom spring rates with pillowball mounts, which I have now and love.

[EP3Lov3]

Try looking into to buddy club n+. Read nothing but good reviews on them. And my boy had a set on his ep and loves it. Ride is really close to stock at the softest setting.

I have buddy club N+ and I love them! Very good quality coilovers, and they were made only for performance, not for slamming your ride or "hellaflush" bullshit. 15 way adjustable damping also is nice. Amazon had a deal last year and they were selling the setup brand new for $800:tehehyper:

[Her-Name's-Ally]

coooome up. I have the rsds and I looove

[poeticfinesse21]

i'm just between getting the aspec/dc5r or coils again (on blown stocks right now)
but if the cost for suspension, tie rod ends/parts comes out to be more than coilovers, i might as well just get coilovers

like the OP, i dont want much of a drop, but still comfortable.

Like I said man, I paid $300 shipped for the suspension and $40 shipped for new Moog RSX tie rod ends. I shaved the rear shock bushings and installed everything myself, aside from having to get my rear shock bolts cut off which cost me about $20. So in total $360 for everything which is still less than some piece of shit racelands :mbiggrin:

[b_ron]

Try looking into to buddy club n+. Read nothing but good reviews on them. And my boy had a set on his ep and loves it. Ride is really close to stock at the softest setting.
Yeah I've thought about those or the bc br's. But don't know if I want to spend that much yet, esp since its my daily to work, and I have other stuff that I have to replace.


Like I said man, I paid $300 shipped for the suspension and $40 shipped for new Moog RSX tie rod ends. I shaved the rear shock bushings and installed everything myself, aside from having to get my rear shock bolts cut off which cost me about $20. So in total $360 for everything which is still less than some piece of shit racelands :mbiggrin:

Where did you find them for cheap?
Did you get the tie rod end nuts as well (looked through the parts list on the diy aspec install thread)

Sorry for the thread jack OP.

[Eddie Murphy]

OK, I did some looking around and I was leaning towards the BC N+'s. Do they come with pillowball mounts for the EP3?
SO...
BC N+ or BC RS?
I want the more comfortable and less low look and feel.

[poeticfinesse21]

Where did you find them for cheap?
Did you get the tie rod end nuts as well (looked through the parts list on the diy aspec install thread)

Sorry for the thread jack OP.

I found mine on ebay but you can also find them on the clubrsx marketplace sometimes. Just search for "DC5 Type-R shocks" on ebay. I did buy new tie rod end nuts but I ended up reusing the old ones.


OK, I did some looking around and I was leaning towards the BC N+'s. Do they come with pillowball mounts for the EP3?
SO...
BC N+ or BC RS?
I want the more comfortable and less low look and feel.

The race specs might be a little overkill for a car that is mainly driven on the street. I think you'll be happy with the N+ but don't limit yourself to just buddy clubs. For around the same price you could also get KW variants, H&R street coilovers or progress coilovers which are all top quality.

[Eddie Murphy]

Out of the BC N+, KW variants, H&R street coilovers, & progress coilovers, which of them are an easy bolt on install?

[tinman5]

Any set that includes top mounts.
I am a Tein man myself and the Super Streets are my preferred coil. Ride quality is outstanding at a moderate drop and the dampers set around the middle range. If doing the install yourself make sure you have the appropriate tools for the job. Buy or rent the Pittman arm puller from Autozone to pop the tie rod ends and ball joints without damage.
Honestly the install would be a great time to knock out some maintenance items like control arm bushings and the afore mentioned ball joints. Not neccessary but it kinda goes hand in hand.
Good luck with your selection.

[Eddie Murphy]

Thanks tinman5 (http://www.ephatch.com/forum/member.php?18036-tinman5), good info.
Where would I get the ball joints and do I replace front and rear?

[poeticfinesse21]

You don't need to touch the ball joints when installing suspension and they are not easy to replace. You will most likely new an air hammer.

[tinman5]

You don't need to touch the ball joints when installing suspension and they are not easy to replace. You will most likely new an air hammer.

Didnt put a gun to his head about a wear/maintenace item that should at the very least be looked at. Personally, if I'm going in there, I am going to knock out as much as possible while I'm in there. It was a suggestion nothing more. Do as you will.
If you are using an air hammer to do the work I can see why it's not easy. A simple $15-$20 Pitman arm puller will pop both the rod ends and the ball joint from their respective seats without damaging threads. The simple balljoint tool you can buy or rent from Autozone will push out the old and press in the new in a matter of minutes, assuming you remember to remove the C-clip. I have done so many times on various cars in about an hour to 2 hours at the most for both sides.
A machine shop will press a balljoint AND wheel bearing for as little as $25 a hub if you dont feel like renting the tools.
Dont know what pricing is like nationally, but I picked up new Timken wheel bearings for $40 a piece, National branded balljoint (manufactured by Moog without the grease zerk) for $30 and new rod ends for $17 a piece respectively.
Thats an extra $180 in parts, but if these things have never been replaced, its a matter of time before they give out on a 10 year old car. Hell, you can even hold off on the wheel bearings and only worry about $90 in additional cost.

[poeticfinesse21]

I'm not giving you shit over it man, just saying it's not necessary when installing suspension. The reason I said that an air hammer might be necessary is because if the original ball joint is still in the knuckle then they are a nightmare to get out. If you look online or go to any honda or acura dealer, you will notice that they do not sell the EP3 or RSX ball joint by itself. If you want an OEM ball joint then you have to buy a whole brand new knuckle. The reason for this is because OEM ball joints are "cold fit" parts meaning honda drops the ball joint in some liquid nitrogen and then drops them into the knuckle. OEM ball joints do not have a snap ring. Once they've been changed at least once, then it's not that difficult but getting the original one out is a bitch.

FYI, when I replaced my ball joints I went with the duralast ones from autozone. $15 each and I've put about 30k on them with no issues :thumbu:

[lemonhead228]

Out of the BC N+, KW variants, H&R street coilovers, & progress coilovers, which of them are an easy bolt on install?

They are all coils so they will have the same process. if its your DD, i recommend the bc n+. The ride quality is so smooth

[mitchlikesbikes]

if you're from up north and your car is at all rusty or salty underneath start spraying PB blaster on everything once a day for at least a week before you do the install.

all coils with tophats will bolt up the same. the real ease of the install is based on how many seized bolts you have to get undone before you can even pull the old stuff.

oh and antisieze EVERYTHING before you put it back together.

[poeticfinesse21]

http://cdn.memegenerator.net/instances/400x/36230751.jpg

[Eddie Murphy]

ANTI-SEIZE....got it...lol

Is this what I'm looking for? Pro Honda Anti-Seize (http://www.motosport.com/dirtbike/product/?pssource=true&psreferrer=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.google.com%252Fa clk%253Fsa%253Dl%2526ai%253DCS0LjxLlDUfOEM4uO9ATE8 oHACNmvx4QDoZXPqUfBupCRsgEIBhAFKAhQhJroxvr_____AWD JxrWKpKScEKABkaK0_QPIAQeqBCZP0NygmjB9Mbi0D8jhhwyP9 nEk7ivgFs41gjv9mYvdwucppAAy0cAFBaAGJrgGAYAH193LAuA S8t_An9-6jrT_AQ%2526sig%253DAOD64_3o2_2og8ocBHiyb4wO1stJnY Feng%2526ctype%253D5%2526ved%253D0CNEBEPQO%2526adu rl%253Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.rkdms.com%252Fredire ct%25253Fc%25253D807145064%252526en%25253D27%25252 6cl%25253D500%252526u%25253Dhttp%2525253A%2525252F %2525252Fwww.motosport.com%2525252Fad%2525252F%252 5253Fcode%2525253DSS-D-G-PRODUCT-EXTENSIONS%25252526key%2525253DPro-Honda-AntiSeize%25252526utm_medium%2525253Dcpc%252526kw% 25253D%25257Bkeyword%25257D%2526rct%253Dj%2526q%25 3Dbuy%252Bantisieze&key=Pro-Honda-AntiSeize&utm_medium=cpc&gclid=CKb_qdf6_7UCFUXf4Aod3DoAxQ&segment=badger)

[Eddie Murphy]

It seems like all the coilovers have a pretty high spring rate and will most likely be too stiff for me and what I'm looking to do.
I will be buying springs and sport shocks. I like the Koni yellows but I will most likely be going with the Bilstien:
1X - Front Right F4-VE3-B426-H0
1X - Front Left F4-VE3-B425-H0
2X - Rear F4-BE5-B424-H0

And for springs I will be getting Eibach:
1X - 02-05 Civic Si Eibach Pro Kit Springs 4056.140

Can I have your opinions on that set-up please.

[poeticfinesse21]

Either one would be a great choice. I still say that you'd be more than happy with the A-spec kit:
http://www.curryacuraparts.com/pro.html

[Hasbro]

Either one would be a great choice. I still say that you'd be more than happy with the A-spec kit:
http://www.curryacuraparts.com/pro.html

^A good no worries product that is very nicely tuned to our chassis. Course, the Konis or Bilsteins are even better...

[Eddie Murphy]

For the set-up below would I need an upgraded(24mm) rear sway bar?

Bilstien Sport Shocks:
1X - Front Right F4-VE3-B426-H0
1X - Front Left F4-VE3-B425-H0
2X - Rear F4-BE5-B424-H0
Eibach Pro Kit Springs:
1X - 02-05 Civic Si Eibach Pro Kit Springs 4056.140

And am I building a good functional system?

[b_ron]

Either one would be a great choice. I still say that you'd be more than happy with the A-spec kit:
http://www.curryacuraparts.com/pro.html

Are they the only ones that carry the a-spec?

[poeticfinesse21]

For the set-up below would I need an upgraded(24mm) rear sway bar?

Bilstien Sport Shocks:
1X - Front Right F4-VE3-B426-H0
1X - Front Left F4-VE3-B425-H0
2X - Rear F4-BE5-B424-H0
Eibach Pro Kit Springs:
1X - 02-05 Civic Si Eibach Pro Kit Springs 4056.140

And am I building a good functional system?

Great setup to start out with :thumbu: You do not NEED a 24mm sway bar, the 21mm one from the 05-06 RSX-S would be sufficient.


Are they the only ones that carry the a-spec?

As far as I know but I doubt you'll find better than $650 shipped

[lemonhead228]

if you're from up north and your car is at all rusty or salty underneath start spraying PB blaster on everything once a day for at least a week before you do the install.

all coils with tophats will bolt up the same. the real ease of the install is based on how many seized bolts you have to get undone before you can even pull the old stuff.

oh and antisieze EVERYTHING before you put it back together.

haha good note. i was ocd when i did my 6 speed swap and antisieze everything

[Eddie Murphy]

Great setup to start out with :thumbu: You do not NEED a 24mm sway bar, the 21mm one from the 05-06 RSX-S would be sufficient.



As far as I know but I doubt you'll find better than $650 shipped

Doesn't my 03 EP3 come with stock front and rear sway bars?
If so I can get new bushings for them and be fine, right?
Thanks for the help fam...

[mitchlikesbikes]

Doesn't my 03 EP3 come with stock front and rear sway bars?
If so I can get new bushings for them and be fine, right?
Thanks for the help fam...

yes and yes.

but new bushings really aren't gonna do a whole lot if yours arent torn or worn out already.

but if you wanna replace them because that's just the kinda dude you are then i respect the dedication.

[Eddie Murphy]

Great setup to start out with :thumbu: You do not NEED a 24mm sway bar, the 21mm one from the 05-06 RSX-S would be sufficient.



As far as I know but I doubt you'll find better than $650 shipped

WHERE DO I GET THE sway bar, the 21mm one from the 05-06 RSX-S ???

[mitchlikesbikes]

WHERE DO I GET THE sway bar, the 21mm one from the 05-06 RSX-S ???

try the clubrsx.com classifieds. someone will probably have one in either the suspension or part out section.

[ep_hatcher_510]

For the set-up below would I need an upgraded(24mm) rear sway bar?

Bilstien Sport Shocks:
1X - Front Right F4-VE3-B426-H0
1X - Front Left F4-VE3-B425-H0
2X - Rear F4-BE5-B424-H0
Eibach Pro Kit Springs:
1X - 02-05 Civic Si Eibach Pro Kit Springs 4056.140

And am I building a good functional system?

Correct me if im wrong but, the thing i notice about those bilsteins is that they are also listed for the regular civics as well, and compared to the regular civics we have a difference in spring rate, so withever car (em2 or ep3) bilstein made these for, i always wondered will those dampers be fine for the ep3 rates or will it be underdamped.

[poeticfinesse21]

Correct me if im wrong but, the thing i notice about those bilsteins is that they are also listed for the regular civics as well, and compared to the regular civics we have a difference in spring rate, so withever car (em2 or ep3) bilstein made these for, i always wondered will those dampers be fine for the ep3 rates or will it be underdamped.


I've wondered this myself and after doing some research, I've come across some very interesting information. I found a UK parts website that stocks Bilstein products and ships to the US.

FYI, Bilstein B14 PSS coilovers are about $1100 dollars shipped to the US and the B16 PSS9 are about $1600 shipped to the US. The B16 has adjustable damping and the B14 does not. Both of these coilovers are made for the EP3 Type-R.

Anyway, while looking through a bunch of part numbers on Bilstein's website, I found out that the rear Bilstein sport shocks for the EP3 Type-R have the same part number as the rear shocks for the EM2 sold here in the US. Bilstein part # 24-114240.
Now the front shocks for the EP3 Type-R have a different part number.

EP3 Type-R bilstein part #'s:
35-114222 (left front shock)
35-114239 (right front shock)

EP3/EM2/ES1 bilstein part #'s:
35-114253 (left front shock)
35-114260 (right front shock)

This leads me to believe that, at least in the rear, the bilstein shocks should be more than enough for the EP3 spring rates. If the same shocks are advertised for the EP3-R then I don't see why not. Another thing to keep in mind is that these are "sport" shocks which according to bilstein are at least 30% stiffer than the stock shocks but possibly more. The only question now is what is the difference between the USDM EP3 bilstein front shocks and the EP3 Type-R bilstein front shocks?

Here's the website:
http://www.balancemotorsport.co.uk/sitepage/Bilstein.html

And here's bilstein's website with the part #'s:
http://web1.carparts-cat.com/default.aspx?32=16287&51=17100029881&35=171&125=171&36=854&124=854&14=4&10=988111D9A3834D28887580A9B1CB5635018004&12=140

[Eddie Murphy]

Either one would be a great choice. I still say that you'd be more than happy with the A-spec kit:
http://www.curryacuraparts.com/pro.html

Me too, I think I have to agree with you.
And you say they are not too stiff right?

[Eddie Murphy]

Can anyone else chime in on how the A-Spec's ride?

[Her-Name's-Ally]

A few guys on CEP3 have em.
mustclime Kaotik annnd someone else I dont remember. Ask around there too.

[Eddie Murphy]

A-Spec -OR- Bilstein ???

[Eddie Murphy]

And if I go with the A-Spec can I use:
Moog Tie Rod End Part No. ES80995 (http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_tie-rod-end-moog_21880449-p?searchTerm=tie+rod+end)

[poeticfinesse21]

They are both great choices but if you have the money to spare, go bilstein hands down. You're not going to get a better damper for the price.

And yes, that is the correct part #

[Eddie Murphy]

Thanks Poetic...and you gave me all the good info to go A-Spec.
So I already have the A-Spec's on order.

[poeticfinesse21]

Still a good choice regardless and in the far future, when the A-spec shocks are done you can throw the A-spec springs on some konis or bilsteins :thumbu:

[poeticfinesse21]

FYI, you can get the tie rod ends for cheaper from amazon, $35 shipped for both:
http://www.amazon.com/Moog-ES80995-Tie-Rod-End/dp/B001FE7I0U/ref=au_pf_pfg_s?ie=UTF8&Make=Acura%7C58&Model=RSX%7C747&Year=2002%7C2002&carId=002&n=15684181&newCar=1&s=automotive&vehicleType=automotive

[Eddie Murphy]

Good look ...

[Eddie Murphy]

I can't wait to get this A-Spec set up installed...

[Hasbro]

I can't wait to get this A-Spec set up installed...

Then you can fine tune with tires, psi, alignment, and bars.

[Powers]

I have the aspec suspension in my parts pile. Ill probably install it next week or so ill let ya know how the ride is

[b_ron]

FYI, you can get the tie rod ends for cheaper from amazon, $35 shipped for both:
http://www.amazon.com/Moog-ES80995-Tie-Rod-End/dp/B001FE7I0U/ref=au_pf_pfg_s?ie=UTF8&Make=Acura%7C58&Model=RSX%7C747&Year=2002%7C2002&carId=002&n=15684181&newCar=1&s=automotive&vehicleType=automotive
Do they come with the nuts and pin?

I have the aspec suspension in my parts pile. Ill probably install it next week or so ill let ya know how the ride is

An actual measurement of the before/after drop would be pretty helpful to people looking into this as well.

[poeticfinesse21]

Do they come with the nuts and pin?


An actual measurement of the before/after drop would be pretty helpful to people looking into this as well.

Yes it includes the nuts and pins and I think the exact drop for the A-spec kit is 0.75 inches

[Eddie Murphy]

0.75.....ok........I always heard it was 1 inch.

[Powers]

Do they come with the nuts and pin?


An actual measurement of the before/after drop would be pretty helpful to people looking into this as well.

Ok I'll get that for ya.

[Eddie Murphy]

I just ordered my A-Spec's, and I went and treated myself to a
62.0103 Progress Technology: ARB - Rear, RSX 05-06 (24mm-adj) (http://www.racetechperformance.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=PG-62.0103)
$185+shipping($20)
to go with the new suspension.

[02ep3413]

How much of a drop?

[SI in GA]

Hi all

I like the RSX A-Spec suspension to but was wondering, the rear shock mounts have to be ground down right. Is this something a machine shop will preform? I know for some safety reasons shops turn away work. I have no tool to do this myself. I'm located in Cali close to LA.

Can anyone who has this set up please chime in on this.

[geeio]

@si-in-ga you will have to grind it down or you can have a machine shop do it. it honestly is not that much work, i did mine with a grinding wheel on an angle grinder,

[poeticfinesse21]

If you really don't want to grind them down then just get some EP3 lower shock bushings and have them pressed in

[dble0]

Not to thread jack but I have similar conversation..... What is the consensus on the Megan street series coil overs? Like the OP I am looking for something that doesn't make every pebble feel like a speed bump but still has a very sporty feel. I am looking to drop around 1.5"

[dble0]

Bump for more info for the OP...... And me...

[b_ron]

OP already got a-spec if you read the thread.

[Eddie Murphy]

I THINK MY MECHANIC DID SOMETHING WRONG.
After picking up my car today I notice an uneven drop from left to right.
The front drivers side and the back passenger sides are higher than the other sides.
Any help would be appreciated, thanks.

[Eddie Murphy]

After an alignment and putting a few miles on them everything is fine. I am super happy with the A-Spec's and would recommend them to anyone wanting to get a sport feel for a dd.

[Eddie Murphy]

It looks to be just about a 1 inch or maybe a lil less than 1 inch drop all the way around. Real nice ride, only a lil stiffer but still very comfortable for a dd. AND car holds the road and corners way better than stock, a super improvement.

I also put a Progress 24mm adjustable rear sway, new front lca bushings, front sway bar end links, front sway bar bushings and new ball joints, and alignment.
I am very happy with the A-spec suspension upgrade and would recommend the same if you want a sporty feel but don't want to loose the comfortable ride for a dd.

[b_ron]

Any pics in hand?

[Eddie Murphy]

Any pics in hand?

I'll post up pics soon.