Suspension sports suspension - should I have done?

[TTDegs]

In a fit of 'try to cram as many boys toys in as I could' I went for 18" Storms - and the 'sports suspension' options on my 2.2...

has anyone else?

And more to the point - am I going to regret it?


(I'm in a 18" shod TT at the moment*, so fairly used to a 'firm' ride...)






* not literally, obviously

[Pottsy]

Hi,

Have you test driven a Civ with 18's? It's, er, not quite like other cars with 18's. The ride is firm in the car anyway (IMO about right, and that's from an ex 968 Club Sport owner!) but the 18's seem to reduce the directional stability. When you chip your car, this might make it worse (I now get noticeably more torque steer at low speed).

Of course, noone has yet driven the sports suspension, so they may have fixed it with that.

Gamble!

[fishyuk]

When is your car due? I'd love to know how it goes with 18" and sports suspension (was actually going to post this morning to see if anyone had done it). Really not fussed about the firm ride and unlike Pottsy didn't find the ride on 18" bad (as alwasy down to personal preference).

Would also love to do the superchips thing (but I doubt Leaseplan would agree though I may ask due to them now offering their own warranty) so sports suspension is tempting to remove a little of the roll and make the car look that little bit "meaner". (emphasis on little bit there, don't want big skirts and a bean can on the exhaust )

Course, another 9 weeks of my 307 LX to go and even a hovercraft will feel firm.

[TTDegs]

Back here now, and a week or so on with the Civic

Got to say that so far, I'm finding the ride to be fine - taught but not jarring or anything untoward at all

And that includes a 650 mile in a week holiday to Cornwall.
240 miles of which was getting there and back, so the other 400 spent zipping round A and B roads.

BUT - Pottsy did of course hit upon an obvious reason as to why this is only 'so far'.


As he is aware (and I am now too ) the Honda sports suspension is a tad difficult to get hold of at the moment - to the point where I'm expecting to give mine back to my local dealer when the kit turns up...

Alledgley this will be 'mid October'. I'm not holding my breath, but I will certainly let you know when it happens! :P


As to tuning - I was told today that our parent company (which runs our fleet of something like 150,000 vehicles) 'self insures' so within reason we can do what we like (invalidating warranties notwithstanding...)
Which is kinda cool - IF the superchip mod is undectable...

[TTDegs]

PS to mods.

I obviously had a bit of a moment when starting this thread and somehow missed the 'wheels and suspension' area

sorry!

[Miggins]

I was unable to wait until 'mid 2006' for the Sports suspension as an option - good job I didn't as honda have stated October earliest and probably January expected as an option. I think they delayed it as it might conflict with the 3 door sport variant.

I also asked whether there would be a kit and there was no information on this. If there is a kit planned does anybody have any info on it - what does it contain? fitting time? cost? This is something I'm more than happy to fit myself as I believe the saving on main dealer labour costs more than offset the loss of 'vehicle warranty' for the DIY fitted parts!

Mines fitted with 18" storm wheels and they give a fanatastic ride/grip - shame about the suspension (but I do need my rear shocks changing under warranty.....grrrrrr). I like a firm ride and would suggest that if you want a car that handles the standard suspension isn't upto it.

[TTDegs]

dunno if it's a 'kit' as such?

After some fast talking on my part (stressing how long I'd waited already blah blah), Honda / lease company agreed to deliver the car without the suspension, and would get the new bits sent direct to my nearest Honda garage, to be fitted as and when

Can't imagine it's more than a new set of springs, but I'll dig and ask when I get the call to say they're in

[Miggins]

When you get it done - try and get hold of the job sheet - should list everything that been done and what was fitted (a confirmation for you )

Useful list as well

mmm - for £600 I cant believe they change the shocks but its a bit expensive for just Springs (Stiffer rollbar(s)???). The 3 Dr Sport has a wider track at the rear to give it an 'agressive stance'- I wonder???????

[TTDegs]

oh yep, will definately be getting my hands on whatever I can!

I was thinking after posting (but by which time I was driving, so no chance to post LOL) - there better be some dampers in there somewhere, and possibly as you say ARBs too...


As soon as I hear anything at all, I'll be posting, and will try and do some before and after shots too (as long as I get round to getting a new camera as mine has died )

[Miggins]

It doesn't look good.

Checked on the Honda UK site last night - can't seem to see 'Sports Suspension' as an option!!!!!!!!!

When I asked at the begininging of Aug I was told it was not available - but it was still on the web site.

[basegreen]

Why have you debadged it?

[richierich]

You get enough people asking what it is, and thats with the badge on.

[Miggins]

Several reasons:

1 Mystery
2 Wolf in sheeps....
3 Clean lines
4 and it stops the scrotes nicking my badges and damaging the body/paintwork

[TTDegs]

Originally Posted by Miggins

It doesn't look good.

Checked on the Honda UK site last night - can't seem to see 'Sports Suspension' as an option!!!!!!!!!

When I asked at the begininging of Aug I was told it was not available - but it was still on the web site.

I'll be rather hacked off if it doesn't happen

doubt the lease company will be too chuffed either LOL

[Miggins]

Suggest a polite but stern call to Honda?

[TTDegs]

I might indeed do just that when I get 10 mins

Need to get the bits redirected to Swansea Honda rather than Cardiff anyway...

[Miggins]

I would prefer OEM sports suspension (insurance is easier I expect) but may have to look at an alternative source.

Anybody know of any kits/suppliers??

[TTDegs]

not yet - been too busy researching engine mods LOL

But I picked up a copy of 'Banzai' mag which is dedicated to Jap car tuning.
SHED loads of companies doing all sorts

Nothing that I noticed specifically for us, but would be amazed if someone somewhere out there doesn't have something to fit - might just take a bit of effort phoning round...

[TTDegs]

latest update - sports suspension will now not be with me until "Novemeber"

waiting to hear if that's the 1st or the 30th

[Moley RUFC]

How much have or will you be paying for it?? And by how much do they ''drop'' it?