lowering 2003 honda civic

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.:smile:

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 (http://www.tein.com). Good luck with it. :cool:

And welcome to AF.com forums!

:werd:

Click here to see what Tire Rack carries for your car (http://tirerack.com/suspension/Susptabl.jsp?category=Springs&category=Shocks&category=Kit&category=AntiRoll&autoMake=Honda&autoModel=Civic+EX+Coupe&autoYear=2003&brand=all&x=89&y=13)

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

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

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?

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.

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

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

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

But won't that ruin it?

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.

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

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

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?

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.

Thx for the info man, good stuff.

If you are a newbie to suspension, then for the 7th gen Civic a set of standard lowering springs will do wonders for that cars soft suspension.

I do not recommend coilovers for that car if you have no idea what you are doing.

Removal and install is more difficult as well as adjustment.

Raising and lowering the car also means re-aligning everytime.

On top of that you would need alignment kits with the coilover kits for that car.

I would go with the H&R sport springs with an agressive tire.

Believe me it is simple and will make a huge difference, and less headache then the more expensive choice.

dezoris, are you saying that it can be lowered just by changing the springs, and it would actually improve performance?

Yes, assuming you took the first step by upgrading tires.

If you have a good set of tires loweing the center of gravity of the vehicle slightly as well as increased spring rates will help in load bearing, which can control the pitch of your car.

The reduced roll of the body, more controlled weight transfer from front to back side to side will result in more control.

Again tires are the key. Springs will only help improve load bearing.
Make the car more responsive.

Question?
If you take X car with stock all season tires shocks and springs and took it on a skid pad and road course it may have the following numbers

300ft skidpad .79g laptime 2:31:23

What would improve these numbers more dramatically-
1.)Tires
2.)Springs
3.)Driver
4.)1 and 3

If you answered correctly you will know springs only sweeten the pot.

Now the question becomes... How difficult would it be for a motivated guy to change the springs himself?

Thank you all for replying to my previous questions. I would like to ask, if I put 17" rims on my civic, is it better to go with a 1.4 drop or the 2" drop. Is one better than the other, tires are 205/40R17. I want it to look lowered but also want a driveable car and don't want to have to mess with computers. Any thoughts? thanx

2" is better because the lower the center of gravity = better handling. With quality parts 1.4" or 2" drops will have a nice ride. When you go under 2" thats when ride quality starts to suffer.

bloodzombie it is very easy to change shocks/springs/mac struts with the right tools.

Thank you all for replying to my previous questions. I would like to ask, if I put 17" rims on my civic, is it better to go with a 1.4 drop or the 2" drop. Is one better than the other, tires are 205/40R17. I want it to look lowered but also want a driveable car and don't want to have to mess with computers. Any thoughts? thanx

Well, you are right but 1 and 3 are more important.

The key to better handling or in this case grip and laptimes is more driver and tire related.

ok, just bought a 95 civic coupe EX, it has already been lowered, and the handeling is kinda stiff...you really feel every bump in the road. Is there anything I can do to fix this? Or is that just how its gonna be if its lowered?

ok, just bought a 95 civic coupe EX, it has already been lowered, and the handeling is kinda stiff...you really feel every bump in the road. Is there anything I can do to fix this? Or is that just how its gonna be if its lowered?

1. What suspension set-up?(type - brand)
2. How much of a drop?
3. What size tires?

ok...well, its stock 15 inch tires, dont know the suspension, but id assume that its stock as well, and its about 3-4 inches above the ground, something like that, its pretty low...

If the suspension is stock & the car is lowered, thats your problem. Springs were either cut or heated. Stock shocks dont work well or last for long on a lowered car.

ok, now lets assume the suspension isnt stock.....then what would I do?

adjustable shocks
most all "performance" suspension is stiff & you will feel bumps