Bang for Buck: ek9 springs/shocks on Em1/Ek4

[Alvis]

thanks guys, maybe I should look into it. I have a bad driveway that limits how low I can go so maybe it ain't a bad idea.

Let me know how you go DC5.Raven.

... i share your pain re: driveways

I've also been reading up on suspension - read EK9 suspension is a 0.75 inch drop

[Alvis]

250f/250f from memory.

Nick.

Yep. I've read the same too.

[mugen_ctr]

id get the ek9 suspension any day, stiffer springs with matched dampers in oem form, cant ask for more... its not about looks, its all about performance

[Alvis]

id get the ek9 suspension any day, stiffer springs with matched dampers in oem form, cant ask for more... its not about looks, its all about performance

Ditto above - compared to stock EK1 suspension anyway lol

Are there any major risks in buying second hand suspension - you just don't know the life they've had, so sounds a bit risky... you'd have to get the shocks re-gassed tho yeh?

[mugen_ctr]

2nd hand suspension, just looks for leaks, but if u wanna double check, take it to a suspension specialist an they can conduct test to see how good or bad it is.... shock test, spring compression test as such

im not sure about oem shockers regassing, i know with coil overs, wen being rebuilt they do, so im assuming u can do it to any shockers

[Alvis]

I hope I'm not hi-jacking your thread MikeCivic78 lol - but I'm kinda in the same boat as you and leaning towards something similar to EK9 oem suspension upgrade so I'm hoping this might help you too

Have you guys ever heard of Spoon fixed damper kits with progressive springs?


After doing some research on the EK9 forums in the UK they are highly recommended for someone who:
a) doesn't want their car too low
b) wants it sporty
c) but doesn't want to lose too much of the comfort of OEM
and d) doesn't want to pay for coilovers you'll never use that low anyway


So, I guess I'd like your guys advice as the main reasons I was thinking of going down this road was because:
1) My OEM shocks are still good (only 58,000kms no leaks)
2) Spoon progressive springs are designed to work with the stock dampers
3) Firm up the ride/steering response
4) Provide optimal ride height (well, according to Spoon so I would tend to believe them)
5) I can't lower my car too much more than 1 inch due to driveway/spoiler - these lower car by 20mm (0.78inch)
6) Aesthetic reasons - my car is in desperate need of lowering!

http://www.tntperformance.co.nz/products/browse/17


Any feedback/thoughts is appreciated


Thanks

[blabla]

go some skunk2 shocks with some eibach pro's or sportline both will work well. u could even go eibachs with stock shocks

[Alvis]

go some skunk2 shocks with some eibach pro's or sportline both will work well. u could even go eibachs with stock shocks

Thanks blabla - but unfortunately the drop is too low for my application re: Skunk2 and Eibach 1.5 inch min on both these...

[Mikecivic78]

1st time to hear about Spoon Progressive springs. I would try to find some reviews before getting them. IMO lowering springs and stock shocks are a no go.

With regards to driveways and such, I reckon I'm after a 1 inch drop. Any more might be pushing it. Maybe 1.25" max.

[Alvis]

1st time to hear about Spoon Progressive springs. I would try to find some reviews before getting them. IMO lowering springs and stock shocks are a no go.

With regards to driveways and such, I reckon I'm after a 1 inch drop. Any more might be pushing it. Maybe 1.25" max.

Yep. I've been on the EK9.org UK forum and a couple of the guys have reported the Spoon progressive springs work well with stock EK4 or EK9 dampers (that's what they are designed/developed for from the Spoon factory). Then, once their stock shocks are due to be changed up anyway (probably say about 90,000kms they then upgrade to the Spoon fixed dampers.

So it kinda really fits the bill for everything I'm looking for And the drop is less than one inch.

I reckon you should consider them mate,

I know I'm waiting on a price from that NZ website, so I'll let you know what I get quoted for shipping to Oz (hopefully cheaper cause of the Ozzy $)


Here are some pics of an EK9 on Spoon progressive springs - as it says it's not for someone who wants to slam their car, it's for a sensible height and for people with steep driveways LOL!


PROGRESSIVE SPRING + DAMPER KIT (if you order both together):


By civica at 2011-01-04

BEFORE:

YOU HAVE TO ASSUME THIS IS STOCK EK9 SETUP. STOCK EK1 SETUP IS HIGHER THAN THIS... obviously


By civica at 2011-01-04


AFTER:


By civica at 2011-01-04


By civica at 2011-01-04


By civica at 2011-01-04

[Alvis]

QUOTE 1:
I have these on my EK4, and I must say they are simply superb. Much like Tmus says they are not as stiff as most coilovers, but this is the exact reason they are so good, they can soak up bumps mid corner without upsetting the balance of the car, everything feels firm but composed, where other suspensions can feel crashy and twitchy.

An excellent setup all round really!


QUOTE 2:
Normal riding condition is quite firm, it is definitely not comfortable as a passenger. But For me the driver I didn't get this car for comfort really, so it is acceptable in that way I guess. again going over bumps at speed is not a problem, before with the coilovers the cars jumps and loses sense and control.

Driving it hard, it gave me a lot more confidence going into a corner, partly due to the fact that roads are never smooth and the car doesn't get upset by it.

The car has a neutral feel, I used that term because I can feel so much in the car, and the back end kind of start getting light and the front also starts to give. hence it gives me th feel of going sideways, therefore I know to ease off the gas.

OR

Power through the exit, the car feels so good if you keep the car in VTEC at corner exits. its like on rails!

the 9 is so controllable!

http://www.ek9.org/forum/resource-ar...-review-2.html

[mugen_ctr]

either my eyes are playing tricks, but seems it has made the ek9 sit higher lol

spoon looks the goods, but what are there spring rate? Has be stiffer than ek9 spring rate, or else thats not much of an upgrade on a ek9