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Hey Everyone,

I hope someone is out there to help me out asap... But i'm just in the middle of installing Koni Oranges STR.T on my 2002 Civic SIR (SI H/B). The rears are in without any problems.... however the fronts... I got an issue! The fronts have been removed and i'm about to put in the Koni's... After aligning everything and about to put in the first bolt... BAM... the bolt doesnt fit! The bolt is too thick! I bought these shocks from tirerack.com. I just checked out the site and confirmed that the serial numbers are correct and I do have the right parts..... But I just went to Koni directly and from I can read.. the Koni Orange was not made for the SIR/SI. "Honda 01-02 Civic Sedan/Coupe Excl. SI - STR.T- Street (Orange)"... Most important the "Excl.SI".... wtf?!??! once I click on it for more info it says.. "Replaces 50mm O.D. Original struts".... So the big question... do i make the struts holes bigger and make it fit... or to I severely bitch to tire rack and return!?

Anyone with any significant information would be greatly appreciate.. asap! I have my friend literally grabbing the drill bits as we speak!

Thanks!

 
Rep Power: 285

The bolts that you're having issues with are the camber bolts, that go through the knuckle, correct?

On you're car, as well as all other 03-05 Civics, the bolt holes are 16mm. On 01-02 Civics excluding the SiR/Si it's 14mm. The easiest solution, the one I would choose, and the one it sounds like you've already chosen is to drill out the holes with a 5/8 inch or 16mm drill bit. Sorry, that's not really all that helpful and you've probably finished the install by now.

You should post up a review of the Koni STR.T

 
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I opted out of installing the koni shocks last night. I figured there is a reason why Koni hasn't made the Oranges for the Si/SIR or newer civics... something internal. They're designed for slightly larger/heavier civic. Is this a possibility? If i do install them... is there a possibility of them being horrific? Keep in mind if i drill the shock, they aren't returnable and i'm at a loss.

 
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Also... what are the chances the rear shocks are no good? They're installed and look good! just my concern for all shocks, as mentioned is that I'll get the tires on, lower the car and find out it rides like crap!?

After making a few phone calls.. sounds like people would just drill the fronts and put'em on! :s

 
Rep Power: 285

I wouldn't be concerned.

The difference in weight is very slight, the net difference in valving would be negligible, especially if you're using lowering springs.

 
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Hey Everyone,

Thanks for the responses. The shocks have been installed after enlarging the bolt holes for the front. I've been driving on the new Koni STR.T Oranges now for about a week. Overall.... the shocks are good. I would say it's a good OEM replacement. I don't really notice any difference. The original suspension that I removed was in ok condition. One shock was gone! The rest were ok. If I notice any difference, its that the car levels out quicker.. if that makes any sense. However, on the passenger side, something is loose and I need to take a look at it. Clanking! Maybe the tie rods or lower strut bar? Either way, it's making noises, which Is why I did the shocks to begin with.

 
Rep Power: 285

The clanking is very difficult to diagnose without being able to physically see the car.

Inner and outer tie rods, torn LCA bushings and sway bar endlinks can all cause a clanking.

 
Rep Power: 313

Probably the top of the strut, that mounting thing I forgot what its called.