Need some suspension advice

[chef_32]

Hello people.

I have an 88 crx. Its a daily driver. I want to improve my cornering on normal streets, so i'm starting with swaybars. Then i'll be doing most of the bushes, then shock, and springs.

My problem is deciding on the right swaybar diameter for the rear. Whiteline manufacture an 18mm thick replacement swaybar. This is not blade adjustable. I have been in contact with whiteline, and looked into the possibility of a 20mm bar being made up. They are willing to do it for extra cost, but will only supply 18mm bushes.

What should i do, get the 18mm bar, or get a custom 20mm made up? how much of a difference will there actually be on the road (don't quote the whiteline chart)? Is there a limit on this diameter for practicality??

Next point. Should i bother with upgrading the front? will this increase or decrease turn in understeer or cornering ability?

Lastly. What spring rates should i be looking at for street? If anyone has had experience in this, can they suggest a spring to suit? I will most likely be running a Koni yellow shock. I've heard Eibach are good, but they are yet to give me a definitive spring rate for their pro-kit. so i don't know.

Keep in mind, that this is a street application. If i were to do track, i would be changing the springs and the alignement to suit.

any help is very appreciated.

cheers

[Slugoid]

Remember, thicker sways doesn't always mean better. Too thick you might have too much oversteer (or lack of rear traction) cos of reduced independence between suspension. How thick is your current sways??

[Zdster]

Speak with Trav (egSi) as he will be able to tell you what the recommended bar should be for your crx.

[Domokun SPL]

Put it this way.

You want to keep the car as factory as possible - Honda did a good job in setting the car up but had to give up some performance for comfort.

So try to upgrade both the front and the rear at the same time and try to upgrade them in similar % increases. I would not really increase over 50% that of stock (eg stock=100, aftermarket = 150)

Regarding shocks and spings, i think whiline has a package which they sell. I tend to find whiteline are good at setting up cars for the road, so i wouldnt be reluctant to follow what they are offering. Id really just go for a liner spring as it gives more "feel" IMO. Progressives change charicteristics slightly as they compress, but i guess you just get used to them and learn to drive them right.

[chef_32]

Thanks for that i might just go for an 18mm whiteline rear for the moment, and upgrade as necessary. The stock is approx 14mm on the rear and 18mm on the front.

I'm waiting for whiteline to reply on their suspension forum.

[aozora]

Put it this way.

You want to keep the car as factory as possible - Honda did a good job in setting the car up but had to give up some performance for comfort.

So try to upgrade both the front and the rear at the same time and try to upgrade them in similar % increases. I would not really increase over 50% that of stock (eg stock=100, aftermarket = 150)

Regarding shocks and spings, i think whiline has a package which they sell. I tend to find whiteline are good at setting up cars for the road, so i wouldnt be reluctant to follow what they are offering. Id really just go for a liner spring as it gives more "feel" IMO. Progressives change charicteristics slightly as they compress, but i guess you just get used to them and learn to drive them right.

What he said. :) Only upgrade the rear if you want more oversteer. Upgrade the front for more understeer. Upgrade both equivalently for that "on rails" feeling :p
Ask Whiteline if they can make you a adjustable swaybar instead? So if necessary you can muck around until you find your preference :)