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View Full Version : RSX A Spec vs DC5R suspension differences?



syncmaster
07-21-2013, 06:06 PM
Does anyone know the basic differences between the two setups, specifically the amount each would lower an EP3?

I've read that the a spec lowers an ep3 about .75 inches, but can't find a definitive answer about the dc5r.

Also which is stiffer?

Thanks

Hasbro
07-21-2013, 06:28 PM
No one really knows but popular opinion is that they are the same. The next step to lower and firmer is Mugen at 1.4" and a little stiffer, iirc.

poeticfinesse21
07-21-2013, 09:26 PM
Here's my car on DC5-R suspension, 16x7 +40 wheels and 225/50R16 tires:
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/7794_572308262813475_1948267191_n.jpg

poeticfinesse21
07-21-2013, 09:32 PM
I have about a 2 finger gap in the front and 2 1/2 finger gap in the rear. I rode in a friends RSX with A-spec suspension a few years back and my car feels no different. It's considerably stiffer than stock but still smooth enough for my 2 year old daughter to instantly fall asleep on a drive. I'm convinced that Type-R, A-spec and HFP suspensions are all almost the same if not identical.

Hasbro
07-22-2013, 12:51 AM
Looks good, Poetic. I think you're right about them being the same or almost.

syncmaster
07-22-2013, 06:50 AM
I have about a 2 finger gap in the front and 2 1/2 finger gap in the rear. I rode in a friends RSX with A-spec suspension a few years back and my car feels no different. It's considerably stiffer than stock but still smooth enough for my 2 year old daughter to instantly fall asleep on a drive. I'm convinced that Type-R, A-spec and HFP suspensions are all almost the same if not identical.

Great info, thank you. Any other pics of the car?

So now the real question is... what should I look out for when buying a used DC5R suspension? I dont want to buy a used one only to find out the tophats are shot, or they clunk, or something else. Any suggestions or experiences to share?

poeticfinesse21
07-22-2013, 12:03 PM
Shop around, ask a million questions and ask for a million pictures. Buying used suspension is always a gamble but just do your research before you buy. I do recommend that you buy new top hats though. I've put about 40k on my suspension since I bought it and I've started to develop a clunk. I suspect the top hats are to blame.

Powers
07-22-2013, 01:17 PM
I believe there's two different types of aspec suspensions too. 05-06 is a bit stiffer then 02-04. Personally I bought the 05-06 aspecs just incase.

syncmaster
07-22-2013, 01:29 PM
Either the tophats or the Chicago roads (I live in the city as well)!

Interesting though - I might as well pony up for the A Spec since it is brand spanking new and I wont have to worry about tophats going bad (or struts for that matter) for quite some time.

Powers
07-22-2013, 01:30 PM
I love the aspecs man. Aspecs some good tires nice fat rear sway and a good alignment will do wonders to you cars handling.

poeticfinesse21
07-22-2013, 01:42 PM
I was broke and riding on blown shocks so I couldn't turn down $300 shipped for a DC5-R suspension. Otherwise I would've bought a new A-spec kit. Oh well, now I have a reason to upgrade the shocks :mbiggrin:

syncmaster
07-22-2013, 02:15 PM
I love the aspecs man. Aspecs some good tires nice fat rear sway and a good alignment will do wonders to you cars handling.

Nice, I am new to the EP3 world (but have owned a ton of Hondas/Acuras), so this is all new to me. Especially the strange notion of not being able to lower the car a couple of inches without screwing up the handling!

Kind of off-topic, but what is your take on the Eibach 23mm rear sway bar? I can get it for about $110 shipped. It is at least as good as the RSX-S one I assume...

syncmaster
07-22-2013, 02:16 PM
I was broke and riding on blown shocks so I couldn't turn down $300 shipped for a DC5-R suspension. Otherwise I would've bought a new A-spec kit. Oh well, now I have a reason to upgrade the shocks :mbiggrin:

Indeed :) What are your plans for replacement shocks? Going to keep the R springs I assume...

Hasbro
07-22-2013, 03:11 PM
I believe there's two different types of aspec suspensions too. 05-06 is a bit stiffer then 02-04. Personally I bought the 05-06 aspecs just incase.

I have an 02-04 set of A-Spec springs and DC5 dampers in the garage. The springs are softer.

poeticfinesse21
07-22-2013, 04:53 PM
Indeed :) What are your plans for replacement shocks? Going to keep the R springs I assume...

Bilstein shocks, Type-R springs and Moog top hats

syncmaster
07-22-2013, 07:11 PM
Bilstein shocks, Type-R springs and Moog top hats

Are the Moog top hats recommended as a "better than OEM" replacement? It seems like the OEM ones fail prematurely (from what I've read so far anyway).

poeticfinesse21
07-23-2013, 06:19 AM
I don't know but moog is a brand that I trust. Moog or sachs top hats would be good choices.

PRODIUS
11-20-2013, 10:12 AM
Just picked up a near mint ITR suspension in Montreal for $250! Can't pass up that price or OEM quality.

b_ron
11-20-2013, 05:39 PM
Through Craigslist?

PRODIUS
11-21-2013, 11:12 AM
Just throught a local JDM parts importer in Montreal, 2 hours away for me:
http://japandomesticmotor.com/jdm-suspensions-details.php?SuspensionID=7
There are a few of them, just google JDM montreal and you'll hit a few. They had a second set if anyone is interested.

PRODIUS
04-11-2015, 09:42 PM
Just throught a local JDM parts importer in Montreal, 2 hours away for me:
http://japandomesticmotor.com/jdm-suspensions-details.php?SuspensionID=7
There are a few of them, just google JDM montreal and you'll hit a few. They had a second set if anyone is interested.

Update: front driver shock blown after only 1 year and less then 8k...used has its prices.

Her-Name's-Ally
04-13-2015, 07:02 PM
yeah. I was going to say holy hell thats is super cheap!

PRODIUS
04-13-2015, 07:10 PM
yeah. I was going to say holy hell thats is super cheap!

For sure. Lol!
They did feel great prior to blowing one, and keep in mind that this is a DD and the winters here hit -30 to -40 and our Springs are pot hole heaven.
Think I'll be trying Fortune 500 coilovers as a replacement: they are rebuilbable!

Her-Name's-Ally
04-13-2015, 07:21 PM
I've heard so many good things. I think that is what I will try next.

b_ron
07-16-2015, 05:32 PM
Update: front driver shock blown after only 1 year and less then 8k...used has its prices.

You jinxed me. Me rear passengers shocks starting to leak after about 8 months. I'll still keep em on though. Cheap but it does have its prices.
I'll probably use it till i find a pair of rear HFPs or something... which will probably by never...