best suspension set-up

[civicHatch]

I have an 88 dx hatch and want to get new struts and skunk2 coil-overs. I am eventualy getting the tein full coil overs but in the meantime, I want something to hold me off. I can get wholesale from tire rack. What combination of struts and coil overs would work best? I was thinking about the kyb 8 way ajustable or tokicos. Any help is appreciated.

[jc836]

You need to ask yourself what you really want to do with the car long term. You can do the Skunk2 package with KYB GRX or Koni "yellow" Sport shocks and have a great ride that way. I would think that you should consider sway bars, rather than opting for the Tien setup, along with updating the bushings in the rear in particular. If this is purely a daily driver with an ocassional autocross event-this will do nicely. If you plan to drag the car on a strip-the setup will change as to spring rates and some other pieces. You can start doing "track day" events (HPDE) using the Skunk setup. I have Skunk products on the Civic and CRX and the car works very well on twisty roads and is not super firm to the point that it is unstreetable. The Koni shocks are not set full stiff either. The Civic is a dialy/autocross car and the CRX has springs for the track. I also recommend that you look at Ground Control sleeves as they will put a complete package together for you.
Last item-any time you lower a car or even work on the suspension-you MUST get it realigned; toe-in is a critical thing as to tire wear as is camber. The rule for Camber kits is that for each 1" of drop there will be ~0.75 degrees of negative change in camber.

Again decide on the way you will use the car before spending any money.
Good luck and happy holidays