Just New Springs, or New Springs and Shocks
 

After extensive research on aftermarket springs, I've decided to go with Swift Red Machs or an Eibach pro kit. However, I have 68K miles on the original OEM shocks. Does it make sense to get springs installed with that mileage, or should I go ahead and upgrade the shocks too (lower mileage OEMs or Koni Yellows)?

I know that shocks tend to slowly degrade, rather than just blowing. Mine have no leaks and still feel fine, with sufficient damping. Ideally, I'd like to have the springs installed, get an alignment and get another 10-20K miles on the current shocks. Is that possible... or even probable?

I searched, but there is a wide array of answers for the lifespan of OEM shocks. I drive my car about 7K miles a year, as a I have a Jeep too, and don't track... only aggressive back road driving for now.

It does vary. One of my shocks leaked at 11k miles (but was 5 years old).

Since you'd have to take it all apart again to replace the shocks in the future, I'd rather do it all at once.

It all depends on what you want...

Springs make your car lower.

Shocks make your car's handling more composed & controlled.

I was not impressed with the OEM shocks, and I love my Koni yellows more than my Greddy turbo kit, if that says anything. Neither (Koni's nor Greddy) are optimal for serious track work, but they're great for the street. However, if you like OEM, stick with it. Finding a good used set might be a good idea since you're swapping other parts now.

One of my OEM shocks leaked too, luckily under warranty. (Before I got the Koni's.)

Of course, all of the above changes if you are going to a significantly different spring rate. It's best to match shocks & springs, meaning you'd be wise to get a stiffer shock if you'll be running much stiffer springs. I think Eibachs are OK with OEM shocks; I don't know anything about the Swifts.

Anyway, good luck! And of course we'll want pics. :D

Thanks for the input... hopefully I'll figure this out soon!

im in the same boat, im thinking either buddy club n+ coilovers or bilstein pss9's.

Changing a Spring rate/ride height without changing the shock rate is messing up the geometry of the suspension tune designed by the Engineers at Honda. Not only will the lower/stiffer spring shorten the life of the shock, but also miss matched spring/shock will decrease the handling of the car. Most owners who say their car handles better after lowering springs is because they never really push their car to the limits, ie on a track.

If your only going for looks, do what you please. I'd say the labor cost factor you should do it all at once.

If you actually want to Improve the handling of your S then go with Buddy Club N+ or better.

Total cost of Springs/Shocks/Install/Alignment and then to do it again when not if your shocks go bad.... Just doesn't add up.

Coilovers FTW!

My .02

^used springs 100-150, alignment 60-80, assuming people install it themselves

Im probably going this route, as my main goal is for looks only for now

Ive had JIC coilovers in the past on a different car, love the ride, but to my knowledge Ive never heard coilovers that last over 20k to 30k miles without rebuilding. correct me if Im wrong.