KA9 96-04 Acura RL suspension guide
Thread Starter
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,491
Likes: 65
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; Feb 10, 2017 at 11:04 AM.
Thread Starter
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,491
Likes: 65
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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9th Gear
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento,Ca
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?
1st Gear
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
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
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 3
From: chicago ill
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.
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.
Thread Starter
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,491
Likes: 65
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.
Cruisin'
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: San Gabriel Valley
"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!
Cruisin'
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: San Gabriel Valley
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
Cruisin'
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: San Gabriel Valley
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?
Thread Starter
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,491
Likes: 65
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.
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 3
From: chicago ill
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!
Universal Soldier
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 134
Likes: 2
From: virginia beach
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
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!
Universal Soldier
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 134
Likes: 2
From: virginia beach
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!!!
Cruisin'
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: San Gabriel Valley
Universal Soldier
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 134
Likes: 2
From: virginia beach
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!
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 237
Likes: 6
From: Austin, TX