Shocks and such....

Post by **elwesso** » Fri Mar 28, 2003 9:41 am

I am in the market for some new shocks. Today, I drove 2 hours on country roads, and it is so bouncy i though i was going to lose control a couple times. So what do you recommend? I have been reading, and have heard the Tokico blues are the boards favorite. I want something that isnt going to make the ride much harder than stock. A little stiffer wouldnt be bad, but not too much. Also, is this a DIY job, or something that should be taken to a shop?

Also, gas mileage is really bad- Drove 100 miles HIGHWAY (avg about 70mph) and it took a quarter of tank. That cant be good. I am going to have to start checking o2 sensors. I looked at the MAF, and it seems to be clean and fine, and the idle is steady at about 700rpm.

Post by **elwesso** » Fri Mar 28, 2003 9:41 am

I forgot to add- Do you guys like sea foam? I have access to a can, and if you think it might help ill throw in a can.

Post by **JEC** » Fri Mar 28, 2003 9:41 am

I'm taking my 90 Q and its 4 new Tokico Blues into a local garage tomorrow to have them installed (got them from Group A on AZ Hitman's advice, of course.) Shop owner showed me that his book calls for new struts all around as a six hour job, said he would do it and charge for four hours, so...I think I'll let the guy with the lift and the tools do this one.Again, great deal from Rob at Group A, $253 for all four delivered.

JEC

Website · Post by **diamondj30** » Fri Mar 28, 2003 9:41 am

ive used seafoam on all my cars.bg44 would be the best thou.sorry about your mileage,i drive a j30 and get 18-20 in cruise mode at 75.and my car is very well cared for.keep your car happy w/maintaining it and it will make you happy driver.

Post by **natsoundup** » Fri Mar 28, 2003 9:41 am

I am thrilled with the blues......I got rear ones in January... and front ones the year before with new upper links.

90Q 151k.

I recently rented a brand new Chrysler Concorde...nice car... quiet cabin.... different ride from the Q, but I am not sure if it's better... I couldn't get used to the seats.

I guess what I am saying is with a little bit of sound deadening and new blues... the Q is a great ride.

Post by **elwesso** » Fri Mar 28, 2003 9:41 am

are there any other brands you would recommend other than the blues?

Ill probably end up taking it to a shop with a lift.

Concerning gas mileage, 2 things1. Would it be OK if I added some seafoam to 3/4 tank or 1/2 tanks?2. What should i start looking at to figure out my poor gas mileage.

A side note: Before I went on my trip, I checked all the fluids, and just for kicks i checked a few of the under plenum hoses. They seem to be fairly new, most of them are plush and squishy. I didnt get to check the ones deep within, because i didnt have a long enough rod.

Post by **Q45tech** » Fri Mar 28, 2003 9:41 am

Don't know how you figured " your quarter tank" in 100 miles since the gas gauge is irregular inthat it only displays about 19 gallons.........100% Full running out the filler to 3/4 is about 4.5 gallons, 3/4 to half is another 4.5 gallons.

Anyway 100 miles using 4.5 gallons is 22.222 mpg @70 mph would be normal.

Post by **elwesso** » Fri Mar 28, 2003 9:41 am

so when I try and figure my gas mileage i should take it out of 19, not 22.5?

What do you think about adding sea foam to 1/2 tank? Would it hurt it?

Post by **AZhitman** » Fri Mar 28, 2003 9:41 am

Wes - You'll love the Blues. You won't find anyhing better for even TWICE the $$$ you'll spend on the Tokico's.

It's a DIY if you have a whole day set aside. The change is astounding, and I really didn't ntice them to be THAT much stiffer - It rides VERY nicely, and isn't harsh at all.

I'll be doing the Eibach's as well very soon - Wish I had bought them BEFORE I swapped the shocks...

Post by **elwesso** » Fri Mar 28, 2003 9:41 am

Ok, thanks. Is that deal through the one place you said still going on, or is it too late? All I am looking for is to have something in between my grandparents cadillac and my parents GTP.

Also, should I do all 4, or just the rear ones (they are the ones that are really bouncing, I cant even push down on the front ones)

Post by **Q45tech** » Fri Mar 28, 2003 9:41 am

What does pushing down have to do with shocks - Spring Stiffness.........you check shocks by watching rebound which is supposed to be 2.5-3 times stiffer than compression.

Post by **elwesso** » Fri Mar 28, 2003 9:41 am

Right.... And i cant even get the front side to go down so it starts rebounding.

What about adding sea foam (or for that matter any additive) to 1/2 tank instead of full?

Post by **elwesso** » Fri Mar 28, 2003 9:41 am

OK, tomorrow, I am getting a chance to work on the car. First I am going to tighten up those darn heat shields that are making that annoying noise. I was also considering cleaning the TB (while on the car, i dont have the gaskets). Ill have about 5 hours max. Do you think this is something I can handle in this amount of time, or should I wait for another weekend.

Post by **AZhitman** » Fri Mar 28, 2003 9:41 am

TB cleaning can be done in an hour, but you really should take it off to do so. Joe can get you a gasket shipped out in a day or so.

Also, do all four shocks at once. The fronts are probably in worse shape than the rears since they take the most abuse.

Post by **Q45tech** » Fri Mar 28, 2003 9:41 am

The oem rears wear twice as fast as fronts.

Post by **elwesso** » Fri Mar 28, 2003 9:41 am

Ill eventually take off the TB and clean it good (and reach in the plenum and clean it out too, I have skinny arms), but I am away from home, and I want to see if it will make any difference.

Post by **Jeff Williams** » Fri Mar 28, 2003 9:41 am

Wes, I put about 1000 miles a week on my '94 Q. At 80 MPH with the cruise set, I get about 390 to 420 Miles per tank (Around 19 gallons-PREMIUM ONLY). At 65 MPH, wit the cruise set, I can get about 420 to 450 Miles per tank. I just can't stand any Civics passing me, therefore I drive mostly at 75 to 80.

Use the cruise control, and avoid WOT passing. This will result in the best mileage.

A side note: if you put the K & N Filtercharger on your car, you tend to drive harder, just to hear the cool sound the intake makes, which hurts gas mileage.

I take my plenum(plastic part only) off every 10,000 miles(2 months), and use a can of TB cleaner on the intake, and spray brake cleaner on the MAF sensor. I add a can of FI Cleaner to the gas, every oil change, and use about a 1/2 cup of Lucas Oil Treatment in the oil.

I have 146,000 miles on my car, and it runs great!

Tokiko Blues are on my list. My shocks feel about the same as yours. I drove a '93 Accord with adjustable coils for 60,000 miles, and it cured me of the desire to be low. Put some 17' or 18' wheels on it, You don't need a 2" drop to look cool.

Post by **elwesso** » Fri Mar 28, 2003 9:41 am

Thanks for the help, and as soon as i get my service manual, I am going to have a perfect Q, and a bad back!!!

Shocks and such....

Shocks and such....

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