Advice for 1996 EK3 Shock Absorber and Rear Lateral Arms

Mikhael SKY · Post by **Mikhael SKY** » Wed Sep 02, 2009 11:24 pm

Hi guys

I have just bought a 1996 EK3 from Thomson Used Car Centre. I expect less than ideal conditions for such an old car except that I am told the engine is brought in from Japan (less than 30000km mileage) to replace the original engine which is dead.

Happy that I am able to get hold of this D15Z7 (or D15B) engine because I want fuel efficiency out of a Honda engine and I do not want to spend too much on a new car as my new house is coming too.

However I found that the car keeps pulling to the left at high enough speed. Went to Autobacs at Bukit Batok to do wheel alignment but does not solve the problem. Further checks by the mechanic there revealed that the shock absorbers are less than ideal and the two circular thing at each real lateral arm is cracked. He suspected that the pulling to the left could be due to these instead. He estimated about 2.6K to change the dampers and arms although I could still carry on driving if I can tolerate it.

Is the Autobacs estimation too high or anyone can recommend to me reliable workshop specialising in Hondas (if there is such thing as a reliable workshop in the first place).

Finally the current tyre is 195/50/15. Is it too small for a Civic? Should I change to a thicker profile or just change to a 16 incher? And I wonder how much it will affect the fc.

Appreciate if the gurus here can give some advise to the newbie.

Thanks a lot!

snookium · Post by **snookium** » Thu Sep 03, 2009 12:44 am

First hope you enjoy good efficency like mine Ek3.

I am clocking 12.8-15KM avg with Vtec open. Highest is 18 on highway.

Try those normal workshop like 15 Defu lane or 26 Jalan Tukang.

2600... crazy price.

I change my absober brand new only 60+ brand new a piece. Spring 100+. How expensive can those thing be.... Autobac are kidding.

snookium · Post by **snookium** » Thu Sep 03, 2009 12:48 am

BTW I recently changed new lower arm, recon upper arm, new ball joint, both new absober and all new bushing all within 1K.

kozmix · Post by **kozmix** » Thu Sep 03, 2009 12:52 am

autobacs knives sure is sharp... 2.6k for shocks & arms? crazy !

1.3-1.5k should get u a brand new set of fully adjustable coilovers
brand new oem arms should not cost more than 300 a pair including installation

Do it up and its a very nice ride,

D15z7 is a great engine, 3-stage vtec , super fuel efficient and good decent power (130hp)

hope u enjoy your EK ! cheers!

Mikhael SKY · Post by **Mikhael SKY** » Thu Sep 03, 2009 9:10 pm

Thank you all for the advice, will try those workshops and keep in mind the estimated costs.

Its a great engine that teaches me how to drive gently! But stage 3 can be addictive!

Mikhael SKY · Post by **Mikhael SKY** » Sat Sep 05, 2009 3:25 pm

Yo

manage to see Jonathan of SK Garage. Seems a honest and sincere chap. Thanks forumers for the recommendation.

All bushings and shock absorbers plus hurricane filter for about 1.3K. if he can get the stocks at lower price, I can get a better deal. He advises to stick to 15 inch, with either 50 or 55 tyre for optimum fc and pick-up.

Now thinking when to send my car in.

I like this forum.

By the way, what is the fc achieveable for an EK4 engine?