Just wondering if anyone has any advice on lowering springs/kits for my 97 Accord (UK model). I have looked around at different brands, but only seem to be able to find springs, but no spring/shock kits. I have read in several places that only using springs to lower a car is harmfull, but if this were the case why would makes like spax apex etc not make shorter shocks for my accord to go with the springs. Any advice would be great.

Also I was thinking of uprating my front disks/pads to EBC disks/pads, any thoughts?

 

The only downside to replacing only the springs is that your stock shocks 1. aren't tuned for a higher spring rate, so they may not be able to properly dampen the ride, and 2. due to the higher spring rate, they may blow or wear out faster.

So yeah, it's best to replace them with a performance shock, esp if your shocks are the original ones.

There are quite a few companies that make a complete spring/shock coilover system. Check out Tein, H&R, Tokico, Apexi, etc.

 

H&R springs and Eibach both have models of springs for UK Accord and it's Rover cousin I believe--your model Accord does have a Rover twin, right? I would look at those first.

In addition, I had the EBC pads, I didn't much like them. I would look to Hawk HPS street pads if you have them in the UK. Else I think Satified now make a nice Ceramic pad, for your area of the UK look for a good performance ceramic pad, I just wasn't into the dust and squeal from the EBC pads.

As for shocks, you should get some with your new springs given your cars age. You don't have to buy Moton's or Koni 5-ways, but I would buy some type of new shocks for the new springs. If you do a mild 1.5-1.75" drop any new OE quality shock-strut should be OK.

 

Thanks for the advice will have a look around, and see what I can find.

 

Ebay! Lots of choices there. I don't think your accord is terribly different from the US model when it comes to suspension. Anyway, I upgraded my suspension after looking at all sorts of combinations. Not a big fan of coilovers, Skunk 2 and Ground control I think are the best bets from what I hear. I went with KYB GR2s all around, Tein H-spec springs, and all new hardward, including OEM pillow mounts all the way around. I only wanted a 1.2" drop in the front and 1" in the rear (the roads are bad enough around here). I also rebuilt my braking system going with AEM pads, Magnum cross drilled rotors, and G-stop ss lines. Like the braking, virtually no dust, slight hissing (from the cross drilling), and very little noise. The ride is firm but not stiff...a lot like my wife's 2004 BMW 530i believe it or not, and I can take her down in the corners because I like to drift and I am looking for an excuse to get the Lotus Elise. The Tein H spec drop is clean, no wheel rubbing, not slammed, nice smooth responsive ride. I think I spent about $1300 in parts (shipping too) and rebuilt my shock and springs system and brake system. And, I didn't need camber kits!!!! At least I don't think so...I'll watch my wheel wear closely. Take your time and choose carefully.