First Car

[@cc0rd]

Hello All,
I got a 1990 Accord; it's my first car. It's in pretty good shape, no rust, 130k miles. It is, however, an automatic

I really don't want to go overboard on mods as I use it simply for city driving and occasional interstate driving. One thing I do want to improve is handling. What is the cheapest, simplest method of getting this done?

Thanks,
Chris

[NAiL05]

Suspension, strut bars and such. Basicalyl anything that reinforces the chassis. Some good tires will benefit this too.

[Lynk]

How much money is involved in "cheap?" If you do it yourself, provided you have access all the tools necessary, a new set of shocks (non-adjustable) can be had for as little as US$160 (KYB GR-2); for around US$300, you can have a reasonably good set of adjustables. Add another US$300, and you can lower the car (springs and front camber kit).

Of course, the first step is to insure that everything is in good running condition. Pull off those wheels, and check the brakes. Inspect the ball joints for cracks, and feel for slop. If you need to replace the upper balls, think ahead, and get yourself an adjustable from Moog or Ingalls. Finally, don't forget about those alignments.

[@cc0rd]

I've checked the ball joints and they're basically brand new. I've also redone the brakes all the way around.

Cheap conists of <$350 total.

I am going to get new tires as soon as I get new rims (not included in above budget). I'm looking at 93 Accord EX rims.

Thanks for your help,
Chris

[NAiL05]

Well then just strut bars would be your best bet...That would be cheap and lightenin up the car cheap and easy mods to help your car handle better. Other than that cant think of anything cheaper.

[BlackMagicCB7]

A sway bar is your best bet. It is cheap and easy to install. Also some simple suspension and brake work would improve handling. Make sure you check ball joinds and tie rods etc..

[Jukesbox]

130k thats fine...my cb is my first car also and it had 400K+ on it but hey nothing an engine rebuild wont fix

[Maple50175]

That shit's mint!

[sackingz123]

its clean yo....where u hail from yo??

get some strut bars, springs....and you all goodz in the hoodz....

[Lynk]

If you want something with all-around driveability, then consider a set of Neuspeed Sport Springs (1.75"/1.5") with KYB GR2s; that's roughly $350. When you have some more cash for the car, put a camber kit on the front and get that car aligned. Finally, buy yourself a good set of shocks, and resell those GR2s.

Judging by the picture, I would guess that the car isn't likely to see much snow. As long as the Winter-driving is kept to a minimum, the sport-drop should be a fair compromise. So, there's a three-step plan for lowering your car.

[SoCqT08]

I am sure you will be very pleased to have this as your first cars. Mine is still my first and is going on 5 years! It still purs just needs a little of cleaning and mine is complete stock!

[@cc0rd]

Suspension, strut bars and such. Basicalyl anything that reinforces the chassis. Some good tires will benefit this too.

Are all strut bars created equal? Or does brand name count?

Thanks,
Chris

[head4life]

well most strut bars are the same of cousre the less flexable the better

non adjustable strurt bars would be better.... but I dont know of any one who makes them


dcs has some nice ones you might want to check out

[AccordWarrior]

well most strut bars are the same of cousre the less flexable the better

non adjustable strurt bars would be better.... but I dont know of any one who makes them


dcs has some nice ones you might want to check out

Actually, I don't believe DC makes the front bar for the CB anymore...but those bars were known to flex. Word I heard is that the Megan bar is of identical design...whether it's stronger is up in the air.

Personally, I would buy the Neuspeed bar. I have it in my car. It's the non-adjustable 4 point brace people talk about. I absolutely love it in my car and highly recommend it. I know this might not be believeable, but I tested it more than once. When I was on stock suspension with two dead struts up front, I was roughly 12-15 mph faster in a corner than before.

I didn't see that type of gain even after I installed my springs+struts.

The one thing I can't stress enough is to invest money in your suspension and use quality parts.

[head4life]

Actually, I don't believe DC makes the front bar for the CB anymore...but those bars were known to flex. Word I heard is that the Megan bar is of identical design...whether it's stronger is up in the air.

Personally, I would buy the Neuspeed bar. I have it in my car. It's the non-adjustable 4 point brace people talk about. I absolutely love it in my car and highly recommend it. I know this might not be believeable, but I tested it more than once. When I was on stock suspension with two dead struts up front, I was roughly 12-15 mph faster in a corner than before.

I didn't see that type of gain even after I installed my springs+struts.

The one thing I can't stress enough is to invest money in your suspension and use quality parts.

hmm I didnt know dcs quit making those for the front.... speaking of strut bars im missing a peice to a ebay adjustable one incase some one has the part it the part that screws in the strut bar a the bracket bolts on it..... i guess I will have to buy anothere one