Effectiveness of a tuned suspension? - Honda Prelude Forum

35mm · 02-25-2002, 08:25 PM

I'm curious as to just how effective and how much added chassis control the usual series of bolt-on suspension components will give a Prelude driver?

Will the combination of lowering springs, stiffer adjustable shocks, thicker antisway bars, front and rear strut braces, and a good set of performance tires really make the car's chassis more controllable at the limit?

The alternative is to get into expensive racecar suspensions, which I can't see doing.

To add, my car is an SH to begin with.

Thanks all!

97blacklude · 02-25-2002, 08:34 PM

I noticed it was a lot stiffer and my opinion is that it is the best mod for the lude, since speed isn't going to happen w/out spending a lot of $$$

I got S/t swaybars
spoon front strut bar
neuspeed sports

WTB: neuspeed koni's
rear strut bar
skunk 2 lower tie bar to finish off suspension.

BoYgUaN · 02-25-2002, 08:46 PM

i think its great. i have teins and can adjust them to how i feel everyday. stiff or loose. plus i haved so muh fun playin cuz exhaust u put it on done but with these i tuned then return then tune. never ends. every road is a different set up

PilotSH · 02-25-2002, 08:57 PM

hard to believe that bolt-ons could improve the handling of the prelude even more, but yeah, it can make it handle even better. Coilovers are good, like what boyguan has, but they're a lil pricey. The most cost effective setup seems to be Ground control adjustable springs with Koni yellow shocks. then I'd do the rear sway bar if you want to get rid of some understeer and possible get a decent amount of drop oversteer. Personally, I wouldn't mess with the front sway bar. I think it's fine as is. Then I'd do the front strut. The best one out there is the Spoon FSTB. It's a meaty ass SOB. The rear strut is up to you, but I really think that it doenst do much, because ludes arent hatchbacks, so there is a structural crossmember running underneath the rear window. But if you do get one, I;d get it last. Springs/shocks first, then rear sway bar, then front tower strut. But to do this without good tires is a waste. I think the number one upgrade to handling is definetly tires. its like night and day compared to the stock tires. Definietly get the most gains from good tires.

BoYgUaN · 02-25-2002, 09:01 PM

well koni = 500
gc = 300 total with shipping 800-900

my teins 1000
just alil more for a much better name/setup. imma glad i got it

BlackLude98 · 02-26-2002, 09:28 AM

I have Ground Control coil-overs with stock shocks and Ingalls caber kits all around. No sway bars or strut bars and my car handles like a dream. I have yokohama tires and 17" Konigs. But the handling of the car is honestly ridiculous and everybody and anybody that's ever been in the car with me will agree that my car will out-handle 99% of the other cars on the road. Lol - the 4 wheel laser allingment helps too.

~Alex

Darth Luder · 02-26-2002, 10:30 AM

It is all worth it, especially if you do drive at the limits, not just normal highway or country roads, but really at the limits. My GC/Koni setup cost me just over $700 and it is really truely awesome along with great names. The bars are a great addition as well. Also, a good set of summer tires for summer and some nice non-directional tread all seasons for the winter and you are set.

35mm · 02-26-2002, 09:46 PM

I'm convinced it's worth it. Thanks guys

I'll keep everyone posted on what happens.

Gee-- now I know what to say to the salesman when I buy my next car:

"Well... it's nice, yeah, but don't you sell a car with a stiffer suspension than this?"

SSAccuracy · 02-26-2002, 10:06 PM

Koni Yellow - well known aggressive driver shock
Eibach Springs - well known high spring rate option aggressive spring
Ground Control - well known strong adjustable coilover

Search and read more on these three names, and you will only hear excellent track history and excellent handling components.

I drive in the city often versus some very quick cars through straights, turns and curves......it's a rush doing all this with a very stiff suspension having confidence blazing throught the streets.
Most cars don't have the chassis the prelude has for twisties....

good luck

ludefoshizzle · 02-26-2002, 10:48 PM

my car handles so well i need seats so i dont fly out the window

BlackLude98 · 02-27-2002, 09:11 AM

LOL - Try to tell that to my friend who wasn't buckled in and almost flew out the window on a tight turn. LOL - and then there was the sunroof incident. HAHA.

~Alex