Noob needs HELP!

[BlackCiv00]

Hi Guys! (and girls, if any), as you all probably know from my profile, i'm new to AF and in search of some help. i know i might catch some slack from people since i'm new, but like i said, i just need help. I have a 2000 Civic Ex and would like help "hooking" it up....look-wise, not much on the performance level, just make my ride stand out, look unique. As of now I haven't done any mods just get a cold air intake (AEM) and a set of 18's. I would like to know what you guys recommend on me doing next to my car. I plan on changing the suspension since the tires rub at times....mostly when i do U-turns (which no longer will be made) and when i hit bumps or hills. Im not familiar with lowering the car or coil overs so i will nedd your advise. Right now i am riding on the stock shocks and springs, which have to be changed sooner or later. Also, what do you guys recommend me doing with my braking system? i have yet to change rotors and the last time i took a look at them, they are ready to be cut. I'm thinking instead of cutting them for 5 bucks, i might as well get new ones since the ones i have are four years old. hope you guys can help and sorry of i am taking away serious time from you guys.

[juicy19]

To help out with the rubbing, you should consider air bags. You can raise it up when you're driving and drop it back down whenever. The brakes should be changed out as well. The bigger rim size adds more weight and when you get those wheels spinning it takes a lot more force to stop them than the stock wheels. Bigger rotors (drilled and slotted) and better pads.

[testdaflow]

I dont know how much you lowered your ride and how wide your rims are (I'm assuming 7.5 at least) I would recommend camber kits for front and back, rear toe adjusters and rear lower control arms. I got all mine from NOPI (mine is a 99 Civic Ex with 17x7) and the brand is SPC. Check em out.

[BlackCiv00]

thanks guys. i will look into airbags and also into camber kits. my wheels are 7.5 wide. Bigger brakes i see.....im big into drilled and slotted rotors, but i have heard that they will go thru brake pads like no tomorrow...is that true? if not, sure i will consider bigger rotors from AEM. should i do anything about the drums in the rear?, or just leave them as is?? thanks for all your help.

[GScivic7]

holy jesus, you're tires rub and you're not even lowered??? What you need are a smaller set of rims if that's the case. Lowering your car will only make it rub worse. What I would do if I were you is get the fenders rolled, that will help a lot with the rubbing.

Also, cross drilled rotors are crap. They tend to crack where they have been drilled. It's just less surface area for the brake pads to make contact with and also compromises the strength of the rotor. And your drums are fine, actually, your entire brake assembly is fine in stock form right now. Bigger rims do equal more rolling mass, but it is nothing your stock brakes can't handle. I wouldn't worry about it too much until you start making some good power. However, if you would like to take some precautions, which i recommend you do, get a set of high performance break pads.

When you are ready to lower your car, make sure you either get a full coilover setup or purchase shocks along with your springs or coilover sleeves, what ever you decide to go with. The stock shocks will blow in a matter of months once you are lowered. They can't handle the extra suspension travel. And a camber kit should be high on your priority list if you plan on keeping your tires for a while.

[BlackCiv00]

i will be looking into camber kits since that is what i have heard from many people. Dont get me wrong, my tires dont rub all the time. only when i have people (weight) in the back seats. Also when im turning at high speeds (30-40mph) i get a bit of rubbing on the opposite side. and yes, i do plan on investing on a whole set for my suspension. I have heard stories of people blowing out their stock shocks since they only changed their springs. I know i made a mistake getting 18x7.5, but it was such a gr8 freacking deal at the time and couldnt resist, lol. i guess since i am going more for looks than power, but a little more power wont hurt.....or would it?