Big subframe and swaybar mystery! Any Benefits?


Shidou

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Joined
Apr 29, 2011
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Okay guys, hope someone can help me on this one!

A week ago I bought a EK3 and it has not the normal LCA's and swaybar setup.

After a close-up it looks like EG LCA's with a VTI or DC2 swaybar but I'm not sure about it, only that it's not OEM EK..

So what is it and when are the benefits?
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Looks like a DC2 subframe. Was the car previously k swapped?

The benefits are
Larger front ARB
Solid bottom arms so easier to polybush
Kswap will sit better than on an EK subframe
 
I have no idea if it was K-swapped..

So if I want to polybush the lca's then I need to use dc2 kit or eg? Some people say it's a EG.. so that's why I'm asking
 
Could also be a USDM spec ( EJ6) control arm- they look very similar to the DC2 lower control arms, but it slightly varies in bushing size and angle. I have a DC2 subframe swap in my 97 Hatch- I'll take a look and get back to you with some photos this evening.
 
Could also be a USDM spec ( EJ6) control arm- they look very similar to the DC2 lower control arms, but it slightly varies in bushing size and angle. I have a DC2 subframe swap in my 97 Hatch- I'll take a look and get back to you with some photos this evening.
Going to say that, my ej8 Sr coupe has the very same set up from stock ? Even the same drop links
 
Looking at how your sub frame bolts on to your chassis, I'd say its for the EK/EJ platform and not a DC2 sub frame. The DC2 sub frame has iron 'spacers' that go in between the sub frame and the chassis which is noticeable in the photos here-
 

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So it's not a DC2 subframe but a normal EK subframe that has the USDM spec control arms with swaybar setup, right?

Is this better then the normal EK control arms performance wise or is it the same?

Maybe swap the whole thing for normal EK arms? Would be a pain in the ass to find the right upgrades for it I guess?
 
Since the EK was never made, or sold in the U.S., I'll let someone else chime in about the specs. And if this info is wrong, some one please let me know, but I believe the EK9 sub frame and front control arms are different than the other EK's? I also believe that the USDM front sub frame can use the EK9 control arms. The EK9 sub frame can accept a larger sway bar, due to a larger cavity in the sub frame casting-unlike the stock USDM style sub frame which is limited in size.
As far as performance, a control arm is a control arm- both styles and accept a sway bar link ( that attaches to 'any' size sway bar that the sub frame allows ) - Since the control arms are considered 'unsprung weight', the lighter the arm, the better your car will handle during vigorous driving. I'm guessing the EK9 front control arms are a touch lighter as they are a different design.
I'm sure there is alot of aftermarket support for all styles.
 
Ek9 subframe is seam welded and therefore stiffer, that's the only difference as far as I know. I don't think there's any difference in control arms other than some more basic EKs and EJs didn't have front anti roll bar and so they might be missing the attachment point on the LCA.
 
The vti and ek9 have sheet metal pressed lower wishbones. There are also 2 piece cast ones on some eks.
 
No it does not .Has been answered in this same thread before.READ a few lines above.
Also that is a aftermarket ST suspension swaybar .You can tell because of the way it's mounted And the green color the swaybar has.All ST suspension swaybars are green colored.And those are civic coupe ej6 (usdm) front lower control arms.They are different then JDM/EDM arms.
 
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