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View Full Version : 02 Accord VTI-L Handling


Astroboy
24-02-2004, 03:45 PM
Hi,

I am almost too emabarrassed to ring up in person since I own an "old man's car" now, but I used to own a VS commodore and the this new fwd Accord is just...plain. The steering is not very pointy, lots of understeer in the corners even at low speeds, and very little feel/feedback. The wheel feels like it doesn't want to "go" into the corners and every corner I feel like I am going to mount the curb or median strip! Even though the Commy only had minor changes to the suspension, you can never say it wasn't a pretty good car handling wise, esp the rear wheel drive advantage, esp when you compare it to the Accord.

I would like to do some minor work to the car to get the steering sharper and pointier and cornering a little tighter than it currently is. The car is a 2002 4cyl VTI-L Accord (previous model to the current Euro model). It has stock standard 15in alloys and factory standard everything.

I basically want to know if I can do anything since the kits that you have listed don't even list my car there :( . I don't want to lower the car, I don't want to change the ride "comfort" too much or at all, i basically don't want to change the external looks of the car but want a better "feel" underneath it all. I read in the website that a heavier rear sway bar and a proper wheel alignment, as well as perhaps rear strut brace will bring some change to the handling of the car? Will the gain be worthwhile and remedy some or most of the above mentioned problems? How much will this type of work cost (ball park figure).

Will i turn up to a whiteline garage and get laughed at since you guys all drive WRXs and i have a dosile accord?

Will these upgrades change the accord enough (even though i have stock wheels and stock shocks/springs) to get it close to the sharp and zippy steering that I miss on my old rwd commodore?

I guess I just have cold feet about modifying a brand new $40,000 accord which really has nothing wrong with it in the first place and need reasurrance...

Sorry for so many questions. Thanks heaps...
Astro

Wojtek
25-02-2004, 08:05 AM
Hi Astroboy,
Without getting into a battle of opinions of which car is "best" and worthy of suspension upgrades, and tat there are some significant differences between your old and current cars such as drive and suspension configuration (Commodores actually have a very responsive steering, to the point of being a little nervous), let me assure you that there is nothing wrong in trying to improve the handling of a car that has been factory tuned to understeer - a lot.
The best bang for your buck will be sway bar upgrade. We do list 27mm front (BHF46) and 20mm rear (BHR61) sway bars to suit Honda Accord CG 97-03. Our sales team will be happy to assist you with a quote.
If you are located in Sydney, and if you bring your car to our workshop, we'll be able to check to see what else we could do, and set up your car to handle well.

Regards,
Wojtek.

Astroboy
25-02-2004, 08:40 AM
Hi Wojtek,

Thanks for your reply. Is the "worthy" factor why you don't list wheel alignment kits for accords?

Thanks for the advice, it is reasurring. I will think about it...

Astro

Wojtek
25-02-2004, 09:44 AM
Hi,
I'm not sure what you are trying to say here, but the reason why we don't have a big range of parts for your car is simply due to very little interested shown by the market.

Regards,
Wojtek.

Astroboy
25-02-2004, 09:58 AM
I see, but it is available if I want to install it on my car?

Thanks again.
Astro

Wojtek
25-02-2004, 10:08 AM
Hi again Astroboy,
Just to clear this up, we have only developed sway bars for this vehicle. If you are after alignment or any other products, then we will need to see your car to be able to comment further. There may be other products that may fit, or new parts may need to be developed. Can't say without seeing your car.

Regards,
Wojtek.

Astroboy
25-02-2004, 10:11 AM
I see! thanks for that... sorry for being abit of a newbie and asking so many dumb questions. :D

Astro