Jim Grant's Tech Tips

98 Honda Civic LX, Low Rider
Q: I've purchased a '98 Honda Civic LX and noticed that it was designed with a front that is quite close to the ground. In this area there are fairly high granite curbs, and I see that I must be careful not to get close enough to allow these rugged stone curbs to tear up the front of my car. I have seen some vehicles that have had their bodies raised. This leads me to ask if it would be a sensible idea to have the front of my car raised a modest few inches? ... Lloyd

A: Almost any vehicle can be elevated to a higher stature. Unfortunately, achieving a modest few inches in your vehicle is not easy. If you used larger tires; they would rub on the inner fender when going over bumps and the turning radius would be reduced because there's not enough room in the wheel opening to turn. Not to mention that the speedometer would have to be re-calibrated and the final drive in the transaxle would have to be changed to maintain performance, emissions and gas mileage. Bigger springs would lift the vehicle providing for room for the larger tires, but Honda has a complex suspension system. Altering the right height by merely one inch will cause accelerated tire wear and undesirable handling characteristics. By lifting the body Honda doesn't have a frame, per-se, it is constructed as a unibody. The frame is integral to the vehicle and there's no rubber mounts separating the two. There is no limit to a creative mind. With some ingenuity, time and, oh-yes, a deep pocketbook, when spring rolls around we could be reading about "Project Honda" in 4x4 monthly. For the time being use care when parking near curbs and enjoy your Honda, it's a great car.