Just to let everyone that has KSports, and is not satisfied with the rear springs, I have made the call for us. I expressed to him how soft they are and with any weight in the rear it bottoms out and in turns the rear pushes out. Well, they have the engineers on this now. I told him the teins heavy duty spring rate and how the fronts of the KSports are great and the rears if the tein heavy duty's are perfect, so they are looking into between 1000 and 1100, I said 1000 would be generally good with having the adjustabilty of the KSports. Any suggestions, please add so I can foward it to KSport asap, they want to help us out and fix this for future kits asap.

Also, I had them fix the website to say they use oem upper mounts in the rear.
Later
Steve

The rears are definitely too soft. Also, I would like the spring perch to be larger, like the front perch. The rear perch looks dangerously slim for a higher spring rate and heavy load. I would go with more like 1200, and a larger perch, but I would be happy to get anything firmer honestly. Please mention the spring perch on your next contact with them.

I will ask for sure, safety first my man. I wonder if the front perches are interchangable, KSport designs all their stuff to be interchangable.

I also just ordered polyurathane coil isolators for the back, I will post that up once I get them and test fit them.

Later
Steve

I wrote to Ksports about this 2 months ago back in the beginning of March and because I was the first to tell them they didn't believe me. I've mentioned multiple times, try riding with 3-4 people and it's BAD.

I spoke to the initial Element owner who was the test car and even he said the rear was too soft. He had the settings to the highest as well. The Front Struts and Coilovers are perfect and can adjust infinitely.

1) The rear struts is the main issue: The rear springs are only one part of the issue guys, the main issue is the inner strut sleeve because it can not go down any further. (if only the inner sleeve adjust down more, it should be designed to lower more like the fronts.) Even before I installed the coilovers by looking at it I noticed that the car was "barely" going to be riding on the spring coils. It will hit the bump stops often and I was right, it bottoms out often. I have turned and lowered the inner strut coil to the bottom (not talking about the spring coils yet), with the inner sleeve being lowered to the max there really is no adjustments on the struts, unless you want to raise the car. The struts should have been designed shorter or at least be able to lower an extra 2 inches, so that the car can ride more on the coils. (there is room to lower the outer coilsover but, I will be riding on bump stops and not the spring coil.

Who ever designed this really didn't design it right to it's peak potential, because once the weight sets down on the coilovers you are actually riding on the bump stops and not the coils. That is the main design flaw... the struts should be able to lower more so that the car is riding more on the springs.

2) The rear springs is the second issue being too soft even at the higher settings. I bottom out when ever I have someone else in the car. It is a 4 seater and I can not sit more than 2 persons in the car or else it bottoms out often. Needs to be slightly stiffer and longer.

I have Skunk2 Lower Control Arms and ST Sway bars on the rears to help assist with the rear suspension. Which really helps, I can't even imagine those who don't have them installed, it must bounce and rub more often then mine.

I've compared the Rear Tein Basics next to the Rear Ksports coilovers and the Tein struts are a bit shorter, thicker, and their coilover springs are thicker and coils higher. (The Tein rear springs are way too soft as well.)

Ksport: please help!

Wow guys....as long as it took I had hoped they did their homework. Hopefully they will put forth some effort to correct it. Steve, I'm curious to know who your talking to, if you could PM me with that info.

Keep us posted Nismo. I haven't put mine on yet, and from what I have been reading, I will hold off.

Hey everyone, I spoke to Steve last week about your springs being too soft, and we're working on getting something stiffer set up. Our springs are typically listed in kg/mm, so you guys will be looking at something around 17-20 kg/mm (1000-1100 lbs/in). I'm glad that Steve called, because this is the 1st I've heard about your guys' springs being too soft, and I'll do what I can to get this resolved.

Thanks Matt for the update, I am glad too see KSport is willing to help.
Later
Steve

I have had to raise mine because of hitting issues and it still does on hard bumps. I too would like a stiffer coil, but would also like to know if the strut valving can handle the increased spring pressure. I would hate to strees the strut and blow one.

i wasn't sure about the Ksports, but i like the way that Matt has jumped in (after encouragement from Steve and others?) to address the problem. anyone can make a mistake, but i admire those who fix them.
so now i'll watch this thread to determine whether i should go w/ Ksports.

I haven't installed my KSports yet. I am glad because I am going to need a stiffer spring with the weight of my stereo equipment that is installed in the rear.

I eagerly await a new stiffer spring.

I am also concerned about whether the strut will handle the added spring. With the trouble I will have to install struts in the rear of my E (click my sig to see picts) I don't want to have to install them more than once.

Need someone to test new spring rates? I can install them immediately :evil:

THANK GOD someone took the initiative to contact them! i have them on also and they are worst then springs! very unpleased! keep us updated man!

THANK GOD someone took the initiative to contact them! i have them on also and they are worst then springs! very unpleased! keep us updated man!

I spoke to Ksports a few days ago. Ksports have at least a couple different spring rates. The Pro damper Kit already comes with a 13k/728lb for the rear. Well for $50 each you can purchase a 15k/840lb spring rate or a 20k/1000 spring rate. (I know what your sayin’ more $.) If someone has not yet purchased them, they can specify which spring rate they want for the rear at the time of purchase. I have not yet decided which ones to go with yet. However, I think 20k would be too stiff, 15k may be the answer. Are you unpleased with the fronts too?

^^^the 20k for sure, but also, you may want to call back and talk to matt, KSport had to custom make the rear spring because it tapers from one diameter to another, you cannot use the universal rear springs, it would have until they decided to not use the aluminum top mount they originally designed and then went to using the stock rear mounts,that is also why they have the engineers working on it, they will have to have new ones made first, unless sonehow they made new ones in 3 days, I doubt it, plus Matt would have posted something by now.
I will call tomorrow for us and check in.

Also, the fronts are dead perfect, you cant go wrong with the fronts, its an amazing ride for sure, the rears are fine too, if you set them up correctly and have no wieght ever in the back, as soon as I add my wife, kids, and a stroller, they then are horrid.

Later
Steve

20k at the very least.

I just talked to Matt, they do NOT have 3 different springs.

Anyways, here is the deal, they said they are already a higher spring rate than tein, they need 10 people or more to commit to a higher spring rate before they make them available. He will be posting up a great price for us very soon. These will be a option spring in the future. Please let me know what wieght you are looking at, please be reasonable, and let me know you are ready to buy. I will be taking all the info and then we will choose the best optional spring. If we cannot come to an agreement, we all lose out.

If I do not see a lot of traffic, I will be posting a group buy.
Thank guys
Steve

p.s.- I am working 2:30pm to 1:30am all week, I will try to answer questions asap, most likely at lunch or when the boss is away, lol.

^^^Thanks for the update!

I just talked to Matt, they do NOT have 3 different springs.

Anyways, here is the deal, they said they are already a higher spring rate than tein, they need 10 people or more to commit to a higher spring rate before they make them available. He will be posting up a great price for us very soon. These will be a option spring in the future. Please let me know what weight you are looking at, please be reasonable, and let me know you are ready to buy. I will be taking all the info and then we will choose the best optional spring. If we cannot come to an agreement, we all lose out.

If I do not see a lot of traffic, I will be posting a group buy.
Thank guys
Steve



I spoke Matt too last Friday and from my first post that is what he told me. Maybe the spring is not available but they can make it. I also emailed Nick at Kpsorts. Here is his reply.

We provide a stiffer spring than any of
the other coilover systems on the market. We had one person ask for a
stiffer spring, which we can possibly make, but we are trying to find
interest beyond the one person. As that spring is made special for that car
we need to gauge if we can sell enough to manufacture a new rate. From the
local people here that installed them and currently run they they like the
rate, so I guess it depends on the person. Possibly send me some pics of
your rear spring and I can try to see what is going on with yours.


Thanks,
Nick J.
Ksport Suspension Company

Does anyone know what the oem spring rates are? It seems like 728 should be a pretty heavy duty spring rate? It would seem that there is a need for more travel more than a heavy spring. I would think a 20k spring would hardly move. I would guess it would make the back end completely rockish. I claim no expertise in this. Just curious. Trying to figure out the details before I stick on some coil overs of my own and am disappointed.

On Tein's website they list 895 lb springs for the rear of the RSX on their competition coilovers. You can consider that "rockish" for a 2800 lb RSX. Now a 3400 lb Element... you would probably need 1200 lb springs to create the same effect, roughly speaking. They also list for the s2000 on their N1 model an 1119 lb spring for comparison. They also list the 895 lb spring for the front of a Toyota Supra. These three vehicles are all lighter then the Element. If you expect to have two passengers, or a trailer, you can expect the weight of the rear to be almost equal or greater to the front weight of a Supra. 1000 lb springs or more would probably be a better fit for those of us who have rear passengers frequently. I don't believe that they would be too harsh. It would be better if they could be a little longer then these 700 lb springs, maybe about an 1" longer.

This weekend I took a trip, and on the way back probably had about 650 lbs of passengers and cargo, and I had to raise the back about 1" to not rub going over bumps. Usually I can get away with not rubbing with about 350 lbs of cargo (including people). Based on this, I think 1000 lb would do the trick (an extra 200 lb of support on each side).

I would buy 1000 lb or higher springs for the rear.

I am for one for better spring rates. My boss constantly asks me if I am going to buy KSports through his connection, but turn him down because of the rear spring rate currently being low making the rears too soft. Give us the option for something beefier, and I will easily consider.

Snow-728 is decent for most situations if you set up them correctly, I am please with the ride until additional wieght or passengers are added. The problem really is the stroke length of the piston/shaft of the shock, it is 1.75" shorter than the stock sc strut due to it is a shock in body setup which takes up room. By adding a stiffer spring, this will help fight back the shorter stroke.

Raven-If you are really willing to buy the Ksports, you will help the cause, they said 10 minimum, I can tell Matt that one of the orders will be with the optional spring rate, but you will have to commit to the purchase prior to recieving them, and would have to understand the order for yours would be delayed until the new springs arrived.

If nothing is done, I will not be selling my ksports because I like them in every other way, but this will push my next project up a lot faster that I will be hopefully producing to sell for all elements, lowered or not. I hope to have the prototype setup of this project done in the next 2 weeks.

If nothing is done, I will not be selling my ksports because I like them in every other way, but this will push my next project up a lot faster that I will be hopefully producing to sell for all elements, lowered or not. I hope to have the prototype setup of this project done in the next 2 weeks.

I have to agree, I like them as well, just except for when I add weight. When I am by myself, they are perfect.

1000 lb springs or more would probably be a better fit for those of us who have rear passengers frequently. I don't believe that they would be too harsh. It would be better if they could be a little longer then these 700 lb springs, maybe about an 1" longer.


I would agree, AT LEAST 1000 lb springs and LONGER. These originals are too short and soft for a car that heavy. If we just stiffen it without making it longer the quality of the ride will suffer.

Maybe the spring is not available but they can make it. I also emailed Nick at Kpsorts. Here is his reply.

We provide a stiffer spring than any of
the other coilover systems on the market. We had one person ask for a
stiffer spring, which we can possibly make, but we are trying to find
interest beyond the one person. As that spring is made special for that car
we need to gauge if we can sell enough to manufacture a new rate. From the
local people here that installed them and currently run they they like the
rate, so I guess it depends on the person. Possibly send me some pics of
your rear spring and I can try to see what is going on with yours.


Thanks,
Nick J.
Ksport Suspension Company

- Nick was also the one that replied to me back in the beginning of March, when I had emailed K-sports about the issue.
He knows there are issues with the rears but will keep denying it. Saying that local people here that installed them and "like the rate." That is full of B.S.! Because the person that first installed the coilover in the Element lives in San Diego (K-sports is in Arizona) and the owner has already sold his Element and K-sports coilovers, when I asked him in February, even he said to complain to K-sports about the rears being too soft.

Sure in the beginning when we first installed them we did liked them when the springs were new and stiff, so we posted on these forums that we like them. But that was until we had passengers in the car and after the springs had set and softened. Nick is still in denial because he referring to the pre-testing period when the springs haven't set yet.

- Nick asked you for pictures (it wont matter to him because I've already sent him multiple pictures of my set up from underneath the car.)

- He keeps telling us that the K-sport "spring rates are higher" than any of its competitors (he's comparing to Teins), but the spring height is almost half the height shorter than Teins, the coils are skinnier than Teins, and the K-sport shock is a bit taller and skinnier than Teins. Teins allows you to rider lower in the rears because the shock is bulkier and shorter, I've compared the two.

He needs to sit, be the passenger, and ride in one of the Elements that have coilover installed for 2-3 months, and then he'll know what it feels like...

They'll be stupid to make it an option to get stiffer springs, they need to make it a requirement!

-This is strictly about the Rear Coilovers-
-I still love the fronts-

...

- He keeps telling us that the K-sport "spring rates are higher" than any of its competitors (he's comparing to Teins), but the spring height is almost half the height shorter than Teins, the coils are skinnier than Teins, and the K-sport shock is a bit taller and skinnier than Teins. Teins allows you to rider lower in the rears because the shock is bulkier and shorter, I've compared the two.
...
-

FYI,
at least 2, and maybe more, board members who have Teins, ordered higher than standard spring rate rears for their lowered Elements. and i've only ever seen 1 person riding in their E's.

I am commited to buy the stiffer springs for sure! I am fine with the fronts but not the rears! the stiffer the better imo.. so lmk when the group buy goes down and the price!

Hey everyone, I spoke to Steve last week about your springs being too soft, and we're working on getting something stiffer set up. Our springs are typically listed in kg/mm, so you guys will be looking at something around 17-20 kg/mm (1000-1100 lbs/in). I'm glad that Steve called, because this is the 1st I've heard about your guys' springs being too soft, and I'll do what I can to get this resolved.

It's been almost 3 weeks, any updates Matt?

He will not post a price until I contact him telling him I have 10 people. I have only 5 as of now, so with all the complaining, and 20+ sets out there that I know of, I guess us 5 are the only users that see this problem. So with that, I am ordering the KSports Top hats for the RSX soon(no money right now), and getting the 18k rear springs. After talking to some rsx guys, they said the KSport top hats are 1 1/2" shorter than stock, so it limits how low you can set the back, I have 2" left on the inner sleeve, so it will work for me. Total will cost $250 to do this, hopefully I can get them to cut me a break or find a lower price elsewhere. Sucks that I have to do this, and my other project is on hold until I can figure a new way to fab up a mount for something, it would take welding and I want a full bolt on kit to be able to sell(no, I can't tell you guys just yet).
Later
Steve

Maybe Tein can provide us with an upgraded spring, since there are two others on here that got them for their Basic setup. On the Basic setup, it uses the factory top mounts, so it should be pretty similar to the kSports. I notice that on Tein's set, the spring is not tapered, but there is also a spring seat spacer that sits on the perch (see picture). Maybe Ksport should do the same, or maybe the Tein's will work on the kSport's with the spacer. What do you think?

http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=63397&stc=1&d=1228843939

My boss will be selling me the KSports. KSport is telling him that they can include the higher spring rates for the rears, but like mentioned, they will take a bit longer to test and package and ship out. So I am going for it... I'm doing 15k and will see how that goes.

I sent a email a bit ago and am going to call I want to buy some stiffer springs its getting worse even after I raised it.

Mine finally settled, so I adjusted some more and they are fine now, I have no complaints anymore, all I can say is when you adjust the inner sleeve, you wanna make sure they are unbolted from the top mount with a jack under the control arm with no pressure, turn down the inner sleeve 1.5", then jack up the control arm and tighten. They have been great for 2 weeks now, I still would buy a 15k set, but since I could not get 10 sets, they would not do it, and I give up, I put too much time into this stuff and the wife is getting p-o'd, and maybe since raven is getting them, hopefully they will be available, I just hope they dont send him the 728's and pass them off as the 15k's, that would be the worst thing on thier part, I would make sure of that.

Mine finally settled, so I adjusted some more and they are fine now, I have no complaints anymore, all I can say is when you adjust the inner sleeve, you wanna make sure they are unbolted from the top mount with a jack under the control arm with no pressure, turn down the inner sleeve 1.5", then jack up the control arm and tighten. They have been great for 2 weeks now, I still would buy a 15k set, but since I could not get 10 sets, they would not do it, and I give up, I put too much time into this stuff and the wife is getting p-o'd, and maybe since raven is getting them, hopefully they will be available, I just hope they dont send him the 728's and pass them off as the 15k's, that would be the worst thing on thier part, I would make sure of that.

I dunno i have adjusted mine a ton of times after a month or two the rears are super soft and bottom out waayyy to easy. I emailed them and was told they would need 200 orders, so I sent a reply telling them there is not 200 of us. We are willing to pay and how hard could it be. It seems they do not want to do a few. I have a local company that will make any spring you want at any size height and rate. I am going to give ksport a chance and then look into ordering some. Either that or adjust the rears in a different way.

Hopefully they won't screw me over. Would there be a comparison between a 13k and 15k spring appearance wise? It'll be a while, but I'll keep asking my boss to inquiry on its status.

In the meantime, I'm working on my ruckus...

Mine finally settled, so I adjusted some more and they are fine now, I have no complaints anymore, all I can say is when you adjust the inner sleeve, you wanna make sure they are unbolted from the top mount with a jack under the control arm with no pressure, turn down the inner sleeve 1.5", then jack up the control arm and tighten. They have been great for 2 weeks now, I still would buy a 15k set, but since I could not get 10 sets, they would not do it, and I give up, I put too much time into this stuff and the wife is getting p-o'd, and maybe since raven is getting them, hopefully they will be available, I just hope they dont send him the 728's and pass them off as the 15k's, that would be the worst thing on thier part, I would make sure of that.

I talked to Matt today, within the next month, they will have 30 sets of the new 15k spring available. As of right now, they will be $100 plus shipping unless we get a list together for a GB to try and haggle the price down. Let me know if interested, and please, no complaining to me about price, I am not KSport, if you have any questions for them, pm Matt or email KSport.

Thanks
Steve

I talked to Matt today, within the next month, they will have 30 sets of the new 15k spring available. As of right now, they will be $100 plus shipping unless we get a list together for a GB to try and haggle the price down. Let me know if interested, and please, no complaining to me about price, I am not KSport, if you have any questions for them, pm Matt or email KSport.

Thanks
Steve

Nice going Steve! Maybe this will solve everybody's problems and I will finally feel like I didn't go through a lot of aggrivation and waste a lot of time putting the group buy together. It sucks that it will cost more money, but as we all know, this hobby ain't cheap. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

One last thing....I wouldn't hold my breath on the "within the next month" comment.... we know things have a way of happening. Perhaps another typhoon? :-D

I talked to Matt today, within the next month, they will have 30 sets of the new 15k spring available. As of right now, they will be $100 plus shipping unless we get a list together for a GB to try and haggle the price down. Let me know if interested, and please, no complaining to me about price, I am not KSport, if you have any questions for them, pm Matt or email KSport.

Thanks
Steve


I am in at that price hold a set for me thanks for the help in getting stiffer springs.

Thanks Steve. I'll get a set as soon as they are available.

:holrudolph:

I am in for a set. I hope sooner rather than later!!!:alien:

I need a set as well. the front is perfect but the rear bottoms way too easily. I almost thought about going back to stock and selling the Ksports. I still might try springs and shocks before I give up.

Awesome, so far we have 6 sets, hopefully with a couple more I can start working a deal for us. If I have too, I am gonna pull out the Vendors License and see if that will help in any way.

Awesome, so far we have 6 sets, hopefully with a couple more I can start working a deal for us. If I have too, I am gonna pull out the Vendors License and see if that will help in any way.

Im going to start a list. These are the people in this thread that say they
would buy a set. If you do NOT want to be on this list, let me know here or
PM me. Im just trying to help out insane and help get the springs out to us
faster!!!

1.) gripnrip
2.) thiselemento
3.) JPhan
4.) cg95660
5.) mr2driver
6.) AztecRol

By my count we have 7, only three more sets for 10!!!
That should be easy. A couple of people in here were on the fence
and never committed to buying a set, so I didn't put them down on the list.
Let me know if I can add you to the list!!!!!

:devil2:

NismoGriff does not have KSports intalled, he is staying stock.

NismoGriff does not have KSports intalled, he is staying stock.

No worries....I took care of it ;-)

Cool, thanks Nismo. Funny thing is, the original thread poster is not on the list, I guess the original poster is happy with his soft springs, huh, wow, he must have a great heart for his fellow eocers.

Cool, thanks Nismo. Funny thing is, the original thread poster is not on the list, I guess the original poster is happy with his soft springs, huh, wow, he must have a great heart for his fellow eocers.

Did you want me too add you to the list????
Did I hurt your feelings??
I don't want to assume anything.
That will put us back at 8!!!

Just give me the word you heartless bastard!!!! :shock::twisted::shock::twisted:

Yes, I am getting a set.

FIXED!!!

1.) insane_sc
2.) gripnrip
3.) thiselemento
4.) JPhan
5.) cg95660
6.) mr2driver
7.) AztecRol


So we are officially at 7!!! Come on people, two more are we are golden!!!

LOL, those last 4 posts were funny. Think about it though.... I started the KSport group buy and in the end, I didn not buy a set :roll:

a guy on a dutch honda forum had buyed a K Sports coilover set for his Prelude in 2008. in 2009 he had al 4 of the shocks broke, because of the cheap material that K Sports use. the oil was splashing out of the shocks !!
see the pictures for the reason why:

http://members.home.nl/m.gankema/various/Temp/ks_ra_5.jpg

http://members.home.nl/m.gankema/various/Temp/ks_ra_rv_demperstangen.jpg

he also was not amused of the springs. the paint they used is cheap. after one year they get this nice rusty look:

http://members.home.nl/m.gankema/various/Temp/demper_lek_2.jpg

because of the warranty he got some new shocks, bud now the shocks are broke again ........... and no warranty ..............

think twice befor u buy ...........................

YES please ppl!! 2 more dos mas !! id have to say, the trip to vegas was horrid for my passengers lolol.. my rear wheels looked like it had -10 camber haha.. sigh.. bottomed out on the smallest dip and gas bar scrapped on every speedbump :x please ksport hurry

This is not a bash thread, please do some research before you post. Last year, KSport updated their painting/anodizing/powdercoat processes, hence the new colors. Also, looking at the pistons, those are the old 46mm, new ones are 50mm. And last, your buddy would have been screwed with any set, those were not taken car of, I can tell by the shaft, they have dirt marks and looking at the rest of the suspension, the car was NOT maintained imo.
Later
Steve

a guy on a dutch honda forum had buyed a K Sports coilover set for his Prelude in 2008. in 2009 he had al 4 of the shocks broke, because of the cheap material that K Sports use. the oil was splashing out of the shocks !!
see the pictures for the reason why:

http://members.home.nl/m.gankema/various/Temp/ks_ra_5.jpg

http://members.home.nl/m.gankema/various/Temp/ks_ra_rv_demperstangen.jpg

he also was not amused of the springs. the paint they used is cheap. after one year they get this nice rusty look:

http://members.home.nl/m.gankema/various/Temp/demper_lek_2.jpg

because of the warranty he got some new shocks, bud now the shocks are broke again ........... and no warranty ..............

think twice befor u buy ...........................

I am willing to bet that the maintenance of the rest of the car matches the level of maintenance taken on the suspension.

UPDATE!!!!

1.) insane_sc
2.) gripnrip
3.) thiselemento
4.) JPhan
5.) cg95660
6.) mr2driver
7.) AztecRol
8.) Stibox

I am willing to bet that the maintenance of the rest of the car matches the level of maintenance taken on the suspension.

I would agree.... I will also say that people tend to buy the Kontrol Pro series and think they can slam their car to the ground on it (usually improperly set) and take it out and track/drift it. That's not the intended use of the Kontrol Pro's. Anything can fail when it's set-up/used improperly.

I'll try and salvage this set up. Put me on the list for a set of rear springs.

UPDATE!!!!

1.) insane_sc
2.) gripnrip
3.) thiselemento
4.) JPhan
5.) cg95660
6.) mr2driver
7.) AztecRol
8.) Stibox
9.) simplify

COME ON GUYS, ONE MORE!!!!!

Awesome to see the ball rolling for the springs. My boss just got an update for my set, they're just waiting for the new springs to come in. Looking forward to my set. All paid in full...

Awesome to see the ball rolling for the springs. My boss just got an update for my set, they're just waiting for the new springs to come in. Looking forward to my set. All paid in full...

Someone has to be the :cheerleader: !!!!!

Although I think of myself more as :batman: !!!

:lol:

Just installed the coil-overs today...and I haven't driven them any distance yet.

But around the block I was not happy...they seemed very rough and unpleasant.

I was thinking 'too stiff' and I couldn't get enough ride height... I didn't want 2" of drop.

Maybe the problem is the subject of this thread: the spring is too soft and too short.

So maybe the new springs will get more ride height and be a better setup, for a safe and comfortable ride.

Also I read about preload and double thickness washers...so maybe some tweaking will make this suspension more the way I want.

>>> If I need to be the last person to make the new springs happen...put me down. <<<<

After a quick ride around the neighborhood ...I was already thinking I made a bad choice, since my daughter will have her first child in September and this ride quality would never be acceptable for a newborn , or a car load of stuff and passengers.

My mechanic and the alignment guy said this was a spine cracker after they drove it. Not exactly right for an infant.

Car handles better, but ride quality ...before break in and fine tuning is not what I'm looking for.

Worst case... I have the stock parts and can sell the nearly brand new coilovers....but I was hoping to make the car safer with this suspension. I though stock was a bit too jouncy.

Just a reminder to me that it isn't always easy when trying to mod cars.

Despite the issues I've mentioned ....Major thanks to everyone for all the hard work putting this suspension together! I mean that..thanks to everyone!

please feel free to email me with comments blueskybasin AT gmail

All the best

Paul

It will get softer so wait it out. Also try adjusting your struts it should make it ride a little softer. I will say who ever told you your e is a spine cracker has never lowered or been in a lowered civic.

I will be calling next week to tell them we have 9 possibly 10, so I will deal.

Also, if yours is too stiff, something is wrong, mine rides just like my sc suspension up front and softer in back, my daughter actually likes the way it rides in her Simpson Racing baby seat, lol.

I will be calling next week to tell them we have 9 possibly 10, so I will deal.

Also, if yours is too stiff, something is wrong, mine rides just like my sc suspension up front and softer in back, my daughter actually likes the way it rides in her Simpson Racing baby seat, lol.

Something is wrong...but KSportUSA checked with me on pre-load and install checks out and all seems to be correct... they just say to wait for the new spring.

I don't know what is going on...but I can't risk my daughter having a miscarriage.

I am really sad that I wanted to make my daughter's car nicer for her, and totally missed the results.

At the moment, I may have to go back to stock immediately. Picked up on Friday afternoon... and tried all weekend and this morning to dial it in.

I'd appreciate any help just in case I'm missing something that wil make this a comfortable and nice handling car.

Cheers

Paul

Something is wrong...but KSportUSA checked with me on pre-load and install checks out and all seems to be correct... they just say to wait for the new spring.

Preloading is very important for the E.The service manual states: loosely install the flange nuts onto the top of the damper. Those are the two 14m nuts on the tophat. Next, loosely install the flange bolt on the bottom of the damper(strut). Then raise the suspension with a floor jack to load it with the vehicles weight and tighten the nuts and bolt the the specified torque. All you do is place the floor jack under the control arms and lift it. Then after you tighten. Then bring it down. your done. Also make sure that the tophat is in the right postion. There is a indent mark that needs to be faced toward the inside. at the moment i cant upload a pic. but you can ref the service manual.

Preloading is very important for the E.The service manual states: loosely install the flange nuts onto the top of the damper. Those are the two 14m nuts on the tophat. Next, loosely install the flange bolt on the bottom of the damper(strut). Then raise the suspension with a floor jack to load it with the vehicles weight and tighten the nuts and bolt the the specified torque. All you do is place the floor jack under the control arms and lift it. Then after you tighten. Then bring it down. your done. Also make sure that the tophat is in the right postion. There is a indent mark that needs to be faced toward the inside. at the moment i cant upload a pic. but you can ref the service manual.

This is not oem the front spring is already preloaded it installs differently then oem. That instruction set u have is so you do not strip the bolt on the tophat for the strut with a spring compressor the same effect can be had.

Something is wrong...but KSportUSA checked with me on pre-load and install checks out and all seems to be correct... they just say to wait for the new spring.

I don't know what is going on...but I can't risk my daughter having a miscarriage.

I am really sad that I wanted to make my daughter's car nicer for her, and totally missed the results.

At the moment, I may have to go back to stock immediately. Picked up on Friday afternoon... and tried all weekend and this morning to dial it in.

I'd appreciate any help just in case I'm missing something that wil make this a comfortable and nice handling car.

Cheers

Paul

I am not sure how you setup the rear (I am assuming that is your main issue), but to get the softest ride out of the rear, I can suggest to set it up this way...

You will need to remove the shock and spring completely to do this...

Spin the shock all the way out of the shock housing and take it out (keep the top hats attached). Check and make sure the top hat is tight to the shock shaft, and does not wiggle around. Next, spin the spring perches 1/4" from the top of the strut housing and loosely tighten them. Put the spring on. Put the shock back into the shock housing and spin the shock down until the top hat is snug against the spring. Loosen the spring perches, and use the wrenches to spin them up another 1/8" to add slight amount of preload to the spring, tighten them. Now adjust the damper all the way counter clock wise. If you want a little less travel, turn it 10 clicks to the right. This should only lower it by about an inch.

I will share that my wife is 8 months pregnant, and the ride is too uncomfortable for her at my current settings, she will tolerate it if she needs to, but she typically avoids riding in it. The settings I gave you are not the ones I run, but should be tolerable enough. It will be firmer then stock, about 30% firmer, and the rebound should not be too harsh.

If it is not confortable enough, just put the stock suspension back for now, better safe then sorry.

End of next week they will be in and they will not deal for us, we need a dealer.

End of next week they will be in and they will not deal for us, we need a dealer.

Contact vfxraven19, I believe either he or his boss has the ability to
buy from KSport direct.

There is a dealer on the MR2 board I frequent that I could get the attention of. Just let me know, and I will contact them!

Contact vfxraven19, I believe either he or his boss has the ability to
buy from KSport direct.

My boss deals with KSport directly. He can get us a deal for the C.O's WITH custom spring rate included. I can inquiry about price if you wish, let me know.

Like the rest of you who opted in for the springs, I am still waiting for my kit, heh...

My boss deals with KSport directly. He can get us a deal for the C.O's WITH custom spring rate included. I can inquiry about price if you wish, let me know.

Like the rest of you who opted in for the springs, I am still waiting for my kit, heh...

Get in contact with insane_sc. He was getting a group buy together for just
the springs. He was saying that KSport will not deal with him direct. He also
said that the springs will be ready by the end of next week. Im hoping you
two can work something out with your boss. Keep us posted!!!

Get in contact with insane_sc. He was getting a group buy together for just
the springs. He was saying that KSport will not deal with him direct. He also
said that the springs will be ready by the end of next week. Im hoping you
two can work something out with your boss. Keep us posted!!!

Next week would be sweet I have some plans and stiffer springs would be nice.

Are they available now? Do we still need a dealer?

Call them if you want, I'm done calling, I've been promised call backs and they have never happened.
Sorry guys, I do not have the time or patience right now.

Later
Steve

Call them if you want, I'm done calling, I've been promised call backs and they have never happened.
Sorry guys, I do not have the time or patience right now.



Same here.

My boss deals with KSport directly. He can get us a deal for the C.O's WITH custom spring rate included. I can inquiry about price if you wish, let me know.

Like the rest of you who opted in for the springs, I am still waiting for my kit, heh...

Call them if you want, I'm done calling, I've been promised call backs and they have never happened.
Sorry guys, I do not have the time or patience right now.

Later
Steve

Steve, did you ever try and get a hold of vfxraven19?? If you look at his
post above, his boss deals with KSport direct. Im sure if you two can get
together, you all can work something out.

They are in!!! Please do not call, Matt will be posting the link for us to buy them tonight.
Later
Steve

Hey guys, here's the link to purchase the stiffer springs. These springs are 15kg/mm, compared to the 13kg/mm springs that the coilovers originally used. The only downside to going stiffer is that the vehicle will not be able to go as low. 15kg/mm is actually as stiff as I could get the engineers to go, because any stiffer and you wouldn't be able to achieve much of a drop.

http://www.ksportusa.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=54

For people who have not purchased their coilovers yet, please just specify with your dealer when ordering that you would like the 15kg/mm springs in the rear.

Just ordered a set, I will be leaving tonight to Wyoming from Ohio, I will put them on out there, so the 1300 mile trip with the 13k springs will be tested against even more for the 15k, this will be a great comparison.
later all:)-
Steve

Ordered my set just now. A big thanks to all involved I can't wait to run them I bet I can still get as low as I am Being that I have over 2 inches of threads left. I will post pics and review them. Btw what is this rate in pounds per inch?

Your welcome big guy. For the weight, its about 890lbs spring rate, but I do not know the length of the spring.

Well, I hope this solves the problems for you guys..... I'll be watching.

Also ordered a set. If they get here by Friday, I will have them in for the weekend in time to lug a roll cage for my MR2 150 miles.

Just got my C.O.'s with the 15kg springs, just got back from vacation too:

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs103.ash2/38473_122364711143564_100001101086930_113072_24914 86_n.jpg

I had the stiffer springs put on today without changing the position of the spring seats. Based only on my 5 mile ride back to my house these are a significant improvement. There is a slight dip that with the old springs caused my E to bottom out with a loud thunk. Taking the dip at the same speed is now without any drama. I'm glad these seem to be better, but am annoyed that the original engineering was so far off. I am taking a trip next week to Colorado and will report back with anything notable.

I drove about a hundred miles more last night to a Rangers game (Rangers 7, A's 4) with four people on board and over several different kinds of roads: highways, rural, city, etc. Everyone agreed that the new springs made the feel of the E much more bearable. The rear end has settled down considerably, I feel much more confident on exit ramps and in general. I am now going to experiment with the damper setting to dial it in.

I would also like to add my "thanks" to everyone who got the ball rolling and made this happen, your time is appreciated. I've been off the boards for a bit and was surpised tyo find all this going on upon my return. I've order a pair and look forward to their arrival next week.

Question: Can a guy will 1/2 a brain, a good tool box and a decent understanding of suspension swap the rear springs out safely of is it best left to the "professionals". Thanks for your input


Scott

perhaps I should have said a "workable" knowledge of supsension............


Thanks

Scott

Bump for updates!

Bump for updates!
My springs came yesterday and will be installed on sunday. It sounds promising and I hope I can still ride this low.

Well, I still do not have mine, thanks to the rejects at Fed-Ex. They keep telling me they can't find the address and will not allow me to pick them up in Cheyenne, I am so pissed off. The road I am staying at has a Ave and Blvd, I am on the Blvd, they say the Blvd. does not exsist, my grandparents have been at this address for 35 years, f&#ing Fed-Ex. I am supposed to leave for California tomorrow and now I am changing my plans, the 1300 mile trip here with the old springs was so unbearable, I refuse to drive the E. I thought Ohio roads were bad, HA, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, and Wyoming are horrid compared to Ohio.

Thanks for the venting post area.

Later
Steve

I'm waiting for some more feedback on these new springs before I buy them. If it isn't a world of difference I'm going back to stock and this setup will be up for sale.

It feels a lot better much firmer I was able to drop mine down to were i like it. It still hits, but nothing like before and if I raised it up a bit I bet it would not hit at all. Here are some pics.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v611/eatatjoes/2bdf455b.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v611/eatatjoes/4506422f.jpg

so what is the price on these new springs??

:062:

cg95660, you are very low sir!

Now all we need is someone to make adjustable toe arms for the rear. Ksport?? :D

:062:

cg95660, you are very low sir!

Now all we need is someone to make adjustable toe arms for the rear. Ksport?? :D

Yep, too low. The SPC camber arm almost looks as if it would be knocking on the frame. Adjustable tow arms would be so nice. I agree. How about a C notch kit?

so what is the price on these new springs??

$98 for the pair plus shipping and tax if that is applicable in your state.

All you had to do was click on the link that was provided. :twisted:

:062:

cg95660, you are very low sir!

Now all we need is someone to make adjustable toe arms for the rear. Ksport?? :D

Thanks it is what I wanted to do and it seems I am the only one in sac to even touch his e so its kinda nice.

Yep, too low. The SPC camber arm almost looks as if it would be knocking on the frame. Adjustable tow arms would be so nice. I agree. How about a C notch kit?

This is the hitting issue I am talking about I am hitting the control arm for sure it has dented the body a little nothing major. Like I said it still hits on sharp bumps(with my struts turned down), so I may tighten the struts up to see if it still does it then I may raise it. I do not believe in too low any way its not in my vocab.

The only way for the E to go that low and have the geometry on the suspension corrected would be to remove the sub frame and extend the control mounts. That involves cutting the frame and raising the sub frame (c-notch). There was a company called CircutWorx that overhauled the rear end on the E. If I remember correctly they installed an MDX rear end.

Got them on yesterday, big difference, I had the old setup with the shocks set at 32 now I have them at 15 and they ride the same but I don't rub anymore and I even dropped the back 3/4" more. I am very happy with the springs. I just drove about 100 miles with the back loaded with a bunch of luggage plus the kids and wife, no rubbing at all!! I will be honest, I did bottom out the shocks once on a huge dip on route 80, but that is my fault, I forgot to move the shock down when I lowered the perches, but I was trying to switch them in the dirt driveway of my in-laws with limited tools, I just wanted them on.

Later
Steve

Thats good to hear. waiting for mine to come in. are u in cali now?

I will not be making it to Cali this year, the money was just not there plus some other family problems that arose while in WY, sucks, but what can you do.

I installed these yesterday, the whole family drove around town in them. They are a nice improvement, even my wife agreed. Not as firm as I would like, but definitely better. I feel that this is the set of springs that should have came with them. Anyone want to buy some 13kg springs for cheap? :D

Mr2, how many clicks are your settings for the front?

I had it set fairly soft for the family, 15 in the front, and 10 in the back. I will probably set it at 24 and 20 when it's just me and the 3 year old.

I also just installed these and I'd have to say I feel better that they are a bit better then the 13k but not I am not happy that it isn't as stiff. I bottom out with 4 ppl that are not fat in my car on dips going speed limit and it isn't as low as before so it should not bottom out that easily -_- And I have it at the stiffest setting! Thanks for trying K-sport.

I'm told by somebody who has a lot of experience with the Element suspensions that we should use our stock bump stops instead of the harder bump stops that come with the harder Ksport coilovers. That should help.

I'm told by somebody who has a lot of experience with the Element suspensions that we should use our stock bump stops instead of the harder bump stops that come with the harder Ksport coilovers. That should help.

Should the 15Kg springs stops the issue? so far mine are set with out it and dial set on 18, with Fwy daily drive seems alright for me except the front popping noise a bit irritating.

I drove from wyoming thru kansas, missouri, illinois, indiana, kentucky and ohio after the install of the springs, loved them and did not bottom out once, it was great. Too bad I just took the KSports off, and not because I did not like them, I loved them, I HATE the way stock feels, so sloppy. Go from stock to KSports back to stock really shows you how great they really are.

I drove from wyoming thru kansas, missouri, illinois, indiana, kentucky and ohio after the install of the springs, loved them and did not bottom out once, it was great. Too bad I just took the KSports off, and not because I did not like them, I loved them, I HATE the way stock feels, so sloppy. Go from stock to KSports back to stock really shows you how great they really are.

And don't think we didn't notice that you didn't swing through California! ;-)

Chief

Ran out of money due to a little problem, we did not even get to Vegas to see my grandma, sucks, but what can you do, if it was not for Wyoming not accepting insurance at any doctors, we would have made it.

No problem my friend, we'll catch you down the road!

Chief

Got everything installed yesterday, but ran into some issues with the rear in terms of height adjustment. We went too low, then raised it, then it was perfect, until I loaded up stuff to haul back home and it rubbed bad. Raised it up tad more, but now the rear is like the same height when I was with the Eibach springs. It was a long day and still need to adjust the rears - but most importantly, I need to get my rear fenders trimmed, then readjust the rears, and finally get the alignment done.

The ride is pretty good, not as jarring as w/ the stock struts w/ Eibach springs. It's smoother and my mom even notices the difference.

You would think ANY coil over manufacturer would inprint a ruler or numbers to help the adjustments go better with all sides. It surely is time consuming when you think you've got the right height to find out it's not and you have to raise and take everything out to readjust (I guess the rears are a pain, not so much the fronts).

Mark...take it down to Auto Fashion in San Diego, they did a beautiful job on the rear fenders when they cut out "Darth Raider."

Chief

Any resolution to the annoying "pop!" that happens. I've noticed it when I was on Eibachs, and it went away after a while, but this is all the time.

Buy a great set of thrust bearings from a race coilover setup. You can use QA1's from Summit racing, just install on top of the spring instead of the bottom, this will keep them cleaner and should not fail. I had a 3rd set of mine before I sold them from a local bearing shop, they held up great on top, they did not fail with my long trip but were expensive, luckily I got them cheap with my work discount. Use the thread about coilover pop to help.
later
Steve

For the SC owners who have the Ksports installed, what rear height did you set it at? How many fingers can you space out in the rear fenders? We did a finger & 1/2 last night, but it settle to maybe a 1/2 finger gap now and it almost looks like my E is slanting in the rear now. The fronts have a 2 finger gap. I'm wondering if I should have the rear adjusted a tad higher or just adjust the fronts to be a little lower...

Ok, time to wake up this thread - I just took delivery of my Ksport coilovers, they were drop shipped directly from k sport.

I am sad to have to report that the rear springs are NOT as advertised (15KG) on their website, they are 14KG???

The rear flops like crap - I even preloaded the springs to try making them stiffer - better but it's still not great, it rubs the tire on the top of the inside of the wheelwell .

The E now looks great - I am faced with a 1500KM road trip in a couple days and now I will have to raise the rear higher than I wanted to get it to not bottom out.

Those who claimed the Ksports did not allow enough travel in the rear maybe had an old version since mine can go so low that is is ridiculous - low enough that in the rear the tire sits against the top of the inner wheelwell.

Now I wonder what the spring rate is on stock SC rears, they feel significantly stiffer than the 14KG Ksport.

I wanted to call Ksport before the coilovers were shipped to confirm the 15KG springs but since the website CLEARLY lists the rate at 15KG in rear (no options are even listed) I thought to myself "why bother, they obviously have corrected the issue" - guess I was wrong...

I will be making a call in the morning to Ksport to see if I can get the 15KG springs in exchange - we will see what the outcome of that will be - as far as I am concerned, they need to be 16 or 17kg but at least 15kg would help.

Could someone please post a picture of their 15KG rear spring or at least let me know what the numbers printed on it say.

Could someone please post a picture of their 15KG rear spring or at least let me know what the numbers printed on it say.

I'll try and get the numbers for you off of mine. The reason we say we can't lower it all the way, is because the shock does not have enough support to prevent the travel of the body to cause the rear to rub. IMO, the shock tube needs to be larger with more fluid in it to achieve better results. This seems to be the problem with any aftermarket struts for us.

For the REARS only, fronts work fine:
I have the original 13kg coilover springs and they are terrible, I can't have more than 2 people in the car or it rides terrible and bottom out too often.

It was designed really poorly, the shock ride is limited in the rear and the coils are too soft due to the rear heavy Element.

I've spoken to a couple people who has the 15kg upgrade and even they say that it's TOO soft. So even the 15kg is soft. If you contact Ksport, they will just say that "we've only heard good things about the Ksports 15kg." and they will just blow it off...

(about your rubbing issue, in the rear that is not Ksports fault, you will need to cut out the inner fender so that it will decrease or stop the rubbing issue, which can be fixed.)

Could someone please post a picture of their 15KG rear spring or at least let me know what the numbers printed on it say.

I dont remember the new springs having a number on them. I do have the
original springs in front of me, they are part number V-13.5-140. This says to
me that the original spring is 13.5Kg and 140mm long. The part number on the
new springs should be V-15.0-140. On the website, I did see a couple of things.
On THIS PAGE (http://www.ksportusa.com/asp/replacement_detail.asp?product_id=rp24) they list a Race Spring that is 140mm long and 19Kg, with this
part number - SP14019 and $49.00 each.

What is confusing is, if you click on the link at the end of that part number,
you get sent to another page that lists a Race Spring that is 140mm long but
at 18Kg. Not sure if they would work on the E, but if someone is brave enough
to try, it may be the answer for the rear. Here is that link just in case:

http://ksportusa.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=1

Well here is the story I got from Ksport - the numbers on the spring are the wire diameter - this means 14 is the 15kg spring - I may try to look for an adapter to run a regular (non tapered, 2.5") spring in the stock rear upper mount - if not I'll have to make something - then we can all run any spring we like.

Ok well I just wanted to say that ksport has been just excellent to deal with as far as customer service - a good product is built on customer service!

I have figured out how to adjust the rears to avoid rubbing, I will post on this soon.

As far as noise is concerned, how many people have noise from their ksport front coilovers? I am trying ton find a solution for mine and ksport is helping me so hopefully the will be a solution soon.

Ok well I just wanted to say that ksport has been just excellent to deal with as far as customer service - a good product is built on customer service!

I have figured out how to adjust the rears to avoid rubbing, I will post on this soon.

As far as noise is concerned, how many people have noise from their ksport front coilovers? I am trying ton find a solution for mine and ksport is helping me so hopefully the will be a solution soon.

With the fronts, make sure you apply the grease they provide on the perches. Second, snug the collars onto the spring as tight as you can with your hand, then use the wrenches to spin them up an additional 1/4 inch so they are very tight. After the perch wears in a little and sets to an indentation for the spring, it will never make noise. I installed mine this way, and they have never made any noise. Not even after adjusting them like at least 20 times. I have put approx 30k miles on my coilovers.

The rears are another story. I choose to remove and re-grease them about every 10k miles. This doesn't bother me though, because I feel this kind of product requires maintenance to make them last longer.

I tried looking for the number, but they are facing the wheels, and some jerks at the tire place put my duraluminum lug nuts on with an impact gun, I am trying to work on a solution to remove them.

With the fronts, make sure you apply the grease they provide on the perches. Second, snug the collars onto the spring as tight as you can with your hand, then use the wrenches to spin them up an additional 1/4 inch so they are very tight. After the perch wears in a little and sets to an indentation for the spring, it will never make noise. I installed mine this way, and they have never made any noise. Not even after adjusting them like at least 20 times. I have put approx 30k miles on my coilovers.

The rears are another story. I choose to remove and re-grease them about every 10k miles. This doesn't bother me though, because I feel this kind of product requires maintenance to make them last longer.

I tried looking for the number, but they are facing the wheels, and some jerks at the tire place put my duraluminum lug nuts on with an impact gun, I am trying to work on a solution to remove them.

This advice goes directly against the advice given by the people at Ksport, they told me to snug the perches against the springs but no preload.

I was also told not to apply any grease to the spring perches.

I have some rubber isolators and I will try installing them, as I said, mine are the newest version with the thrust bearings in the top hats - I will have to see how it works out..

As far as your duraluminum nuts, I have seen this problem before and I can say that it is easy to overtorque them, I have used a dab of antiseize on mine and never had a problem.

If the rubbers do not work, I will try your settings - if that does not work , I will find a way to run the stock upper strut mounts