Tires or Coilovers first? - Honda Prelude Forum

precisionelite · 10-02-2003, 08:29 PM

What to buy first?
As far as the springs&shocks vs coilovers argument, I'm pretty firmly decided on coilovers. I'm thinking of buying the Tein SS's.

However, I'm not sure if I should buy coilovers first, or buy new tires first. Could you give me the advantages and disadvantages of each approach. Thanks a lot.
-Greg P

gen5 · 10-02-2003, 08:57 PM

don't see any big difference.... you NEED new tires or WANT new tires? you can get the SS first if the tires are still in good shape.

NoRice4U · 10-02-2003, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by precisionelite
What to buy first?
As far as the springs&shocks vs coilovers argument, I'm pretty firmly decided on coilovers. I'm thinking of buying the Tein SS's.

However, I'm not sure if I should buy coilovers first, or buy new tires first. Could you give me the advantages and disadvantages of each approach. Thanks a lot.
-Greg P

If your tires aren't too old then there is no need to change them...go with the teins; you'll have a drop and handling

. Since winter is approaching, getting performance tires is ridiculous once the snow covers the ground. Furthermore, if you ever want to switch to larger wheels you'll have to buy another set of tires. Go with Teins

Mugenlude · 10-03-2003, 01:29 PM

I agree with Tein first... gives teh car a much more aggressive look.

ZRoEXzisTeNcE · 10-03-2003, 02:41 PM

i say tires. your suspension is only as good as what your tires can handle

weivos · 10-03-2003, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by precisionelite
What to buy first?
As far as the springs&shocks vs coilovers argument, I'm pretty firmly decided on coilovers. I'm thinking of buying the Tein SS's.

However, I'm not sure if I should buy coilovers first, or buy new tires first. Could you give me the advantages and disadvantages of each approach. Thanks a lot.
-Greg P

I'd have to say the coilovers first, then the tires. When you get your coilovers put on, you HAVE to get an alignment done on your car. I learned that anytime you mess with your suspension that you should get an alignment done afterwards. Now that your car is nicely aligned and all, put them new tires on and you'll be good to go.

Or, get them at the same time if you can, but remember get an alignment on your car after you install your coilovers.

monk3y · 10-03-2003, 02:48 PM

what do you need the tires for? auto-x? daily driving? do they need replacing in the near future?

i say the coilovers, preliminarily.

precisionelite · 10-03-2003, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by weivos

When you get your coilovers put on, you HAVE to get an alignment done on your car. I learned that anytime you mess with your suspension that you should get an alignment done afterwards. Now that your car is nicely aligned and all, put them new tires on and you'll be good to go.

Thanks for all the replies. Now, this brings me to my next question. When I buy coilovers do I also need to buy a camber kit, or can a body shop adjust the camber for me? To clarrify, I have every intention of purchasing a camber kit. However, purchasing a camber kit and coilovers at the same time will be very expensive. So I'm wondering if i can just get the coilovers first, and have the bodyshop adjust my camber. By the way, could you explain to me what is involved when you "get your alignment done"? hehe yea i'm a newbie ;-)
Thanks,
-Greg P

DEFCONShupaLude · 10-03-2003, 05:05 PM

teins. let them settle, get tires, and get wheel alignment. better messing up your current tires then the new ones with off alignment.

ThatPreludeGuy · 10-03-2003, 05:12 PM

I bought my coilovers first and then waited until I needed tires to install them. I knew for sure I would waste my OEM tires if I switched to the TEIN's with them on the car, then I would need tires real quick!

DEFCONSkylude · 10-03-2003, 06:44 PM

i can get you some Tein SS for $870 shipped.....

alvin

monk3y · 10-04-2003, 01:59 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by precisionelite

Thanks for all the replies. Now, this brings me to my next question. When I buy coilovers do I also need to buy a camber kit, or can a body shop adjust the camber for me? To clarrify, I have every intention of purchasing a camber kit. However, purchasing a camber kit and coilovers at the same time will be very expensive. So I'm wondering if i can just get the coilovers first, and have the bodyshop adjust my camber. By the way, could you explain to me what is involved when you "get your alignment done"? hehe yea i'm a newbie ;-)
Thanks,
-Greg P

just get a front camber kit, b/c you can adjust the rear camber very very cheaply. when the suspension's out you might understand better, but the part of the rear suspension that controls camber can be adjusted using 1mm washers. which cost all of 35 cents at home depot. (8 washers x .35 = 2.95 for rear camber adjustability) a front camber kit will run you around $150.

MugenPoweredLude · 10-04-2003, 09:19 AM

no no no....depending on the drop you may or may not need camber kits...i didnt and i was 1 finger in rear no gap in front

you MUST get an alignment after the TEINS have settled...then based on the alignment #'s you can see if you need camber kits or not

NoRice4U · 10-04-2003, 09:33 AM

You won't be in desparate need of a camber kit if you don't drop more than 1.5"....that is the general consensus

weivos · 10-04-2003, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by precisionelite

Thanks for all the replies. Now, this brings me to my next question. When I buy coilovers do I also need to buy a camber kit, or can a body shop adjust the camber for me? To clarrify, I have every intention of purchasing a camber kit. However, purchasing a camber kit and coilovers at the same time will be very expensive. So I'm wondering if i can just get the coilovers first, and have the bodyshop adjust my camber. By the way, could you explain to me what is involved when you "get your alignment done"? hehe yea i'm a newbie ;-)
Thanks,
-Greg P

You know how when you're driving and your car is drifting to the left or right by itself? Well, an alignment fixes that so that your car drives straight.