As a newcomer to the forum since last month, I have quickly come to appreciate the vast knowledge base residing here. The contributing members are top-notch and the moderators are super. Since putting HAN on my regular viewing list, I have already found answers to the following questions:

* Hatch rattle: (this one was driving me crazy!)
* Spark plugs: stick with OEM
* Advance your timing? This one was more of a non-issue, apparently
* High-flow cats: not legal in California
* Cat-back exhaust: I'm going with RS-R ExMag based on civilized tone and subtle blacked-out looks, as reported in forum recommendations

All of which brings me to my latest suspension question. I've cruised the FAQ's and searched the database, but there's sooo much info out there that it's still confusing to me.

So this is my goal.... Right now my fenderwell gap is 2" and I think it would look just right at 1" and still not drag the soft underbelly over lurking hazards. So I want to lower the car 1". I also want to maintain as close to original ride as possible. I don't auto-x or race and just want sharp handling with reasonable comfort. Finally, while cost is always important, I'm most interested in quality results.

So what's the best solution for me? Can I get there with springs only? Or is it better to combine springs w/ dampers as a kit? Or would the adjustibility of coilovers be the top choice? I know there are lots of favorable posts here about Ground Control coilovers w/ yellow KONI's. Would I need an alignment kit? Also, should any normal shop be able to handle the installation?

So what's the hot set-up for my conditions?

 

Progress springs, Progress camber kit and KYB adjustable struts should get you what your looking for without raping your wallet. This is my setup and and I wanted the same thing as you.

 

How much are you willing to spend on the parts alone?

Koni Yellows/GC's run ~$700 or so and with a drop that minor, you could get away without running a camber kit. You can have spring rates tailored to your application, so you could choose a balance between comfort and performance.

 

centerforce99 - Thanks for the reply. I looked up the Progress springs and their specs for the Integra showed a drop of 2 1/2", which is more than I wanted. The KYB struts look like good units.

Schmoo - ~$700 for parts is ok if it gets the results I want. How do I tailor the spring rates? Don't the GC's come with standard springs for the Integra application?

 

If i may... the standard rate that the springs come with (for integra when you choose year make model) are all around good rates for that car. Some people (after already trying out other suspension setups) find that they like a bit more understeer, or more oversteer. This depends entirely on the individuals driving style. If you have not driven a variety of cars (FF,FR,MR) with different susp. setups (just springs, springs and dampers, full coilovers) then you will probably not know what to look for when getting specific w/ spring rates.

My advice is to try a base setup (for you Progress or eibach springs w/ your choice of dampener) and see what you like and don't like when taking an onramp at 50. then go from there

 

Unless something has changed in the last few months, the ExMag is (temporarily?) out of production.

 

Koni yellow's have adjustable spring perch. When I installed mine I used the lowest perch and stock springs. Dropped the car a little less than an inch without compromising ride quality.

The adjustability of the yellows is nice and they have lasted me nearly 8 years.

 

Topend - Thanks for the advice. I'm not concerned with fine-tuning for understeer/oversteer. This is my daily driver and I just want to hit my favorite freeway ramps and back roads with proper authority. Plus, I really want that 1" drop for appearance sake. To be honest, I think the stock set-up handles quite nicely, but that fenderwell gap gives the car almost a raised-up look.

Sooo... when you mention Progress or Eibach springs, do you mean using lowering springs and dampeners only, or in conjunction with coilovers?

 

Just saw responses from bnuk & fjm1.

bnuk - I didn't know that ExMag is out of production. Bummer! That means that I'll probably switch to Apexi WS2.

fjm1 - I'm still learning here & what you just said is good information. I didn't realize that Koni yellows have an adjustible spring perch. That's what I thought you needed the coilovers for. So it sounds like I can get that 1" drop w/Konis only? Or Konis & new springs combined?

 

The RS*R Exmag has been back in production since December '06. Its the same style and sound, just without the black coating. It now has an unpolished steel look. I also like the Exmag because the actual size of the muffler is small compared to an Apex'i WS2 muffler and doesn't stand out at all.

www.rs-r.com

Let me also recommend the Koni yellows with Ground Control coilover setup, you will not be disappointed and you will have a lot of room to grow with that setup. OTS spring rates (380f/250R) will work for what your aiming for.