Handling question

[sLowLX]

I have a '13 LX Sedan and I hate how it handles. On the freeway or speeds of 55+ it feels like a struggle to keep it on the road. Even the smallest gust of wind will pull the car. My fiancé and i almost get fatigued after long trips (hour or so) to the point where neither of us want to drive home. What can I do to stiffen this up? Am I the only one that feels the handling sucks?

 

[andre12dbsi]

I haven't had mine on the highway for a long trip yet but I know the steering feels quite a bit "lighter" than my '12 did. I was wondering what it would be like on the highway for a longer drive for the exact reasons you described....maybe not to the point where I wouldn't want to drive but I thought you might not be able to "feel" the car on the road as much as before.

My '12 was great on the highway for long trips. No issues at all.

 

[webby]

I would definitely look at lowering springs. There is a link below my post with a bunch of options for your suspension

 

[Nix]

The springs will help but the real thing you need to do to combat this is:

You need to upgrade the rear sway bar. It will help tremendously with the floaty feeling on the highway. The Si drivers don't notice it as much because their car comes with a larger rear sway from the factory. I felt the same thing with my LX when I first got it. I felt like it was very shaky especially at highway speeds and coming up on semi-trucks.

I recommend the progress 22mm rear sway bar to everyone. It comes with everything you need to do the install and it is very straightforward.
Scroll down this page until you see it. It is less than $200 and is a great upgrade for any civic.

http://www.redshiftmotorsports.com/RedShift2012CivicSuspPackages.htm



I put two sticky threads at the top of this section. Check them out for a couple extras that make the install very nice and add to the effect.
http://9thcivic.com/forum/forums/suspension-and-brakes.118/

There are upgraded Moog endlinks available for around $60-70 -It is not necessary to upgrade the endlinks, the stock ones are fine.

Also Energy Suspension Greaseable Bushings for about $20 - this is a nice upgrade since greasing the bar once a year will take you 5 min with these.

 

[sLowLX]

Thanks so much! I like to do a decent amount of traveling so I'm looking to do some upgrades right away.

 

[Nix]

Here is the eibach DIY. The progress install should be the same.

http://9thcivic.com/forum/threads/eibach-19mm-rear-sway-bar-install-part-numbers-included.4808/

 

[sLowLX]

Seeing the stock swaybar vs the 22mm is actually a huge difference. Ill be referring back to this for my install. Very nice write up!

 

[sLowLX]

It says Progress has added the brackets to the bar so it's a direct bolt on. I don't need different bolts either right?

 

[Dar-Dar]

It says Progress has added the brackets to the bar so it's a direct bolt on. I don't need different bolts either right?

No, you don't. If you need the hardware, it would be included. And welcome to the site.

 

[Nix]

Actually the 2012+ EX/LX models have the same frame bracket that the si does where the bushing attaches. You won't even need the extender hardware any more. It's great! DO use the reinforcement brackets. The attach between the endlink and the lower arm. You'll know the difference when you see them.

 

[sLowLX]

Thank you Dar-Dar for the welcome!
And thank you Nix for all the help

 

[Nix]

No problem man! Keep us up to date on your plans.

 

[CivicCanuck]

Bump up the tire pressure some, I found that helped on a long trip on the interstate.

 

[squiggy]

Bump up the tire pressure some, I found that helped on a long trip on the interstate.

psi suggestion?

 

[CivicCanuck]

Try 37-39 psi if you are traveling higher speeds and have more than one passenger in the car.

 

[squiggy]

Try 37-39 psi if you are traveling higher speeds and have more than one passenger in the car.

Thank you. Making plans for the long drive down to Nashville and the Dragon in September.

 

[Zanity]

The springs will help but the real thing you need to do to combat this is:

You need to upgrade the rear sway bar. It will help tremendously with the floaty feeling on the highway. The Si drivers don't notice it as much because their car comes with a larger rear sway from the factory. I felt the same thing with my LX when I first got it. I felt like it was very shaky especially at highway speeds and coming up on semi-trucks.

Actually my Si HFP is still jerky during high speeds on the motor way, it's not due to the rear end though, it's more due to the tighter steering ratio.

 

[bobshur]

I had the same feeling,after HFP suspension,eibach sways,all 3 Megan racing frame braces and better tires its all better now,stable as hell on the freeway and a joy to drive.i have a pair of si sways for sale if your interested.

 

[trustdestruction]

My 2012 Si feels stable on the highway, both before and after installing the H&R OE Sport Springs (~1" drop)

I too think it's the difference in steering on the 2012 and 2013 that makes it jerky on the highway

 

[fritz]

Yeah I've never noticed issues when diving my 2012 Si coupe on the highway. I regular drive 90-100 mph in jersey and have been up to 135mph while playing with a Porsche on the Pennsylvania turnpike and it felt solid to me. The tight cornering def needs a little help, it feels too soft there.