new suspension

[cerebus]

Hi folks:
I've lurked here off and on to learn more about my Insight, a 2002 with CVT, which I purchased used. I've thought the ride was too soft and the rear suspension travel too limited as it was too easy to bottom. After searching this forum regarding shocks and springs, I finally decided to get a custom set of springs from Coil Spring Specialties as some previous members have done, as well as some new OEM struts and shocks.

I ordered the front springs at stock height and 25% stiffer, and the rear springs with an extra 1/2 inch in height and 35% stiffer. Coil Spring Specialties already had the dimensions for the springs, so it was pretty straightforward for them. I ordered the shocks and struts from Majestic Honda.

I just got back from the shop and initial impressions are very good. The car has a firmer ride and it feels like there's an actual suspension on the car now. Previously, the car like it was sagging on the suspension and now it feels like its on its toes, a more sprightly and sporty feeling. There seems to be more give in the suspension now, even though the springs are stiffer.

Since I changed both the springs and the struts/shocks, I can't tell what has made the most difference. The new springs are noticably larger in wire diameter and seem bigger. I wish I had taken measurements now. It could have been my shocks were worn out. My car has 50,500 miles or so, and I'd expect OEM shocks to be pretty dead by then.

At the moment, I'm quite happy with the package. I like the firm ride, there's a lot less pitching now on acceleration and braking, more body control, and I expect the handling has improved. I wish I could get anti-sway bars for the car as well to get rid of the roll. Braided stainless brake lines would be nice too.

I'll followup after I put more miles on the setup.

[Patrickmilburn]

Nice to hear your report! I've been thinking about going for stiffer springs as well. How much did the springs cost from Coil Spring Specialties?

[atlaw4u]

Do you recall the name of the person you were dealing with. I attempted to order a set of rear springs and they wanted me to take my own measurements as they "had not done an Insight before" so I eventually gave up.

My 2000 Insight only has 16k miles but I feel it sways too much taking a hard corner and if I have a passenger it easily bottoms out. I cut the rear snubbers down a bit which allows a little more travel.

I'm contemplating changing my rear shocks as they are probably 9 years old but since the car only has 16k miles I'm unsure if it will show enough improvement to justify the cost.

[cerebus]

The springs were $187 for the fronts and $193 for the rears. Shipping to CA was $27. They arrived in 2 boxes, one each for the fronts and rears. It took them about 6 weeks including the July 4th weekend. They quoted 4-8 weeks delivery time.

I don't remember who I spoke with unfortunately. My first contact was with a woman who took my initial info, and that was followed up by a guy who took the technical details. They both thought they had the Insight spring measurements, and the guy followed up with me to confirm that they did indeed have them. Otherwise I was going to have to pay them to go out and buy some.

The rear shocks should be easy to change since its not a strut arrangement. You could easily put in new springs, see how the ride changes, and then put in new rear shocks. I was a bit worried about just increasing the spring rates on the back without also increasing the fronts, so I did everything at once.

I think the car still needs anti-sway bars even with my stiffer swings. A rear bar would be nice to have.

[Patrickmilburn]

Thanks for the info! As far as I know there are no aftermarket suppliers for upgraded Insight front antisway bars or a rear bar. Here's a link to info about adapting a VW rear antisway bar to fit the Insight: http://www.insightracing.ca/2005/06/rea ... works.html