Tein, HT-Spec, Megan, H&R...What Coilovers Should You Get?
12-14-2010, 04:46 PM
#1
Tein, HT-Spec, Megan, H&R...What Coilovers Should You Get?
Tein, HT-Spec, Megan, H&R...What Coilovers Should You Get?
Wondering what coilovers to get? This page is all you need to help you figure it out by ranking the kits in question in the most objective way we could! Heeltoe has been selling all the major brands for TSXs and TLs for the last 5 years and we know what customers are happiest with based on THEIR INDIVIDUAL NEEDS.
Here are the Cliff's Notes fot those that want the quick answers but DO NOT BUY until you read our comments below! Price is ranked as well, so a low ranked kit might be hindered only by cost (such as with the H&R kit):
Our rankings out of 5.00 possible. Higher scores mean you get the most for what you are paying:
Buddy Club N+ - 3.75 - Jack of all trades, master of none. Popular choice for slamming with a nice ride.
Tein Basics - 3.42 - You're buying quality over features.
Tein Super Street (SS) - 3.83 - The name says it best: Super coilovers for the street.
Tein FLEX - 4.17 - The name says it best: Flexible enough for the track or the turnpike.
Tein Comfort Sport (CST) - 3.42 - The name says it best (no secrets with Tein): The most comfortable kit you can get.
Megan Racing Street & EZ Street - 3.29 - The low price leader gives cheap thrills.
HT-Spec Type 1 - 3.83 - Who needs adjustment? These were tuned to be ideal for daily sport/luxury drivers.
HT-Spec Type 2 - 4.08 - The only kit grown out of a desire to be all things for the masses. Good ride, good handling, good price.
H&R Street Performance - 3.38 - German engineering for your Japanese car. The quality is in the GUTS, not listed on paper.
Neuspeed Super Cup Kit - 3.42 - European feel like the H&R, but is a lower cost shock/spring combo rather than a height adjustable threaded body coilover.
Here is the format we are using to recommend suspension to YOU! Each of the following traits are ranked 1-5 (5 is the highest rating) to help you decide what is best for you! Note that we have experience limited to test drives of cars with these setups on. For long-term user opinions you'll want to search the forums. The ratings are based on our OBJECTIVE and UNBIASED opinions, not facts. Everyone feels different on these issues and most of the feedback you'll get from others is subjective.
These are not the only kits we can get but are by far the most popular ones. Anything not mentioned here is either uncommon or frankly not worth mentioning.
Application: Cars the kit is available for (TSX/TL/Etc plus the years)
Cost: A (1) is an expensive kit while a (5) is downright cheap. This rating tries to balance the dollar amount you pay with the value of what you are getting.
Handling: How the balance of the car is effected, A (1) won't handle as good as stock does, a (5) take corners like a go-cart.
Ride Quality: a (5) rating feels close to stock or better, good for the commuter. A (1) is a rough ride that your passeners won't appriciate.
Ability to tune: Number of clicks doesn't mean much when you can't dial in the car to your liking. (1) is you will have to compromise somewhere between ride and handling, (5) is you can get the car feeling darn near PERFECT with adjustments available. Height adjustment ability is also a factor here, a (1) being a PITA to adjust and a (5) is easy to adjust over a wide height range.
Craftsmanship: This is the effort put into production by the maker. A (1) is nothing special, stuff made in an overseas factory, painted and packaged with whatever name in whatever color the buyer wants. (5) is the company put lots of time into making and tuning the kit. This speaks to buyer confidence, warranty quality, and support you'll get in case you have a problem.
Height Range: A (1) won't let you put the car on the ground but will have a good medium range to work with in the 1.5" to 2.0" drop range that you can fine tune, while a (5) will let you go from a 1" drop finger gap at the fenders to literally laying on the ground +3" down.
HERE THEY ARE! In no particular order:
Buddy Club N+
Application: 04-08 TSX, RSX
Cost: 4, a great deal you get a lot for your $.
Handling: 4, handles awesome on the street, spring rates are a bit soft for hard charging.
Ride Quality: 4.5, on softer settings this kit feels very comfy, sometimes softer than stock! Rubber upper mounts give up a little road feedback in favor of increased damping from sharp impacts.
Ability to tune: 3.5, lots of clicks between way too soft and way too firm so you can get in the right range, but hard to get things EXACT since the overall range is big. You may choose alternative springs either firmer or softer as an extra expense and the shocks can handle them. Pre-load and height range are independent.
Craftsmanship: 3.5, great quality parts out of the box and made with pride although are probably mostly outsourced for production. Non-rebuildable. inexpensive replacements are available but not always when you want them. Japanese instructions are not much help; Heeltoe offers specs to get you started if you need them. Machining and coatings are excellent, but springs get a (?) in relation to the source/rate/quality.
Height Range: 4, there is a limit on the high side but you can make the car undrivable with this kit!
Average Score: 3.92
Link to the Heeltoe Acura store here: CLICK!
Tein Basics & Super Streets
(both kits have the same specs...the only difference is the SS have adjustment on the ride/handling)
Application: All 99-10+ TL, 96-03 CL, 04-10+ TSX, RSX, 90-10+ Accords
Cost: 2/3, while more costly than cheapie kits, this is low cost for an upper/mid-class. Basics get the 2 because at their price point the competition offers a bit more.product.
Handling: 3, retains a factory balance and is very confidence inspiring albeit with a limit that isn't exceptionally high. Upgrade the bushings for sharper responsiveness.
Ride Quality: 5, at times you'll forget you upgraded your suspension at all. Other times, you'll know but won't be offended.
Ability to tune: 2/3.5 Split decision. 2 for the Basics as they are not tunable however they can be revalved by Tein to your liking. 4 for the SS because the 16 clicks available are very finely tuned and will help you find a perfect balance of handling and ride. The range is lower than most other systems because Teins are valved specifically for the springs they come with. In either kit, setting preload will effect balance/height limiting tuning somewhat.
Craftsmanship: 5, designed and assembled in-house (either Japan or USA) with moderate outsourcing for sub-components. Excellent quality control system, most all spare parts are available in stock in the USA, all dampers are fully rebuildable and tunable to your needs. English Instructions are excellent and provide measurement suggestions for quick tuning. You could have a set of Teins for years without needing rebuilding, rebuild them and have them last years more. Factory upper mounts are reused, which complicates installation somewhat but provides noise-free and long-lasting service.
Height Range: 3.5, most reasonable tuners and daily drivers find a good height within the limited range, but VIPers/Flushers/etc will run into limits when really slamming their cars.
Average Score: 3.42 (Basics) 3.83 (SS)
BONUS! Tein offers an EDFC for use on many SS models that allow remote ride firmness adjustment from inside the car ON THE FLY! See our site for applications details and combination offers.
Link to the Heeltoe Acura store here: CLICK!
Tein FLEX & Mono-Flex
Application: 04-08 TSX, RSX
Cost: 3, Pricey kits but you get a lot of quality, performance, and a very acceptable street ride.
Handling: 4.5, can be used and abused on the track and still compliant enough for street use (absorbs bumps well, which speaks to ultimate handling ability)
Ride Quality: 3.5, a suprisingly supple ride for a kit with the performance potential it offers.
Ability to tune: 5, dampening adjustment and a focused adjustment range mean you'll get the handling just right for your tastes. Height and preload are adjusted independantly. While maximum lowering is possible, the intention with this kit is that you could tune the spring preload for the performance level you wanted. When the built in features don't meet your needs, rebuilding and revalving is available.
Craftsmanship: 5, top notch build quality, Tein reliability, replacement parts instantly available, and an extensive dealer network and strong factory support. IMO, Tein is the import industry standard for a parts manufacturer.
Height Range: 4, as with most full-length adjustable dampers, can go super low, but a mild drop under 1" down is not achievable.
Average Score: 4.17
Link to the Heeltoe Acura store here: CLICK!
Tein Comfort Sport (CST)
Application: 04-08 TSX, 05- RL
Cost: 2.5, definitely not a cheap kit but the only one of it's kind!
Handling: 2.5, this kit is soft. There is more roll than stock. To get the sport out of it you need to go full firm, and then your handling is going to be about what an A-Spec will do. For the conservative driver this is a good kit to go for. If you are looking for HANDLING look elsewhere!
Ride Quality: 5, It's in the name, these are super comfortable. I am tempted to put the score at 6! This is the only kit you can get that is actually smoother and softer feeling than stock.
Ability to tune: 3, The dampers are adjustable, but you'll get frustrated trying to slam this car if you are going VIP or if you want it firmer.
Craftsmanship: 5, all the same notes on the other Tein kits can be said about the CST, but the CST just have a ritzier feel to them. The finish on the materials is nothing short of impressive. I wish more systems could display as much manufacturing quality.
Height Range: 2.5, ironically the people who go for this kit usually want to slam their cars, but the CST is only single-height adjustable. You'll run into a limit when adjusting height that you might wish was a little bit lower.
Average Score: 3.42
Link to the Heeltoe Acura store here: CLICK!
Megan Racing Street Series & EZ Street Series
Application: 99-08 TL, 04-10+ TSX, 98-10+ Accord, 96-03 CL
Cost: 4.5/5, low-cost leader. 4.5 for the Street, 5 for the EZ Street.
Handling: 4, the firmness of this kit allows it to corner flat and run hard.
Ride Quality: 2, most reports are "rides pretty firm," usually either accepted/preffered by younger owners or justified because of the low cost (as if the ride and cost were related somehow).
Ability to tune: 3, with 32 clicks the shocks are widely adjustable but if they are valved firm you can't get away from that without revalving (and these are not able to be revalved). Preload and height range are independent.
Craftsmanship: 2, Initial quality is high while there are mixed long term reviews. More problematic is the limit on manufacturer support. Quality control system and traceability are non-existent. Dampers are not rebuildable; these are "disposable" products.
Height Range: 4, designed to hit all the "tuner bullet points," these can go as low as you want, the ground is the limit. If you want minimal lowering you may be stuck with a minimum 1.5"-1.75" drop.
Average Score: 3.29 (we averaged the cost scores for both street and EZ street since the only real difference seems to be the cost)
Link to the Heeltoe Acura store here: CLICK!
HT-Spec Type 1 & Type 2 Damper by Function/Form Autolife
Application: 04-08 TSX, 04-08 TL
Cost: 4, while not the cheapest kits, the pricing on these is very attractive given the features.
Handling: 3/4.5, Type 1s get a 3.5 since the best handling isn't really possible without adjustable dampers, and the Type-2 get a 4.5 for making up what the Type-1s lack.
Ride Quality: 4.5, The valving was designed by Heeltoe on these kits to strike a balance between ride and handling based on what we have experienced selling all the other stuff listed here and taking customer feedback. Our experience alloed us to pull it off well. *note: the Type-2 for the TSX will be rated a 3 because while acceptable to most over time we feel the rear damping on these is a tad firm, even on the softest settings. A newer iteration will resolve this.
Ability to tune: 4.5, We think highly of these because, in all honesty, we tuned them. The valving was sorted out over months of testing and 3 different prototypes to make sure we could get most of the tuning done for you out of the box. The range of dampening adjustment here is wide enough to accommodate whatever needs you might have, be it track or street performance, or commuting. However we don't find any particular setting to be "unusable." You can even opt for a high quality Eibach spring set to be pre-installed on your kit. Where else can you tune product quality?
Craftsmanship: 3, good out of the box, even comes with nive touches like a handy tape measure and new top mount hardware. Unnecessary but appreciated! Packaging shows a lot of pride. Spring quality can be selected during checkout. Eibach tested these dampers to make sure they were "up to par" with their brand identity of highly engineered product, and they passed the test. Heeltoe selected F2 for their partner on these dampers because their cost was in line with our target and they offer exceptional product support and customer service. However these are not rebuildable at the time of this writing, and we ran into limitations in our customization of the off-the-shelf F2 kits. Here we can see the real difference between a good company and a great one.
Height Range: 4, goes from a 1.5" drop to toe-smashingly low. The widest range we've seen, although we wish it went a bit higher.
Average Score: 3.83 for the Type-1, 4.08 for the Type-2
Link to the Heeltoe Acura store here: CLICK!
H&R Street Performance Coilover
Application: 04-08 TSX & TL
Cost: 2.5, fairly expensive for the features you get
Handling: 3.8, we have not had sufficient experience with this kit to 'officially' comment, however we know the tuning of this kit is designed to be good on the street. Based on the R&D abilities and the know-how the H&R and Bilstein crews posess we are giving this kit a 3.8.
Ride Quality: 4, we have not had sufficient experience with this kit to 'officially', however we know this kit is designed for street use and the quality of parts used will yeild an excellent ride on the street with a good level of refinement. This kit should strike a well-executed ride smoothness balance against handling, so we give it a 4.
Ability to tune: 2, non-adjustable for dampening, adjustable for height
Craftsmanship: 4.5, very nice kit made using Bilstein dampers and high quality German springs. These kits are assembled in Europe and are design with a European feel. The standards for these kit are quite high, but much of that does not matter to USA customers with less money to spend. They tend to be less popular because of this. We also feel they are a little conservative on the performance as we've had a few customers change these out for more aggressive Tein SS or HT-Specs.
Height Range: 3.5, height is adjusted at the spring perch. The general height these drop to is great for daily use. There is enough range for the general daily driver but don't expect to get super low.
Average Score: 3.38
Link to the Heeltoe Acura store here: CLICK!
Neuspeed Super Cup Kit
Application: 04-08 TSX, 99-08 TL, 01-03 CL, 98-07 Accord
Cost: 3.5, more performance potential than a traditional coilover at a lower cost, but light on features.
Handling: 4.5, Koni valving is indisbutable in it's ability to handle abuse
Ride Quality: 5, may be the best ride/handling balance you can get. This system feels very close to stock when adjusted softer.
Ability to tune: 3, the tuning is difficult on the damper firmness since there are no "clicks" to help sort of super stiff from super soft. Also, the height is essentially NON-ADJUSTABLE with the latest iteration of the Super Cup Kit.
Craftsmanship: 4, the design works. Koni shocks are the basis for this kit which are world renown for their quality and performance ability. The kits come with new hardware to accomodate the larger-than-stock sized piston shafts. They can be tricky to assemble because of their Ikea-like European-friendly instructions. There is a learning curve in tuning as well. But once you figure it out this is a really rewarding kit.
Height Range: .5, if you want to change heights...you need to change springs.
Average Score: 3.42
Link to the Heeltoe Acura store here: CLICK!
Wondering what coilovers to get? This page is all you need to help you figure it out by ranking the kits in question in the most objective way we could! Heeltoe has been selling all the major brands for TSXs and TLs for the last 5 years and we know what customers are happiest with based on THEIR INDIVIDUAL NEEDS.
Here are the Cliff's Notes fot those that want the quick answers but DO NOT BUY until you read our comments below! Price is ranked as well, so a low ranked kit might be hindered only by cost (such as with the H&R kit):
Our rankings out of 5.00 possible. Higher scores mean you get the most for what you are paying:
Buddy Club N+ - 3.75 - Jack of all trades, master of none. Popular choice for slamming with a nice ride.
Tein Basics - 3.42 - You're buying quality over features.
Tein Super Street (SS) - 3.83 - The name says it best: Super coilovers for the street.
Tein FLEX - 4.17 - The name says it best: Flexible enough for the track or the turnpike.
Tein Comfort Sport (CST) - 3.42 - The name says it best (no secrets with Tein): The most comfortable kit you can get.
Megan Racing Street & EZ Street - 3.29 - The low price leader gives cheap thrills.
HT-Spec Type 1 - 3.83 - Who needs adjustment? These were tuned to be ideal for daily sport/luxury drivers.
HT-Spec Type 2 - 4.08 - The only kit grown out of a desire to be all things for the masses. Good ride, good handling, good price.
H&R Street Performance - 3.38 - German engineering for your Japanese car. The quality is in the GUTS, not listed on paper.
Neuspeed Super Cup Kit - 3.42 - European feel like the H&R, but is a lower cost shock/spring combo rather than a height adjustable threaded body coilover.
Here is the format we are using to recommend suspension to YOU! Each of the following traits are ranked 1-5 (5 is the highest rating) to help you decide what is best for you! Note that we have experience limited to test drives of cars with these setups on. For long-term user opinions you'll want to search the forums. The ratings are based on our OBJECTIVE and UNBIASED opinions, not facts. Everyone feels different on these issues and most of the feedback you'll get from others is subjective.
These are not the only kits we can get but are by far the most popular ones. Anything not mentioned here is either uncommon or frankly not worth mentioning.
Application: Cars the kit is available for (TSX/TL/Etc plus the years)
Cost: A (1) is an expensive kit while a (5) is downright cheap. This rating tries to balance the dollar amount you pay with the value of what you are getting.
Handling: How the balance of the car is effected, A (1) won't handle as good as stock does, a (5) take corners like a go-cart.
Ride Quality: a (5) rating feels close to stock or better, good for the commuter. A (1) is a rough ride that your passeners won't appriciate.
Ability to tune: Number of clicks doesn't mean much when you can't dial in the car to your liking. (1) is you will have to compromise somewhere between ride and handling, (5) is you can get the car feeling darn near PERFECT with adjustments available. Height adjustment ability is also a factor here, a (1) being a PITA to adjust and a (5) is easy to adjust over a wide height range.
Craftsmanship: This is the effort put into production by the maker. A (1) is nothing special, stuff made in an overseas factory, painted and packaged with whatever name in whatever color the buyer wants. (5) is the company put lots of time into making and tuning the kit. This speaks to buyer confidence, warranty quality, and support you'll get in case you have a problem.
Height Range: A (1) won't let you put the car on the ground but will have a good medium range to work with in the 1.5" to 2.0" drop range that you can fine tune, while a (5) will let you go from a 1" drop finger gap at the fenders to literally laying on the ground +3" down.
HERE THEY ARE! In no particular order:
Buddy Club N+
Application: 04-08 TSX, RSX
Cost: 4, a great deal you get a lot for your $.
Handling: 4, handles awesome on the street, spring rates are a bit soft for hard charging.
Ride Quality: 4.5, on softer settings this kit feels very comfy, sometimes softer than stock! Rubber upper mounts give up a little road feedback in favor of increased damping from sharp impacts.
Ability to tune: 3.5, lots of clicks between way too soft and way too firm so you can get in the right range, but hard to get things EXACT since the overall range is big. You may choose alternative springs either firmer or softer as an extra expense and the shocks can handle them. Pre-load and height range are independent.
Craftsmanship: 3.5, great quality parts out of the box and made with pride although are probably mostly outsourced for production. Non-rebuildable. inexpensive replacements are available but not always when you want them. Japanese instructions are not much help; Heeltoe offers specs to get you started if you need them. Machining and coatings are excellent, but springs get a (?) in relation to the source/rate/quality.
Height Range: 4, there is a limit on the high side but you can make the car undrivable with this kit!
Average Score: 3.92
Link to the Heeltoe Acura store here: CLICK!
Tein Basics & Super Streets
(both kits have the same specs...the only difference is the SS have adjustment on the ride/handling)
Application: All 99-10+ TL, 96-03 CL, 04-10+ TSX, RSX, 90-10+ Accords
Cost: 2/3, while more costly than cheapie kits, this is low cost for an upper/mid-class. Basics get the 2 because at their price point the competition offers a bit more.product.
Handling: 3, retains a factory balance and is very confidence inspiring albeit with a limit that isn't exceptionally high. Upgrade the bushings for sharper responsiveness.
Ride Quality: 5, at times you'll forget you upgraded your suspension at all. Other times, you'll know but won't be offended.
Ability to tune: 2/3.5 Split decision. 2 for the Basics as they are not tunable however they can be revalved by Tein to your liking. 4 for the SS because the 16 clicks available are very finely tuned and will help you find a perfect balance of handling and ride. The range is lower than most other systems because Teins are valved specifically for the springs they come with. In either kit, setting preload will effect balance/height limiting tuning somewhat.
Craftsmanship: 5, designed and assembled in-house (either Japan or USA) with moderate outsourcing for sub-components. Excellent quality control system, most all spare parts are available in stock in the USA, all dampers are fully rebuildable and tunable to your needs. English Instructions are excellent and provide measurement suggestions for quick tuning. You could have a set of Teins for years without needing rebuilding, rebuild them and have them last years more. Factory upper mounts are reused, which complicates installation somewhat but provides noise-free and long-lasting service.
Height Range: 3.5, most reasonable tuners and daily drivers find a good height within the limited range, but VIPers/Flushers/etc will run into limits when really slamming their cars.
Average Score: 3.42 (Basics) 3.83 (SS)
BONUS! Tein offers an EDFC for use on many SS models that allow remote ride firmness adjustment from inside the car ON THE FLY! See our site for applications details and combination offers.
Link to the Heeltoe Acura store here: CLICK!
Tein FLEX & Mono-Flex
Application: 04-08 TSX, RSX
Cost: 3, Pricey kits but you get a lot of quality, performance, and a very acceptable street ride.
Handling: 4.5, can be used and abused on the track and still compliant enough for street use (absorbs bumps well, which speaks to ultimate handling ability)
Ride Quality: 3.5, a suprisingly supple ride for a kit with the performance potential it offers.
Ability to tune: 5, dampening adjustment and a focused adjustment range mean you'll get the handling just right for your tastes. Height and preload are adjusted independantly. While maximum lowering is possible, the intention with this kit is that you could tune the spring preload for the performance level you wanted. When the built in features don't meet your needs, rebuilding and revalving is available.
Craftsmanship: 5, top notch build quality, Tein reliability, replacement parts instantly available, and an extensive dealer network and strong factory support. IMO, Tein is the import industry standard for a parts manufacturer.
Height Range: 4, as with most full-length adjustable dampers, can go super low, but a mild drop under 1" down is not achievable.
Average Score: 4.17
Link to the Heeltoe Acura store here: CLICK!
Tein Comfort Sport (CST)
Application: 04-08 TSX, 05- RL
Cost: 2.5, definitely not a cheap kit but the only one of it's kind!
Handling: 2.5, this kit is soft. There is more roll than stock. To get the sport out of it you need to go full firm, and then your handling is going to be about what an A-Spec will do. For the conservative driver this is a good kit to go for. If you are looking for HANDLING look elsewhere!
Ride Quality: 5, It's in the name, these are super comfortable. I am tempted to put the score at 6! This is the only kit you can get that is actually smoother and softer feeling than stock.
Ability to tune: 3, The dampers are adjustable, but you'll get frustrated trying to slam this car if you are going VIP or if you want it firmer.
Craftsmanship: 5, all the same notes on the other Tein kits can be said about the CST, but the CST just have a ritzier feel to them. The finish on the materials is nothing short of impressive. I wish more systems could display as much manufacturing quality.
Height Range: 2.5, ironically the people who go for this kit usually want to slam their cars, but the CST is only single-height adjustable. You'll run into a limit when adjusting height that you might wish was a little bit lower.
Average Score: 3.42
Link to the Heeltoe Acura store here: CLICK!
Megan Racing Street Series & EZ Street Series
Application: 99-08 TL, 04-10+ TSX, 98-10+ Accord, 96-03 CL
Cost: 4.5/5, low-cost leader. 4.5 for the Street, 5 for the EZ Street.
Handling: 4, the firmness of this kit allows it to corner flat and run hard.
Ride Quality: 2, most reports are "rides pretty firm," usually either accepted/preffered by younger owners or justified because of the low cost (as if the ride and cost were related somehow).
Ability to tune: 3, with 32 clicks the shocks are widely adjustable but if they are valved firm you can't get away from that without revalving (and these are not able to be revalved). Preload and height range are independent.
Craftsmanship: 2, Initial quality is high while there are mixed long term reviews. More problematic is the limit on manufacturer support. Quality control system and traceability are non-existent. Dampers are not rebuildable; these are "disposable" products.
Height Range: 4, designed to hit all the "tuner bullet points," these can go as low as you want, the ground is the limit. If you want minimal lowering you may be stuck with a minimum 1.5"-1.75" drop.
Average Score: 3.29 (we averaged the cost scores for both street and EZ street since the only real difference seems to be the cost)
Link to the Heeltoe Acura store here: CLICK!
HT-Spec Type 1 & Type 2 Damper by Function/Form Autolife
Application: 04-08 TSX, 04-08 TL
Cost: 4, while not the cheapest kits, the pricing on these is very attractive given the features.
Handling: 3/4.5, Type 1s get a 3.5 since the best handling isn't really possible without adjustable dampers, and the Type-2 get a 4.5 for making up what the Type-1s lack.
Ride Quality: 4.5, The valving was designed by Heeltoe on these kits to strike a balance between ride and handling based on what we have experienced selling all the other stuff listed here and taking customer feedback. Our experience alloed us to pull it off well. *note: the Type-2 for the TSX will be rated a 3 because while acceptable to most over time we feel the rear damping on these is a tad firm, even on the softest settings. A newer iteration will resolve this.
Ability to tune: 4.5, We think highly of these because, in all honesty, we tuned them. The valving was sorted out over months of testing and 3 different prototypes to make sure we could get most of the tuning done for you out of the box. The range of dampening adjustment here is wide enough to accommodate whatever needs you might have, be it track or street performance, or commuting. However we don't find any particular setting to be "unusable." You can even opt for a high quality Eibach spring set to be pre-installed on your kit. Where else can you tune product quality?
Craftsmanship: 3, good out of the box, even comes with nive touches like a handy tape measure and new top mount hardware. Unnecessary but appreciated! Packaging shows a lot of pride. Spring quality can be selected during checkout. Eibach tested these dampers to make sure they were "up to par" with their brand identity of highly engineered product, and they passed the test. Heeltoe selected F2 for their partner on these dampers because their cost was in line with our target and they offer exceptional product support and customer service. However these are not rebuildable at the time of this writing, and we ran into limitations in our customization of the off-the-shelf F2 kits. Here we can see the real difference between a good company and a great one.
Height Range: 4, goes from a 1.5" drop to toe-smashingly low. The widest range we've seen, although we wish it went a bit higher.
Average Score: 3.83 for the Type-1, 4.08 for the Type-2
Link to the Heeltoe Acura store here: CLICK!
H&R Street Performance Coilover
Application: 04-08 TSX & TL
Cost: 2.5, fairly expensive for the features you get
Handling: 3.8, we have not had sufficient experience with this kit to 'officially' comment, however we know the tuning of this kit is designed to be good on the street. Based on the R&D abilities and the know-how the H&R and Bilstein crews posess we are giving this kit a 3.8.
Ride Quality: 4, we have not had sufficient experience with this kit to 'officially', however we know this kit is designed for street use and the quality of parts used will yeild an excellent ride on the street with a good level of refinement. This kit should strike a well-executed ride smoothness balance against handling, so we give it a 4.
Ability to tune: 2, non-adjustable for dampening, adjustable for height
Craftsmanship: 4.5, very nice kit made using Bilstein dampers and high quality German springs. These kits are assembled in Europe and are design with a European feel. The standards for these kit are quite high, but much of that does not matter to USA customers with less money to spend. They tend to be less popular because of this. We also feel they are a little conservative on the performance as we've had a few customers change these out for more aggressive Tein SS or HT-Specs.
Height Range: 3.5, height is adjusted at the spring perch. The general height these drop to is great for daily use. There is enough range for the general daily driver but don't expect to get super low.
Average Score: 3.38
Link to the Heeltoe Acura store here: CLICK!
Neuspeed Super Cup Kit
Application: 04-08 TSX, 99-08 TL, 01-03 CL, 98-07 Accord
Cost: 3.5, more performance potential than a traditional coilover at a lower cost, but light on features.
Handling: 4.5, Koni valving is indisbutable in it's ability to handle abuse
Ride Quality: 5, may be the best ride/handling balance you can get. This system feels very close to stock when adjusted softer.
Ability to tune: 3, the tuning is difficult on the damper firmness since there are no "clicks" to help sort of super stiff from super soft. Also, the height is essentially NON-ADJUSTABLE with the latest iteration of the Super Cup Kit.
Craftsmanship: 4, the design works. Koni shocks are the basis for this kit which are world renown for their quality and performance ability. The kits come with new hardware to accomodate the larger-than-stock sized piston shafts. They can be tricky to assemble because of their Ikea-like European-friendly instructions. There is a learning curve in tuning as well. But once you figure it out this is a really rewarding kit.
Height Range: .5, if you want to change heights...you need to change springs.
Average Score: 3.42
Link to the Heeltoe Acura store here: CLICK!
The following 8 users liked this post by MrHeeltoe:
kalaiazn27 (08-22-2012),
kev08wdp (09-19-2014),
killer8rican (11-13-2013),
MTEAZY (08-11-2011),
Nick tsx (08-24-2013),
and 3 others liked this post.
The following users liked this post:
killer8rican (11-13-2013)
01-04-2011, 02:18 PM
#6
wow GREAT post!!! Very informative
Trending Topics
01-16-2011, 10:00 PM
#8
Read some good reviews on monotube HSD coilovers
http://www.hsdcoilovers.com/
http://www.hsdcoilovers.ca/
http://www.hsdcoilovers.com/hsd-coil...-fitting-video
http://www.mkivsupra.net/vbb/showthr...mage-Intensive!)
http://www.e46zone.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=17297
http://www.mx5nutz.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=32284
http://www.hsdcoilovers.com/
http://www.hsdcoilovers.ca/
http://www.hsdcoilovers.com/hsd-coil...-fitting-video
http://www.mkivsupra.net/vbb/showthr...mage-Intensive!)
http://www.e46zone.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=17297
http://www.mx5nutz.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=32284
01-17-2011, 02:07 PM
#9
Thanks for the posting.
Honestly I am not seeing anything that elevates these dampers above Ksport/D2/Megan/Stance/BC/etc/etc/etc
Fancy looking, great initial review, long applications list and a name nobody has heard of.
Is there anything more substantiated out there?
Honestly I am not seeing anything that elevates these dampers above Ksport/D2/Megan/Stance/BC/etc/etc/etc
Fancy looking, great initial review, long applications list and a name nobody has heard of.
Is there anything more substantiated out there?
01-17-2011, 09:47 PM
#10
Actually HSD is the OE manufacturer of the STANCE coilovers.
HSD, Ksport, and Stance all share the same manufacturer, HSD makes coils for Stance to sell with the Stance name.
HSD coils are 99% identical to STANCE coilovers!!...the only difference is color, logo and price. They are exactly the same.
HSD makes STANCE and just puts their name on it.
HSD, Ksport, and Stance all share the same manufacturer, HSD makes coils for Stance to sell with the Stance name.
HSD coils are 99% identical to STANCE coilovers!!...the only difference is color, logo and price. They are exactly the same.
HSD makes STANCE and just puts their name on it.
01-18-2011, 01:39 PM
#12
That is exactly what I was getting at. BC makes Megans, and blah blah blah. You really haven't said anything about them being any better.
I'd sort of like to cut this private label BS out of it. Why are we supposed to think all this stuff is any different from anything else? All these brands are surrounded with speculation and unsupported failure and success rate claims.
I'd sort of like to cut this private label BS out of it. Why are we supposed to think all this stuff is any different from anything else? All these brands are surrounded with speculation and unsupported failure and success rate claims.
01-18-2011, 09:10 PM
#13
I'm not trying to prove that HSD is a better product than anything else here, you're missing the point. I'm not in the business of selling, promoting or comparing automotive parts. My exact point is based on owners reviews and from what i understand HSD makes good quality coilovers for affordable prices. I'm not claiming that they are better than this or another brand, they are simply not known and have not been tested in the US, thus there's not enough data to compare them with different products known in states. It's like saying Alfa Romeo or Seat are crappy cars because we in America never heard of them (!)
Cheers mate
Cheers mate
01-19-2011, 01:20 PM
#14
Alright, I get it...
The thing is this...there are about a dozen companies like this out there. They are made wherever and private labeled with 3-4 different companies. I see no point is testing all of them really. For some folks to say that some are made better than other is baloney to me. It is splitting hairs. So to bring in a new brand that nobody really knows and prove that it fits and works loses meaning.
Yes, the affordable options out there fit and work as advertised. I'd rather see how they actually stack up with more costly parts.
The thing is this...there are about a dozen companies like this out there. They are made wherever and private labeled with 3-4 different companies. I see no point is testing all of them really. For some folks to say that some are made better than other is baloney to me. It is splitting hairs. So to bring in a new brand that nobody really knows and prove that it fits and works loses meaning.
Yes, the affordable options out there fit and work as advertised. I'd rather see how they actually stack up with more costly parts.
01-24-2011, 09:56 PM
#15
Instructor
So with the HT-Spec Type-1 coilover, I still get height adjustment?
Is the maximum height equal to that of the stock 04 MT suspension? If not, how much lower is the maximum setting?
Kinda wanna be able to adjust it to be low in the summer, while being able to raise it back up for the Michigan winters. Thanks.
Is the maximum height equal to that of the stock 04 MT suspension? If not, how much lower is the maximum setting?
Kinda wanna be able to adjust it to be low in the summer, while being able to raise it back up for the Michigan winters. Thanks.
01-26-2011, 07:54 PM
#16
This thread is a massive help! Thank you for taking your time to make this (Y)
Also, I'd like to ask if Buddy Club has a set of coilovers for the 08+ TSX's/CU2's? I read it somewhere on this forum unless I misread the information.. I'm new to all this stuff - still learning
Also, I'd like to ask if Buddy Club has a set of coilovers for the 08+ TSX's/CU2's? I read it somewhere on this forum unless I misread the information.. I'm new to all this stuff - still learning
02-10-2011, 12:15 PM
#18
SHAWD 04TL is in
GREAT JOB MARCUS... HUGE WIN for bringing the info to the people.
See guys this is what makes the difference, its the service, & the willingness to help educate the consumer.
See guys this is what makes the difference, its the service, & the willingness to help educate the consumer.
02-28-2011, 04:29 PM
#25
Yessir, as indicated on the order page 
http://www.heeltoeauto.com/HT-Spec-C...-pr-65757.html
Please read my signature in order to contact us:
Look down
VVVVVVV
http://www.heeltoeauto.com/HT-Spec-C...-pr-65757.html
Look down
VVVVVVV
03-15-2011, 04:37 PM
#27
The difference is, we have tuned this kit to be the best available valving to meet the TL driver's needs. The F2 kit is an Accord kit with a different top mount in the front and the valving is horrible for the street. Way too stiff in the back. And the Type 2 is no better.
HT-Spec = formulated generate massive praise on Acurazine.
HT-Spec = formulated generate massive praise on Acurazine.
03-15-2011, 08:06 PM
#29
bottom line
HT Spec Type 1 > Tein Basic
HT Spec Type 2 ~= Tein SS
only difference is Tein SS might last longer but I doubt it unless you are abusing the shit out of your coilovers
04-24-2011, 02:11 PM
#30
Anyone here have KW Variante 1 coilovers on his/her TSX installed? just wondering what is your experience with those.
http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/7608/dsc0689upu.jpg
http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/7608/dsc0689upu.jpg
05-11-2011, 08:43 AM
#32
Type 2 is 12/6
Typ2 w Eibachs is 12/8
Anyone here have KW Variante 1 coilovers on his/her TSX installed? just wondering what is your experience with those.
http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/7608/dsc0689upu.jpg
http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/7608/dsc0689upu.jpg
Cool! email support@heeltoeauto.com and we will set you up. I know they are not online at the moment but we can add them up.
05-31-2011, 09:08 AM
#36
Drifting
07-30-2011, 05:37 PM
#37
Moderator
iTrader: (3)
Can this become a Sticky in the Suspension section? Absolutely awesome thread 
07-30-2011, 09:59 PM
#38
[Mod Censored Title]
