2003 dampers on 92

[shawn110975]

guys Ok I might get killed for this one.

we all know about my 2004 build, anyway

I purchased 4 Used ( 20,000 mile ) dampers and springs.

I only needed the rears for my build.

my 1992 has been clanking in the front for some time I thought it might be the dampers were old. well after I got under it and checked, the upper control arm's rubber bushing is cracked so I know what I need to do next.
so I decided for the hell of it put the 2003 dampers and springs on while I had the wheel off.

( 15 minutes each wheel ) no 2X4 needed, no GF jumping up and down on the caliper etc. etc.

anyway after the job was done, put the car down and I noticed the car is a little higher now in the front. whats the difference of ride height compared to the 04 and 92? I noticed possible 1/2 to 1 inch increase.

what do you think? I was thinking I dont like the increase and am gonna just put the old ones back on and just fix the rubber bushings.

second question, is there a way to test your dampers while they are off the car to see if they are bad or with-in spec?

 

[dablackgoku1234]

Over time and mileage, the springs sag. 19 years vs 8 years.

Also, the 2003 is heavier than the 1992. How much heavier in just the front? Not sure what the weight ratio is for the 2003. But the 1992 f/r weight ratio was 43/57 IIRC.

 

[pgilliam1]

I did this same exchange. Don't put the old dampers back on just use the original springs with the newer dampers. You'll be back to the original height and will see a great improvement. 20 year old dampers are past their life expectancy so they need to go. Do the same on the rear.
Happy Motoring!

 

[Honcho]

Shawn, the 2003 shocks have a different part number than the 92's, which tells me they are tuned differently. I think dimensionally they are the same, but the different internal tune might affect the ride height slightly. I think Tim had a similar problem using 2005 shocks on his 91. He ended up getting Bils.

 

[shawn110975]

now I just drove it around the block like a BAT outta hell, and jammed the brakes to a complete stop about 4 times to really press those dampers down. the car feels tight and strong. what have I been missing these 2 years. But I will remove the dampers tomorrow and put the old springs on the new dampers and reinstall.

I didnt even thing to remove the old springs and put them on the new dampers. duhh....

thanks guys

GOOOOOOOOO PPPPPRRRRRIIIIMMMMMMEEEEE........

 

[clr1024]

now I just drove it around the block like a BAT outta hell, and jammed the brakes to a complete stop about 4 times to really press those dampers down. the car feels tight and strong. what have I been missing these 2 years. But I will remove the dampers tomorrow and put the old springs on the new dampers and reinstall.

I didnt even thing to remove the old springs and put them on the new dampers. duhh....

thanks guys

GOOOOOOOOO PPPPPRRRRRIIIIMMMMMMEEEEE........

The 1997 front springs when compared to the 1991 NSX's have higher spring rates...so it could be that more than the damper it'self.

 

[shawn110975]

well when I compared the complete setup side by side the 1992 spings looked like there were more coils

the 1992 looking at them they had 6-7 coils to the spring and the 03 had 3-4 coils

which would be better?

 

[pgilliam1]

well when I compared the complete setup side by side the 1992 spings looked like there were more coils

the 1992 looking at them they had 6-7 coils to the spring and the 03 had 3-4 coils

which would be better?

You've got a coupe - stay with the coupe springs.

 

[d.n]

I don't think this is a case of more coils = more better. Here's the spring rate chart provided by Dali:

http://www.daliracing.com/v666-5/catalog/suspension/more_springs_matrix.cfm

I would be more inclined to stick with the 97 setup, but either way you choose to go, this would explain a bit of the reduced dive as the 97 fronts are ~14% stiffer

 

[clr1024]

I don't think this is a case of more coils = more better. Here's the spring rate chart provided by Dali:

http://www.daliracing.com/v666-5/catalog/suspension/more_springs_matrix.cfm

I would be more inclined to stick with the 97 setup, but either way you choose to go, this would explain a bit of the reduced dive as the 97 fronts are ~14% stiffer

However if the 1997 is the same height spring as the 1992 then it explains why the car is sitting higher. If you want stiffer springs get aftermarket springs made for a coupe. Or alternatively I suppose you could get coilovers and use whatever springs you want and set the ride height whereever you want.

 

[Honcho]

You could also get 97 coupe springs. They are available from Honda.