I've got a 2000 Prelude 5 spd w/ 82K on it now. By next spring, I'll be thinking about a new car. The Accord 6 spd coupe sounds sweet to me right now, but I'm wondering if I'll be disappointed in the handling of the Accord coupe vs the Prelude. From what I've read so far, it looks like the '04 TL in 6 spd version is going to be available with suspension upgrades compared to the automatic (and '03) TL's. Can the Accord coupe be upgraded using shocks, springs, sways and tires to handle as well or better than the Prelude? How much would this cost? I don't want to invest a whole lot of money in this. Also I want to stick to Honda original equipment parts NOT aftermarket.
Anyone have any info?? Here's a chart to fill out if you can (or if you feel like):

PRELUDE SPRING SHOCK RATE SWAY BAR DIA WHEEL/TIRE

ACCORD " " " "

04 TL " " " "

Any chance that Honda will offer or equip the Accord coupe with any good handling pieces for '04?? :

Thanks =)

 

Aftermarket does not meen bad!!! You can get shocks and springs that are many times better than OEM. And yes with the right aftermarket parts u can get the accord to handle better than the stock prelude and most other stock cars.

 

Here is info on the Honda FP parts for new Accord V6 coupe:

http://www.hondanews.com/Forms/honda...ia***-***honda(directory)accord(directory)***.ws4d?honda/accord/results(r)_text.html

$3500-4000 for the whole package, but thats including the body kit, tires, etc. Doesn't say for just the springs and shocks. Maybe you can find a price on just that.

But yes, if you buy quality aftermarket suspension components, it'll handle better than a stock prelude. With the V6 6 speed you'll have more grunt to go along with it as well.

And as far as aftermarket cost goes, plan on around $1000-1200 or so for a coilover setup (or quality springs and shocks) and sways. Tires can be as expensive or cheap as you want.

EDIT...link sucks. It's from Honda news:

"All-New 2003 Honda Accord V-6 Coupe Factory Performance Package and Civic Coupe FP Available Nationwide

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Torrance, Calif. 07/15/2003 -- Honda Factory Performance is expanding its lineup with the addition of an all-new, dealer-installed performance package for the 2003 Honda Accord V-6 Coupe and expanded availability of the Civic Coupe FP to dealerships nationwide. Both packages feature a high performance sport-tuned suspension with recalibrated shocks and springs, new wheels and tires, and an aerodynamic rear spoiler and lower body kit.

Accentuating the Accord Coupe FP are:

High performance pre-assembled springs that reduce the ride height by one-inch and lower the Accord's roll center;
High performance shock absorbers tuned for enhanced road handling characteristics;
17-inch high performance 215/50VR-17 Yokohama tires (AT models only; standard on MT models);
Full aerodynamic under-body kit (front, sides and rear);
Rear wing spoiler; and
Factory Performance interior and exterior badging.
The Accord FP package can be installed on any new 2003 Accord V-6 Coupe (manual or automatic transmissions) and must be installed by a Honda dealership.

The Honda FP package carries the same 3-year/36,000 mile warranty as all Honda Accessory equipment and does not affect the factory warranty. An additional benefit is the ability to include the cost of the FP package in new vehicle financing arrangements.

Suggested retail pricing for the Accord Factory Performance package, not including installation costs, starts at $4,204 for AT versions and $3,492 for MT versions."

 

Honda HFP package:
http://www.modernracer.com/features/...unedcars3.html

Skidpad: 0.88g's

Not bad eh? (especially for OEM parts.) Imagine what Eibach/Comptech/Neuspeed can do with that car.

 

It's a nice option but for $30,000 I'm not sure if the total package is worth it.

2000Prelude:
Have you looked at a Mazda RX-8?

 

Yikes

Almost $3500 for the suspension, ect, package. And that's without installation. That makes the 6 spd coupe almost comparable in price to the Nissan 350 Z.

Let's see ~ $26,000 for the car + say 3,000 for the suspension package + maybe $1000 for installation. Yes, that's $30K. for that price I can start considering some other cars.

Anyone know of the prices for just the springs, shocks and sways from say hparts.com??

Maybe I can just get the parts I really need and find a good installer. Any suggestions???

 

Yep, use aftermarket suspension components and install them yourself.

 

i payed around
500-struts
200-springs
1500-18's with rubber

this will give u a very good improvement. I haven't gotten struts or sways but I don't see a desperate need since the cord handles like a dream right now.

 

a prelude is a superior chassis in all ways to accords...ata least that is my opinion. my gf just bought a 99 lude and with only wheel and tire upgrades iti is much more a handling car than any 4th,5th or 6th gen accord i have been in (so far). a prelude with upgraded suspension should be able to perform far better than an accord with upgrades.
personally i would not step down to a honda/acura sedan from a lude....move onto better things like the 350x mentioned above.

 

Stock prelude<Modified Accord modified prelude=WOOT