Suspension Upgrade Options on S13 with HICAS?

[Sand_Scum]

Looking to do some suspension upgrades (shocks/struts, springs), but it seems that the rear shocks on HICAS models have a different mounting structure and that limits the available shocks for this vehicle. Front struts aren't a problem, but what's the point in just changing those and not the rear shocks?

What to do? Mainly daily driving. Anyone have any recommendations?

Thanks!

[PMan_S13]

not really sure what you're talking about... the only thing designed differently on the hicas rear is the lower tie rod is hooked up to the hicas pump instead of directly to the frame.

My hicas equipped s13 had eibachs on it when I got it, with some knockoff struts. And I switched that over to ground control coilover sleeves, with kyb agxs.

Never had a problem.

[Sand_Scum]

Well, I was checking out some KYB GR-2 shocks and struts (off eBay). When I looked them up on KYB's site, the front struts were the same for all models, but they specified rear shocks for non-HICAS vehicles only and did not list anything for HICAS vehicles. So I sent off an email asking why there wasn't any rear shocks for HICAS models and their reply was that HICAS models used a "different mounting structure."

This makes sense that after market manufacturers didn't make these rear shocks if the number of vehicles that need them are low compared with other "standard" products (that can be used on a larger number of vehicles). So that got me thinking that there might not be many options, if any, for HICAS models?

So, did you install KYB AGX struts and shocks? Do you know what part no.s?

Thanks!

[Drifterxl]

well i just recently replaced the entire rear subframe and suspension on my car. i own a 1990 non hicas, and I was able to replace it all with parts off a 92 with hicas (however, i minused the hicas crap when i installed all the parts onto my 90). so as you can imagine, i got a pretty good up-close look at both assemblies side-by-side. there were two differences between the two, none of which has anything to do with the suspension. the first thing was that i had to use the knuckles off my old parts as the hicas knuckles had a few minor differences. the mounting structures for the struts/shocks between the two knuckles were identical though, so i don't see how there could be a problem. i actually used the good struts/shocks from the 92 and bolted them onto my 90 knuckles which in turn was bolted to the 92 subframe. the other difference had to do with an arm that connected to the subframe which has nothing to do with your suspension dilemma. as far as the mounting structures at the other end, your strut towers, the new struts/shocks bolted right up there as well. so as far as i can see it, there should be no problem installing suspension from either of the two models. as to why kyb would say otherwise, i don't know. i don't see where they have made this conclusion from.

[PMan_S13]

I just used AGX's for an 89-94 240sx. That's the only way they were listed when I got them..

That response from KYB was probably designed to protect them. They don't understand the 4 way steering, so they just say, "don't do that" or "it won't work" so you can't sue them if you screw it up.

But there is nothing to screw up. Just get the agx's for the non-hicas and they wil work. So long as they are designed for the s13 suspension.

[Sand_Scum]

Sounds good. Just concerning when manufacturers tell you it won't work!

Thanks all!

[the_Mishkin]

I acutally called KYB to ask them about this problem and they told me that they did not have a set for my 91 w/Hicas. I had already picked some GR-2s but they said not to use them I ended up returning them and putting on some OEMs for now.

I have heard that the KONIs will work with the HICAS, which I can beleive because IIRC you actually have to build the KONIs yourself using your own shock sleve.

Anyone acutally have a car with HICAS(and uses it) that have put after market shocks on?

[eddiec]

i have hicas and am about to put the k-sports on it. there is no difference in the shock mounting points between hicas and non. only differences are the rack and associated tie rod for hicas or an extra link arm for non-hicas.