I want a small drop on my TSX...

24356 Views 72 Replies 22 Participants Last post by Felix the cat, Aug 3, 2013

Felix the cat

Discussion Starter · Apr 27, 2013

Hi,

I would like to lower my TSX 2008... something like 1'' or 1.5'' maximum. But I want to keep a comfortable and reliable ride (the roads are horrible here!) but with a better look and handling. What's the best compromise?

Eibach Pro-kit springs? TEIN? Neuspeed? I guess I will also need a camber kit? How much I should pay for that...

Thanks guys!

Felix

1 - 20 of 73 Posts

NihonTSX

· #2 · Apr 27, 2013

I had the same desire before picking up my springs, and the research I pulled together suggested Eibach or H&R for comfort and performance. Also, if you want to keep it fairly soft, stay away from Koni Yellows. Your stock KYBs can handle a slight drop but, depending on the mileage on your stock shocks, you may want to get something else. I'm putting my H&Rs over Tokio H+ ("Blues") when they restock at AutoAnything because of the increase in stiffness while keeping the ride comfortable in daily driver conditions.

Sent from AutoGuide.com App

Felix the cat

Discussion Starter · #3 · Apr 27, 2013

NihonTSX said:
I had the same desire before picking up my springs, and the research I pulled together suggested Eibach or H&R for comfort and performance. Also, if you want to keep it fairly soft, stay away from Koni Yellows. Your stock KYBs can handle a slight drop but, depending on the mileage on your stock shocks, you may want to get something else. I'm putting my H&Rs over Tokio H+ ("Blues") when they restock at AutoAnything because of the increase in stiffness while keeping the ride comfortable in daily driver conditions.

Sent from AutoGuide.com App

Thanks for your advise! My car has 88 000 kilometers (55k miles), so I think I will keep the same shocks... and see how it works this summer. I already thought about installing new shocks, but thanks to your recommendation, I will stay away from Koni Yellows

With your new setting (H&R Sport springs on Tokico H+ shocks), how much will be your 'real' drop? 1,5''... more? Also, will you need a camber kit?

I read a lot of reviews and the Tein H.Tech gives a 1,2'' drop, which is enough for me... did you considered them or heard anything good or bad about it?

AyyBenito

· #4 · Apr 27, 2013

I just recently installed some tein htechs on my stock shocks. The ride is still comfortable while providing a slight increase in handling. I did blow my rear driver side strut the next day though, but my car is at 130k with original suspension. The drop looks great up front but the rear could use another quarter inch or so. All in all, I really enjoy them from a daily driving stand point

Sent from AutoGuide.com App

AndrewCjDuong

· #5 · Apr 27, 2013

I think the best option for you could be the aspec drop.

dinoc

· #6 · Apr 27, 2013

Or H&R OE Sport springs

Dannyv

· #7 · Apr 27, 2013

AndrewCjDuong said:
I think the best option for you could be the aspec drop.

+1

If you dont want a camber kit Aspec is the way to go, if you dont mind spending a little more there a bunch of options. i personally have Koni Yellow + Stech combo, i really like them, people sit in my car and they like it. doesn't feel like im Floating but then again that depends on tires as well. look at the pics here http://www.tsxclub.com/forums/1st-g...spension-gallery-1st-gen-pics-specs-only.html before you make a decision.
i was told once for comfortable "BMW" feel get K yellows + H&R springs and a few braces.
in the end its up to you. GLW your selection

NihonTSX

· #8 · Apr 27, 2013

Felix the cat said:
Thanks for your advise! My car has 88 000 kilometers (55k miles), so I think I will keep the same shocks... and see how it works this summer. I already thought about installing new shocks, but thanks to your recommendation, I will stay away from Koni Yellows

With your new setting (H&R Sport springs on Tokico H+ shocks), how much will be your 'real' drop? 1,5''... more? Also, will you need a camber kit?

I read a lot of reviews and the Tein H.Tech gives a 1,2'' drop, which is enough for me... did you considered them or heard anything good or bad about it?

My drop is 1.4" in front, 1.6" in back. As for the camber kit? I COULD get one, but I'm more inclined to roll my fenders.

Sent from AutoGuide.com App

manda

· #9 · Apr 28, 2013

AyyBenito said:
I just recently installed some tein htechs on my stock shocks. The ride is still comfortable while providing a slight increase in handling. I did blow my rear driver side strut the next day though, but my car is at 130k with original suspension. The drop looks great up front but the rear could use another quarter inch or so. All in all, I really enjoy them from a daily driving stand point

Sent from AutoGuide.com App

I had the same setup for about 35k miles on stock shocks. I agree, comfortable ride with slightly better handling than stock.

CL9 Jon

· #10 · Apr 28, 2013

2

I too was conservative when dropping my 1st vehicle and putting wheels/tires on it. Essentially though... you will always want the car lower and the wheels/tires to more flush with the fenders/qtrs...

A-spec susp won't get you there... get something like mine koni/eibach prokit w/ 17x8 +45 wrapped in 215/50's... perfect DD set-up. Doesn't rub. No noise from susp. ~$900 for everything w/ Ingalls camber kit (excluding wheels).

See less See more

AndrewCjDuong

· #11 · Apr 29, 2013

Aspec springs are made to go with the OE shocks so it's nothing aggressive and doesn't change too much of the feel of the car. Of course if you want to spend $900 on a set of springs and shocks then you can do so, but at that price. I'd consider coils.

I was just being conservative in terms of suggesting the aspec springs.

Felix the cat

Discussion Starter · #12 · Apr 29, 2013

I would like to have the a-spec suspension... but you can't have it anymore for a 1st gen, 6MT... I searched everywhere.... so that's why I'm looking for a plan B. In fact, I bought a 2008 TSX, and I wanted the a-spec, so I bought the body kit from Curry Acura (fit perfectly!), then I bought a set of TSW Brooklands (18x8) wrapped in Nitto 555. And now, I'm looking to finish my little project... but could't find the a-spec suspension anywhere for a 2008 with manual transmission.

Now I'm hesitating between H&R sport and Eibach pro kit... but the Tein H.Tech is still in the race.

I read a lot of reviews about H&R and Eibach, and it seems to be 2 good choices... but a slight advantage for H&R (and the drop is less than Eibach, which is perfect for what I want).

One of my friend is a technician and worked for Honda in the past. He already had a Civic Si with Eibach sports spring and was happy with it. He can also have big discount on KYB suspension...
so I think I'll go with 4 new KYB shocks (lifetime guarantee) + H&R springs. Your thoughts? Is it a good decision? Or considering the fact that I drive my car in Montreal (Canada... and a lot of snow and terrible winter!), should I be more conservative and go with the H.Tech?

See less See more

stan_t

· #13 · Apr 29, 2013

CL9 Jon said:
A-spec susp won't get you there... get something like mine koni/eibach prokit w/ 17x8 +45 wrapped in 215/50's... perfect DD set-up. Doesn't rub. No noise from susp. ~$900 for everything w/ Ingalls camber kit (excluding wheels).

I have the same setup on a 2nd gen, except I have 225/50/17 tires on 55 offset 17x8 wheels. I enjoy it and it is a good quality street setup. Honestly, you won't do better for the price with a shock/spring setup.

Stan

AndrewCjDuong

· #14 · Apr 29, 2013

This of course is my own opinion but I've found that Eibach's sag quite a bit (Or it did on my BMW 323i) and it made it seemed pretty slammed. As for H&R springs, my friend has it on his C63 AMG and he's in love with the height and feel (but of course, AMG... like I'd be in love regardless.) I've heard nothing but great thing's about Tein's. My friend ran it on his Lexus IS300 since day 1 with OEM stock shocks and they never blew. Again, different car so I don't know if it has anything to do with TSX.

I'm using Tein SS's and I like the comfort of them (but then again, mine are fully adjustable coils so different story than springs) but their reliability is amazing. Slamming wise, definitely not. My bump stops are off and they're still not low enough.

I'd probably go with H&R or Tein if you wanted to go the spring route. I honestly think if you're going to drop $900 for springs and struts then you can probably find a set of coils for that price. Probably F&F or something.

CL9 Jon

· #15 · Apr 29, 2013

AndrewCjDuong said:
Aspec springs are made to go with the OE shocks so it's nothing aggressive and doesn't change too much of the feel of the car. Of course if you want to spend $900 on a set of springs and shocks then you can do so, but at that price. I'd consider coils.I was just being conservative in terms of suggesting the aspec springs.

False. At the $900 price point, getting shock/springs... you're getting highest quality components. If you get coilovers, you're getting junk quality components at $900.

OP lives in montreal. Coilovers are not made for that climate. Durability and realibility would be lacking.

Felix the cat said:
I would like to have the a-spec suspension... but you can't have it anymore for a 1st gen, 6MT... I searched everywhere.... so that's why I'm looking for a plan B. In fact, I bought a 2008 TSX, and I wanted the a-spec, so I bought the body kit from Curry Acura (fit perfectly!), then I bought a set of TSW Brooklands (18x8) wrapped in Nitto 555. And now, I'm looking to finish my little project... but could't find the a-spec suspension anywhere for a 2008 with manual transmission.

Now I'm hesitating between H&R sport and Eibach pro kit... but the Tein H.Tech is still in the race.

I read a lot of reviews about H&R and Eibach, and it seems to be 2 good choices... but a slight advantage for H&R (and the drop is less than Eibach, which is perfect for what I want).

One of my friend is a technician and worked for Honda in the past. He already had a Civic Si with Eibach sports spring and was happy with it. He can also have big discount on KYB suspension...
so I think I'll go with 4 new KYB shocks (lifetime guarantee) + H&R springs. Your thoughts? Is it a good decision? Or considering the fact that I drive my car in Montreal (Canada... and a lot of snow and terrible winter!), should I be more conservative and go with the H.Tech?

I disagree with using KYB shock with lowering springs, due the more aggressive spring rates. Unless you absolutely have to... use the Tein springs, they have the closet spring rates to factory springs and won't blow the shocks valving.

Pick a spring you want and pair them with Koni Yellow. You honestly will have no regrets once you do so. They are superior to anything out there. Lifetime warranty too, if the need arises.

stan_t said:
I have the same setup on a 2nd gen, except I have 225/50/17 tires on 55 offset 17x8 wheels. I enjoy it and it is a good quality street setup. Honestly, you won't do better for the price with a shock/spring setup.Stan

Absolutely true. Quiet susp., no noises (which is rare on springs/shocks on lowered cars). Awesome ride quality. Fit and finish of everything is tremendous once assembled and installed.

AndrewCjDuong said:
This of course is my own opinion but I've found that Eibach's sag quite a bit (Or it did on my BMW 323i) and it made it seemed pretty slammed. As for H&R springs, my friend has it on his C63 AMG and he's in love with the height and feel (but of course, AMG... like I'd be in love regardless.) I've heard nothing but great thing's about Tein's. My friend ran it on his Lexus IS300 since day 1 with OEM stock shocks and they never blew. Again, different car so I don't know if it has anything to do with TSX.

I'm using Tein SS's and I like the comfort of them (but then again, mine are fully adjustable coils so different story than springs) but their reliability is amazing. Slamming wise, definitely not. My bump stops are off and they're still not low enough.

I'd probably go with H&R or Tein if you wanted to go the spring route. I honestly think if you're going to drop $900 for springs and struts then you can probably find a set of coils for that price. Probably F&F or something.

Again. I disagree. Far superior coilovers out there. For $900, Koni's and springs are what you can't go wrong with.

Coilovers need to be adjusted and maintained over there lifetime to keep on functioning... especially generic units that are ~$1000.

There's only a few coilovers otu there that are truly quality and not the exact generic coilover as their competitor but just painted differently... and those are about ~$1500 and up to start.

See less See more

Felix the cat

Discussion Starter · #16 · May 1, 2013

AyyBenito said:
I just recently installed some tein htechs on my stock shocks. The ride is still comfortable while providing a slight increase in handling. I did blow my rear driver side strut the next day though, but my car is at 130k with original suspension. The drop looks great up front but the rear could use another quarter inch or so. All in all, I really enjoy them from a daily driving stand point

Sent from AutoGuide.com App

manda said:
I had the same setup for about 35k miles on stock shocks. I agree, comfortable ride with slightly better handling than stock.

Hey guys, what is your 'real' drop with TEIN H.Tech on stock shocks (front and back)? Is it more than 1''? If you tell me that the ride is still comfortable, and the 'real' drop is between 1'' to 1,5''... it could be a good choice for me, specially if it works with stock shocks. Thanks for your help.

AyyBenito

· #17 · May 2, 2013

I'd say the front was slightly over an inch and looks great for a daily. The rear slightly less than an inch and has left me wanting a little more, but I could always swap out for Koni's and adjust them for more of a drop

Sent from AutoGuide.com App

Felix the cat

Discussion Starter · #18 · May 2, 2013

AyyBenito said:
I'd say the front was slightly over an inch and looks great for a daily. The rear slightly less than an inch and has left me wanting a little more, but I could always swap out for Koni's and adjust them for more of a drop

Sent from AutoGuide.com App

Thanks for the details! And if you had to do it again, would you make the same choice, or would you choose something else?

Felix the cat

Discussion Starter · #19 · May 2, 2013

CL9 Jon said:
False. At the $900 price point, getting shock/springs... you're getting highest quality components. If you get coilovers, you're getting junk quality components at $900.

OP lives in montreal. Coilovers are not made for that climate. Durability and realibility would be lacking.

I disagree with using KYB shock with lowering springs, due the more aggressive spring rates. Unless you absolutely have to... use the Tein springs, they have the closet spring rates to factory springs and won't blow the shocks valving.

Pick a spring you want and pair them with Koni Yellow. You honestly will have no regrets once you do so. They are superior to anything out there. Lifetime warranty too, if the need arises.

Absolutely true. Quiet susp., no noises (which is rare on springs/shocks on lowered cars). Awesome ride quality. Fit and finish of everything is tremendous once assembled and installed.

Again. I disagree. Far superior coilovers out there. For $900, Koni's and springs are what you can't go wrong with.

Coilovers need to be adjusted and maintained over there lifetime to keep on functioning... especially generic units that are ~$1000.

There's only a few coilovers otu there that are truly quality and not the exact generic coilover as their competitor but just painted differently... and those are about ~$1500 and up to start.

wow thanks buddy for the answer, I learned a lot just by reading your reply!

I like your setup, but I think it could be too low for the roads here... in Montreal, we probably have (unfortunately), the worst roads for a big city in North America... huge potholes... believe me. I also have 225/40Z/18 wheels and performance tires, so if I go low, I won't like my car anymore for daily driving.

If I choose the 'cheapest' solution and I don't change the shocks, I will follow your advise and go with TEIN H.Tech. If I change the shocks, I'll probably follow NihonTSX's recommendation and go with Tokico HP (blues), which is not that expansive if I compare it to KYB (Tokico HP are just 100$ more than KYB for 4 shocks)... for the Koni yellows, I think they are more pricy and sporty... that's what I read about them, so that's why I think the Tokico could be a good 'in between': better than KYB for a little drop, and less pricy than Koni.

When you install Koni or Tokico shocks with sport springs, does the drop will be more than with stock shocks?

See less See more

stan_t

· #20 · May 2, 2013

I would not consider Tokico blues. Their valving is just not good, at least that is the case with other cars.

Eibachs will have higher spring rates out of most lowering springs, if you go with Konis the ProKit will be a nice option. For stock shocks H-techs may work well since they are softer.

Konis have adjustible perches, so you can get a bit of additional lowering. I ran them with stock springs and the car was 1/2" lower with perches on lowest setting.

Stan

1 - 20 of 73 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.