Buddy Club N+ Racing Dampner Install Thread...56k will die

**palmerblock** · 02-21-2006, 02:33 PM

lets make it simple and sweet...this thread is primarily to give you guys a visual aid on these particular coilovers and the install itself
if you need more technical info, fell free to ask me or wait for another members detailed write up on the intall....again this is more of a visual thread...USE YOUR EYE BALLS

ALSO SPECIAL THANKS TO ANDREW sikdalla i bought the coilovers from him, AND ALBERT BuddyClub-CL9 for helping me with the pre setup info

PRE-SETUP INFO

Rear
disassemble the entire shock boddy down to this

set the height accordingly....view the picture...i set mine to 1.7in drop which was 11.3cm for me

lock it...the 11.3 cm measurement i got didnt include the locking perch...it was after the perch...DO NOT MIX THIS UP

reassemble accordingly...follow the pics

**palmerblock** · 02-21-2006, 02:34 PM

b4 this step tighten the 14mm bolt on the top of the shock body all the way tight so you wont get inaccurate readings on the next steps
were still assembling at this point, but now its time for the spring preload...THERE ISNT NONE...set to 15cm which equals 150mm....
for reference mine is set at 15cm on both shock bodies

lock it and double check measurement....AFTER THIS STEP, LOOSEN THE 14MM BOLT ON TOP OF THE SHOCK BODY (do not remove the bolt, just have it barely hand tight) TO ALLOW THE SHOCK BODY TO MOVE WHILE INSTALLING IT ON THE CAR...ONCE SHOCK BODY ITS BOLTED TO THE LOWER CONTROL ARM...view the instuctions below (POST #5) on how to approach the next step once the rear shocks are on the car

FRONT
make sure the rubber on the front struts is like this so you wont get inaccurate readings between the two...take off the top bearing to view this...which is under the mount that connects to the car----> on the top of the shock body

tighten down the 19mm bolt on the top all the way tight, then set spring preload...THERE ISNT ANY....set to 20cm which equals 200mm
for reference i set mine to 20cm +/-0.4 between the two due to spring length
measure accordindly...once spring preload is set lock the first perch with the second one

Next, set the shock height or the drop you want
1cm = 3in drop, 2cm = 2in drop, 3cm = 1in drop
for reference i set mine at 1.7 in drop which equaled 2.3cm
you set the height by measuring between perch 2 and 3...once height desired is met, lock it by rotating the black part of the strut until it meets the bottom perch...tighten down and make sure bottom perch doesnt move so your measurement wont go off

**palmerblock** · 02-21-2006, 02:35 PM

my car on eiback sportlines and stock shocks...i hate how the rear was lower than the front

now start disconnecting the suspension...i started with the front

**palmerblock** · 02-21-2006, 02:35 PM

now the buddy clubs go in....go ahead and unlock the toe bolts as your toe will be WAY OFF...dont adjust it until you car is finshed and on the ground

this is how i delt with the break line and abs b.s.

now for the rear...you may need a jack to help you realign things once the new shocks are in unless your a muscle head and can lift against the bushings...you also may need a jack to relieve the stress on the camber kit (whether stock or aftermarket) when your removing them and reinstalling them

**palmerblock** · 02-21-2006, 02:36 PM

now the buddy clubs go in...ONCE YOU GET THEM IN, USE A HAMMER AND FLAT HEAD SCREW DRIVER AND TAP THE HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LOCKING PERCH TO INSURE THAT IT IS INDEED TIGHT...ALSO DONT FORGET TO MAKE SURE THE 14MM BOLT IS TIGHTEN DOWN AFTER THE SHOCKS HAVE BEEN INSTALLED ON THE CAR....WHEN TIGHTENING THE 14MM BOLT ON THE TOP, PRELOAD THE ENTIRE SHOCK WITH A JACK TO MAKE SURE THE EVERYTHING IS SEATED PROPERLY SINCE THE CONTROL ARM WILL WANT TO PULL DOWN ON THE SHOCK BODIES SINCE IT PUTS THE INITIAL HEIGHT HIGHER UP IN THE WHEEL WELL VERSUS STOCK STRUTS

right after i lowered the car..toe is way off....then i reset it and off to the alignment machine i go since i have a lifetime alignement, why not use it..i can go whenever i want and change settings to whatever i want

after alginment
camber front -0.9 - camber rear -1.0 - toe and caster are in spec

post notes
i have my drop set the way i do on purpose since i drag primarily...im not into the slammed look/tucked look/whatever...
i just wanted to replace my shitty suspension setup i had...and the car handles great now

any questions?... any answers?...

sikdalla · 02-21-2006, 02:59 PM

looks great daniel, time to go to canyon or race track with me

azn6r · 02-21-2006, 03:05 PM

Great writeup! And nice weather over there!

TofuDelivery · 02-21-2006, 03:09 PM

nice drop can go a lil lower tho..

even tho you set front and rear both to 1.7.. the rear is gonna have a smaller wheel well gap.. cuz of the way our fenders are designed.. the back is a smaller cut out..

**palmerblock** · 02-21-2006, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TofuDelivery

nice drop can go a lil lower tho..

even tho you set front and rear both to 1.7.. the rear is gonna have a smaller wheel well gap.. cuz of the way our fenders are designed.. the back is a smaller cut out..

tru..ima drop it again when i get my slicks...just wanna make sure they will clear the front fenders with no problem

Ryan · 02-21-2006, 04:41 PM

alright i kinda get how this coilover works now. thanks

rsxdude · 02-21-2006, 05:17 PM

Great writeup! I'm hoping many will look at the pictures and read before asking the same question repeatedly.

**bluej511** · 02-21-2006, 05:41 PM

haha yea u mean my detailed write up? this is very nice i might not have to show people how to put em together and adjust em since this is already well done it answers all my questions without having them in front of me.

I will have a detailed install and detailed review, my new alignment machine should be shortly to so i can make al lthe necessary adjustments.

Palmer what did u mean by loosening the toe bolts? im gonna take the tie rod out of the strut and put it back in the buddy club

DOHCtor · 02-21-2006, 08:32 PM

wow good writeup

BuddyClub-CL9 · 02-21-2006, 10:35 PM

Thanks Daniel

NA DC5 S · 02-22-2006, 01:53 AM

nice write-up daniel...the explanation with those pics makes it easier to understand how to make adjustments...seems like a great coilover

rsxdude · 02-22-2006, 02:31 AM

Is there any way we can get a good side view level with the car in daylight? The rear quarter panel always messes with how the car looks standing up..

sangsational · 02-22-2006, 02:33 AM

awesome write up! next time could u start working on it a little earlier so by the time you still finish you can take some daylight pics?!

**palmerblock** · 02-22-2006, 02:36 AM

i will take some more pics tomorrow guys...been sleepy all day, lol

rsxdude · 02-22-2006, 03:02 AM

Then GO TO SLEEP MAN!! Gotta have your rest.

Bluewind · 02-22-2006, 05:28 AM

Hey dude, what's with this "lifetime alignment" ordeal? I'm pretty interested in that!

**palmerblock** · 02-22-2006, 04:20 PM

i will answer all other questions in a couple of hours...but just a quick update....
i changed the directions a lil to avoid problems with these coilovers.....the changes i made are in color red and are bold....follow them directly and you wont have a problem

for those wondering why i added those directions...in breif...my rear driver side shock body height locking perch came loose and i was hearing clunking noises all over the place when i hit any type of inperfection in the road...they are fixed now and i have adjusted the instructions on this thread accordindly

OmG!!! · 02-22-2006, 06:26 PM

awesome writeup! will definitely use this if and when i get my coilovers

**palmerblock** · 02-22-2006, 06:38 PM

thanks for all the comments guys...just tryin to make the install easier for the rest of you

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluej511

haha yea u mean my detailed write up? this is very nice i might not have to show people how to put em together and adjust em since this is already well done it answers all my questions without having them in front of me.

I will have a detailed install and detailed review, my new alignment machine should be shortly to so i can make al lthe necessary adjustments.

Palmer what did u mean by loosening the toe bolts? im gonna take the tie rod out of the strut and put it back in the buddy club

basically im sayin the toe will need to be adjusted so just do yourself a favor and loosen the locking bolts while the tires are off...

Quote:

Originally Posted by black dc5

Very good write up. Though I'm wondering what size are the tires? Looks a little small in diameter?

they are....i forgot the size...i think 215 somethin....i know it improved my gearing, but i really wasnt concerned about that since i have a turbo...now if i was n/a, then that would be a different story
but yes they are smaller in diameter but are wider to improve traction, which i what i need with my setup

Quote:

Originally Posted by rsxdude

Is there any way we can get a good side view level with the car in daylight? The rear quarter panel always messes with how the car looks standing up..

i will take pics tomorrow morning

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluewind

Hey dude, what's with this "lifetime alignment" ordeal? I'm pretty interested in that!

its a computer alignment at discount tire centers (i think thats the name of the place)...its just like any other place that offers a lifetime alignment
you can throw it on the rack anytime you want...ie. if you take off your subframe and want to check the alignment afterwards, or change suspension, or even get new tires....

Bluewind · 02-22-2006, 08:34 PM

Hmm... Lifetime alignment is a new one on me. I've always had to pay for my alignments and they weren't cheap! Do they do the work for you or are you doing it.

**bluej511** · 02-22-2006, 08:38 PM

i still dont get the loosening to toe nut, doesnt sound to good to me toe will be fucked up anyways if i see its off ill try to adjust it by eye but dosnt matter to me im getting an alignment machine soon at my shop. So lifetime alignments and its free plus i get to fuck up my car not someone else lol

02-21-2006, 02:33 PM	#1
palmerblock Master Mechanic/Tuner Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Long Beach, CA Posts: 5,118 iTrader: (7)	Buddy Club N+ Racing Dampner Install Thread...56k will die lets make it simple and sweet...this thread is primarily to give you guys a visual aid on these particular coilovers and the install itself if you need more technical info, fell free to ask me or wait for another members detailed write up on the intall....again this is more of a visual thread...USE YOUR EYE BALLS ALSO SPECIAL THANKS TO ANDREW sikdalla i bought the coilovers from him, AND ALBERT BuddyClub-CL9 for helping me with the pre setup info PRE-SETUP INFO Rear disassemble the entire shock boddy down to this set the height accordingly....view the picture...i set mine to 1.7in drop which was 11.3cm for me lock it...the 11.3 cm measurement i got didnt include the locking perch...it was after the perch...DO NOT MIX THIS UP reassemble accordingly...follow the pics __________________ 2069cc_9.5:1_Project X 661hp, 398tq @9600rpm Dynojet Bonneville 200 Mph Club Life Member D-Mac Enterprises (INSTALLS) Church Automotive Testing F.S. K20Z3 Long Block $1600 http://forums.clubrsx.com/showthread.php?t=682372 Last edited by palmerblock; 02-21-2006 at 02:54 PM.

02-21-2006, 02:34 PM	#2
palmerblock Master Mechanic/Tuner Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Long Beach, CA Posts: 5,118 iTrader: (7)	b4 this step tighten the 14mm bolt on the top of the shock body all the way tight so you wont get inaccurate readings on the next steps were still assembling at this point, but now its time for the spring preload...THERE ISNT NONE...set to 15cm which equals 150mm.... for reference mine is set at 15cm on both shock bodies lock it and double check measurement....AFTER THIS STEP, LOOSEN THE 14MM BOLT ON TOP OF THE SHOCK BODY (do not remove the bolt, just have it barely hand tight) TO ALLOW THE SHOCK BODY TO MOVE WHILE INSTALLING IT ON THE CAR...ONCE SHOCK BODY ITS BOLTED TO THE LOWER CONTROL ARM...view the instuctions below (POST #5) on how to approach the next step once the rear shocks are on the car FRONT make sure the rubber on the front struts is like this so you wont get inaccurate readings between the two...take off the top bearing to view this...which is under the mount that connects to the car----> on the top of the shock body tighten down the 19mm bolt on the top all the way tight, then set spring preload...THERE ISNT ANY....set to 20cm which equals 200mm for reference i set mine to 20cm +/-0.4 between the two due to spring length measure accordindly...once spring preload is set lock the first perch with the second one Next, set the shock height or the drop you want 1cm = 3in drop, 2cm = 2in drop, 3cm = 1in drop for reference i set mine at 1.7 in drop which equaled 2.3cm you set the height by measuring between perch 2 and 3...once height desired is met, lock it by rotating the black part of the strut until it meets the bottom perch...tighten down and make sure bottom perch doesnt move so your measurement wont go off __________________ 2069cc_9.5:1_Project X 661hp, 398tq @9600rpm Dynojet Bonneville 200 Mph Club Life Member D-Mac Enterprises (INSTALLS) Church Automotive Testing F.S. K20Z3 Long Block $1600 http://forums.clubrsx.com/showthread.php?t=682372 Last edited by palmerblock; 02-26-2006 at 03:44 AM.

02-21-2006, 02:35 PM	#3
palmerblock Master Mechanic/Tuner Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Long Beach, CA Posts: 5,118 iTrader: (7)	my car on eiback sportlines and stock shocks...i hate how the rear was lower than the front now start disconnecting the suspension...i started with the front __________________ 2069cc_9.5:1_Project X 661hp, 398tq @9600rpm Dynojet Bonneville 200 Mph Club Life Member D-Mac Enterprises (INSTALLS) Church Automotive Testing F.S. K20Z3 Long Block $1600 http://forums.clubrsx.com/showthread.php?t=682372

02-21-2006, 02:35 PM	#4
palmerblock Master Mechanic/Tuner Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Long Beach, CA Posts: 5,118 iTrader: (7)	now the buddy clubs go in....go ahead and unlock the toe bolts as your toe will be WAY OFF...dont adjust it until you car is finshed and on the ground this is how i delt with the break line and abs b.s. now for the rear...you may need a jack to help you realign things once the new shocks are in unless your a muscle head and can lift against the bushings...you also may need a jack to relieve the stress on the camber kit (whether stock or aftermarket) when your removing them and reinstalling them __________________ 2069cc_9.5:1_Project X 661hp, 398tq @9600rpm Dynojet Bonneville 200 Mph Club Life Member D-Mac Enterprises (INSTALLS) Church Automotive Testing F.S. K20Z3 Long Block $1600 http://forums.clubrsx.com/showthread.php?t=682372 Last edited by palmerblock; 02-21-2006 at 02:44 PM.

02-21-2006, 03:09 PM	#8
TofuDelivery Master Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: so cali Posts: 1,208 iTrader: (0)	nice drop can go a lil lower tho.. even tho you set front and rear both to 1.7.. the rear is gonna have a smaller wheel well gap.. cuz of the way our fenders are designed.. the back is a smaller cut out.. __________________ '06 Lex IS250 Black on Black on Black Tint

02-21-2006, 02:36 PM	#5
palmerblock Master Mechanic/Tuner Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Long Beach, CA Posts: 5,118 iTrader: (7)	now the buddy clubs go in...ONCE YOU GET THEM IN, USE A HAMMER AND FLAT HEAD SCREW DRIVER AND TAP THE HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LOCKING PERCH TO INSURE THAT IT IS INDEED TIGHT...ALSO DONT FORGET TO MAKE SURE THE 14MM BOLT IS TIGHTEN DOWN AFTER THE SHOCKS HAVE BEEN INSTALLED ON THE CAR....WHEN TIGHTENING THE 14MM BOLT ON THE TOP, PRELOAD THE ENTIRE SHOCK WITH A JACK TO MAKE SURE THE EVERYTHING IS SEATED PROPERLY SINCE THE CONTROL ARM WILL WANT TO PULL DOWN ON THE SHOCK BODIES SINCE IT PUTS THE INITIAL HEIGHT HIGHER UP IN THE WHEEL WELL VERSUS STOCK STRUTS right after i lowered the car..toe is way off....then i reset it and off to the alignment machine i go since i have a lifetime alignement, why not use it..i can go whenever i want and change settings to whatever i want after alginment camber front -0.9 - camber rear -1.0 - toe and caster are in spec post notes i have my drop set the way i do on purpose since i drag primarily...im not into the slammed look/tucked look/whatever... i just wanted to replace my shitty suspension setup i had...and the car handles great now any questions?... any answers?... __________________ 2069cc_9.5:1_Project X 661hp, 398tq @9600rpm Dynojet Bonneville 200 Mph Club Life Member D-Mac Enterprises (INSTALLS) Church Automotive Testing F.S. K20Z3 Long Block $1600 http://forums.clubrsx.com/showthread.php?t=682372 Last edited by palmerblock; 02-22-2006 at 04:14 PM.

02-21-2006, 02:59 PM	#6
sikdalla Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 190 iTrader: (2)	looks great daniel, time to go to canyon or race track with me

02-21-2006, 03:05 PM	#7
azn6r (@_@) Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Richmond Hill,ON,CDN Posts: 416 iTrader: (20)	Great writeup! And nice weather over there!

02-21-2006, 04:41 PM	#10
Ryan Bowchickabowwow !!! Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Houston Posts: 152,586 iTrader: (61)	alright i kinda get how this coilover works now. thanks

02-21-2006, 05:17 PM	#11
rsxdude Asian dude Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Louisiana Posts: 3,145 iTrader: (4)	Great writeup! I'm hoping many will look at the pictures and read before asking the same question repeatedly.

02-21-2006, 05:41 PM	#12
bluej511 Name's Vic Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: 508 MA Posts: 10,844 iTrader: (6)	haha yea u mean my detailed write up? this is very nice i might not have to show people how to put em together and adjust em since this is already well done it answers all my questions without having them in front of me. I will have a detailed install and detailed review, my new alignment machine should be shortly to so i can make al lthe necessary adjustments. Palmer what did u mean by loosening the toe bolts? im gonna take the tie rod out of the strut and put it back in the buddy club __________________ Canon Crew Member #3.MC crew #Slevin. Nutella Crew Member #1 (founder).Armenian crsx crew member #6 02 RSX-S 160k mi, 14.5 @97. 02 F4i 20k mi, stoopid fast.

02-21-2006, 08:32 PM	#13
DOHCtor I love my rally car Join Date: May 2005 Location: Southern California Posts: 15,997 iTrader: (14)	wow good writeup __________________ Vid of me at streets of willow http://youtube.com/watch?v=rWNnDO7EHMw My picture trail Join the anti-drag racing crew 20MPG Crew

02-21-2006, 10:35 PM	#14
BuddyClub-CL9 Buddy Club Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 94 iTrader: (0)	Thanks Daniel __________________ Buddy Club USA www.buddyclub.us Albert@aaimotorsports.com

02-22-2006, 01:53 AM	#15
NA DC5 S i keep it clean Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: VA BEACH, VA Posts: 725 iTrader: (0)	nice write-up daniel...the explanation with those pics makes it easier to understand how to make adjustments...seems like a great coilover __________________ 05 SSM Type-S....SOLD!! Buddy Club - DC Sports - eD - Fujitsubo - HOP - Ingalls - Injen - JL Audio - Kenwood - Mugen 05 Subaru Impreza WRX Sti

02-22-2006, 02:31 AM	#16
rsxdude Asian dude Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Louisiana Posts: 3,145 iTrader: (4)	Is there any way we can get a good side view level with the car in daylight? The rear quarter panel always messes with how the car looks standing up..

02-22-2006, 02:33 AM	#17
sangsational ooohgen whore Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Brisbane, Australia Posts: 3,946 iTrader: (0)	awesome write up! next time could u start working on it a little earlier so by the time you still finish you can take some daylight pics?! __________________ Review: JDM K20A, Hondata KPro Pictures: 05 Type S Rims

02-22-2006, 02:36 AM	#18
palmerblock Master Mechanic/Tuner Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Long Beach, CA Posts: 5,118 iTrader: (7)	i will take some more pics tomorrow guys...been sleepy all day, lol __________________ 2069cc_9.5:1_Project X 661hp, 398tq @9600rpm Dynojet Bonneville 200 Mph Club Life Member D-Mac Enterprises (INSTALLS) Church Automotive Testing F.S. K20Z3 Long Block $1600 http://forums.clubrsx.com/showthread.php?t=682372

02-22-2006, 03:02 AM	#19
rsxdude Asian dude Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Louisiana Posts: 3,145 iTrader: (4)	Then GO TO SLEEP MAN!! Gotta have your rest.

02-22-2006, 05:28 AM	#20
Bluewind - - - - - - - Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: CA Posts: 3,142 iTrader: (35)	Hey dude, what's with this "lifetime alignment" ordeal? I'm pretty interested in that! __________________ Videos

02-22-2006, 04:20 PM	#21
palmerblock Master Mechanic/Tuner Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Long Beach, CA Posts: 5,118 iTrader: (7)	i will answer all other questions in a couple of hours...but just a quick update.... i changed the directions a lil to avoid problems with these coilovers.....the changes i made are in color red and are bold....follow them directly and you wont have a problem for those wondering why i added those directions...in breif...my rear driver side shock body height locking perch came loose and i was hearing clunking noises all over the place when i hit any type of inperfection in the road...they are fixed now and i have adjusted the instructions on this thread accordindly __________________ 2069cc_9.5:1_Project X 661hp, 398tq @9600rpm Dynojet Bonneville 200 Mph Club Life Member D-Mac Enterprises (INSTALLS) Church Automotive Testing F.S. K20Z3 Long Block $1600 http://forums.clubrsx.com/showthread.php?t=682372 Last edited by palmerblock; 02-22-2006 at 04:25 PM.

02-22-2006, 06:26 PM	#22
OmG!!! yum Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: diamond bar. ca Posts: 1,519 iTrader: (48)	awesome writeup! will definitely use this if and when i get my coilovers

02-22-2006, 08:34 PM	#24
Bluewind - - - - - - - Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: CA Posts: 3,142 iTrader: (35)	Hmm... Lifetime alignment is a new one on me. I've always had to pay for my alignments and they weren't cheap! Do they do the work for you or are you doing it. __________________ Videos

02-22-2006, 08:38 PM	#25
bluej511 Name's Vic Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: 508 MA Posts: 10,844 iTrader: (6)	i still dont get the loosening to toe nut, doesnt sound to good to me toe will be fucked up anyways if i see its off ill try to adjust it by eye but dosnt matter to me im getting an alignment machine soon at my shop. So lifetime alignments and its free plus i get to fuck up my car not someone else lol __________________ Canon Crew Member #3.MC crew #Slevin. Nutella Crew Member #1 (founder).Armenian crsx crew member #6 02 RSX-S 160k mi, 14.5 @97. 02 F4i 20k mi, stoopid fast.