EG6 vti- what size rims and suspension setup

[EG6vtiblack]

hi all,
just got a eg6 civic vti, needs sum rims badly. Just wandering what size rims i should go for, whether it be 17s 16s or 15s. how will it affect the cars handling characteristics?
also i want to lower the car, what should go for? springs? coilovers??? are they really too harsh (esp uk roads)
your thoughts appreciated.

ps my budget is only about 1k

[10 Pence Short]

Get some lightweith 15s if you want to keep the handling up to scratch. Make them 16s if you're going to put some big brakes on the front.

[EG6vtiblack]

10 Pence Short said:

Get some lightweith 15s if you want to keep the handling up to scratch. Make them 16s if you're going to put some big brakes on the front.

what about suspension

[10 Pence Short]

Try driving it for a while as is, then decide what (if any) changes you fancy making. You might find you're better just replacing the shocks, springs and bushes with OEM, bringing the car back to how it was intended, than playing around with stiffness and ride height, which might ruin the car as much as make it better.

[EG6vtiblack]

10 Pence Short said:

Try driving it for a while as is, then decide what (if any) changes you fancy making. You might find you're better just replacing the shocks, springs and bushes with OEM, bringing the car back to how it was intended, than playing around with stiffness and ride height, which might ruin the car as much as make it better.

so you're basically saying just leave the suspension as it is. so how do i (or people for that matter) make the ride low without compromising ride quality and handling?

[10 Pence Short]

Every change you make will compromise another aspect of the car's behaviour. Stiffen/lower one end relative to the other and you change the mechanical grip. Stiffen the car and you affect ability to absorb bumps and changes in th road surface. Soften it and you sacrifice change of direction for comfort. Lower it and you're more than likely altering camber and risking bottoming out so need to increase stiffness.

Every change has a negative and a positive. That's why chassis engineers spend so much time setting cars up for production...

With the age of your 'new' car, more than likely the bushes, springs and socks are past their best, so it might be an idea to invest in replacements for those and seeing if you really feel the need to change it at all.

[Eddh]

10 Pence Short said:

Get some lightweith 15s if you want to keep the handling up to scratch. Make them 16s if you're going to put some big brakes on the front.

You can get 282mm brakes under some 15" wheels as well.

[EG6vtiblack]

10 Pence Short said:

Every change you make will compromise another aspect of the car's behaviour. Stiffen/lower one end relative to the other and you change the mechanical grip. Stiffen the car and you affect ability to absorb bumps and changes in th road surface. Soften it and you sacrifice change of direction for comfort. Lower it and you're more than likely altering camber and risking bottoming out so need to increase stiffness.

Every change has a negative and a positive. That's why chassis engineers spend so much time setting cars up for production...

With the age of your 'new' car, more than likely the bushes, springs and socks are past their best, so it might be an idea to invest in replacements for those and seeing if you really feel the need to change it at all.

yeah the old suspension set up is knackered

[Kozy]

You'll wants 15s for performance, 16s if you intend upgrade the brakes beyond 282mm. 17s will ruin handling, acceleration and ride and will make you look like a tt.

If you are intent on upgrading the suspension, I would reccomend Koni Sport adjustable dampers with Eibach Pro springs. Should lower about 30mm, not enough to cause any issues and retain a lot of the stock ride quality (which you WILL miss if you buy rock hard suspension) while still providing a sporty drive.

And for gods sake make sure you have good tyres before you go spending on anything else.