3rd gen. Civic suspension advice needed

[Scott F. Williams]

Guys, I'm a car lover first but actually a Volkswagen guy second. I can
offer all kinds of advice to my VW peers; however, I'm at a loss when it
comes to tuning Hondas. However, a good buddy of mine has put me to the
task of researching the best street/sport suspension for his base-model
1987 Civic.

So, does anyone out there have any *real* expertise to share with me?
That is, I'm not looking for advice from sticker tuners or big exhaust
tip people. I want to make this thing handle like a go-kart! As it
stands, I figure he's got $450 or so to spend on this right now.

I know that I represent the "enemy" or something. But let's be mature;
alright, guys? Thank you very much!

P.S. Any links to Honda-specific motorports (especially autocross) pages
would be very much appreciated. Gracias...
--
Scott F. Williams
NJ Scirocco nut
SCCA ProRally driver
Hotrod Rabbit GTi

[Kevin]

I am an "avid" autocrosser...I have 96 Honda civic....With only 450 bucks to
spend you will need a little more...here are my suggestions in no particular
order except price:

1. Koni yellow sport shocks (500/set of 4)
2. H&R Springs (or Eibach or Neuspeed) 180-220/set of 4
3. Suspension Techniques Rear Sway bar (19mm) 150ish.

I currently have a web page about the install of the rear sway bar, check it
out....

http://cccya1.easynews.com/home.htm

Kevin
**Remove antispam line in email**
1996 Honda Civic EX
SCCA CSP class
Member Windy City Miata Club
http://www.windycitymiataclub.com
"Chemistry, a profession where you wash your hands BEFORE you use the bathroom"

[supra911]

don't forget the front strut bar for only $85 from Neuspeed

Kevin <ccc...@aol.com.com> wrote in message
news:19990821092811...@ng-cr1.aol.com...

[GRMdavid]

The 1984-'87 Civic/CRX is still one of the best chassis for autocross, so
making your buddy's handle well shouldn't be a problem. I'm currently prepping
an '86 Civic Si for our $1500 Challenge, so I've been brushing up on the topic
and speaking with a lot of the guys campaigning this car. (Unfortunately my
budget limits my dream list, but it's forced me to be creative.)

Front suspension: stiffer torsion bars will definately help, but stiffer, new
ones are about $200/pair if you can find them. However, supposedly some of the
2WD Civic wagons have stiffer bars. Grab your calipers and check. Or you can
install first gen Integra torsion bars if you drill new holes for the longer
torsion tubes.

You can lower the front end by adjusting the torsion bars, but be careful that
you still have enough shock travel. Also make sure the car still has bumpstops
so you don't kill the shocks.

Definately install new shocks. Konis are nice, but probably out of his budget.
We had blue Tokicos on our 1985 Civic Si, and they did pretty well. I scored
used Illuminas.

Camber plates are nice if you can afford them. (I got mine used)

Rear suspension: Ground Control makes slick adjustable coil-over kit, and it's
about $185 (with springs). However, you can order rear Suspension Techniques
springs from JC Whitney for $100 less. Serriously.

The Integra/Civic Si/Civic S/CRX Si has an internal rear anti-roll bar (it's
inside the axle tube). Get the bar/beam from the salvage yard. Note that the
CRX and Civic/Integra use different control arms. If you can still afford one,
a Suspension Techniques rear bar is also nice.

Make sure you put decent rear shocks on the car, too.

Hope this helps. Let me know if you have any more questions.

David S. Wallens, managing ed, Grassroots Motorsports magazine
Get a free copy at our Web site: www.grassrootsmotorsports.com

[Nate Hiltebeitel]

Koni also has a shock/spring package, does anyone know anything
about this ? How are their springs compared to H&R, Eibach ...)?

Nate