COPrelude.net

ok so as the title says, i need to replace my struts before they start to completely bottom out. to start with i have a 99 type sh and want a step up from stock. any recommendations would greatly be appreciated, also i was wondering if the base struts would fit the type sh as there are several different parts for the two models and most searches that i conduct return results that say except sh model. HELP!

A lot of people will say that SH and base suspension arent interchangable. But I disagree. My buddy has a 5th gen SH, and he bought used tein coilovers from a 4th gen and they fit just fine. All coilover systems and springs will have the same part number for 4th gen and 5th, but different for SH. We have only done this once on my buddies car, but have had good luck. I think if you find a good deal on somthing you like for any of the three, you would be fine getting them .

i was told the only difference is starting height... everything else is the same i think the sh is naturally lower by like a 1/4 of an inch hahaha but from the SH people i talked to its the same i think brian cold answer it 100 he dosent have stock suspension in his sh i thought

Base shocks and SH springs are not compatible and neither are SH shocks and base springs. Something about the spring perches IIRC. But you can use SH springs and shocks together in a Base and vice versa. My suggestion to you is Koni shocks and GroundControl coilovers if you're looking for height adjustment ability. Otherwise just get some Koni shocks and Eibach lowering springs. As far as I know, there aren't any aftermarket shocks that are compatible with SH springs so unless you go with OEM shocks you're going to be replacing the springs too.

Is there any difference between Konis and Ground Controls for base and Konis and Ground Controls for SH performance wise?

No.

[EDIT] I guess I can slightly elaborate. The Konis are just an off the shelf strut. They are going to be the same internally. If the perches are different, as Brian noted, then that will be your only difference. As far as Ground Controls, they are just adjustable sleeves with Eibach springs, which can be bought in custom spring rates. So no, there is no difference in quality or performance between the two.

Yeah that's kinda what I figured

thanks for all the help. i will probably go with a set of tein basics or koni's. as far as the springs go, im thinking i will probably go with something like a neuspeed sport spring for 3.35 inches worth of drop. on another note, I recently installed black housing projector headlights with LED city light. pics to come soon

To answer your question about the Koni/GC setup for base vs. Type-SH...these products are not made for the Type-SH. If you go with Tein Basics you won't need anything else as this is a full coilover kit that includes the shocks and springs. This is probably a great option for you if you value ease of use over performance. Be advised though that no Tein coilover kit, including the top of the line Flex, will touch the Koni/GC setup when it comes to performance. If you decide to just do the Koni shocks with a set of lowering springs I can't stress to you enough that Eibach makes the highest quality springs on the market. Ground-Control coilovers use Eibach springs BTW.

i love GC have used them in 3 cars what ratings are you on ? i thought i read there 2spring set ups for sale for 5th gen

Yea, dont know what I was thinking on the spring perch thing... If you use GCs with Konis they use an adapter ring, instead of a perch, so the sleeve sits right on that, almost like its one piece.

I will chime in, that I am very happy with my neuspeed springs, I have the race model, on Konis, in my 4th gen. I will say though, that my car is currently too low, and I need to raise it up a bit.

I'm running 450lb springs front and rear.

i appreciate all the imput everyone is giving. I need to find something soon and im trying to find the cheapest price, but every time i look anywhere, everything says excluding SH model. i know you all say its the same thing, but i cant help but wonder if there is a slight difference between the two models that could wear out my tires prematurely

Okay. I'm trying to make this as clear as possible.....I own a 1998 Honda Prelude Type-SH. My current suspension setup consists of Koni Yellow Sport Shocks made for the base model Prelude and Ground-Control coilovers also made for the base model Prelude. I've been running this setup on my car for over 3 years now with no problems whatsoever. I drive my car daily and also track it on the weekends. I've owned my car for going on 7 years, I have a massive amount of experience and knowledge when it comes to Preludes and Hondas in general. My information will never steer you wrong. You can run base model springs and shocks together on the Type-SH. This isn't speculation. This isn't an assumption. This is a concrete fact.

As for premature tire wear, any time you lower a car with a double wishbone suspension setup you are going to create more negative camber. Negative camber causes inner shoulder wear on tires. The only way to cure this is with a camber kit and proper alignment.