Trip
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. . . 89 Prelude Si. my shocks are exhibiting some extra bounce in them and i'm thinking of replacing them. no leaking and they're still competent but as far as i can tell, they're the original ones at 79,000 miles. i have all the maintenance records and can't see where they have ever been replaced.
i'm not looking for hardcore improvements in handling but just want to tighten things up a bit. i realize that the ultimate set up would be new shocks and springs, but the stock handling and feel is fine for me. i have fun pushing the limits she has now.
what say anyone . . . would new OEM shocks suffice? is there an aftermarket brand anyone favors? are there any adamant believers in a full shock and spring makeover?
tks,
Trip
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VtecV6
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Check around, but I've found that good aftermarket shocks are less expensive than OEM shocks from your Honda dealer. There are a lot of good shocks out there... I recommend Tokico if they still make them for your car... Lifetime warranty on Tokico's. Even the adjustable Illumina's can be bought for below the cost of OEM replacements and you can fine tune the ride.
If you're not trying to lower the car or taking it to the track, you won't need new springs or coilovers.
Kal
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Trip
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tks for the response. that's what i wasn't 100% sure about. makes sense to just replaced the shocks since i don't want to lower the car and she won't see track time. didn't know if it was just a good rule of thumb or not.
Tokico . . . hmmm, i wonder if i can get them locally.
cool . . . .
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Smokinwurm
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Trip, I believe the rule of thumb you are referring to is that when you lower or replace the springs on your car, it is best not to leave the OEM shocks on but also replace them as well. This rule doesn't generally apply the other way around since if you get a good set of shocks to work with your OEM suspension set-up then there will be no problem. If you for some strange reason get shocks that are not adjustable or are only meant for a lowered ride height then you may want to change your springs out as well...but generally the rule only applies on the one direction.
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Ludskee
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The best choice you could make would be to get Koni Yellows, with H&R Springs. Altogether, the package will run you approx. $1300 cnd. Find an authorised dealer in your area, and be the proud owner of a race car.
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AL CAM
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look you are just crusin, so just get a set of gas shocks. They wont stiffen up in the winter like the O.E. oil shocks and give you a harder ride. The word is smooth, with this type of shocks with a stock suspension. 89 lude i would never lower because it sits almost 2 inches lower than later models. Just check the ground clearances.
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piotrush
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ANother good shock is the KYB AGX. Its cheaper than a koni yellow, is also adjustable, buy cant handle as high springrates or lowering like the koni yellow could. but in your case that would not be an issue.
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hondaracer
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aftermarket shocks will most likely save you money over OEM.
i have had great success with the KYB brand, as they are actually OEM suppliers to a few of the japanese makes.
their GR2 shock is a non-adjustable, OEM replacement shock which is very inexpensive and is valved just ever so slightly more stiff than stock. most people won't tell a difference.
i would, if i were you, consider replacing your springs as well. a fifteen year old car is bound to have a little sagging when it comes to springs, and a good spring/shock combination such as the KYB GR2 with Eibach Pro Kit can be very affordable and breath life back into your car's handling at the same time.
anyway, this is what i'd do, and the products i mentioned should all be available at the tire rack.
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Ludskee
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Go with the Koni and H&R combination. Be the race car driver you always wanted to be....
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hondaracer
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Ludskee wrote:
Go with the Koni and H&R combination. Be the race car driver you always wanted to be....
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and spend $1000+US vs. $400US when he's already said he's not really interested in increasing the car's handling.
maybe you shouldn't try and be the race driver YOU always wanted to be, vicariously, through him.
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Trip
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. . . like i've mentioned, i like the stock handling characteristics. i wouldn't mind tightening it up a bit but i don't want to go overboard.
what i'm looking at doing at this point is getting more aggressive tires, upgrading the shocks, upgrade the stabilizer bars (which which won't affect the ride), and adding a front strut tower brace. i'm keeping the OEM springs - they're still in good condition and like someone else mentioned, this gen 'Lude is already low to the ground. there's a cross member that runs north - south under the engine that hangs low enough that you can just barely squeeze your fist under it on the pavement!
i think the changes i'm going to make will keep the stock feel but polish it up just a bit....
keep talking . . . if anyone else has any other suggestions or comments i would appreciate it. any preferences for stabilizer bar upgrades?? :)
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Ludskee
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Whoa there turbo! You ever heard of having a little fun? Chill out or leave the forum please.
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