[Krix]

Im looking for some input on suspension for my new hf.

What I'm looking for is lower than stock, not too low though. Good ride quality, not all bouncy. and I would prefer the $500 range, but Im not sure if its possible. What are some suggestions and experiances with different parts?

 

[mattminerDOTcom]

AGXs and HR Race springs. Thats my current combo and I love it. can be done on your budget too.

[email protected]

 

[downest]

I put new Tokico Illuminas and Ground Controls in my old CRX for around 500 bucks.

Ground Controls are what I recommend first to everyone, since not only can you adjust them the way you like, but you can order them with custom rate springs for no extra charge. Stef and Jmart both have Eibach Sportlines, and they are decently stiff without being harsh, and give a nice drop too (jmart chime in!). I've also been in cars running H&R/Neuspeed Race springs, I like those as well. Still I would go with GCs just for the adjustability.

For shocks, I don't think you're going to touch Koni Yellows for that money, at least not new. The Illuminas are a very good shock in my experience, second to the Konis, but if you aren't running high rates or racing a lot, the Konis are a bit of a waste. Matt has some KYB AGX on his car and they impressed me, I almost bought them instead of the Illuminas but decided not to when I found a better deal on the Illuminas. I know there are a few guys on here with the AGXs, Matt Miner and Johnny Black come to mind.

Are you looking to upgrade anything else, like the sway bar(s), control arms, or bushings?

 

[Its me DUB]

Like Tom said, I recommend Illuminas. I have them and love them. I got the strut/spring combo on ebay for under $500 shipped. Drops about an inch and has good ride quality on softest and is pretty aggressive for the course.

 

[Masta]

I would say Tokico Illumina with some Eibach Pro-Kit springs. I've had issues with lowered cars on KYB's. If you can find used Koni Yellows, that's the way to go. I got mine in brand new condition, with Ground Control coilover sleeves and a 22 mm ST rear sway bar for 600$, so it is possible.

 

[mattminerDOTcom]

what issues have you seen with kybs? Ive used them on so many cars ive lost count. Ive used illuminas too so im not biased or anything, just curious.

[email protected]

 

[Slystone]

put some few buck and go up to Koni Yellow Eibach spring whit top plate modifie...you gonna have the best ride once for all !! :lol:

or you can do like me....fine a rare high end coil over kit in perfect condition in a Jap shop for $650!! 8)

 

[downest]

I think there is a perceived image of KYB being inferior. First off you see GR2s used as stock replacement, and blown, on cars all the time, though it's not the case with AGX for sure. They are also cheaper, so people assume cheaper=worse. I think there is a lot of info, mainly on site like HT, that makes bias against them. Look on HT and you will find pictures of blown Illuminas and AGX, but you will be hard pressed to find a busted Koni Yellow. I think this is 1, because Koni IS a better shock, and 2, because a large number of stupid kids on HT aren't willing to shell out for a better product, and these are the same ones that are dropping their EF on it's oil pan to be JDM tyTe low.

I personally have not seen a blown AGX, and I've driven a couple cars with them (including Matt's), and I can't say anything bad. I would put them about the same place as Illuminas, a good shock, but not a great one like Koni.

I have seen blown Illuminas, both the ones stef bought used from Matt (we knew they were blown at the time, they are in Cali right now getting warranty replaced), and one of the ones on my sister's MX6 (lowered with the Tokico spring kit). I also broke two of mine during my installation due to poor construction.

If you are going with the spring and shock combo as Dub suggested, know that the rates are hardly stiffer than stock. I've seen it on my sister's car and on Marty's Datsun 240Z, it's a good drop, rides nice, but isn't as performance oriented. It will definitely save you some cash, but how many times do you want to be taking the suspension apart to install new springs?

 

[Slystone]

its like Tokico Blue they just replacement shock! 8)

 

[mattminerDOTcom]

wow, can always count on tom to write up a comprehensive post. my old theory on shocks, when i was trying to be more budget minded, was yellows if i could afford em, or agx/illuminas whichever was cheaper at the time.

defintely agree with the GR2/Blues(sports) equaling a stock shock. ive used them with good results on like a 1" or less drop with a mild spring rate. I think most of the damge shocks take is either becuase of bottoming out and physically damaging the shock, or running too high of a spring rate and ripping the shock apart.

I have some good info written down i got from KYB awhile back about the spring rate range of GR2s and AGXs. Soemtimes its hard to get that info from them. Koni, however, is always very forthcoming with information.

[email protected]

 

[Masta]

I will admit that my issues have not been with AGX's but with the GR2's and the Gas-A-Just shocks. I find they rust almost instantly, and any lowering at all causes rapid blowing. I was just stating my issues, if you have AGX's and love them, great. I'm glad they are working out and hope they continue to do so. My opinion is to spend a few extra bucks and get Koni's but if you must buy new, get Tokicos, they seem to last.

I've also seen what the clicks do on AGX's on a shock dyno and it's very, very little.

I have had 4 sets of Koni's on my various cars in the last few years and the race car I built for a friend runs them and we have never had any issues ever. I can't say that about KYB's.

 

[downest]

It's not fair to say KYB is bad because of the GR2s, unless you take into account Tokico HP. Yes, the Illumina is definitely a better shock than the GR2, you can't compare those. Look at HP and how many problems people have with them, they are just as bad as the GR2, but people aren't putting Tokico down because of that.

 

[Masta]

Like I said, my opinion. I know many people with "blues" and no issues at all. I can't say that about GR-2's. The AGX's may be a fine shock, but in my opinion I'll never put them on my car. If they work for you, that's great
Just sharing my experiences.

 

[Dustin]

less about shocks, because it's all opinion, and more about springs.. this is my first post, and i know a good deal about suspension, but crx's are new for me, so, what springs give a good drop, i'd say 1.5" all around, decent ride, but are stiff enough for track duty.

 

[rex2nr]

Its a combination of the struts and springs which give you the proper ride. If the springs and struts aren't matched, you will either blow the struts, or have a bouncy ride, or both.

 

[downest]

less about shocks, because it's all opinion, and more about springs.. this is my first post, and i know a good deal about suspension, but crx's are new for me, so, what springs give a good drop, i'd say 1.5" all around, decent ride, but are stiff enough for track duty.

Shocks are not *just* about opinion. I think you would be hard pressed to find someone that wouldn't take Konis over Illuminas or AGX, there is a reason for that.

You aren't going to get a stiff, track-worthy shock AND a good ride, it doesn't work that way. You need to decide what your priorities are, and set the car up accordingly. I will ALWAYS recommend getting Ground Controls, since they aren't that much more expensive, and you will never be unhappy with the ride height. You can also get the spring rates you want, or just take the off-the shelf rates.

Off the shelf GCs come with Eibach, 350/250 lb/in front/rear rates. Personally I switch the front and rear springs to make the rear rotate better. Stock CRX springs are 250/150, so that leaves the front pretty stock soft. This is an ok setup, I had it on my last car, but now I'm running 550/650 F/R. My current setup also has poly bushings, and to most people it's pretty punishing on the street. Once you get used to a smooth setup it's no problem, but every time I get in my old car (owned by a friend of mine) I feel like I'm in a Cadillac.

If you really don't want GCs, then there are some good options for regular springs, but as far as I know you aren't going to get track-stiff rates.

Eibach sportlines are failry popular, give a decent drop, and are moderately stiff. Jmart has them paired with Illuminas, and Stef is running Matt's old set on the HF/Si. The rates are 450/174-257 (progressive) F/R. The problem with them is that since the rears are not the same as the front (they are progressive) you can't swap the front and rear springs. Prokits are popular for street use, with rates of 331/125-195 F/R, more for cosmetic use in my opinion.

H&R and Neuspeed both offer "Sport" and "Race" springs, which as far as I know are the same (NS Sport = HR Sport, NS Race = HR Race). I am not positive, but I believe sports are 275/225 and race are 575/450 (taken from an old article on the Resource). I know a couple people running the "Race" springs on daily/autoX cars and they are very happy with them. These also are progressive in the rear. I've noticed a lot of EFs that sit high with HR Race, I don't know the reason.

You should attend a local autocross, you're sure to see plenty of CRXs and hatches there. Ask to take rides in cars with different setups and see what you like. What kind of track racing are you planning on doing?

 

[downest]

Its a combination of the struts and springs which give you the proper ride. If the springs and struts aren't matched, you will either blow the struts, or have a bouncy ride, or both.

Good point, I forgot about that. You definitely want a quality shock for high-rate springs. In fact, Neuspeed recommends using Koni with their race springs.

 

[Krix]

The car is going to be street driven. Im not building an autocross/drag race/road race machine. Im might try some of them out when its done but I just want a fun car to drive. Ive found the illumina shock/spring combo in my price range and may end up with that.

 

[downest]

Is it going to have an H22 in it?

 

[casper]

Does anyone know anything about Progress Group coil overs? Supposedly with the whole set up including anti roll bar, bearings, bushings and adjusters you get lateral grip (200ft. skidpad) 1.03g... anyone is familiar with their set up... check their site but there isnt much there