SKUNK2 or ????????????????????????

[98blackintegra]

should i buy the skunk2 coilovers or some thing eles to lower my car??????????????????????????????????????????????? ????????????????

[gsr916]

I have ground control... its a smoother ride than you would think. i lowered my car 2" and it is not even as bumpy a ride as some of my friends who have springs instead of coilovers

[SiGNAL748]

Tanabe Sustec

["Nicodemus"]

If you can afford it, Tien! If your going to get a sleeved coilover though. Skunk2 is one of the only decent brands. There are others, but not many.

[eckoman_pdx]

The reason most ppl don't like skunk2 is the ride is harsh, due to stiffer spring rates. Some people perfer stiffer spring rates, so they don't mind a harsh ride...others just want a nice smooth ride.

With Ground Control, for only a little extra $$, you can have them make you coilovers with custom spring rates. The only other company that offers custom rates is Tein, and you have to buy the custom rates springs seperate, so it costs more. However, Teins arer real threaded coilvoers too, not a sleeve type.

I know Ground Control offers a lifetime warrenty on thier coils, I don't know what Skunk2's warrenty is, I know Tein has a 1 year warrenty.

["Nicodemus"]

If you can afford Tein, I would always recomend it. Great suspension company, but a little costly. From what I've heard, Skunk2 does have a stiff ride, but for sleeved coilovers, they are great quality. In the end, quality matters!

[eckoman_pdx]

Originally Posted by Nicodemus

If you can afford Tein, I would always recomend it. Great suspension company, but a little costly. From what I've heard, Skunk2 does have a stiff ride, but for sleeved coilovers, they are great quality. In the end, quality matters!

The reason some people complain Skunk2's are harsh is the spreing rates are stiff. I am not sure if it is the same with Integra's, but I heard Skunk2's have a new spring rate on their coilovers for the civic of 500lbs/in front and 400 rear. I think the old rates where 400 front 300 rear. Both rates are stiffer than general regular "limited edition" Ground Control Coilovers, which is one of the reasons you heard people say Ground Controls are less harsh. There are different reasons to get softer or stiffer spring rates, and in the end it comes down to indivdual needs, goals, and preferences. Just because someone thinks Sunk2's are too stiff doesn't mean they won't suit anothers needs. After all, there are cases where softer spring rates just won't due!!!

Ground Control is also a very reputable brand. They use Eibach springs. If you don't like the spring rates oin the Ground Controls, as I said, they CAN make you coilovers with custom rates. The rates can be in incriments of 25in/lbs, either increaes or decreases. For someone that a certain spring rate but can not afford tein (especially if they already have good qaulity shocks) this can be a good alternative. The cost is around $40 extra, not to bad. Also, if you change your mind later and need stiffer or softer springs, new springs with a different rate are $59 each. It's not that hard to take them apart and change out springs.

Skunk2 is also a reputable brand. Most of the compaints I heard are that they are "too harsh." This is due to the stiffer spring rates. I don't see this as an issue like some people due. Whether it is "too harsh" or not is really a matter of personal prefernce. What are you looking for out of the suspnesion? Regular type Ground Controls are "more civil" when the standard rate is ordered becuase the spring rates are much softer. In the end, a good deal of it has to due with your needs. I need and prefer stiff spring rates. For me a "harsher ride" doesn't turn me awasy from a product like some people. Espeically since I look for stiffer spring rates. It's situations like this where custom rates can come in handy.

Tein can also give custom rates. The MSRP onthe Tein Basic is $750, it it's shock is a non-adjustable shock. The MSRP on the SS is around $1000. This features adjustable shocks (compression and rebound). The products have a 1 year warrenty. If you need an overhaul (re-fresh of the shocks to regulaer specs) or re-vavling (changing the valving to softer or stiffer) it costs extra. On the Civic and Integra, it should run around $100 per shock to overhaul and $125/shock to re-valve. Custom rate springs are available (1kg/mm-10kg/mm, 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20kg/mm) for a rate of $200 for the set, or $100 for the front OR rear.

Koni can also re-valve their shocks, though it costs a little more. However, Koni shocks feature a lifetime warrenty. The downside is if you want double adjustable shocks (comperssion and rebound) you'll have to have them re-valved, and they can convert them shocks to double adjustable @ that time. They adjustable shocks Koni sells for Civics/Integras are only single adjustable (meaning just rebound).

In the end, if you are going with a fully threaded coilover, Tein is one of many reputable brands (H & R, Toda (spendy), & HKS are some others) are few others. Prices very buy brand, where you are buying from, and the type-level of coilover you purchase. For Sleeve type Coilovers, Ground Control and Skunk2 are the only 2 that I'd recommend. They are basically the only 2 good sleeved coilovers. Don't waste money on other brands. If you go with sleeve type coilovers, Koni makes some very good shocks. However, as I said, if double adjustable is important to you, they are only rebound adjutable unless you send them to koni for re-vavling and overhaul (which of course costs $$).