97_RLer

I searched this forum so many times to get some information for aftermarket coilovers for my 97 RL and I decided to go for Ksport Kontrol Pro Damper System. As y'all know, there's no aftermarket parts for 1st-gen RLs.

I saw some of you have Ksport for 04-07 TSX installed on RL. In this case, you cannot use the supplied Ksport upper mounts and have to replace them with the OEM RL upper mounts. In addition, you need some washers for lower mount of rear strut where the lower portion of the strut attaches to the joint. There may be some more modifications involved to properly mount the shock assembly on RL.

I'm curious why you don't recommend to use 2nd-gen Legend coilovers to 1st-gen RL. The 1st-gen RL has much more similar shock assembly to 2nd-gen Legend than TSX. Look at the attached part diagrams of RL, Legend, and TSX for comparison. Most of part numbers are same to RL and Legend but not TSX. IMO, Legend shock assembly requires almost no modification for RL and you can use Ksport upper mounts too. What is your opinions? I want y'all opinions, especially who currently owns Ksport coilovers for RL and Legend. Thanks.


RL front shock absorber


Legend front shock absorber


TSX front shock absorber


RL rear shock absorber


Legend rear shock absorber


TSX rear shock absorber



* Part diagrams are screenshots from Acura Parts @ AcuraAutomotiveParts.org - Genuine Acura OEM Parts from Acura Carland.

 

oscarav098

I installed 2nd gen Legend struts and Eibach springs on my 1997 RL. They installed fairly easily, the only diff was the front fork inner diameter for the RL was too small so I had to get the Legend fork and viola! Ridewise , its a little soft but not too much. I'm considering using the lowering springs for a 2005 RL but I need to do more research to see if they are the same diameter, etc. If so I think these might be better just because the 05 RL its heavier therefore the ride won't be as soft. I like to help you, maybe we can find a solution for this problem together.

97_RLer

Thank you for your help, oscarav098.

Edit: deleted wrong info.

oscarav098

You described exactly what I did...???? The problem in my opinion is getting a spring with the right characteristics so the car is not too soft or bouncy.

OneBadNA1NSX

I talked to K Sport in December, and they quoted me 1700 for a direct application for our RL's. Good luck with what you do, and keep us updated!

oscarav098

Ksport coilovers? woa, I rather put coilovers on my vette for the same price, yikes.

97_RLer

Have you measured the fork diameter difference between RL and Legend? How much differs?

oscarav098

Unfortunately I did this a year and a half ago so I don't have the exact numbers. But I can definately tell you the inner fork diameter for the RL is about a 1/8 to a 1/4 inch smaller than the legend's fork. The mounting ears are at the same distance so it slides in the a arm just fine.

97_RLer

Check the "Group Buys" in the forum. emaculate91ls will start the 5th group buy for the G2 Legend Ksport coilovers at $760 shipped or below tonight.

Search more about the keyword "Ksport" or "Ksports" in the forum. Ksport coilover is the top performance wise yet comfortable.

oscarav098

97 RLer,
Now, $760 for coilovers is a different ball game. I researched the spring rates and the RL rates are 12/7, the spring rates on the Ksport for the legend are 13/7, so that IS the solution, you know they should fit perfectly. I little stiffer up front which is great.

97_RLer

Group buys for G2 Legend Ksport is just $760 which is $940 cheaper than you quote for KA9. The only modification required may be front strut forks swap from G2 Legend. You can buy a good used pair of them under $50 shipped. Check the OEM part out forum. Also check the GB link below.

Ksport Kontrol Group Buy Round 5!! $760 Shipped!!!!

Anyway, I think buying G2 Legend Ksport for G1 RL is cheaper and better solution than buying TSX Ksport. TSX Ksport coilover is $100 more than G2 Legend application. You have to reuse your OEM upper mounts for TSX application but you don't need to do it for G1 Legend application.

OneBadNA1NSX

Thanks for the info I might be in this buy just as well... I think i have enough money!

97_RLer

Then, sign up the GB and PM me for purchasing information about G2 Legend forks if you need.

OneBadNA1NSX

I don't know much about spring rates... is it the higher number you go up, the more bouncy it is? I kinda want it substantially bouncier than stock, but not unbearable.

oscarav098

the higher it goes the stiffer the spring will be, not bouncy, if the spring its rated too low for the weight of the vehicle then it will bounce around and maybe even bottom out.