lowering 2003 honda civic

[shortnkute]

I have a 2003 Honda Civic EX that we are going to lower. I want to lower it about 2 inches and put new rims and tires on it. Can anyone tell me anything about lowering this type of car. Also, which would you suggest to be the better or any info on Eibach or Neuspeed lowering kits? Thanks for any replies I get.

[SilverY2KCivic]

I don't hear much on lowering of 7th gen ('01-'03) Civics, but I see them around all over. The McPherson strut design of the car limits it to my understanding. But Eibach and Neuspeed DO both make kits for it, and are respected brands as well. Also if you can afford it, look into a true full coilover kit such as Tein. Good luck with it.

And welcome to AF.com forums!

[BullShifter]

Click here to see what Tire Rack carries for your car

I dont know if anyone makes springs that will lower your car 2"

Eibach over the Neuspeeds

Dont waste your money on cheap adjustable coil-over sleeve springs, if you want coil-over get the fully adjustable kit(spring/shock) like Tein or H&R

also replace the shocks/struts when you add lowering springs

[cali24]

Neuspeed makes springs to lower your car 2-2.25" But if you go that route I would also replace the struts

[bloodzombie]

I've got an '02 si and I've been wondering about this same stuff.

If you lower it, do you really have to replace all the shocks and struts?

how much does lowering your car a couple inches affect your handling?

[bloodzombie]

One more question.. 17" rims look way better than the stock 15's, but is there any advantage to it? seems like it would just slow you down.

I'm more interested in driving the car than looking at it.

[BullShifter]

Originally posted by bloodzombie
One more question.. 17" rims look way better than the stock 15's, but is there any advantage to it? seems like it would just slow you down.

I'm more interested in driving the car than looking at it.

17" rims equal more weight!

Yes you should replace the shocks/struts(same thing different terms) when you lower the car.

Lowering a couple inches with shitty springs is worthless for handling. Invest into performance shocks/springs if want handling or your best bet is a fully adjustable coil-over kit! $$$$$ like H&R or Tein

[bloodzombie]

I think what you're telling me is "go big or go home".

[loesch8102]

Just take a blow torch to your springs. That will lower the car.

[bloodzombie]

But won't that ruin it?

[BullShifter]

I dont recommend heating the springs. It works if done correctly, if not then you have a some ruined springs. The springs get weaker during the process, bouncy, & may or will crack.

[bloodzombie]

People actually do that? I thought it was just a joke.

[BullShifter]

some people heat them or even cut them down. Do it right replace them with the proper parts, dont be a hack.

[Modus Operandi]

When looking at the H&R kits i was wondering whats the difference between cup kits and coilover kits. Is one jsut geared more toward performance and handling while the other is ride quality?

Also if i went with and adjustable set-up would i need to get a re-alignment every time I brought it up or down?

[BullShifter]

The H&R cup kit is your normal spring & shock set-up. Only these are designed to work with each other. Great set-up, shocks are valved matched to the springs.

The H&R Coil over kit is a fully adjustable coil-over sping/shock package. Right height can be adjusted or spring rates for performance reasons. These are true coilovers that have threaded struts with springs, unlike cheap sleeve coilover that have a threaded collar that fit between the sping/shock & dont work together to well.

Both kits are great for performace, the coilover is more for racing than street use.

Yes you should align your car after each adjustment & will need a camber kit to get the most out of the coilover kit. Only camber will change, so you will want to mark it some how so you dont have to pay some one each time. Scribe marks.