Originally Posted by maguayoko
I've pretty much decided for my 98 EX to lower both front and back 1.5" as a compromise between looks (w/ lower profile 17" wheels)/performance/ease of maintenance (no shims).
I'll take a hard look at Tirerack for the eibach prokit and a set of shocks (just confirm it's shocks not struts for 98 Accord?)
What other hardware do I need while i'm in there? Anti-sway bar? Bump stops? What am I missing? I'm not racing my new toy, just want to do this job once, do it right and do it on a beer budget. Are the 'coil-over' systems that Schmiddy mentioned more cost-effective? Thoughts?
Kelly
Look at the tirerack for sure, but you may end up finding a better price elsewhere, just make sure it's a reputable company.
1.5" with 17s will be nice. Shocks, struts, no biggie, just buy for your car and you won't get the wrong thing. There are different ways to look at it, some say that if the shock is part of the supporting suspension it's a strut.
Anti-sway bar you can upgrade for better handling, but no, it's not necessary.
Bump stops...use your stock ones, read the directions on whatever system you get for possible directions to cut them shorter, etc.
I guess I should have clarified that some complete systems are just a spring mated to a shock and the shock may or may not be adjustable in dampening, but the height is fixed. Some complete systems have a threaded damper with an adjustable height spring seat, these are generally referred to as coil-overs.
So it may depend on if you thing you want the adjustablility or if you think you'll just keep it at one height.
The only other thing you'll probably need is a rear camber kit if you want to make the rear camber within specs, but it's not mandatory and depends on your handling and tire wear tolerances.