4pumpedCL

Saturday I woke up and trimmed 2 coils off the top of my front springs and a hair less than 2 off the bottom of my rear springs. I cut my bump stops down to about 1/2 inches and reinstalled resulting in a little more than a 3" drop. The cutting tool of choice was a die grinder and the entire proceedure took about 2 hours. The rear suffered some pretty stiff negative camber, but that can be fixed easily. The ride is almost identical to stock. All in all, I couldn't be happier. Only draw back is every kid with a lowered civic wants to race now.





------------------
2001 CL-P, new project undergoing complete reconstruction. As of now: Custom CAI fabricated by SRD, Polarg M6 bulbs, 4 ProHopper Chrome hydraulic pumps with whammy tanks, 4 ProHopper dumps, 4 Optima marine deep-cycle batteries, 4 switches. Much much more to come...

1997 Accord coupe EX-L. Chrome suspension, Chrome motor, every bolt-on imaginable. One pump, 8 dump hydraulics with accumulators. Leather, Billet grills, 18" Neeper Shadows...etc..etc http://www.artofnoize.com/Cars/aaron.htm

1990 Toyota standard cab. Bodydropped 3". 17" KMC Nemesis', extensive suspension work. 4 wheel airbags.

spiroh

I'm glad it turned out good. You need rims next =)

Spiro

------------------
Black/Black 2001 CL-S
Random Technology Cat
RED AEM CAI
Polarg M6 Roadlamps

4pumpedCL

[This message has been edited by 4pumpedCL (edited 06-04-2001).]

BigPimp

I am sure we had this discussion before, but how safe could this be? Of course, if you plan to use it as show car, then it just wont matter.

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http://albums.photopoint.com/j/Album...513&a=12224080
The one thing that unites all human beings, regardless of age, gender, religion, economic status or ethnic background, is that deep down inside, we ALL believe that we are above average drivers.

4pumpedCL

I can't see how it wouldn't be safe. I didn't heat the springs in any way to change the spring rate or weaken them. I have to hold the spring while I'm lowering the car with a jack to seat it properly into it's spring perch, but it fits just like they did from the factory. The bottom of the front spring, and top of that rear spring seem to be somewhat progressive, that is what you DON'T want to cut. I didn't do this because I wanted to save money, I honestly believe that it's safe, and it's the closet you can get to a stock ride and still be lowered. But this is all only temporary until I'm able to truly get my car on the ground.

Dyno_CL-S

hows the handling??? is it any better then stock?? i had a civic dropped 2.5 and i still wiped out

------------------
Coming soon: 97-99 Eclipse GST/GSX turbo, conv, leather
Current ride: 91 Dodge Colt.... no p/w, no p/l, no AC..POS
Preiovus ride: 2001 CL-S, Black, dropped 2 inches, stock

4pumpedCL

I haven't really tested out the handling. More than likely it's improved. The ride is a hair firmer..probably equal to that of a stock CL-S now.

Rock Dog

Springs rates are calculated through out the entire length. You just removed a big chunk of that. I hope everything works out for you.
{crosses fingers}

------------------
- The sum of the intelligence on the planet is a constant; the population is growing.

01 Type-S
Satin Silver/Ebony
Dunlop SP5000 215/50/17
Navigation-Spoiler-Muds-Wheel locks-35% Tint-PIAA wedges-V1 and remote

Closer

Drive slow...

Would suck to blow out your struts for a temp fix up.

X3.2CLSX

man i have to say that looks awesome as hell. I wish i knew how to do this so i could save money. But damn, it looks sweet. Just the way I want it. Is there any other alternatives than cuttng the stock springs??

I want my car just like that. But I dont want to copycat you.

------------------
NightHawk Black CL-S
Black Interior
Clear Headlights
Nokyo Halogen Bulb Artic White
AEM Cold Air Induction
NaviLess
Now Working to Get Springs

moomaster_99

If you don't mind the ride...get coil overs....when I get the pics up...You'll see how low my front is..

------------------
2001 Cl-S Black on Black with Navigation
Black Tint all around (15%~45%)
Weapon-R Dragon Filter
Weapon-R Coil-Overs
Koni Adjustable Struts
Comptech Sway Bars
Comptech Headers (hehehe...I got something for you drchang!!)
14.698 @95.977mph....Sears Point Raceway.I think I need a Level 10 Torque Converter!!
Yes, I know I'm going to hell for wasting gas on Civics....

X3.2CLSX

What do u mean if i dont mind the ride? Is the ride for the coil over bad or something?

Ok hurry up with those pics Jk I can wait



------------------
NightHawk Black CL-S
Black Interior
Clear Headlights
Nokyo Halogen Bulb Artic White
AEM Cold Air Induction
NaviLess
Now Working to Get Springs

Dyno_CL-S

dude, the ride is bumpy as balls on coilovers. you gotta watch out on high speeds.

------------------
Coming soon: 97-99 Eclipse GST/GSX turbo, conv, leather
Current ride: 91 Dodge Colt.... no p/w, no p/l, no AC..POS
Preiovus ride: 2001 CL-S, Black, dropped 2 inches, stock

X3.2CLSX

Dyno,

where are you in Miami? DO you have any pics of your car? How does it look cuz im thinkin of getting 18s but i want the car to kinda tuck a little bit. Not too much though.

------------------
NightHawk Black CL-S
Black Interior
Clear Headlights
Nokyo Halogen Bulb Artic White
AEM Cold Air Induction
NaviLess
Now Working to Get Springs

moomaster_99

That's what I said....it hangs on rails...but the ride leaves something to be desired....I can't figure out if Pumped just drives slower and more carefully....that's why it rides like stock or what....but when I cut springs in my first car...the ride went to shit...

------------------
2001 Cl-S Black on Black with Navigation
Black Tint all around (15%~45%)
Weapon-R Dragon Filter
Weapon-R Coil-Overs
Koni Adjustable Struts
Comptech Sway Bars
Comptech Headers (hehehe...I got something for you drchang!!)
14.698 @95.977mph....Sears Point Raceway.I think I need a Level 10 Torque Converter!!
Yes, I know I'm going to hell for wasting gas on Civics....
http://www.geocities.com/tweek162/<---My Peoples!!

X3.2CLSX

Well damn, coilovers is the only way I can get my car to look like pumpedCL car??

------------------
NightHawk Black CL-S
Black Interior
Clear Headlights
Nokyo Halogen Bulb Artic White
AEM Cold Air Induction
NaviLess
Now Working to Get Springs

moomaster_99

You can make it look anyway you want...they're coilovers....

------------------
2001 Cl-S Black on Black with Navigation
Black Tint all around (15%~45%)
Weapon-R Dragon Filter
Weapon-R Coil-Overs
Koni Adjustable Struts
Comptech Sway Bars
Comptech Headers (hehehe...I got something for you drchang!!)
14.698 @95.977mph....Sears Point Raceway.I think I need a Level 10 Torque Converter!!
Yes, I know I'm going to hell for wasting gas on Civics....
http://www.geocities.com/tweek162/<---My Peoples!!

Scorpius

I don't like it at all... Sorry, it looks too rice.
Cutting the springs instead of getting different ones seems like a cheap and dangerous way out to me. That lowerd look just looks dumb in my book. I don't see the point.

------------------
Red 3.2 CL-S.
"Life is too short not to be Italian." -Paul Sorvino
"How do you expect your date to turn over if your engine doesn't?" -Original
Proud member of "I didn't hit the curb like a dope and scratch my rims" club.

NOVAwhiteTypeS

This seems to be your 'generic' answer to everything.

Quote from soopa
" Would u like some Cheese w/ that Wine?"

or
"Call 1-888-whaaaaaaawwww"






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CL-S
White/Ebony/Navi/Spoiler/Visor/Full Bra/Mud Guards/Acura Car Cover/Tint 20%,35%,5% on Sun Roof, Rockford 250a2 Amp w/JL10w6 / K&N Drop in Filter.Polarg m-6.
Comptech Headers,Springs,Sways, Eurolite Xenon Crystal high beams.Polarg m6


gtech 0-60 6.03 w/ 438 pound load. preheader.

JRock

Personally I think it would be cooler if you just put it on hydraulics so you could park it with the sidepanels 1/4inch off the ground, but drive it at normal height (or anywhere in between).

That would be a lot cooler than the permanent change you made.

But I could see it being nice with some phat rims.

-J

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2001 CL-S Aegean Blue/black interior spoiler, wheel locks, no-navi
Stock for now.
50% tint sides, 35% back.

so cal type s_RENAMED

handling will definately be better than stock. it's just like purchasing lower springs.

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'01 cl-s blk/blk :: comptech headers, comptech springs, comptech sway bars

Scorpius

I just don't like the look. I think its pointless to do that. Go over a speedbump and you might bottom out.

------------------
Red 3.2 CL-S.
"Life is too short not to be Italian." -Paul Sorvino
"How do you expect your date to turn over if your engine doesn't?" -Original
Proud member of "I didn't hit the curb like a dope and scratch my rims" club.

4pumpedCL

The ride quality is VERY close to stock. It handles bumps very well and has yet to bottom out, even with 4 people in the car tucking 1/2 tire in the back. I've riden in a car with coilovers and the ride is quite harsh. To the best of my knowledge, the only way to get a 3"+ drop and maintain a NEARLY STOCK ride quality is cutting the springs. Don't be afraid...

------------------
2001 CL-P, new project undergoing complete reconstruction. As of now: Custom CAI fabricated by SRD, Polarg M6 bulbs, 4 ProHopper Chrome hydraulic pumps with whammy tanks, 4 ProHopper dumps, 4 Optima marine deep-cycle batteries, 4 switches. Much much more to come...

1997 Accord coupe EX-L. Chrome suspension, Chrome motor, every bolt-on imaginable. One pump, 8 dump hydraulics with accumulators. Leather, Billet grills, 18" Neeper Shadows...etc..etc http://www.artofnoize.com/Cars/aaron.htm

1990 Toyota standard cab. Bodydropped 3". 17" KMC Nemesis', extensive suspension work. 4 wheel airbags.

vuduvida

Well, 4pumpedCL and I got together tonight and I was extremely impressed with the way his car looked and rode. I drove his and it seemed very close to the stock ride. You could feel the occasional sharp bump a little more than stock, but overall, it was very smooth; no bounciness at all. I'd have no complaints at all with the way it rode. I took a couple shots but the impending sunset ruined the pictures below. You can get a feel for the different drop levels. Looking at mine next his made it seem like it wasn't even lowered, even though it does have a conservative 1" drop.

Everybody keeps talking about the hazards of cutting springs, but if they aren't heated and the cut is reasonable, I don't see how things can be any more dangerous than stock springs. Some are saying that the struts will blow- this car doesn't even have struts. Others are saying how this is a permanent change- it took him just a few hours to do this. Replacement springs can always be purchased and swapped back in. Everybody seems so averse to cutting yet he's shown that it can be successfully done. Okay, I’ll step off my soapbox now.





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'01 Blk/Blk CL-S, H&R OE Sport springs

"Paradise is exactly like where you are right now... only much, much better."

4pumpedCL

That top pic should be used as a Zaino ad. Look at the reflection in Fred's trunk opposed to mine...wow, I need to order some of that stuff.

vuduvida

Heehee, Z-5 Swirl Remover's the way to go! There was a group buy going on over at the TL board. Don't know if it's closed yet.

Going to get a G-Tech now Aaron?? j/k It was fun though...

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'01 Blk/Blk CL-S, H&R OE Sport springs

"Paradise is exactly like where you are right now... only much, much better."

Chris

damn that looks TIGHT!!!

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Acura 3.2CL Type-S w/ Navigation
Black/Ebony

- H&R Sport Springs
- Pirelli P7000 Supersport 235/40ZR17 on stock rims
- Custom CAI
- Cleared Headlights, PIAA 19169
- Tint all around
- Mesh Grill
- Dual 12'' Alpine Type-S Subs
- Kenwood KAC-728S Amp

4thGSi

I'm glad it turn out good, and did u get your car align yet? Nice drop BTW keep noticing that rims on CL-P are closely identical to Si rims...

------------------

1990Si
2001CL-S

oonowindoo

i LOVE the looks.. and that s what i always wanted =( BUT i never cut my spriings to get that look. U WILL regret soon. trust me
BUT the look is definitely impressive, i have to admit that u will attract more attention =)

-=SoCalV6=-

From what I have read:

Cutting the springs is dangerous due to the possibility of cutting the coils unevenly, and even if cut properly, you increase the chance of having sporadic spring rates depending on how much you cut since the rate specs are considered throughout the coils, not just a certain amount of them. It won't be dangerous at first, but if the shocks were ever to go out, it definitely could be during a hard corner say on a bumpy overpass on a freeway.

Also, that comment about struts is kinda funny. You can BLOW SHOCKS just as easily as struts. Mcpherson strut assemblies are mounted differently than a double wishbone with shock assembly. However, dampers are dampers, and are usually valved specifically for a certain spring rate in mind, specifically the oem spring rate. When you change that rate, the dampers; be it a strut or shock, have less amount of travel space to dampen the same amount of energy, although who knows how much energy now since the rates are completely off with the cutting. Cutting the bumpstops is necessary in any lowering, to allow more travel space for the damper as well as the spring, so you reduce the risk of hitting it , i.e. bottoming out, before the damper overcomes the compressed spring energy and both rebound to their normal positioning, ofcourse during this rebound the damper also has to absorb the springs' rebound energy as well,, further adding stress on the damper.

How spring rates and compression of springs comes into play on the stress of the damper is unclear to me though. I assume a higher rate spring makes it so that there's less travel space for the damper to dampen it while still having the same amount of energy built up from the weight of the car and how deep the bump is. Or perhaps more energy is simply required to compress a higher rate spring, and therefore more energy is released during the rebound, a long with a shorter travel distance, adding stress to the damper.

The ride might be great now, but give it a year (and depending on how many miles you put on it within that time) and I guarantee you'll notice some changes in dampening rebound. The shocks will just simply wear out quicker, and the sporadic spring rates will make themselves known more prominently over this time. It is definitely better to go with a full coilover setup (not sleeve) as most are tailored to decrease the shock body height, while therefore increasing the piston travel to allow for proper compression and rebound on a lowered vehicle to suit the spring energy, and to ensure it doesn't take more ups n downs to absorb the energy (bounciness) as well as the springs having suitable spring rates so that they're not too stiff (bumpiness) since the shocks have adequate travel space to handle their rates. Trouble is, is finding an application for the CL Type S. In anycase, do whatcha like and enjoy it for what it's worth in the here n now. In a year, I'm not too sure. Not a supsension expert, just passin on what I've read. Okay, I'm off my soapbox now...

------------------
-=SoCalV6=-
1999 TW Accord EX v6 Cpe
aka Valentine with some show 'n go.

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/Album...5449&a=6671899
*Comptech Headers, Sways, V6 Oil Cap/Batt TD
*WeaponR Circuit Pros,CF Intake, Dragon Filter, FPR, Breather, Coo Res, G-Spec Floors, 4-PTs
*Koni Yellows
*18/7.5/+40 Volk TE37s
*225/40/18 Nitto NT-555s
*Tanabe Hyper Medals
*PIAA Hi's,lo's,Fogs, Wedge
*Nology HotWires,Powercore Ig Amp
*Razo Pedals, NE AT Knob
*GD2000BW, WW Touring Wing

[This message has been edited by -=SoCalV6=- (edited 06-05-2001).]

type-S girl

I've got the APEXi adjustable coilovers and the ride is almost like stock. The car handles much better also. Why are you gonna get a pretty expensive car and lower it the cheap way? Gotta get the good sh!t...

Type S

cut the spring..u will have the same effect of lowering ..but when u drive the car..u will feel very uncomfortable..that is because the whole spring setting is changed..u should buy the specific spring for lowering .but not cutting..very dangerous while drive...

------------------
2001 Acura Red CL Type S.
1997 Honda Civic EX.
!!!! VTEC Power !!!!
Powered by HONDA
Powered by MUGEN

typescl@yahoo.com

Dyno_CL-S

.....i'm talking about the cheap ass coils that dont use a whole spring like the ones on prof. racers....not the ones on the RICE rides. depending on how long you've had the coils too. remenber that it takes some time for the car to settle in


------------------
Coming soon: 97-99 Eclipse GST/GSX turbo, conv, leather
Current ride: 91 Dodge Colt.... no p/w, no p/l, no AC..POS
Previous ride: 2001 CL-S, Black, dropped 2 inches, stock

vuduvida

This seems to be a common response.

4pumpedCL said the ride was close to stock. I backed him up on this. It's not uncomfortable at all. And what makes it dangerous while driving?


-=SoCalV6=-: Thanks for your thoughtful response above. It included specific issues that can be discussed (instead of generic responses like "it's bad. don't do it!"). I’m no suspension expert either but here are my views to some of the issues you mentioned.

There is the possibility of uneven cutting but it's not hard to measure and mark things (as 4pumpedCL did) to get an even cut. Cutting may change the spring rate and the shocks may eventually go out but how are things any different if you had uncut springs and you took a hard corner on a bumpy freeway overpass where the shocks failed (your example)? I'd think you'd be in better shape with cut springs since the car would have a lower center of gravity. Even if the shocks did blow out, I don't see that that would guarantee loss of control as say a snapped tie rod end or broken lower control arm would. Sure, cutting the springs increases wear on the shocks which increases the chance of them failing but aftermarket springs add extra stress as well. This increased wear can be balanced with more durable aftermarket shocks.

I realize shocks can blow just as easily as struts. An earlier post mentioned potential problems with the struts from cutting and I brought up the fact that the car doesn’t have struts to highlight that some of these posts may not be 100% informed. Okay, I admit that was too harsh. Sorry. I should've given benefit of doubt and considered that the post was referring to dampers in general.

Even if professionally designed aftermarket springs are used, there's a good chance you'll notice differences in dampening rebound with stock shocks in time. Eibach ProKit springs on my other car accelerated wear on the stock dampers (struts and shocks) to the point that they needed replacing within a year or so of spring installation. Cut springs and aftermarket springs both add extra stress to dampers. Again, good aftermarket shocks would increase longevity.

Thanks again for bringing up specific issues. That’s the only way to reasonably discuss the pros and cons of cutting. I may be foolish but I still think a moderately cut spring is not all the guaranteed gloom and doom that people keep saying.

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'01 Blk/Blk CL-S, H&R OE Sport springs

"Paradise is exactly like where you are right now... only much, much better."

cDucTiVe

4pumpedcl, the drop on your car looks great. however, i agree that cutting the stock springs for the lowering effect is not the best route. the spring tension is definitely affected... safe driving...



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'01 CL Type-S w/ Navigation
Satin Silver/Black Ebony
H&R springs - 2" drop

Rod

Does anyone really know what the negative effects of cutting springs are, maybe from experience? I've also heard the things that everyone has posted so far, but how bad is it really? What if you cut them slightly shorter and not to the extreme that was done here, say, enough to lower about 1.5"? Cutting springs does seem very ghetto to me, something I have never even considered, but are all the arguments against it just some way for aftermarket spring companies to increase profits?

Scorpius

It is my duty to imform you that you are rice.
I feel bad citing a fellow CL but thats the way it goes.


------------------
Red 3.2 CL-S.
"Life is too short not to be Italian." -Paul Sorvino
"How do you expect your date to turn over if your engine doesn't?" -Original
Proud member of "I didn't hit the curb like a dope and scratch my rims" club.

oreo

The CL on the left needs a spoiler, rims and corners while the one on the right needs to take off the badging. nice cars thou


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97 Black on Black 2.2CL
limo tint all around
1 alpine 12 in the trunk powered by an mtx amp

pics soon to come.

Ashburner

I can't stop laughing Scorpius... I agree with the citation! Some people wonder why other drivers turn away from them shaking their head, well, everyone, this is why.

To each thier own!

-Ash

Scorpius

It pains me to do this but I have no regrets. That car might appear on ricecop.com, I don't know.
Have some respect for the car and the eingineers who designed it. Don't make it something it isn't.

------------------
Red 3.2 CL-S.
"Life is too short not to be Italian." -Paul Sorvino
"How do you expect your date to turn over if your engine doesn't?" -Original
Proud member of "I didn't hit the curb like a dope and scratch my rims" club.