[robbclark1]

You have a few options for shocks currently.

Koni Yellow (50mm, 55mm)
KYB Gr-2 (2001-2002, 2003-2005)
KYB AGX
Tokico Blues (HP) (2001-2002, 2003-2005)
Tokico D Spec
Mouton (but these are mad expensive)
Spoon (but these are mad expensive)

1) Koni yellows - The front struts need to be modified for them to fit. There are a few different sizes (50mm or 55mm). These are probably your best bet for autocrossing or road racing if you don't have full coils.

You've got 2 sizes for koni yellows. 50mm and 55 mm. There is no way of determining which you need by year. You MUST measure the housings of the struts in your car and buy the right ones. Honda mixed them in randomly and there is no other way to tell which ones you need.

There also are two different types of Konis. There are Konis for stock springs and there are konis for GC coilovers. Make sure you get the right ones.

2) KYB Gr-2 - These are not performance shocks. While they are better than OEM they usually can't handle a very low drop. They will improve ride and handling, but aren't meant to be slammed on. They are non-adjustable.

3) KYB AGX - Adjustable shocks good for lowering and some racing. While konis might be better, these are a good alternative. They are either 4 or 8 way adjustable.

These shocks SHOULD fit with Skunk2 coilovers

4) Tokico Blues (HP) - These are decent shocks. They are non-adjustable. They are probably better than the Gr-2s, but usually can't handle very low drops.

The blues are NOT compatible with GC coilovers

5) Tokico D-Specs - 16 way adjustable shocks. These are probably very close to koni's in terms of performance, but very few people have them just yet.

READ THIS
All shocks, except for konis, are made for a 2001-2002, so the mount bolts are 14mm not 16mm like in the 2003+. Either you will have to drill them out or hope that the company makes a set for you guys. The can be put on your 2003+ but you run the risk of the mount bolts coming loose and the shock changing camber. The blues and GR-2s come for both.

[im

The circled part has to be drilled from a 14mm to 16mm.
Thanks to gaugeof12 for the pic

So in the end if you are racing, adjustable shocks are probably your best bet. Konis are the shock of choice though you have to modify your front struts. The D-Specs and AGXs should do fairly well too. The Blues and the Gr-2s, while better than stock, usually can't handle very low drops or tons of racing. I am not saying it can't be done, I am just saying that isn't their design.

If there is anything wrong with this information, please post and I will correct it. I currently don't know what size konis to pick so that would be a good thing to know. Also, if you want to add anything let me know.

Misc information
1) The bumpstops of the newer/larger oem front struts will not fit the older designs correctly.

[Boilermaker1]

You've got 2 sizes for koni yellows. 50mm and 55 mm. There is no way of determining which you need by year. You MUST measure the housings of the struts in your car and buy the right ones. Honda mixed them in randomly and there is no other way to tell which ones you need.

[slowvic]

Wow. My imfamous front strut shows itself again! Rob, you should also add that the bumpstops of the newer/larger oe front struts will not fit the older designs correctly.

[robbclark1]

Keep them coming.

[nindoo]

Thanks Robbclark

[ctv]

also on the Tokico's the hole for the steering end link needs to be opened a little aswell

i just installed these on my 04 civic saturday.

[cubanmike26]

Good info. Robbclark1. Thanks man.

[2K1Civic17"Gabe]

Would you consider a very low drop for the Blue's, more than 2 in? I am thinking of getting those with a 1.75-2 in drop?

[cubanmike26]

^^^Too low of a drop would not work with the HPs. They say, max 1.5"s

[jttegx]

^tokico blues could handle a drop above 2", but i doubt you will get the same performace out of them as if they were on a 1.5" drop. so no, i wouldnt consider a very low drop on the tockio blues (its even posted on the faq). but a 1.75" drop should be fine.

[Dishwasher]

Maybe you should post what shocks are compatible with which sleeved coilovers and springs etc. Perhaps recommendations and combonations to stay away from. Just a thought.

[robbclark1]

They are all compatible....or at least they should be. And yes, besides the mount diameter and the koni size, they should all work with any 7thgen.

[Dishwasher]

for example I'm picking up some GC coilovers for stock shocks, I was wondering if they would also work with tokico blues? Some people have said that tokicos don't work with skunk 2 coilovers. I dunno just a thought.

[robbclark1]

Originally Posted by Dishwasher

for example I'm picking up some GC coilovers for stock shocks, I was wondering if they would also work with tokico blues? Some people have said that tokicos don't work with skunk 2 coilovers. I dunno just a thought.

I haven't read anything about any shock not working with another, but they should work. If anyone has any info, they are more than welcome to post it.

[specter542]

it seems like none of these shocks are decent, according to the writter....