HELP! Coilover(spring rate) help!

RevmaynardRevmaynard Council Member
in Suspension, Braking & Wheels
So, I'm getting a set of Koni coilovers made with custom spring rates through a friend who is sponsored by them. I was wondering what rates I should use in the rear? I was going to treat the front as a normal Civic. Any suggestions are appreciated.

Comments

  • RevmaynardRevmaynard Council Member
    Anyone? I'm trying to order these as soon as I get some feedback, just looking for a seasoned wagon owner's opinion. :D
  • eldonciv777eldonciv777 Wagonist
    I was thinking about doing the same for my wagon. I was thinking about 350f and 375r because its a daily driver and I don't want it to be insane or super low. I think most off the shelf rates are 480ish f and 380 r. I'd go with rates about even front and rear to help with the understeer.
  • TIMELESSWHITETIMELESSWHITE Senior Wagonist
    Revmaynard wrote:
    Anyone? I'm trying to order these as soon as I get some feedback, just looking for a seasoned wagon owner's opinion. :D
    If your running the stock motor, my advice is to go w/ standard rates (off the shelf) for 88-91 Civic or for comparison, ask your dealer what they would recommend. :)
    koni.jpg
  • eldonciv777eldonciv777 Wagonist
    To add a little more to the discussion, I just read that off the shelf rates are 350f/250r for the ef. I guess I was a little off. I still think I'll end up at maybe 380f/350r for my setup.
  • jpciiijpciii familEE
    I think that 250 for the rear is too soft for a wagon. I think mine are 350f/280r (off the shelf rates for a later model civic) and I find myself wanting higher rates, especially in the rear. My wagon is a fwd model with a d-series motor.

    Guys who set up their EF hatches and CRX's for autocross purposes typically go with about 380-450 in the front and 420-500 or more for the rear. I think 380f/350r would be a really nice setup for the street. Personally, I would go higher in the rear to help with corner entry. An anti-sway bar helps with that also.
  • RevmaynardRevmaynard Council Member
    After talking with my friend who runs SCCA about custom rates, he says I could have a good street car/every now and a then auto x car with 450f 550r to compensate for the rear.
  • eldonciv777eldonciv777 Wagonist
    I hope the roads are good in your area. I had H&R race springs in my hatch with less agressive rates than that and I wouldn't want them much harsher than that (maybe some more in the rear). They were also progressive which I don't believe eibach ers springs (what ground control uses) are progressive. You should also look into making a stock ef/da sway bar fit in the rear. Supposedly its about the perfect size because the length of the car amplifies the effect.
  • RevmaynardRevmaynard Council Member
    Yea, I was doing some reading in the FAQ thread so I'm thinking since he got his welder hooked up we might tool around with the idea.
  • jpciiijpciii familEE
    Revmaynard wrote:
    After talking with my friend who runs SCCA about custom rates, he says I could have a good street car/every now and a then auto x car with 450f 550r to compensate for the rear.

    450/550 is borderline. Koni's aren't supposed to be used with anything higher than 500.

    Why do you mention welding with regards to anti-sway bars? I thought they just bolt right up as long as you get different lca's.
  • RevmaynardRevmaynard Council Member
    Don't you have to modify Accord end links and weld them?
  • B18C5-EH2B18C5-EH2 Moderator
    I actually own a 1992 Civic HB with 425F/550R rates on off the shelf Koni Yellows. I'd like to say that the Konis have done well after 5+years of usage with these stiff rates too - no leakage yet, and still very controlled.

    My car handles amazingly well, but if someone not familiar with it were to try spirited driving they'd loop the car way too easily. Tha ass end is very wag-happy with those rates. It's amazing for auto-x, it's borderline unsafe for the street IMO. I know better than to push it on the streets though...

    Not only the snap oversteer issue would be a problem, but the ride "quality" would be harsh.

    I'd stick with rates lower, and more front-baised for a daily driven street car. 380/350 sounds better IMO. If you are not happy with the back end rotation you can always disconnect the front sway bar and add a large rear swaybar - this way the car still rides well, but can achieve lift off throttle oversteer if desired.
  • RevmaynardRevmaynard Council Member
    Hmm, I'm gonna really think about that then. I know my boundaries as far as street driving, my main thoughts are the fact I'm getting these at cost and I want to take advantage of being able to get the rates custom for a cheap price. Hey b18c5-eh2, you think you're gonna roll out to the V meet tomorrow? I am(in the wagon)and possibly Bam-bam (from here).
  • B18C5-EH2B18C5-EH2 Moderator
    I'll be there tomorrow, 100% positive this time.

    If I was secure in not losing mmy parking spot I might take you down the street in my 450f/550R rates hatch to show you exactly what I mean about the harshness of the ride, especially on ATL streets. On second thought that might not be a good idea anyways since the streets there are already very treacherous for lowered cars with 4-1 headers on them.

    :)
  • RevmaynardRevmaynard Council Member
    B18C5-EH2 wrote:
    I'll be there tomorrow, 100% positive this time.

    If I was secure in not losing mmy parking spot I might take you down the street in my 450f/550R rates hatch to show you exactly what I mean about the harshness of the ride, especially on ATL streets. On second thought that might not be a good idea anyways since the streets there are already very treacherous for lowered cars with 4-1 headers on them.

    :)


    That means we need to get together other than the V!
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