Civic Suspension Makeover!
12-02-2006
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Civic Suspension Makeover!
Currently:
2005 Civic Ex (Mag Color)
Ksport Coilovers w/ front pillowball camber mounts and rear camber arms.
ITR Rear Sway
Toyo T1Rs
Just Received:
J's Roll Center Adjusters
Energy Suspension Rear 22mm Sway Bar Poly Bushing
Energy Suspension Front Control Arm Poly Bushings
Energy Suspension Rear Contrl Arm Poly Bushings
A Set of Falken Azenis RT-615
Already Recieved:
Megan Tie Bar
J's Racing SPL Tie Rods
2005 Civic Ex (Mag Color)
Ksport Coilovers w/ front pillowball camber mounts and rear camber arms.
ITR Rear Sway
Toyo T1Rs
Just Received:
J's Roll Center Adjusters
Energy Suspension Rear 22mm Sway Bar Poly Bushing
Energy Suspension Front Control Arm Poly Bushings
Energy Suspension Rear Contrl Arm Poly Bushings
A Set of Falken Azenis RT-615
Already Recieved:
Megan Tie Bar
J's Racing SPL Tie Rods
Last edited by Boggie1688; 12-08-2006 at 12:04 AM.
12-02-2006
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Rep Power: 0 The ones I have are made to fit a DC5, so I have to still modify the coilovers so the tie rods fit. But I was told the EP3 version of these tie rods are a direct fit. I just needed these rods quick and the companies around here only stock DC5. For EP3 tie rods expect to wait 4 - 6 weeks on special order.
12-03-2006
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Rep Power: 0 "For the suspension setup for EP3 and the DC5 has been changed from double wishbone to McPherson strut so when the car is extremely lowered the front steering rods will become too short for toe adjustment.As a result, there will be insufficient adjustment to get the proper toe setting. With the J's Racing SPL steering rods, it allows sufficient adjustment and steering control is also remarkabily improved."
I think they worded that wrong or something because I think when you lower a car your rods become to long. So these ones are shorter and will let you get the proper toe. Someone correct me if I'm wrong here on this one.
*giggles* not all the goodies have arrived...
12-03-2006
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Rep Power: 0 The ksports are great coilovers, I always feel that my car has good contact. I like the adjustable damper its great. Sometimes I feel the rear is to soft. I haven't had any problems with them. The adjustable damper really helps in setting up the suspension for over or understeer. But I usually control with psi anyway. These coilovers do a really good job of illustrating how suspensions should work, almost any bump you give it the coilover only does one cycle up and down.
The reasons why Im doing everything at once is because a lot of the parts deal with the same components. If I'm going to tear everything up once to install one item, I might as well just install everything while Im at it.
The reasons why Im doing everything at once is because a lot of the parts deal with the same components. If I'm going to tear everything up once to install one item, I might as well just install everything while Im at it.
12-03-2006
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so with the EP3 tie rods, i can get a direct fit and better response in and out of turns...my steering is a lil whacked and i want it corrected!
12-03-2006
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Rep Power: 0 Thats the idea...I've been having problems with mine since lowering it and finally I have the solution. I'll let you know how it goes...gimme two weeks.
12-04-2006
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so you could think of it has a "front toe kit" for your car
12-08-2006
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See First Post for headings on what each part is.
The energy suspension bushing for the front and rear control arms might not go in. A very reputable shop that does alignment and corner balancing has told me several of their racing customers have tried it and not like the results. I'm not sure if I should put these in or not, I might just hold onto them for awhile.
See First Post for headings on what each part is.
The energy suspension bushing for the front and rear control arms might not go in. A very reputable shop that does alignment and corner balancing has told me several of their racing customers have tried it and not like the results. I'm not sure if I should put these in or not, I might just hold onto them for awhile.
Last edited by Boggie1688; 12-08-2006 at 12:06 AM.
12-08-2006
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Rep Power: 0 What size are those tires and for the energy suspension bushing i have the front ant the rear on mine and i love them night a day difference i could not see how you would you not like the results of the bushings.
What shop do you go to get your car alignmened at?
What shop do you go to get your car alignmened at?
12-08-2006
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Rep Power: 257 waiting on progress...on a side note
i seem to have developed a small dead spot in the steering just right (maybe 1/8th turn) of center. I'm lowered on Tein S-techs and Tokico blues. No bushings or other suspension upgrades as of yet. Any ideas?
i seem to have developed a small dead spot in the steering just right (maybe 1/8th turn) of center. I'm lowered on Tein S-techs and Tokico blues. No bushings or other suspension upgrades as of yet. Any ideas?
12-08-2006
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Rep Power: 0 Goodtimes - The tire size is 205/50/15 w reinforced sizewalls.
The shop I plan on getting my alignment at is called West End Alignment, which is owned by Darin Nishimura. Very good and reputable man, so reputable that if you punch his name into google you'll find a lot of information about him. He'll work on your car for hours until he gets the alignment perfect, which is a long wait for anyone sitting in the driver seat. In fact you have to book your alignment two weeks in advance with this guy, hes booked solid. I called him yesterday and the earliest he could put me in was on the 21st of this month!
Tuningmycivic - The lowering usually makes the steering feel less responsive and more heavy. I can't tell you the exact reason, I'm sure its a combination of tie reasons and suspension geometry. I think the RCAs and tie rods should help get rid of the sluggish steering and bring it back to how the car felt when it was stock.
As for progress, Im going to try to get the tie rods installed today. I'll be putting in the rear tie bar, and sway bushing as well. The rest of the stuff is going on the car on the 21st when I go to visit darin.
The shop I plan on getting my alignment at is called West End Alignment, which is owned by Darin Nishimura. Very good and reputable man, so reputable that if you punch his name into google you'll find a lot of information about him. He'll work on your car for hours until he gets the alignment perfect, which is a long wait for anyone sitting in the driver seat. In fact you have to book your alignment two weeks in advance with this guy, hes booked solid. I called him yesterday and the earliest he could put me in was on the 21st of this month!
Tuningmycivic - The lowering usually makes the steering feel less responsive and more heavy. I can't tell you the exact reason, I'm sure its a combination of tie reasons and suspension geometry. I think the RCAs and tie rods should help get rid of the sluggish steering and bring it back to how the car felt when it was stock.
As for progress, Im going to try to get the tie rods installed today. I'll be putting in the rear tie bar, and sway bushing as well. The rest of the stuff is going on the car on the 21st when I go to visit darin.
Last edited by Boggie1688; 12-08-2006 at 10:08 AM.
12-08-2006
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Rep Power: 0 Bushing for the rear sway are on, and it does make a noticeable difference. The rear feels like it pushes very so slightly out more on the turns. The rear tie bar couldn't get in, not buff enough to get those bolts out. I'm getting ready to head out to the shop soon...in a few hours. When I get back I'll post an update.
12-09-2006
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Rep Power: 231 i think your car is sexy....... that is the nicestestest looking civic with stock wheels. nice drop. and umm damn, looks like you've got everything worked out. btw, i believe the ep3 and em2 tie rods should be the same size, it's the DC5 ones you gotta worry about cuz its bigger.
12-09-2006
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Rep Power: 0 i think your car is sexy....... that is the nicestestest looking civic with stock wheels. nice drop. and umm damn, looks like you've got everything worked out. btw, i believe the ep3 and em2 tie rods should be the same size, it's the DC5 ones you gotta worry about cuz its bigger.
Does anyone have any suggestions for making the DC5 tie rods fit? Several ppl tell me you can make them fit and they will work, but no one has told me how.
WHAT IS ROLL CENTER ?
While a vehicle corners, the movement of suspension is focused on the intersection (instant center) of the lines extended from the upper and lower suspension arms.
The intersection between the line from where the wheel contacts the road to the instant center (Point P) and the vehicle body centerline is the roll center (Point B).
With the stock suspension, the appropriate roll center has already been set from the factory. (Fig. 1)
ROLL INCREASES AFTER LOWERING?
Simply lowering the car results in an increase in the distance between the center of mass (Point A) and roll center (Point B) of the vehicle, even though the center of mass has dropped.
When the distance between Point A and B increases, roll stiffness decreases, causing an increase in the amount of roll. The amount of roll can be controlled with the use of stiffer springs, but ride quality etc. suffers as a result. Cornering speed does not increase like originally thought. (Fig. 2)
ROLL CENTER ADJUSTED !
With the Roll Center Adjuster in place, the angle of the lower are is revised. Roll center (Point B) is once again close to the center of mass (Point A) of the vehicle.
With the lowered center of mass and increased roll stiffness, the limit of cornering speed increases.
ROLL CENTER ADJUSTER FF
When a FF vehicle is lowered, the angle of the lower arm becomes poor, resulting in a significantly lowered roll center.
Consequently, the amount of roll in corners increase and the cornering force is sacrificed.
By extending the ball joint of the front knuckle, the position of the roll center is altered. Replacing the stock ball joint with this product will result in reduced roll, and cornering force as a result is increased. Steering response is also improved. This product is the long-awaited part for FF vehicles.
Straight from AJ-Racing.com
Last edited by Boggie1688; 12-09-2006 at 04:25 PM.
12-11-2006
#28
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Rep Power: 0 J's Racing Tie Rod went into today, the install went smoothly. They bolt up just fine, but I haven't gotten to look at the work in detail yet.
The drive home was fine, there a lot more steering feel. I cannot comment on the performance, didn't get any alignment. Soon...on the 21st...
The drive home was fine, there a lot more steering feel. I cannot comment on the performance, didn't get any alignment. Soon...on the 21st...
12-14-2006
#29
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Rep Power: 231 hmmm i just got thinking about a topic i read, did you ever consider getting inverted tie rods instead of the J's Racing? i hear that it helps with wheel hop and gives more toe out for a wider adjustment range (for lowered/slammed cars) hmmm.... just a thought.
