KA9 96-04 Acura RL suspension guide
07-20-2010, 01:03 PM
#1
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
info I've gathered from other fellow KA9 owners. Sticky maybe?
I cant seem to update the first post, but just wanted to add that Megan Racing and BC coilovers now make full bodied coilovers for us.
1. You can go super baller and get some KA9 JIC (or the like) coilovers etc shipped in from Japan. This is $2,000.00+.
A short list is:
Buddy Club
Algernon
JIC..............http://www.jic-magic.com/ViewProduct...10&CarMakeID=1
Ennepetal
Aistar
Kamikaze (Specifically made to drop your car STUPID low, shocks are short stroke and springs are really stiff)
AIMGAIN
Insurance
and the list goes on and on.
2. you can get lowering springs shipped in From companies in Japan. This is about $400.00+
3. You can get lowering springs from Europe shipped in. H&R actually has an application on theyre Europe site. Lowers the RL 1.25 inches with H&R quality. Found on Ebay with shipping from Europe for about $365.00+
H&R Europe part number 29844-2, lowers 30mm (1.2")
AP Springs (read wasnt that good) part number FS50-043 lowers front 40mm and rear 30mm (1.6"F and 1.2"R)
4. You can use 91-95 Legend coilovers (ksports etc) you just have to find the front pinchforks fro the fronts out of a Legend from a Junkyard etc. This usually runs in the $800.00 range
5. You can use 1st gen TSX coilovers as well. I believe from what I read the rears need a slight spacer on the bottom through bolt and the fronts should bolt in no probs. You also have to use your own top hats as in the lower model teins etc. This usually runs in the $800.00 dollar range as well.
6. You can always do custom air setups or hydraulics but usually alot more money is involved depending on what systems you choose and does the customizing for you.
Once upon a time Eibach and comptech made springs for the RL. They are no longer made or available unless you find used or some new old stock somewhere. Here is that info just incase.
*NOTE ITEMS IN RED NO LONGER AVAILABLE*
Eibach Prokit for 96-98 Acura 3.5RL
Part # 4037.140
Lowers Front: 1.2 Rear: 1.0
Comptech Sport Springs for 96-00 Acura 3.5RL
Part # 110-140
Lowers: Front: 1.5 Rear: 1.2
A short list is:
Buddy Club
Algernon
JIC..............http://www.jic-magic.com/ViewProduct...10&CarMakeID=1
Ennepetal
Aistar
Kamikaze (Specifically made to drop your car STUPID low, shocks are short stroke and springs are really stiff)
AIMGAIN
Insurance
and the list goes on and on.
2. you can get lowering springs shipped in From companies in Japan. This is about $400.00+
3. You can get lowering springs from Europe shipped in. H&R actually has an application on theyre Europe site. Lowers the RL 1.25 inches with H&R quality. Found on Ebay with shipping from Europe for about $365.00+
H&R Europe part number 29844-2, lowers 30mm (1.2")
AP Springs (read wasnt that good) part number FS50-043 lowers front 40mm and rear 30mm (1.6"F and 1.2"R)
4. You can use 91-95 Legend coilovers (ksports etc) you just have to find the front pinchforks fro the fronts out of a Legend from a Junkyard etc. This usually runs in the $800.00 range
5. You can use 1st gen TSX coilovers as well. I believe from what I read the rears need a slight spacer on the bottom through bolt and the fronts should bolt in no probs. You also have to use your own top hats as in the lower model teins etc. This usually runs in the $800.00 dollar range as well.
6. You can always do custom air setups or hydraulics but usually alot more money is involved depending on what systems you choose and does the customizing for you.
Once upon a time Eibach and comptech made springs for the RL. They are no longer made or available unless you find used or some new old stock somewhere. Here is that info just incase.
*NOTE ITEMS IN RED NO LONGER AVAILABLE*
Eibach Prokit for 96-98 Acura 3.5RL
Part # 4037.140
Lowers Front: 1.2 Rear: 1.0
Comptech Sport Springs for 96-00 Acura 3.5RL
Part # 110-140
Lowers: Front: 1.5 Rear: 1.2
Last edited by projektvertx; 02-10-2017 at 11:04 AM.
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07-21-2010, 04:03 AM
#2
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Thread stuck!
07-21-2010, 03:11 PM
#5
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
yes. 91-95 Legend springs can be used on the 96-04 RL as they are almost exactly the same dimensions.
The difference comes in spring rates as the RL is a good 500 lbs heavier than the Legend. Most of the difference is in the rear so usually the rear springs are a bit too soft.
so just beware that fact if infact you use Legend springs on the RL.
The difference comes in spring rates as the RL is a good 500 lbs heavier than the Legend. Most of the difference is in the rear so usually the rear springs are a bit too soft.
so just beware that fact if infact you use Legend springs on the RL.
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08-23-2010, 02:12 AM
#9
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YES !!! i cant believe this thread is here haha. I bought my RL that had lowering prings from eibach, words from the seller, get the part # checked out because come to find out the spring's circumfrence is to small. the guy put honda civic springs on a RL!!! what an idiot. i have been looking all over for a solution. do they make stiffer struts just incase i wanted to use the legend springs?
11-18-2010, 03:37 PM
#12
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old hatch, in your experience, what do you think would be the best lowering spring/shock combo for improving performance while maintiaing a smooth ride? Could you post some links? I'm having trouble finding these lowering springs from Europe you speak of...thanks
04-17-2011, 04:49 PM
#14
i used first gen coilovers from a tsx and have been super happy with the purchase, the rears did need a spacer for the bottom through bolt. but well worth doing, better than lowering springs for sure! i bought some black works knowing they were not the most expensive but very happy with the purchase! i can no longer see the tops of my tires.
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04-17-2011, 09:36 PM
#16
i used first gen coilovers from a tsx and have been super happy with the purchase, the rears did need a spacer for the bottom through bolt. but well worth doing, better than lowering springs for sure! i bought some black works knowing they were not the most expensive but very happy with the purchase! i can no longer see the tops of my tires.
04-18-2011, 10:25 PM
#18
cool thx, it's time for me to save for the coilover, I think it going to be another year or so 
Hey eshofuniwon, how is the Blackwork coilover, and how many inches did you drop?
Hey eshofuniwon, how is the Blackwork coilover, and how many inches did you drop?
05-07-2011, 01:24 PM
#19
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
I wanted to add a note.
IF your planning on going with some wide high offset rims you will need to go the TSX route. The coilovers will give you more clearance than trying to go with springs from either a Legend or RL.
IF your planning on going with some wide high offset rims you will need to go the TSX route. The coilovers will give you more clearance than trying to go with springs from either a Legend or RL.
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Beatindastreets (03-04-2014)
05-18-2011, 10:08 PM
#20
Cruisin'
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"5. You can use 1st gen TSX coilovers as well. I believe from what I read the rears need a slight spacer on the bottom through bolt and the fronts should bolt in no probs. You also have to use your own top hats as in the lower model teins etc. This usually runs in the $800.00 dollar range as well."
i was wondering if you had any specific set of instructions for the rear, as far as pulling the seat out or something, and aside from the spacer. i just picked up form and function coilovers for tsx. please let me know. thank you!
i was wondering if you had any specific set of instructions for the rear, as far as pulling the seat out or something, and aside from the spacer. i just picked up form and function coilovers for tsx. please let me know. thank you!
05-19-2011, 08:40 PM
#22
Cruisin'
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thanks for the heads up. this might sound like a stupid question, i know that our RLs are 200-400 lbs more than tsx, i was wondering whats a good setting for a job on 19s, im not planning to slam like crazy, i dont want to rub thats for sure. but obviously if the cars heavier on a good tsx setting, it will be lower on the RL which is why i asked. i know its kinda hard to answer haha but if you could the best u can or what youre knowledge is of that , id be thankful. thanks
05-20-2011, 08:11 PM
#23
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
Actually since the springs are linear rates they have no problems on the RL.
As far as rubbing, that depends on alot of variables like rim size/offset, tire size, camber, etc etc.
As far as rubbing, that depends on alot of variables like rim size/offset, tire size, camber, etc etc.
05-25-2011, 09:31 PM
#24
Cruisin'
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thanks for your responses,so when you mean linear rates, the height wouldnt be too off compared to tsx? and i also wanted to ask you when you say use the tophats, do we use all 4 of the oem tophats or just the front?
05-26-2011, 08:13 AM
#26
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
when I say linear rates I mena the way the spring compresses. Look up linear vs progressive rates.
The lower end teins and some other brands require you to use your oem tophats. there are some than come with them. you want the kits that utilize hem oem tophats to make it basicly a drop in option.
The lower end teins and some other brands require you to use your oem tophats. there are some than come with them. you want the kits that utilize hem oem tophats to make it basicly a drop in option.
05-28-2011, 04:02 PM
#27
sorry for the delay,, i believe i did about 2.5 in the front and 2.75 in the front but it seems to be level. the damper is set right in the middle, not to soft or not to stiff, real happy with the ride, the whole purchase. looks great rides smooth and no tire rubbing, i had them about an inch or so lower but a had tire rubbing, but it looked great! now i have it at the perfect ride height for my needs....perfect daily!
06-10-2011, 09:16 AM
#28
Universal Soldier
I need a little advice on choosing which set of coilovers. I've narrowed it down to..
K sport
Tein (the green color is wild)
Megan
Blackworks
D2
Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks all
K sport
Tein (the green color is wild)
Megan
Blackworks
D2
Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks all
06-10-2011, 04:14 PM
#29
sorry for the delay,, i believe i did about 2.5 in the front and 2.75 in the front but it seems to be level. the damper is set right in the middle, not to soft or not to stiff, real happy with the ride, the whole purchase. looks great rides smooth and no tire rubbing, i had them about an inch or so lower but a had tire rubbing, but it looked great! now i have it at the perfect ride height for my needs....perfect daily!
07-15-2011, 09:55 AM
#31
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
Look for any strut changing diy.Basicly the same. The lowered priced coilovers usually don't come with built in top hats, but that varies by manufacturer and product line.
07-15-2011, 07:24 PM
#32
Cruisin'
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so theres nothing i have to look out for, or do specifically? im just wondering is all cuz this is my first time doing it myself with friends. Your input is appreciate. thanks
07-17-2011, 09:25 PM
#33
Universal Soldier
Just got my coilovers. I bought the Megan racing coilovers, they have the top-hats and dampening adjustment. I should have it completed by the end of the week provided the weather. Wish me luck!!!
07-18-2011, 01:24 AM
#34
Good luck man. Damn, you are faster then me! I just have enough saving for the coilover now I have to deal with the ABS pump and the EGR problem
I can't want to see the result!
I can't want to see the result!
07-18-2011, 01:11 PM
#36
Universal Soldier
Just found out they sent me a set of coilovers for a 03-07 Honda Accord. I specified TSX 03. Its 95 degrees outside, Im tired and heated. Can you blame me? lol
07-19-2011, 05:35 PM
#37
Cruisin'
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07-19-2011, 08:52 PM
#38
Universal Soldier
Ok definitely will do. Im going to use the old top mounts, so I should be close to finished by tomorrow but I dont know I still have 2 papers to write and Im not motivated at all to write anything!
07-20-2011, 03:11 AM
#40
