[mr_shankley]

Hey there -

My '06 is starting to show some of it's age. after 77k, some parts need replacement, and I am planning on tackling 3 projects within the next month:

Tires - run snows on steel wheels in the winter, so original Michelins are still mounted. Replacing with Pirelli P-Zero all seasons. They seem like the best all season compromise. Yokohamas are too noisy, and Michelins are too expensive.

Shocks/Struts - they need replacement badly. Swapping them out for ASpec setup.

Clutch - Any suggestions? not sure if I should stick with a stock Honda clutch, or get something beefier. I'm not crazy about forking over $1700 to the dealer, either.

I'm interested to hear what you have to say. everything is bone stock, and I don't plan on adding any mods to boost power.

 

[tekneek]

be sure to shop around for suspensions before settling on the a-spec.

Neuspeed SP3 Shocks by Koni, for all Accord, TL, CL, and TSX, HT-Spec Package - HeelToe Automotive

These should run about the same price as a set of a-specs, but you get more performance and adjustability.

 

[mr_shankley]

Are the ASpecs all that bad, though? I'm honestly not looking for something adjustable, or something that is going to give me a drop. I know ASpec drops a little (which is ok), but I'm just trying to keep it simple. From what I've read on multiple posts, people seem to be pretty happy with the ASpec setup.

I don't think the stock ride is terrible, but something a little firmer wouldn't hurt

 

[tekneek]

I have no experience with the a-specs. From what I've read on here, people say that they are very close to stock with a mild drop and I see some people selling their a-specs cause it wasn't what they expected, from time to time. Honestly, if you're fine with the stock ride and aren't interested in lowering, the a-spec seems like a good way to go. I just think you should at least consider the neuspeed/koni combo if they cost the same as the a-spec.

I'm coming from a tuner's perspective and I would favor the lower stance, lower center of gravity, sportier ride that the neuspeed/koni combo gives you over the a-spec. The koni shocks also come with a limited lifetime warranty and can be rebuilt if they ever need to be, so they will last a very long time (remaining life of the car definitely). I'm just not the type of person to pay 400-600 dollars on a suspension that is a little better than stock. Especially if a superior product can be had at the same price point, but thats just my opinion.

 

[mr_shankley]

Thanks for the info re: suspension. I'm still leaning towards ASpec, but will definitely checkout the Neuspeed setup as well. Hell, if it's the same price...

Any one have any clutch recommendations, though? This is the first time I need to replace one, and I'm at a loss.

 

[tekneek]

Unfortunately I have an auto so I dont have much to say about clutches. Shoot Mayuga a PM cause he recently got the Exedy stage 1 clutch and appears to like it. He stated in his build thread that it's 25% stiffer than stock. What didn't you like about the stock clutch to make you look for an alternative?

 

[Mayuga]

Yeah for your clutch answer, I recently replaced my OEM clutch w/ a Exedy Stage 1 and their lightweight flywheel. And its about 25% more stiffer, and it grabs a whole lot quicker.. and w/ the flywheel.. the rpm flys..

I mean since your going to replace your clutch might as well do a slight upgrade.. I mean when do you open your trasnmission case? every 80K+ miles?

Also exedy makes a OEM replacement as well if you dont want to pay for Honda OEM and still want the OEM feel..