Shocks - Honda Prelude Forum

Mad Catapult · 10-29-2008, 10:19 AM

Hello, I'm brand new to this forum and relatively inexperienced (but knowledgeable) of car care, maintenance, and repair.

Moving on, one of the first tasks I'd like to accomplish with my vehicle ('95 Prelude Si) is to replace the shocks...they are making a strange, not-good sounding noise and they ride really rough. Browsing online, I've found the Illumina Advanced Handling Kit (Tokico Illumina Advanced Handling Kit: No Limit Motorsport) and am considering purchasing it. Does this contain everything I would need to replace my shocks (except for tools of course)? Are those reliable shocks, or does anyone have them? Does lowering the Prelude Si by 1.5" create any problems? They also offer another kit...not Illumina, slightly cheaper, but less performance aspects. Would this be a better buy?

Lastly, I'd like to ask for any tips or tricks associated with replacing shocks. I don't need a step-by-step description (I can find that online), just any tips associated with the process.

Thanks in advance everyone!

92preludesi_TX · 10-29-2008, 10:36 AM

Tokico is a pretty good brand in my opinion. The Illuminas won't be high performing stuts by any means but I am sure that they are better than some of the other OEM replacements.

Most people seem to say that lowering any more than 1 to 1.25 inches will cause you to need some camber adjustment. The best way is probably to install the springs, go to an alignment shop and check the camber. If you need to correct camber, there are a few kits available.

As far as tips and tricks...it is a pretty straight forward install. I would recommend buying a Helm's Manual (find it here). This is hands down the Best Service manual for our cars.