Rep Power: 0

I've found that my Rear Passenger Side Stabilizer Link popped out on my 2004 Honda Civic EX Coupe, so instead of replacing the busted link with a cheap new one I was pondering an upgrade to both Rear Links and the Stabilizer Bar. Can the community provide some good intel on this thought... Is it a good idea to upgrade this? Am I best off going with an aftermarket high quality Stabilizer Bar or am I better off installing a comparable Honda Stabilizer from a different vehicle? What is an ideal diameter size for a vehicle that's a DD, but one that I enjoy hard cornering with? I don't want to go over board with the spending on this, but at the same time if there's value in upgrading the whole thing verses simple replacing the busted link, then I'd like to do it. I want to base my decision on what's the best value per the return in handling performance. Any help is very much appreciated.

 
Rep Power: 812

most of us swap in the rsx rear bar (19mm instead of 13mm). and some of us have the moog links which are way stronger than oem.

 
Rep Power: 0

Thank you. I will check into getting one of these and the Moog end links.

 
Rep Power: 181

Agreed, find yourself an RSX rear bar. I have one from an RSX-S which is 22mm and got it for only $40. Just find a part out on a RSX forum. Moog endlinks are definitely a good purchase too!

 
Rep Power: 511

http://www.dezod.com/cat_end_links.cfm

more options for endlinks

 
Rep Power: 812

i snapped the dezod links like a twig with only minor suspension mods and stock bar.

 
Rep Power: 511

X_x really..?

Kinda glad I bought a pair of Grey's endlinks back when he was making them.

 
Rep Power: 0

Per gearbox it sounds like the Moog end links are of better quality then the Dezod V2 Competition Spec end links, considering he snapped them. However, thank you for sharing this additional information.

 
Rep Power: 0

Found an RSX (unfortunately not the Type-S) at a Salvage yard and discovered they have the Rear Stabilizer bar (19mm), but they also have the front Sway Bar too. Does it make any sense to swap in the front sway bar too?

 
Rep Power: 812

our stock bars (depending on year) are pretty beefed up already around 22-25mm so that can be left alone. while ideally a fixed link like the dezod version would be preferable for performance, you need to find something MUCH stronger to hold up to the twisting force of the entire car. the moog links are twice the thickness of stock but more importantly they have semi movable joints and are greased inside which means they are more reliable in the long run (mine are 2 yrs old and still great), but the sway bar does move around a bit more than a fixed setup. all the really good fixed endlinks i saw were hundreds of $$ and not worth it to me.

 
Rep Power: 0

So, it sounds like if I'm not setting the vehicle up for really high performance suspension modifications across the board, meaning new performance tires, shocks, springs, sway bars, strut and tie bars, plus upgraded bushings, then fixed end links don't make much sense.

What would you say to installing strut and tie bars? I would imagine that it would be a popular performance upgrade that doesn't cost much, nor require much work to install. Heck, isn't there bolt-in stock lower tie bars, trunk tie bars, and front strut bars that can be swapped into my 04 EM2 from similar vehicles (RSX)? ...and if so, do you know if that would require any drilling on my part for the lower tie bar?

Thanks again for all the good information.

 
Rep Power: 812

i would only recommend the neuspeed front upper strut bar. had mine almost as long as ive owned the car and for around $100 its a great mod. takes away some of the play in the steering wheel so the car is more responsive. rear upper tie bar is a waste and wouldnt do anything. there should be a factory lower front chassis brace already (in the middle above the sway bar).

 
Rep Power: 0

I'll be looking to pick up that Neuspeed front upper strut bar for installation and check on that factory lower front chassis brace. Thanks again.

Update: I've purchased Moog Rear Sway Bar End Links for an '04 Civic EX (spent approx. $54 - too much?), Energy Suspension 19mm Red Rear Sway Bar Bushing Set (approx. $17), and I found someone on Craigslist who will sell me his '04 RSX Type-S 19mm Rear Sway Bar ($25). Purchased the Neuspeed Front Strut Support Bar ($120). Total cost thus far: $216. Now, to further inquire and research the addition of a Rear Lower Tie-Bar (maybe Breaks or Skunk2?) and Energy Suspension Engine Mount(s) although I'm worried about the increased vibrations they or one may cause.