I just had new springs and shocks installed on my 2003 6MT CL Type S.

I replaced the Comptech springs and stock shocks installed almost 2 years ago at PAA. I had some surface rust and pitting on the Comptech springs so I figured they had to go. I did some research here and through the manufacturers and found that the Tein High Tech springs SKA34-BUB00 closely matched the silver Comptechs in spring rate and drop. I decided to change my shocks at the same time (I should have done this before!).

I considered going with the H&R 51858 springs but was concerned that were not well matched for the CL. I know there's a bit of a debate, but it seems these springs were made for the Accord and adapted to Acuras. I thought seriously about the 50103 but was concerned the drop would be too much for city streets and my likes. I am not interested to have my car 'slammed'.

I had the work done at A&H Motor in Ivyland PA. This was the first time I saw their shop at this location (they used to be in Horsham). The shop is quite nice with showrooms for a variety of both OEM and aftermarket stuff that they do. There were some pics of SCCA cars that they've sponsered. I emailed them ahead of time to get some pricing information and they were competitive. They were also able to get me a rental for $25/day (yes, not free like the dealer, but the install was at least 1/2 the price, so it was worth it to me). I decided to get my brake fluid changed as this is really the only maintenance service required at the three year mark that I didn't want to do on my own, and while I was at it I thought I'd get stainless lines installed. I also had the yearly required PA inspection done (A&H are doing the inspection for free if you pay for the emission test -- just like the dealer did for me as 'a favor'). Evan (the service manager) was professional and there were no surprises. I am fairly obsessive (it comes with my day job) and gave Evan a printed sheet with what I wanted done and little annoying things like 'please hand torque my lug nuts' and 'don't lose the wheel hub centering rings' and he didn't flinch. The job seems to be done well (no drips or funny noises at least). I give them a Thanks Evan, if you read this.

I had them set the Konis at medium soft. The springs are on the higher perch of the Konis.

Impressions -- the drop in front is slightly less then I expected. I get about 2 1/2 - 3 fingers in front and 2 fingers in the rear. From the side the drop looks fairly flat (expected). Compared to the Comptech setup the rear is about the same, but the front is about 1/2 - 1 finger more open. I should keep in mind that I am comparing this freshly installed setup to a settled Comptech setup.

The drive home was quite good. The straightway city roads were not harsh at all. I took a couple twisty roads near my home (Lincoln Drive, Rock Hill Drive) and notice that I'm more planted without the ride being too stiff. Keep in mind there is much room to increase firmness on the Konis. I think there's less body roll (am I imagining? could that be from a spring and shock install? I already have Comptech sways on the car).

Braking is really the same as pre stainless line. Maybe there's a slight improvement in pedal feel, but the emphasis is on slight. No regrets here though, I wasn't expecting too much.

I should note my alightment specs. The front aligned up fine to factory specs. The rears did not get into spec on camber, but were only off slightly (-0.2º left rear and -0.6º right rear). The mechanic did not feel a camber kit was necessary. I recall that when the Comptech springs were installed I also was off in the rear by about -0.2º on both sides, also no camber kit recommended. The tires are wearing fine with rotation every 5000 miles.

Now for the pictures.

Stock setup with SSR GT1 Integral 17x7.5 rims, tires are Sumi HTR+ 235/45-17.




Comptech springs with stock shocks. About 3 months post install.




Tein springs with Koni Yellow Adjustable shocks (top perch). One day post install. Excuse the winter salt and dirt.






At this point, I'm very happy with the ride, but would prefer a bit more of a drop up front, maybe only 1/2". I suppose that I can have the springs put on the lower perch of the Konis at some date (although the A&HMotor folks though that'd make it too low). We'll see what they look like after a bit of settling. I'll try to remember to post pics in a month or so.

 

Awesome review / pics!

I will most likely go this way too ... (re: setup). I scrape on the really steep driveway from time to time ... so maybe the higher H.tech springs may help with that?

 

looks good, also I am glad A&H Motor is easy to work with and did a good job. I will look for them when I want some work done.

hows the setup with the sumitos?

 

Nice.

That setup is more than likely the way I'll go.

I have the Koni Yellows already and my Comptechs are showing rust. I'll probably wait 'til the end of the summer though.

 

looks a little high...for my liking

 

New springs take a couple weeks to settle.

It could drop a significant amount more.

 

Fine. I've had no issues with them. I think they're a fine all season tire -- they've been reliable in 1-2" snow and (more importantly) slush, and more then reasonable on dry pavement. As they've worn, at least after 15K miles or so, they have not gotten loud or unreliable. I rotate every 5K miles. This was Jens recommendation for any dropped car.

I have a good feeling they'll settle a tad and come out just the same as the silver Comptech drop. I also still have the lower perch on the Koni to use if I want, though I'm not interested in a slammed look. I'll try to remember to post a follow up picture in a month or so, and frame the pic like the stock and Comptech shots for better comparison.

 

Finally!!!! Thank you slimey! I am going for the same setup with Tokicos. You beat me to it in posting the pix Mine wont be on until March 19th. Looks good. How is the ride compared to stock


I get the Tokicos today and the Tein luxury H.Techs on Wed.

 

I cannot really compare to stock as I have not been totally stock in about two years.

I can say that the change to Koni is significant. I feel like I have more control in turns without the ride becoming too harsh. I may experiment at different setttings over the next few weeks.

 

Im glad I went with the H.Techs now because the drop looks good but at the same time its not too extreme. Very classy

 

wait till they settle. they seem to take longer than normal springs. mine took about 2 weeks to settle.(yeah it really took that long, i measured) but looks friggen awesome. i have about a 2 finger gap all the way around, im sitting on stock wheels with 225 45 17 tires. definetally worth the 160 bucks i paid.

 

After about a month I'd say there's a little settling, maybe only a few millimeters though. I'm happy with the drop. The ride is great, but I think that's the Konis more then the Teins. I have them set about 1/3 from full soft and the ride is comfortable, but stiff enough to improve handling a bit. Nice.

And I finally got to do a spring cleaning today!

Side View, One Month Post Tein Install


Rear Wheel, One Month Post Tein Install


Front Wheel, One Month Post Tein Install

 

that does look pretty good - though looks like more than 1/2 an inch higher than the silver Comptechs...I too have the silver Comptechs and one of my rear springs is rusting BAD. These look pretty good, though a little high. How much lower would they be on the lower perch? And how do you actually adjust these shocks?

This setup may be what I get in the future - the HR Sports are a little lower than the silver Comptechs I believe - and if so, too low for me.

 

For my tastes, I think the back is perfect, but I'd prefer the front maybe 5mm lower. I think if I drop to the lower perch it'd be too low. We'll see.

The lower Koni perch is lower by 1/2".

The shocks adjust from the top with a small tool. You rotate the little thingy one way to make the ride firm, and the opposite way to make it softer. I'm sure there's a FAQ on www.koni.com if you need more information.

 

FYI - My Tein High.Techs are about 1/2 inch lower. I have stock shocks.