Coilovers!!

[Ichiban]

I know, I know, I haven't finished my engine swap yet, but since I can't get any decent drop springs, I'm going to design and build a coilover system from scratch in order to lower my car. Here's my basic plan:

1. Machine off the factory spring perches from the strut body.
2. Machine threaded tubes and accessories to weld to strut body.
3. Weld them on, damnit!
4. Possibly send out bodies for heat treating and stress relieving (probably free at work)
5. Machine upper spring mounts.
6. Stuff with my Koni cartridges.
7. Stir thoroughly, paint to taste and enjoy!

I'm going to design in a ~2" drop, and also machine a set of adjustable strut tops. All the material is free, and I'm a machinist!

The only thing I need to know: I need to buy, obviously, springs, but I need ones that will fit over the OD of the strut body and any threaded collar I add, and I have no clue what spring rates to look for. I'd be looking for a rate slightly stiffer than stock, to reduce the horrendous body roll in corners, and reduce bottoming due to the reduced suspension travel from the drop.

So,

-What spring rate?
-What off the shelf springs are going to work?

I'll measure and post up the sizes of the strut bodies tomorrow!

[knarg]

you could work off of some civic coilovers or lowering springs?

then you can size your lower mount to fit

[Hazwan]

I *think* I heard something where local guys uses silvia coilovers if I'm not mistaken. I'll see what I can dig up.

[Ichiban]

Is that an application for a nissan silvia? I was hoping I could get someone with a Civic or comparably sized car to measure up the ID of their springs. Hopefully something available in North America.

[2ndGenGuy]

This should be whoop ass. When you get those built, I'll have to pay you to build me a set. I have been trying to think up some ideas too. The 2g Prelude shares the same rear suspension, and the front and rear suspension isn't a whole lot different on these cars, since they're MacPherson all the way around. I was thinking about buying some cheap-ass 2g Prelude coilovers, and trying to modify the top hats from the stock struts to work with the rear coilovers.

If you're looking for something with REALLY close front struts, the Nissan 240SX has almost the same front suspension as the 2g Accord. I saw a 240SX strut tower brace at the wrecking yard, and took it out to my car. All it needed was a little bit of enlarging on the bolt holes up top, and it would have fit. I can't use it though because it hits the hood.

But that led me to the conclusion that the struts are VERY close to ours. I don't know about the length, but I would guess that the 240 probably has shorter struts anyways. But that's good for lowering. They're also MacPherson up front. I figure if I could find a set at the wrecking yard and see if I can make them work in my car. If so, then any 240SX front suspension should go in just fine. Then find a manufacturer who sells 2g Prelude rear coilovers and 240SX front coilovers and plop them in with the appropriate spring rates...

Regardless of how we go about it, I don't think it should be too difficult. :)

[Civic Accord Honda]

sweet

[race12001]

i cant wait to see how this comes out

[Ichiban]

Well, I'm back after the nightmare of moving the family up to Red Deer, and working tons of hours all month. Gonna be getting going on this soon, I still need to take 5 minutes with my verniers and get some measurements. I also found a Kal Tire "spring and steel" shop in town right by were I live, I'm gonna see if they deal suspension kits and can help me out.

PS I need to know spring rates!!

[2ndGenGuy]

Is there any way to find out what the spring rates are? I could pick up a new set of stock springs and measure them, then take them back to the store...

[Ichiban]

Is there any way to find out what the spring rates are? I could pick up a new set of stock springs and measure them, then take them back to the store...
Did your eibach's have the spring rates advertised on them somewhere? I'm guessing I'd go comparable to that.

[2ndGenGuy]

Did your eibach's have the spring rates advertised on them somewhere? I'm guessing I'd go comparable to that.

I don't recall ever seeing what they were. Pretty sure it wasn't anywhere on the packaging, but it was some old stock that someone had hanging around. It's definitely not on the springs. Maybe I could call Eibach and they'd know... Hopefully they're not douchebags.

[Ichiban]

Okay, the OD of the shock bodies are 2". Now does anyone out there have Civic coilovers that they could measure the ID of?

[SZfiftyfour]

PS I need to know spring rates!!

this is for TRW stock front springs. i couldnt find the rears.

INSIDE DIA.= 5.406 in.:
BAR DIA.= 0.54 in.:
FREE HEIGHT= 13.13 in.:
SPRING RATE= 114 Lbs./In.:
LOAD= 452 Lbs.:
LOAD HEIGHT= 9 in.:
END 1= PIG TAIL:
END 2= TANGENTIAL

[Ichiban]

Good stuff, thanks.

Still working on this...

Do you think you could find the same info for cars like the 88 CRX/Civic, and a couple different accord models?

[SZfiftyfour]

87 accord lxi sdn front:
INSIDE DIA.= 2.5 in.:
BAR DIA.= 0.5 in.:
FREE HEIGHT= 12.88 in.:
SPRING RATE= 278.5 Lbs./In.:
LOAD= 524 Lbs.:
LOAD HEIGHT= 11 in.:
END 1= SQUARE: END 2= TANGENTIAL
rear:
INSIDE DIA.= 3.062 in.:
BAR DIA.= 0.485 in.:
FREE HEIGHT= 13.27 in.:
SPRING RATE= 170 Lbs./In.:
LOAD= 387 Lbs.:
LOAD HEIGHT= 11 in.:
END 1= SQUARE: END 2= TANGENTIAL

88 civic/crx si rears (couldnt find fronts):
INSIDE DIA.= 2.875 in.:
BAR DIA.= 0.453 in.:
FREE HEIGHT= 13.12 in.:
SPRING RATE= 161 Lbs./In.:
LOAD= 307 Lbs.:
LOAD HEIGHT= 11 in.:
END 1= PIG TAIL: END 2= SQUARE

89 accord sei front:
INSIDE DIA.= 2.5 in.:
BAR DIA.= 0.5 in.:
FREE HEIGHT= 12.88 in.:
SPRING RATE= 278.5 Lbs./In.:
LOAD= 524 Lbs.:
LOAD HEIGHT= 11 in.:
END 1= SQUARE: END 2= TANGENTIAL
rears:
INSIDE DIA.= 3.062 in.:
BAR DIA.= 0.485 in.:
FREE HEIGHT= 13.27 in.:
SPRING RATE= 170 Lbs./In.:
LOAD= 387 Lbs.:
LOAD HEIGHT= 11 in.:
END 1= SQUARE: END 2= TANGENTIAL

[stat1K]

if you'd like guy i have some crx/da integra coilovers in my garage... i'd be willing to send em to you if you pay for shipping. they are just the cheap ebay kind but it would be something to work with ya know?

[Ichiban]

Looks like the CRX springs come the closest for a slight increase in spring rate. Stat1k, check your PM's.

Plus there will be lots of room on the shock bodies for the threaded adjustment collar. Kinda hoping I don't end up with a lift kit!

[Ichiban]

So I'm still thinking about lifting my car heheh...

I need to get my hands on some CRX coilovers cheap, and possibly a spare set of 82-85 accord struts.

[Rendon LX-i]

If i want coil overs im doing what legend master did full body and i think the rear was a 93 accord and the front from a civic i forgot

[Ichiban]

2nd gen accord....