ebay coilovers

[ndice87]

has anyone done the cheap ebay civic coilover with a kyb gr2 strut? If so how does it handle and ride.

[ndice87]

i just was wondering if it will be unstreetable and super frickin stiff

[spiko]

Skeeters Keeper did I think. Check his FOTM (FOTY 2008 Winner) thread.

[skeeters_keeper]

I used the bodies/top hats, chucked the springs, and bought my own springs of the appropriate length/rate. The springs I used are $30 a piece. I've got all the info in one of my "skeeter update threads".

[gorgonheimer]

i put the springs on for kicks to see how stiff they were and had to change them back because my kidneys hurt. seriously
ran them for maybe two days, had to change them back

[Pu241]

I've ridden with Skeeters Keeper, even with the extra mass of myself his was a way better ride than mine(FMS lowering springs and the GR2 struts).
The key is getting the correct length/rate of springs for the coil-over.
Too stiff/soft of a spring and the ride/handling suffers.
Also, your ride heigth is adjustable, something not available via the standard lowering spring setup.

[skeeters_keeper]

i put the springs on for kicks to see how stiff they were and had to change them back because my kidneys hurt. seriously
ran them for maybe two days, had to change them back

Those crappy coilover springs from online are frequently 500/400 or 400/300, and only 4-6" long, which doesn't privide enough suspension travel, and is much too stiff.

I'm using 150/125 ft/lb (a 50% increase over stock, and not significantly under damped by the GR2's which are valved 15% tighter than stock) with a 10" long spring. If you want to go for more than .5-1" of lowering I suggest an 8" spring, and perhaps 175/150 on the rate. All depends on what you want, what struts you can get, and how much your willing to spend. I'm very happy with mine, and everyone thats ridden in my car seems to think its a good combination of great handling + a not too bouncy ride!

[Levitan]

"mine(FMS lowering springs and the GR2 struts)."

Hey John,
Is this correct? Yours has the FMS/GR2 set-up? If so, is the ride MUCH worse than stock? The ride I'm picking up in Cali has this set-up and was curious to know how well my supermodel physic is going to hold up on that trip.

[sam.1956]

The ride I'm picking up in Cali has this set-up and was curious to know how well my supermodel physic is going to hold up on that trip.

Well, since it does involve California (at least tangentially), I think it apropos to keep in mind this timeless quote from Billy Crystal for its application to world-class supermodels: (sigh... if only we all could be so fortunate)
"It's not how you feel, it's how you LOOK!
Ahhnd youuuu look mahhhvellous!"

[Pu241]

Levitan,
Your supermodel physic might be in for a surprise.
Depends on the quality of road between CA and your home.
On a smooth road you'll be fine!
On a bumpy crappy road like those in PA your going to suffer.
Now that's ride comfort!
Handling is another matter.
The lowering springs help body roll tremendously.
Sometimes when I forget I'm driving my wifes car (no lowering springs), I darn near roll it over in sharp turns, that would just be fun in lowered one.
Also, I only used the FMS springs in the front.
This lowered the front, helped with MPG, and handling.
But with the OEM springs in the back, my payload wasn't compromised.
I really think the best cost/performance and flexibility(adjustable ride height) is skeeters Keepers solution.