I agonized for some time about getting new shocks. Mine weren't giving me any problems but they were 8 years old. And if I did get new should I upgrade? And to what?? Well, here is some of the best advice I received regarding the replacement of shocks and springs. I based my decision on this info and haven't regretted it yet!   Of course there are many differing opinions on the issue. What other owners have to say!

 
Sent:	Tuesday, September 15, 1998 8:39 PM

Subject:	Re: Advice

--- Gary asked:
> I have a 90CRX Si with 106k plus miles. I'm thinking it's about time to
> replace the struts (they are the originals).

Salute them for a job well done and get rid of them, they wear at a slow
enough rate that you probably haven't noticed how bad they are.  You'll be
ecstatic when you have some good fresh ones.

> Could you recommend struts (make/model) for my CRX and aggressive driving
> style? 

Actually they are shocks (coil over to be exact) but it is such an uphill
battle to tell everyone they are not struts. I could explain why if you are
interested. 
	I would suggest that you go with one of the better ones if you intend to
keep the car for any period of time.  Of course I suggest the KONIs as I 
honestly believe they are the best.  
Next would be the Tokico Illumina second on the ladder.  
Bilstein is good quality stuff but their offering for the CRX is high pressure 
gas only so the ride will be rougher, the car will sit higher and they are not 
adjustable. If we were talking about your Mercedes or Porsche the Bilstein 
should be considered but not for small, lightweight  Japanese cars. 
The KONIs are adjustable for rebound damping (you don't need double adjustables 
for your use, I don't have them either).  They will ride well and have a very 
large adjustment range so you can dial in your handling/ride preference.  
KONI actually make a special model for Neuspeed that is externally adjustable
(the standard KONIs at this time need to be removed from the car to
adjust but they will have a replacement soon).  I suggest you call Neuspeed or
any of their dealers and ask for the KONI 8041-1166 SP3 (front) and
8041-1153 SP3 (rear), these are the parts that are on our 89 CRX Si.  They
are valved to give a crisper but not harsh ride at the full soft setting
but can adjust up to be very firm for higher spring rates, autoX,
aggressive driving, etc.  My cars (the CRX and a 98 Civic EX) are set about
1 turn from soft all around with performance lowering springs.  
	The next suggestion would be Tokico Illuminas, they are pretty good for 
general purposes although they are not as technical internally so the valving 
control is less.  The less expensive little Tokico brothers are the HDs
(known more commonly as "blues").  They are not adjustable but are better than 
the average low grade, non-performace shocks. Some guys on the list seem to like 
them though there have been some comments about spring perch heights changing 
ride height, I have no confirmation on that one way or the other.  
Do not even think about Monroe, Gabriel, etc. if you have any interest in handling 
or intend to keep the car for more than a short time.  They are cheap, will ride 
okay for a short time then fade quickly showing why you paid so little. 
Pass on the GABs,they are severely overpriced for the okay handling they give.  
They can adjust very stiff but aren't too high tech and don't generally dyno well.
I have owned them in the past, if they were half the price they would be great 
but they are way overpriced, by the way they are actually made by KYB.  
Skip the trendy Japanese stuff (Tanabe, Showa, Apex, etc), they are
way overpriced but have cool marketing images and not much real technology
to back them up. 
Run away from Spax, Avo and Jamex, they are all like British cars...they leak oil 
badly,just ask anyone who has had them any period of time.
IMHO: Of the all the brand options, stick with KONI or Tokico. 
WHATEVER YOU BUY, KEEP THE RECEIPT! 
 Everything in this country generally carries a lifetime warranty and if there is 
ever a problem the first thing they will ask for is proof of purchase.  
Even the best brand can have the occasional problem and you are spending 
too much time and money to have trouble down the road without documentation. 
Call the mail order places and shop prices, many sell up to 35% below suggested 
list. The KONI part numbers I gave are available to Neuspeed and their 
dealer network only and they would be my first suggestion.

> Would you recommend replacing the springs while I'm at it?

If you don't need a slammed car or have certain racing in mind, start with
the shocks only.  You will be amazed how much better the handling is
without suffering from the normal ride deterioration of lowering springs. 
If you decide you want to go lower later then you can.   As a bonus, the
KONIs from Neuspeed have adjustable lowering spring perches to use with
your stock springs to lower the car (I think about 1 inch front and 3/4 or
so rear).  I did this with my old 90 CRX Si and it looked and handled much
better.  Our '89 with Neuspeed lowering springs (1 3/4 drop all around) now
suffers harsher ride due to the springs, I am thinking about going to
softer spring and playing with perch height.  Slot car ride and handling
can be fun but after awhile needlessly shaking your brain to guacamole gets
old.
(KONI adjustment note: *** 1/2 turn out of the box****  add another quarter 
to the back to help stop understeer****)

Sorry for running on long, if you have more questions about the KONI, 
their tech line number is 606-586-4100.
  
Good luck.  New shocks will make a big difference.

FYI
Neuspeed  1-(805) 388-8111
KONI 8041-1166 SP3 (front) 
8041-1153 SP3 (rear)