Upgrades to EK4, suggestions (thinking straight EK9 setup)


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Puggie

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I'm looking to upgrade the suspension on my EK4, its a 66k mile Jordan in good condition.
I'm part way through rebushing with the Hardrace kit, the rear has a ASR brace and EK9 ARB, The shocks are std and the springs are (was on eibachs but found it too low over speedbumps etc and harsh but the bumpstops were also std length!). I've found D2 camber arms on the back and it did have D2 LCAs but I've gone back to std with the hardrace kit.

My usual car is a DC2 with the Honda Access suspension (5 way adjustable shocks by showa and slightly stiffer springs, 10mm lower) very similar to the Mugen setup. I'm looking for something more like this but not as firm, don;t want to go as low as the eibachs, but want something a bit more planted feeling like the DC2.

So I'm thinking stock EK9 shocks and springs and a stiffer front ARB, anyone got any better/alternative suggestions?
 
Stock ek9 shocks are a great upgrade for an ek4, thats what I have on mine. If your on a budget I would go for decent used ones with Spoon springs. If moneys not an issue I would go for Spoon fixed shocks. I also hear that Koni Yellows are supposed to be good and I think you can get them as a kit inc springs for a reasonable price
 
Also I probably wouldnt go for a stiffer front ARB, its already the same as the ek9, only the rear is smaller so if you increase the size of the front one without greatly increasing the size of the rear your likely to get more understeer
 
^ What he said.

EK9 dampers are great VFM, but they're all going to be quite worn now. Guranteed you'll find some for sale that only have 50k on them, but the seller will be a bullshitter, just like every engine for sale has done sub 70k but somehow the seller just can't seem to prove it... :nono:

The Spoon dampers and springs are fantastic for road use, I rated them much higher than the Konis. The ride height is not that much lower than stock which means it is fully usable even on shitty roads. I would have another set in a flash but they don't make them for my ATR. :angry:

As said, the Ek4 front ARB is the same as the EK9 so no need to change.

Get an LSD.
 
How much do the Spoon springs + dampers lower ride height? I've run Konis on a couple of cars (306 and e34 bim) and always found them to be quite good, Bilsteins are on the radar too (EK4 std shocks look to be Bilstein B2s).

I'm pondering fitting a plate LSD to the teg and would put the helical from the S80 box into the EK4 if it will go.
 
Here's how my EK4 sat on them at the front.

7a6e477b.jpg


Standard Honda dampers are made by Showa. Bilstein B6s would be a good upgrade, not sure what spring rate the valving is suitable for out of the box though.
 
I have eibach springs on my em1. I think there perfect. Doesnt feel that much different to stock on normal roads. Just have to go abit slower over bumps.
 
Are my dc2 shocks and springs of any use on the ek withough buying function 7 poncey arms?
 
Definately think about upgrading your gearbox along with your suspension!
As said a kaaz or cusco lsd would be the right option along with an s80 with 4.7fd and a short 4th and 5th.
personally i think you should invest in good sticky tyres like 888's or potenza RE-01R and make sure your breaks are up to scratch.
Do a trackday or 2 and youwill learn very quickly what makes your car work for you and then go from there :)
 
Riiight... I'm not building a track car here. This is the wife's run about (some people would buy a ford focus or similar for carting the kids around, but she wanted something with a bit more poke ;-)) I need to keep it very civilised hence nothing too harsh, no plate diff or crazy short ratio boxes etc!
 
I wouldn't worry about an LSD for street use to be honest, as you probably know its only really useful when hammering out of corners, which lets be honest no one tends to do on a daily basis on the street. The suspension is much more important and if you get it right it will feel as though the car is on rails as long as your not absolutely thrashing it which is more than good enough for most people most of the time
 
A DC2 Type R LSD won't fit the EK4 ring gear/final drive due the bolts pattern different. I have tried, you would need the LSD with the ring gear/final drive together.
 
Right, its re-bushed and back to std ride height and the Geo done. all looks good apart from the nearside rear arm is toeing out by 2deg more than it should (basically almost 1deg toe out with the compensation wound all the way in).

So do I replace the arm or just introduce it to my hydraulic press again to straighten it?

The car is generally feeling much better but I have a slight 'donk' going over bumps at the front, ARB droplinks looked ok as did the ARB bushes but I havn't replaced either. any other ideas?
 
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