Coilover/Springs Opinions and Install Options

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Old 02-17-2010, 12:57 PM
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Coilover/Springs Opinions and Install Options

Still haven't decided which coilovers or springs to get yet. I'm not looking to go racing or anything, would like a nice drop (1 inch or so) but not compromise ride comfort. I've combed through the forums and it looks like there are those that are happy with the coilovers offered by Tein and a few who have opted for the Honda EUR/Japan OEM sports coilovers.

Those who have them installed, any thoughts so far, negatives, positives? I'm in Los Angeles (pot hole city, dips, speed bumps) so bottoming out hopefully won't occur too often.

Also looking for a reputable installer in So Cal. I've been to some shops but always get the gitters since they're people I've never dealt and don't know if they've done bad work in the past.
Old 02-17-2010, 01:00 PM
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Since you are going to for looks only, springs are the best way to go. This is the most economical option as well.

There are several reputable installers around here, including members who've done their suspension upgrades on their own in the garage.
Old 02-17-2010, 01:08 PM
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shenginc,
im also in los angeles. actually simi valley.

i got the Tein S Tech springs 1.6 drop on the front. 1.4 drop on the rear. im still running on stock shocks. im using 225/40/18 tires and im already scraping on driveways.

the suspension and steering feel improved for me after the drop.

i got my springs installed at a muffler shop out in palmdale. they charge $60 an hour. took them about 2 hours to install. they can do coilovers and other minor installations.

ask for gabriel
eastside muffler
http://www.eastsidemufflers.com/

tell him the guy with the LS460 exhaust tips referred you.

another local 2nd gen(scooter) referred me to him. he also got springs installed and he's running 19's

Last edited by defconskylude; 02-17-2010 at 01:12 PM.
Old 02-17-2010, 08:46 PM
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I you're only going for a 1" subtle drop, springs will be your best bet. Eibach, Tein H-Techs, H&R, all good options. I personally have Eibachs installed and love them.
Old 02-17-2010, 09:08 PM
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Tein H-Tech on my ride. 1.2 Front/.75 rear. All of my other cars, two Preludes, three Integras, and a Pro 5 were lowered on Eibach which I thought were great.

The main reason I went with Tein this time is because I didn't like the look of the drop Eibach offered. Seemed higher in the front then the rear. The Tein springs give the same gap front and rear.

Here is a side view of what the car looks like on Tein H-Tech.

https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-tsx-photograph-gallery-144/tsx-lowered-tein-htech-740121/
Old 02-17-2010, 09:44 PM
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Totally agree with what everyone else said. I have Eibach springs and I love 'em. The ride feels the same as stock, but with the added benefit of lower stance and better handling. I'm sure the same can be said for the other spring options as well.
Old 02-18-2010, 12:25 AM
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If you are in/around LA then go to this guy:
http://www.yelp.com/biz/west-end-alignment-gardena
he can do install and then alignment later when your springs fully settle, and this guy is arguably the best in So Cal.
Old 02-18-2010, 12:36 AM
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I, too, have Eibachs...in a box, in the garage, cause I'm a lazy fvck.

I have, however, ran them on every daily driver I've owned since...85?
Old 02-18-2010, 12:39 AM
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My favorite part about the Eibachs is that they even say it on their site, that their springs are designed to work with the OEM dampers. Maybe that's just marketing, but it sounds good to me.
Old 02-18-2010, 01:23 AM
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Eibach is definitely a good choice, had it on my Civic Si for over five years without any problem. I do like the look of Tein H-Tech.

That said, I went with the Euro Sports suspension because

1) want only a minimal drop 0.8" to 1.0" drop, with 2 kids and spouse, comfort is a consideration.

2) similar to Aspec suspension, it's a complete unit engineered by Honda specifically for our car.

3) found the ride much less bouncy than stock.
Old 02-18-2010, 02:00 AM
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Tech, I'm not sure that the suspension you've fitted is the same as that fitted to the GT & Type S Euro Accords. According to the UK brochure, the entire range has 'sports suspension' apart from the entry level model. But when you see the cars side-by-side in the showroom, there's absolutely no difference in ride height between the GT and the base model.

We aren't offered a sports suspension package as an option so that seems to tie in with your theory that it's fitted as stock.

Confused!
Old 02-18-2010, 02:21 AM
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^Interesting, the sports suspension is listed as an option in the European website (http://www.honda-access.com/268/en/index.jsp), they listed Europe plus 19 other countries in the drop down menu but UK is not one of them.

They are not available in North America, that's why I have to import it from Europe.

You can order one for MT Diesel model
part # 08W60-TL0-600A, Lings UK is selling it for GBP 507.
Old 02-18-2010, 02:33 AM
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Originally Posted by 09TSXTech
You can order one for MT Diesel model
part # 08W60-TL0-600A, Lings UK is selling it for GBP 507.
Thanks

I'm seeing my dealer in March so I'll get a fitted price and see if he can give me any more info. Will let you know the outcome.
Old 02-18-2010, 11:47 AM
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I've noticed on some apps like this where the sport model has 'lowered suspension' but appears the same height side by side.

But, in some cases the overall height of the wheels on the sport model are larger, resulting in less gap with the same height. Did that make sense? I'm not doing a good job explaining myself.
Old 02-18-2010, 12:02 PM
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Originally Posted by HeavyDuty
But, in some cases the overall height of the wheels on the sport model are larger, resulting in less gap with the same height. Did that make sense? I'm not doing a good job explaining myself.
Made sense to me!

The UK base model is fitted with 205/60x16s which are about 4mm smaller in diameter than the 225/50x17s. That makes the tyre/fender gap greater, so you're right

The Type S has tyres which are about 1/2" taller than the lesser models (235/45x18 as opposed to 225/50x17) and that really closes the gap between tyre and fender.

I think the problem with this Accord/TSX isn't so much that the stock wheels are too small, it's that the tyres aren't tall enough.
Old 02-18-2010, 09:50 PM
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Originally Posted by HeavyDuty
I, too, have Eibachs...in a box, in the garage, cause I'm a lazy fvck.

I have, however, ran them on every daily driver I've owned since...85?
Dude you still haven't installed them yet. When did you buy thoes? I thought is was back in 05. LOL
Old 02-19-2010, 10:18 AM
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I road the Eibachis for 3 months, great ride and didn't freak me out with pot holes and shit.. Looked good, since i've upgraded to the tein ss coilovers and edfc.. effin love it.. its amazing
Old 02-19-2010, 06:02 PM
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Thanks for all the comments. I was leaning towards the OEM sports suspension (expensive option I know since it has to be shipped from the UK). I called my local Acura dealer twice to ask if they would install it since its an OEM part, no call backs.

DerwoodEE, I've read part of your post regarding a rear camber kit... does everyone agree that it's necessary, if so, would it be best to just get it done if I do get springs? Is it necessary with a coilover?

Tishkevich, I've read about EDFC but one thing I could not understand was whether you could raise the height of the car (Say for going up a driveway) from within the car to stock height.
Old 02-19-2010, 06:35 PM
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no the edfc ( electronic dampering force controller ) only controls ride stiffness not height
Old 02-20-2010, 09:33 AM
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Tishkevich, are the photos in your garage with the TEIN's or Eibachis? and how is the ride compared to stock? are you able soften the dampers enough for a long road trip? I am looking at doing the same set up as yours.
Old 02-20-2010, 12:08 PM
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I think your best bet is the Eibach or Tein H-tech, reasonable cost and improve handling and looks.

Once you go to coilover like Tein Basic or SS (both height adjustable), or the OEM Euro sports suspension, we are talking about $1K plus installation.
Old 02-28-2010, 01:56 PM
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My opinion is this, you purchased a 30k plus car, why not spend some money for a quality suspension? I've done the spring/stock shock combination and although it rode great, it only rode great for about a year. Spend some money and get some coilovers because if there's one mod that you SHOULD shell out some money for it's your car's suspension. I have Tein Basics on my 1G TSX and have absolutely LOVED them. They ride a bit stiff but it's very comfortable as a daily driver. My ride quality is fairly close to stock but i have the benefit of being connected more to the road. The tein SS Coils have full height and dampening adjustability and so I think that would suit you better than the Basics. Also, if you want professional installation of whatever setup you purchase for your car, no need to go anywhere else but Mr. HEELTOE. I purchased my coilovers from him which also included installation. Impeccable service and he'll answer ANY question that you have regarding your car. This is my TWO CENTS
Old 02-28-2010, 06:03 PM
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Originally Posted by wraith
Tishkevich, are the photos in your garage with the TEIN's or Eibachis? and how is the ride compared to stock? are you able soften the dampers enough for a long road trip? I am looking at doing the same set up as yours.
The Garage photos are on the Tein's The ride compared to stock I don't remember. I had Eibachi's for 3 months before i picked up the teins so thats all I remember. and The Eibachi's ran a little stiff but didn't make me more confident in my driving. However the Coil-overs have been incredible the EDFC makes for a comfortable ride on long road trips ( which I do a lot ) and the versatility of enhancing my connection with the road when i want to drive at excessive speeds for no reason. I definitely am not impressed with the difference between the stiffness and softness of the coilovers when switched from stiffest to softest setting, however I appreciate it, and Honestly I believe the seats are just too comfy to notice the difference cause I can feel it in the steering and on my feet, but my body doesn't feel any different.
Old 03-06-2010, 09:13 PM
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Ordered and received the HTech Tein's. I kept go over it in my head, it's a decent drop, not too much where I'm going to absolutely hate driving in the crappy streets and freeways of Los Angeles. I'll still have to slow down for bumps and driveways and hopefully won't scrape. Appointment set for West End Alignment on March 19th. Thanks CU2Mike for the contact.
Old 03-19-2010, 09:08 PM
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Htech Teins installed today at West End Alignment in Gardena, so far so good. Have to say I like the handling a log better, and go over potholes aren't bad at all. Although it's a subtle drop, I still have to ease over speedbumps, dips, and driveways, thought I wouldn't but the front overhang is just too long. If and when I get larger wheels, I'll need to get a camber kit. I think West End send Im at -2 degrees and stock was actually already around -1 degrees.
Old 03-19-2010, 09:57 PM
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I was wondering the same thing and have been running ground control for about 13 years on diffrent cars. I value there ride and comfort so I recently contacted them and they told me they will be releasing coilovers for 09-10 tsx soon they just haven been able to find any local TSX willing to perform R&D for them. I can't wait to buy them. I hate the factory suspension on the tsx.
Old 03-20-2010, 06:50 AM
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I have KW coilover inoxline (similar Tein's) dropped 1.2 inch (FR/RR)
easy to fit,very smooth and progressive,not chip but very good quality
and I have 225/40/19 wheels 8.5/19 ET40 ...
https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-tsx-tires-wheels-suspension-300/new-year-new-rims-760238/
Old 04-04-2010, 03:03 PM
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i got the Tein S Tech springs 1.6 drop on the front. 1.4 drop on the rear. im still running on stock shocks. im using 225/40/18 tires and im already scraping on driveways.
hey how much is your fender gap?
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