So, I've had some thoughts regarding my winter beater for a while now. I want to do a mild suspension refresh on it, and while it's apart, I'd like to look into upping the spring rates slightly and raising the ride height slightly also.
The car in question is a 3rd Gen Accord, 1988 Honda Accord LXi, automatic. May see the occasional rallycross but mostly street use.
Ultimately, what I would like is something with 1" to 1.5" more ride height (occasionally, in the snow it can get high centered), and a little more spring rate. Something that can bomb thru rough pavement and pot holes with relative comfort.
There are strut lift spacers available, but I currently have a similar set of these on my Gambler 500 Lexus LS400, and while functional, doesn't add much other than height.
Strut lift spacers: https://www.hrgengineering.com/product-page/1986-1989-honda-accord-1-5-lift-kit
If I could get additional travel to go along with the increase in height, I'd like to. There are rear struts off of a newer accord (90-93)that share the same upper bushing and same lower bushing, but have 2" longer travel and 2" longer extended height
Stock Rear damper is 6.5" travel, with 24.7" extended length / 18.3" compressed (KYB 341074)
The newer Honda rear dampers are KYB's 34119's, with 2" more extension and travel
The main question is, how much stiffer do I go on spring rate?
Per Moog, the original rear springs are Moog CC221's with a 170 lb / inch rating, and 13.27" long free length
Fronts are Moog CC248's with a 279 lb / inch rating, and 12..88" long free length.
I'm leaning towards using coil over sleeves and spec'ing a stiffer spring, but I don't know where to start. 10% stiffer, 20%?
Unfortunately i'm limited to stock replacement dampers as there is not much aftermarket for these cars anymore. So, it'll likely be underdamped, but I'll have to live with that.
Does anybody in the hive have experience doing similar?