Okay, I've searched like a mofo', on like 5 forums. My particular question hasn't been directly answered, that I've found, so, take a sec, and, if you KNOW the answer, post it. Thanks.

I have a 91 LS.
Front - Stock front struts, camber kit (soon).
Rear - ITR rear struts, 88 CRX rear LCA's, camber kit (soon).

I've got a local deal on some Tein lowering springs ($50), according to Tein they are for 88-91 Honda Civic and 88-91 Honda CRX - (I realize the spring rates are different).

From what I've read, these springs (88-91 Honda Civic/88-91 Honda CRX) will fit on my DA no problem.

My questions are:

1. Are the struts at all going to be a problem? - I've read that the struts are different heights (Civic vs. Integra). This concerns me.

2. Do I need to get different front struts?
3. Will I have a problem with travel distance?
4. Will I need to trim the bump stop?

Thanks for any and all info or links to relevant posts I've missed.

 

Since the fitment isn't a problem, the only thing you will run into is:

1. Is the spring rate stiffer than stock? If so then your ride will be hella harsh with stock struts. You will have a considerable amount LESS body roll.
2. Is the spring rate less stiff than stock? If so then your ride will bounce all over the place and possible rub the top of the fender well on hard bounces. You will have a considerable amount of increased body roll in ANY situation.

Just my .02. I'd say go with an aftermarket set of struts and ditch the stock ones if you plan on getting springs with a different spring rate.

 

thanks

The spring rate is for the Tein Civic springs is:

Front 269 lbs/in
Rear 123 lbs/in

Stock Gen II Integra spring rate is:

Front 263 lbs/in
Rear 143 lbs/in

So, I guess all I'm doing is lowering my car with these things. Of course, with the planned suspension techniques rear sway bar and ITR rear struts the back end is going to get stiffer and body roll will be reduced.

Interestingly enough, the spring rate for Tein S-Tech for 90-93 Integra is:

F 212 lbs/in
R 140 lbs/in

Less in the front, same in the rear.

 

Below is a generic definition of the benefits of lowering springs. I'm confused, why do the Tein lowering springs for my car not have higher spring rates than stock???

"Lowering springs use increased spring rates engineered to cope with the reduction in travel, while still preventing bottoming of the suspension under most conditions found during normal driving. The increased spring rates help control side-to-side body roll during cornering, as well as the pitch and nosedive experienced during spirited acceleration and braking."

 

The CRX was substantially lighter than the second-gen Integra, so the comparison isn't really accurate. I don't understand why you're asking this question when you're looking at springs that were not designed for your car.

A 120 lb/in spring on the rear of a 2100 lb CRX will produce a firm response because there is relatively little weight at the rear suspension.

With the additional rear weight of a DA Integra, that same spring will be saddled with additional mass to control, producing a more complaint ride. Because more force is being applied to the spring as the body moves forward and aft, the spring will compress more.

But all of this is beside the point.

The best solution is to use the correct springs for your generation of the Integra. That way, you get the correct spring rate to lessen the threat of bottoming out.

You need to replace your dampers (aka struts) anyway, so grab a set of KYB GR2s or AGXs and replace them when you install your springs. If you run any lowering spring on stock shocks, they will wear out in very short order due to the lack of compression damping.

 

Thanks Dave. Basically, I've got a deal on some Tein's, and they will fit on my car, so, hence the questions.

Here's the rub. The civic springs have a rear rate of 120 for a 2100lb car. Tein springs for my DA have a spring rate of 140 for a 2500lb car with a 62/38 split (1500lb weight in the front and 1000lb rear).

First, its just 20lbs/in difference in the spring rate between vehicles. Second, the DA is light in the back, and more so with the spare removed.

So are we really talking about that much difference? Furthermore, won't my having ITR struts and a Suspension Techniques rear sway bar more than make up for the 20lb/in spring rate difference?

Thanks for the info about the struts, I'll get some new ones for the front to put in with the springs, my OEM ones are less than 1yr old, but I'll just sell them to get some $$ back.

Cheers.

 

Hopefully one of the second-gen guys can chime in, because I don't know enough about the dimensions of the EF and DA rear suspension to be confident that the springs can be safely subsitituted. h:

I have a few concerns with using the EF springs on a DA Integra...

* Make sure the Civic and Integra lowering springs are the exact same height when unloaded and that the spring diameters are the same.

* Assuming those dimensions are the same, confirm on your Integra that the Civic springs won't bind at full compression or come loose from their perch at full extension.

* Also, since the Civic lowering springs are softer in the rear, I'm concerned about your ITR shocks bottoming out mid-corner. If that were to happen, you could be looking at sudden oversteer.

* The sway bar won't make a difference in when both of the rear wheels are compressed by the same bump. It's a torsion spring, so it only comes into play when there is more load on one rear wheel. It won't automatically save you from bottoming out in the middle of a bumpy corner.

I'm sorry that I can't give you a solid answer*. :hs:
All I can do is note the issues that are critical to safe operation and predictable handling. :shrug:

However, if all the components are interchangable between the EF and DA rear suspensions, then I'd feel more confident in using EF aftermarket rear shocks if you go ahead with the EF lowering springs. When combined with squishy bumpstops, you'd have a healthy margin of safety against suddenly bottoming out.

* If we were talking about DCs and EGs I'd be 100% confident that the springs would physically work.

 

Thanks Dave, good points. From my research I've determined that these EF/DA parts are interchangeable. So, where would I go to find a "squishy" bumpstop?

 

here's some - http://www.ground-control-store.com/...php/II=10/CA=1