Custom Strut Insert for my Civic - Too Crazy?

[btruong968]

Hey guys,
I've been lurking around for quite some time while I work on getting my car dialed in.
I have a 2002 Honda Civic and am trying to lower it on my super ridiculously low budget...

Aftermarket coilovers aren't an option right now. Not even Rokkors or Racelands.

So I did a lot of research and came up with this idea:

The front struts use a cartridge type insert. The go-to replacement is Koni Yellows, as they're valved stiffer and shorter. Here's an installation of them:

http://www.7thgenhonda.com/forum/showthread.php?t=47

I can't afford something like that right now. So I did some research and found these:

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/buy/products/39837-oespectrum-strut-cartridge-by-monroe-part-73995-shock-absorbers.html

They're cartridges for a Nissan Stanza. I have a few other model numbers too.
They're all 1.75" in diameter and significantly shorter than the stock inserts.
The stock shock is about 2" in O.D., so I'm guessing the insert diameter is ~45mm

I was thinking I could just do everything like the Koni install but, instead, use the Monroe insert. I'll probably wrap it in duct tape to make up for the diameter difference (or metal sleeve). I don't know how to secure it, though; either set screws or the strut cap.

Does anyone think this is a bad idea? If you can point out any flaws (besides undervalved shocks), could you please do? I need some advice from guys who do this kind of work.

Thank you, Brian

[Francois Dillinger]

Just skip the inserts and lower the car just using the duct tape instead.

[Hitman Cody2130]

Just skip the inserts and lower the car just using the duct tape instead.

[MrDanguy]

Just skip the inserts and lower the car just using the duct tape instead.

/thread

[Daviticus]

Just skip the inserts and lower the car just using the duct tape instead.

You've got the idea right, but there's one fundamental flaw - the Konis are held in the OEM strut casing with a bolt on the bottom, which negates the need for a gland nut ["strut cap", as you referred to it] at the top; the Stanza Monroes do not have a bolt at the bottom and will require the use of a gland nut at the top of the strut casing to keep them inside and secure. While you could technically weld a threaded top to the OEM Civic strut casing and use the Stanza insert, the fab work required easily outweighs the cost benefits [unless you fab stuff for a living and have access to welders and grinders]. And then at that, this only covers the front install.

It might be best for you to wait a while and save up so you can do it 100% right the first time - the Koni route would be the best to take. If you intend to get coil-overs, save up for Megans, or Function-Forms, my brother and I have had good luck with F2s in the past on older Hondas.

[btruong968]

Just skip the inserts and lower the car just using the duct tape instead.

Lol. Thanks for the reply. I do realize it comes off as ghetto, stupid, and rice.

You've got the idea right, but there's one fundamental flaw - the Konis are held in the OEM strut casing with a bolt on the bottom, which negates the need for a gland nut ["strut cap", as you referred to it] at the top; the Stanza Monroes do not have a bolt at the bottom and will require the use of a gland nut at the top of the strut casing to keep them inside and secure. While you could technically weld a threaded top to the OEM Civic strut casing and use the Stanza insert, the fab work required easily outweighs the cost benefits [unless you fab stuff for a living and have access to welders and grinders]. And then at that, this only covers the front install.

It might be best for you to wait a while and save up so you can do it 100% right the first time - the Koni route would be the best to take. If you intend to get coil-overs, save up for Megans, or Function-Forms, my brother and I have had good luck with F2s in the past on older Hondas.

I see your point. I guess I'll just save up for Konis. The idea kinda popped up when I was talking to a friend who drives a hardbody and he was telling me about the different, cheap OEM shocks that they run for shorter shocks. Thank you for your thoughts!

[Daviticus]

Yeah unfortunately it's easier for some than others. Two of my cars have near zero aftermarket support concerning suspension [well, one has a dwindling market, and the other never really had one specific to it], so the custom route is the only one to take if I want more than lowering springs.