I need some advice please. I have a 2002 Accord SE 4cy. with a 5 spd. trans. Currently installed are the following mods:

1- K&N drop-in filter.
2- Neuspeed short shifter.
3- Momo anatomico wood knob (to match the faux-wood trim)
4- I had the shift stack cut down by 1 1/2": this further reduced the shift throw
5- Vibrant perf. upper strut brace.

I would now like to improve the handling and am not sure what to get. I want the best quality stuff and great handling, but would prefer to retain a more-or-less stock appearance... I don't want to drop the car too much but want great progressive springs. I dont think I will be changing the rims.
I have been considering the Neuspeed Sport springs or perhaps the H&R performance springs. I think that a 1.5" drop would be OK. Also which shocks would be best for such a setup? Plus, any other suggestions you may think of, suspensions or otherwise.

Thanks, M

 

I've been talking to a bunch of the 6th Gen guys, and they have been getting the Acura TL-S type sway bars for a cheap but great suspension upgrade. I've hear you can pick them up for around $60-80. For a strut bar, anything will do. I've got the Nu Speed bar. As for springs and shocks, it depends on what you want. If you don't mind spending a little extra, coilovers are a great option. I can answer coilover questions for you, but for springs and shocks see what the other guys will say about that.

 

Springs will make the biggest difference in handling. Some good shocks will help keep it all in check. I have both the rear TL-S sway and the TL-S upper front strut bar. I haven't installed either, but plan to when I install my new Koni shocks, they are all chillin in my basement.

I am on H&R sport springs, and I would recommend them. Cornering is much better, car feels a bit more connected to the road, and minimal ride compromise over stock.

 

Perhaps you guys could elaborate, I am not sure of the difference between springs and coilovers.
Also, which H&R springs and Koni shocks are the best? Should I replace all the sway bars with the TL-S type (or does the Accort 4cyl. have any)?

PS: jschmid I think your car is very elegant. Very subtle yet purposeful look.

Thanks, M

 

Coilovers are generally considered a complete spring and strut package that come together as a set. They are usually ride height adjustable, and some, like TEIN's are dampening adjustable.

What kind of spring and shock to get depends on what you are looking for out them. You said you don't want too much drop, and a stockish look, so go for the Sport drop. H&R, Neuspeed, and Eibach are all reputable spring companies that offer a sport drop. Most lower between 1.2-1.7 inches. For shocks, there are many different opinions out there. I've been on stock shocks for 2 years while using the H&R sports, no problems. I've bought Koni Yellows (Sport) to install soon. Generally everyone agrees that is a good shock, and many claim its about the best for our application and price.

The 4cyl EX, and LX accords have both front and rear sway bars. I'm only going to upgrade the rear to TL-S (also sitting in my basement) to balance the steering a bit. (the accord has inherent understeer built in for safety, but the TL-S isn't so stiff it will be dangerously oversteering, just more balanced).

Hope that helps a little.

 

Thanks for the info... its very helpful.
I am visiting with my parents out west this weekend. They just bought a TL-S, and I got to drive it. I love the power, but prefer manual transmissions. As far as the handling is concerned, the car holds to the corners (mountain driving at 70+mph) quite well... not stiff though. I would like my Accord to handle a little better. It sounds like this is achievable with progressive springs such as the H&R sports and a TL-S swaybar upgrade (I already have a upper strut brace). I am going to order the parts as soon as get back home. Looking forward to the improvements.
Do you know of any ways in which I can increase the power output from my engine while manintaining its logevity and reliability? ...The ability to overtake a Boxter on a moutain road has been very appealing in the TL-S.

M

 

My suspension consists of:

Nex ss full coilovers
Suspension Techniques Rear sway, set on stiffest setting
Spec Prod Camber kits
Generic front strut bar.

My car actually oversteers under throttle.

 

hahaha If i had that as my car i would FLIP! :chuckles:

 

Thats my "other car" Reserved for snow, and top off, door off driving in good weather. I have a 2001 coupe, which was what I was referring to.