INSTALLATION

You can rent this spring compressor from Western Auto for free or buy them from JC Whitney for $40.

A person with the right tools and a service manual should be able to install new springs in about 5 hours all by himself. You can rent springs compressor from a local Western Auto or AutoZone. You should do one end of the car at a time. A floor jack, jack stands, and your factory car jack are all needed. You will also need an allen wrench to hold the top of the stock shock tube from rotating while loosening the retaining nut.

When you remove the front shock assembly, be sure to slide it out towards the front of the car.

The spring fits nicely in the GAB shock absorber.

PERFORMANCE

The Hot Honda springs have an initially softer and progressive feel than the H&R Sport springs. They provide a slightly more comfortable ride yet still provide the increased response in transient maneuvers.

At OEM recommended tire pressures, the car still understeers moderately at initial turn-in. Once established in the turn and at constant lateral acceleration, the car becomes very neutral to just slightly understeering. Lift off the throttle abruptly though, and you can still experience oversteer. It's a very good, safe compromise for the street.

CONCLUSION

Given the more progressive rates of the the Hot Honda springs, it would be a better match with stock shocks than the H&R's.

Having tried the H&R Sport springs and the Hot Honda springs, I can't justify the $50 premium that the H&R demands.

THE VERDICT

Hits

• excellent price
• good handling improvement over stock while maintaining a good ride

Misses

• not for serious race competition (valid only for some)
• silly name

The Decision
A good spring for street use and occasional racing at an excellent price.

Copyright 2002, Temple of VTEC