Ground Control or Skunk2 - Honda Forum / Acura Forum

Tarman · 11-18-2003, 08:54 AM

Hey Guys

It's been A while since I've been here. Anyway here goes. I'm stuck between getting Ground Control or Skunk2 coilovers. I have a 99 civic ex with stock shocks. I have heard tons of good and bad stuff about each brand. Which do you reccomend. At first I'll ride with stock shocks and will probably only upgrade to some KYB's after they go. I know, I know get something better... I'm keeping this car mellow. Once I finish school I'll have a little money to play with but for now this is the way it has to be.
I know that the Skunks are stiffer but will they really be bouncier? Are the dual locking nuts on the Skunks really that much better than the locking allen bolt on the GC's? My friend swears by the Skunks but to me the GC's just seem better. And of course Eibach rules. I just really need help deciding. These are a Christmas preasent from my wife. She rules...

I really sorry if this has all been asked before. I searched and didn't find anything.

Thanks for your help guys

Later
Tarman

kommon_sense · 11-18-2003, 08:57 AM

Since you will be on stock shocks and only plan to upgrade to kyb agx's, then ground control would be my choice. However I have *heard* that you can get custom spring rates from skunk2 as well.

Now, if you plan on keeping the car mellow, then why not just get a good set of springs instead of coilover sleeves?

Tarman · 11-18-2003, 09:14 AM

I was thinking of getting just springs but you see, I am the pickiest bastard you'll ever meet. I like to have the option of adjusting the height just to get it where I'm happy with it. Also I live in MA so I might want to raise it in the winter months due to nast frost heaves and such.

Thanks for your input though!!

Tarman

Shiba-Kun · 11-18-2003, 09:25 AM

"Bouncier" is a matter of the control the shocks impart on the springs. IMO I'd get the GC's. Nothing scientific to back up that choice, IMO I've just had better ecperiences w/ GC's then SK2 products.

Tarman · 11-18-2003, 09:33 AM

Is it true though that the GC's are not as stiff and thus provide a smoother ride?

Tarman

lOOkatme · 11-18-2003, 09:53 AM

I would go with springs.....you might be hurting handeling going with coilovers....disrupting the balance of weight on the car unless you corner weight the car.

Tarman · 11-18-2003, 11:36 AM

I don't get it? I would really prefer coilovers. Im not as concerned with ride performance (super tight cornering ultimate grip and take off traction) as I am with ride quality (smooth ride not bouncy). In other words: This car will never be a great performance oriented car. I just want to make it better than stock and look sharp until I am done with school and I have the extra funds to go farther.

Thanks

Tarman

lOOkatme · 11-18-2003, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Tarman
I don't get it? I would really prefer coilovers. Im not as concerned with ride performance (super tight cornering ultimate grip and take off traction) as I am with ride quality (smooth ride not bouncy). In other words: This car will never be a great performance oriented car. I just want to make it better than stock and look sharp until I am done with school and I have the extra funds to go farther.

Thanks

Tarman

I would go with springs over coilovers for ride quality.

Its hard to explain but coilovers aren't compressed the whole time while installed on the shock. they have some "freeplay" as I call it and when you hit a bump hard enough...the car can eject off the spring and you hear a loud clanking noise. atleast thats what I heard with my skunk2 coilovers a long time ago. My H&R race springs handle WAY WAY better than my skunk2's did and also ride much better. also more quiet.

I think they are close to the same spring rate.....maybe the H&R race springs might be a little stiffer up front and less stiff in the rear.

ArtcbluRsx · 11-18-2003, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by lOOkatme
I would go with springs over coilovers for ride quality.

Its hard to explain but coilovers aren't compressed the whole time while installed on the shock. they have some "freeplay" as I call it and when you hit a bump hard enough...the car can eject off the spring and you hear a loud clanking noise. atleast thats what I heard with my skunk2 coilovers a long time ago. My H&R race springs handle WAY WAY better than my skunk2's did and also ride much better. also more quiet.

I think they are close to the same spring rate.....maybe the H&R race springs might be a little stiffer up front and less stiff in the rear.

word

Tarman · 11-19-2003, 07:25 AM

It's all good. I ended up snatching a set of Skunk2's for $185.00. For that price I can get shocks right away. And the way I figure it I'll get rid of this car at the end of 2005 when I'm done with school and start with something brand new and go all out Hefner style!

Thanks very much for all of your help.

Peace

Tarman

civic2011 · 11-24-2003, 05:30 PM

i am running skunk2's on my 96 civic. and it rides liek hell, but look phat when dropped. the front end doesn't bounce too bad, but the ass end is like a giant pogo stick.. i am not fimiliar with the ground control, but there is goods and bads with the skunk2's. i love the drop, but the ride is crazy. bounce all over the place.

kommon_sense · 11-24-2003, 06:53 PM

if you are bouncing, then you have a problem with your shocks, not the skunks.