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Hello,

I've searched the forums and just about everywhere else on the web including manufacturer's web sites and I can't seem to find a reasonable answer to this question: what suspension components are most compatible with those of a Civic Hybrid?

I have an '03 and the reason for lowering is to improve the sloppy performance. The 14" wheels are a must-go as well once I find some lightweight 16 or 17's (going modest on this).

I have not seen pictures or posts from anyone who has done this to their Hybrid (not a demographic normally concerned about handling and peformance).

So, here is what I want to do: 1" drop (any more and I swear the chin spoiler will tear off), complimentary struts (not KYB), larger sway bars and poly bushings, and a recommendation on <13lb 16" wheels, and possibly a strut tower brace, although the front doesn't flex nearly as badly as our old Nissan Altima did.

thanks much,

Zammer

 
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Well I guess the question is what do you intend to do? Just look pretty? For a 1" drop, your only option is Eibach Prokit springs. Match them with either Tokico or Koni shocks. I don't really advise the use of poly bushings on the entire suspension. Its a bit unnecessary and harsh for the street. As far as sub 13 lb 16" rims.... I can think of 2.... Volk CE28Ns and Volk TE37s. Both $300+ a piece.
You may be the only one on here trying to mod a hybrid, so good luck with it. The only thing I'd worry about is all the IMA hardware weighing a lot more than a standard gasoline engine and the front of the car may lower itself a little more than the rear. Then again, the sedan *** weighs a little more, so you may end up with an even drop.

 
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I would love to see a hybrid dropped w/ rims. that would be sweet. I always think about that when I see a hybrid on the streets. Good luck on that. Would coilovers be a better idea if the front ends up being lower?? that way he can adjust the height.

I was thinking about the coupe hybrid.. lol

 
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That would be awesome. Ive been thinking of picking up a hybrid to daily beat and "lightly" mod it. Go for it!

 
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wow, this would most definately be 1 of a kind! As for front strut tower brace, NAmotorsports (1 of the vendors on this site) has the Neuspeed bar on sale till the end of May.

 
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Hey, thanks for all the good feedback.

Yes, the 1" drop is mostly to keep the wheelwell gap proportional with the increased wheel diameter - the look of unlowered cars with large diameter wheels doesn't appeal much to me.

As for the weight, I have an extra 200lbs from the 144V worth of batteries in the back just behind the rear seat. That might offset the weight of the IMA motor attached to the transmission. My guess is that the two cancel each other out. Actually, I think the Hybrid is 200 lbs total weight increase over the EX, so that might be equally distributed front to rear between the electric motor and the batteries. I don't think there is any in-depth technical documentation concerning this.

OK, well I have some things to think about now. Perhaps a call into Eibach or Tokiko to understand if spring rates are different from the Hybrid to the EX to compensate for the increased weight. I would think 200lbs would not be justification for Honda to re-spec spring rates - more cost for them to keep two or more sets of suspension components on hand for assemblies.

Thanks much,

Zammer

 
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have fun dropping it i don't see to many hybrids around the streets it would be really cool to see on all pimped out.

 
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200 lbs is enough to respring rate a car. 200 lbs is a lot when it comes to this car vs. that car and the weight distribution.

 
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Be careful with the extra weight and which springs you chose. You don't want a sagging rear end. Tein S-Tech is a big no no, they sag on my car with mo weight in the rear. Rota has relatively light wheels on a budget.

 
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I personally think coilovers would be the way to go on your hybrid because of the extra weight. This way you can raise up the rear to compenstate for that weight. I don't think many companies are going to make a spring specifically for the hybrid. You can always order stiffer spring rates (custom of course).

 
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^^^yep exactly what I was thinking

 
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Nah, you got it all wrong! Us old(er) guys don't "pimp" our rides, we "cherry them out"

Zammer

 
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lol i like that you get rep for being craetive.

 
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haha cherry them out. that's funny. and DAMN that's an early birthday you got there.

as was suggested previously, go with full coilovers. that way if you get any unwanted sagging in either the rear or the front you can always raise the car back up.

 
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that is gonna be hella tight, hey are u located in hillsboro(hillsborough), ca?

 
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Oh yeah, that's NINETEEN 68! A fine year, I might add. Best part about age is the income (ok, and the wisdom). But I don't like to throw upgrades at my cars because I can; if it's not functional, it's not worth adding.

Coilovers sound cool. Never used them before, but I'll look into it.

BTW, it's Hillsboro, OR. I need to update that in my profile. I'm also new to this board, and thought I'd lurk for a while, but it's much easier to search (and ask questions) when one becomes a member.

Zam

 
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Oregon. I fixed the profile and added some other useless info, such as car mods (which won't take very long to read).