New comer question

[cc1206]

hey guys

first post here, i've searched around and have read that placing springs on your car can damage the shocks. However, if i drive REALLY carefully (and slowly), is it ok for me to get king lows?

I have a friend who is willing to give me a fair deal on all 4. My car is a 2005 honda civic GLi. His is the 2003 i think, pre facelift.

thanks guys

[1996ek1]

I dont think its about driving REALLY careful and slowly....
But i doubt u can hold off driving really careful and slow for ever....

Its more about the shocks cant take it ? But wait for some one to give a more indepth answer....

[Zdster]

Its more about the shocks cant take it ? But wait for some one to give a more indepth answer....

Correct. While it in some ways is influenced by how you drive, it is more to do with the shock height/rebound etc and this being altered being having different spring dynamics.

[cc1206]

so regardless of how i drive, the shocks will be damaged? Or is it more dependant on if the shocks can handle it?

Can anyone give me any suggestions on what i should do? I don't want to damage anything.

Atm, my car sits damn high... looks real wierd with 17s. That's why i was considering getting the kings low springs (note: don't have enough for coilovers :P - so was considering this a cheap alternative to slightly lower my car)

[tct]

the spring wont damage ur shocks just shorten it life. ur shocks shud still have a bit of life in them since ur car is a 05 model

[Sydsyd]

so regardless of how i drive, the shocks will be damaged? Or is it more dependant on if the shocks can handle it?

Can anyone give me any suggestions on what i should do? I don't want to damage anything.

Atm, my car sits damn high... looks real wierd with 17s. That's why i was considering getting the kings low springs (note: don't have enough for coilovers :P - so was considering this a cheap alternative to slightly lower my car)

regardless of what springs u use, ur shocks will be wearing eventually...it's a normal case of wear and tear of car parts...

go to some sussy shops, get quotes for aftermarket shocks...i think u can get KYB shocks for less than $1k, or even better, for a bit more dosh, get koni yellows;)

[JasonGilholme]

its mainly because your shocks will be compressed more then normall all the time because of the shorter spring that you'll be installing.

[Limbo]

Its gotta do with the shock ride & harder springs.

As you know when you add springs to standard shocks they do not enable the standard shock to move the whole length of their height and thus dampening is reduced. Given also that lower springs are always harder than stock, its gonna give a harsher shock to your shocks and your car, thus reducing their life expectancy. But in the end how rough you drive does also attribute to the factor.

Usually the best thing to do is get a shock and spring combo designed for the height you want. But this is more expensive.

[cc1206]

thanks for the help guys

Probably gonna save up for some coilovers!!! will post pics when it's done hehe :)

[aaronng]

The reason why shock life is reduced when you use lowered springs is because the height of the piston sits deeper in the shock, which is not within the proper operation spec of OEM shocks. It has nothing to do with the spring being stiffer or travelling less. If the springs lower only by a bit (0.5 - 1.0"), then you can get away with using the OEM shocks. If you go for even more lowering, then you will reduce the shock life even quicker.

Also, brand new OEM shocks can be blown within a year with lowered springs. Has been reported even with new Accord Euros.

Either go for lowered springs and lowered shocks (Koni, KYB, Bilstein) or coilovers.

[AzKik-R]

If you get really low springs, and your shocks are too long for the springs, you need to check that when you jack up the car, and the shock extends to its limit, that the spring is still firmly in place. I seen idiots chop their springs so the car sits really low (looks pretty cool), only problem was when the car was jacked up, the springs fell loose

[cc1206]

thanks aaronng/AzKik-R

i'm definately saving for coilovers, the car is still new so i don't want to regret anything.

Btw, aren't chopped springs illegal?

[aaronng]

Yup, chopped springs are illegal.

[AzKik-R]

Btw, aren't chopped springs illegal?

Absolutely!!!!!
The contact area for chopped springs is usually just a single point, as compared to an un-cut spring, where the contact area is the complete circle. the pointed contact point has a risk of piercing the metal and going straight thru to the tyre if you hit a big enough bump, and when your shock is fully extended the spring could fall out.
hmmmm, but if you use a blow torch to heat the springs and then compress them.... ok, better not open a can of worms..... still not legal.

[cc1206]

http://www.mobileelectronics.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=536446

sorry to bring up this topic again, but i came across this :D

for those who can't access the link, here is the info:

Item: Honda Civic 01+ Fully Adjustable Coilovers. Custom built by TSR Queensland.
Location: Brisbane
Item Condition: Good condition. Never been used for racetrack. Purpose was for show only.
Reason for selling: Buying new car so no need for the coilovers
Price: $385
Payment Method: Pickup - Cash, Paypal, COD Only

What do you guys rekon? Never heard of TSR Queensland before, but it does ring a bell