Build Your Own Type R Suspension

When we first started researching this story to see if it was possible to swap out a GS-R suspension with a Type R's, we were thinking that the parts bolt right on--which, as it turns out, is true. It just requires more parts than we originally thought. So here's the deal: the front springs and shocks from a Type R bolt right on to a GS-R. The rear is where we ran into a bit of a challenge. If you want to make the rear a true Type R conversion, you are going to have to swap out more than just the springs and shocks.

The Type R shocks use a different lower mount than the GS-R's, so if you want to use a Type R shock, you must also change the lower arms. And if you switch to the Type R lower arms, you have to get the R's corresponding ABS sensor lines because the mounting points on the arms are different. The ABS lines took the longest to order (since there is rarely any call for them, they had to come from Japan), so be prepared to be patient. Would it be easier just to grab the Type R springs and run high-performance aftermarket shocks? Undoubtedly. But this story is about building a Type R using Honda parts.

Luckily for us, the folks at Sierra Acura in Alhambra, California, were very tolerant and helped us figure out how to make the transformation work. All the parts are available from your Acura dealer, and if your dealer is as cool as Sierra, it'll even install them for you. So give the Sierra folks a call. They can order the parts you need and ship them directly to you.

In addition to the springs and shocks, we also added a genuine Type R upper strut tower bar. The bar is a direct bolt-on, and you can even use the nuts from the stock bar. If you don’t want to reuse those bolts, you can order new ones (PN 94050-08070). They’re 55 cents each, and you’ll need four.
In addition to the springs and shocks, we also added a genuine Type R upper strut tower ba
We thought we were all that when we ordered up our Type R springs and shocks. Easy drop-in installation. Yeah, right. OK, so the installation is actually pretty easy--you just have to have all the right parts.
We thought we were all that when we ordered up our Type R springs and shocks. Easy drop-in

Speaking of the right parts. Only after we got into the installation (the first time) did we realize that we were going to need the Type R lower arms and the corresponding Type R ABS sensor lines.
Speaking of the right parts. Only after we got into the installation (the first time) did
We started off easy with the upper strut tower bar. Secure the car and raise the hood. Loosen the four 12mm nuts (two on each side). Pull the stock bar off the tower bolts.
We started off easy with the upper strut tower bar. Secure the car and raise the hood. Loo
Carefully place the Type R strut bar on the towers making sure that the bar lines up with the bolts on both sides. Install the nuts with your fingers, and then tighten them completely with a wrench once you’ve checked the clearances on both sides.
Carefully place the Type R strut bar on the towers making sure that the bar lines up with

While the car is still on the ground, loosen the 14mm nuts that hold the shocks to the towers (don’t take them all the way off yet). Raise the car and support it with jackstands (we were lucky enough to enjoy Sierra’s lift). Take off the tires and wheels. Remove the bolts that hold the brake lines to the struts (two 12mm) along with the 14mm and 17mm lower bolt that joins the shock assembly to the lower control arm. Take off the upper shock bolts and carefully remove the strut assembly from the wheelwell.
While the car is still on the ground, loosen the 14mm nuts that hold the shocks to the tow
Use a spring compressor to disassemble the GS-R shock assembly. You will be using the stock upper components (base, nut, collar, flange, and bushing) on the Type R spring.
Use a spring compressor to disassemble the GS-R shock assembly. You will be using the stoc
You will also be retaining the GS-R’s washers, bumpstops, and sleeves. Transfer those pieces to the Type R shock and reverse order. Since the Type R springs only lower the car approximately 0.5 inch you do not have to trim the bumpstop.
You will also be retaining the GS-R’s washers, bumpstops, and sleeves. Transfer those

Position the Type R spring on the Type R shock. Be sure that the position of the bottom of the spring lines up on the perch and with the mounting bolts on the top of the shock base (otherwise it will be a pain in the butt to try to get the assembly lined up again).
Position the Type R spring on the Type R shock. Be sure that the position of the bottom of
Carefully reinstall the strut assembly. Be sure you reconnect the brake line bolts. Once everything is secured down below, tighten the upper nuts from the top of the shock tower.
Carefully reinstall the strut assembly. Be sure you reconnect the brake line bolts. Once e
In order to make the install of the new ABS sensor easier, the guys at Sierra decided to take off the hub (it makes for better pictures, too). Before you remove the hub, the brake assembly has to be taken off (two 12mm and two 14mm bolts). On the driver side, the parking brake cable has to be disconnected, as well.
In order to make the install of the new ABS sensor easier, the guys at Sierra decided to t

Take off the plastic covers inside the rear hatch to expose the shock tower. Loosen the two 14mm nuts that attach the shock to the body.
Take off the plastic covers inside the rear hatch to expose the shock tower. Loosen the tw
Remove the backing plate (10mm) bolts and the hub (32mm) nut. Next take off the three 10mm bolts that hold the ABS cover in place, then carefully remove the sensor (two 10mm).
Remove the backing plate (10mm) bolts and the hub (32mm) nut. Next take off the three 10mm
Pull the stock shock assembly out of the car by removing the upper nuts, then disconnecting it from the lower arm. Take out the bolts that attach the lower arm to the body and to the hub assembly. Be sure to undo the stabilizer bar and the ABS sensor line from the stock arm before removing it.
Pull the stock shock assembly out of the car by removing the upper nuts, then disconnectin

Hot Tip: It’s very important to know all the parts you’ll need to do the install before you go to have the work done. Otherwise, the mechanics will be looking at you like you’re really stupid when you say that you didn’t know you need new bushings, too. The Type R bushings do not come as part of the shock assembly and have to be ordered separately. They also have to be pressed into the assembly using a press.
Hot Tip: It’s very important to know all the parts you’ll need to do the install
Disassemble the stock shock using a spring compressor. Like with the fronts, you will be reusing the stock base, bumpstops, and sleeves. Make sure the lower mounting points and the two bolts on the upper base line up for easier installation. Slide the new shock assembly in place and attach it to the new Type R lower arm.
Disassemble the stock shock using a spring compressor. Like with the fronts, you will be
Install the bolts that hold the Type R arm in place (again, you can reuse the stock bolts). If you have a problem lining up the holes, use a pry bar to push out on the arm (pictured). Tighten all the bolts to the factory specs.
Install the bolts that hold the Type R arm in place (again, you can reuse the stock bolts)

Install the new ABS sensor line starting at the hub. You can reuse the stock bolts. Be sure to reinstall the protective cover over the sensor.
Install the new ABS sensor line starting at the hub. You can reuse the stock bolts. Be sur
Continue to attach the new ABS line to the Type R lower arm working from the outside inward. The old ABS line bolts will work but our lines came with new ones so we used them (they were shinier).
Continue to attach the new ABS line to the Type R lower arm working from the outside inwar
The ABS lines wind up inside the car in the truck area. Lower the car, fold down the rear seats, and remove the spare-tire cover. Pull the carpet back to expose the metal crossmember cover. Loosen the metal cover and locate the ABS plugs. Unplug the old sensor and push it through the rubber in the floor. Route the new sensor through the same hole in the floor, making sure the rubber isolator is completely sealed. Plug the connector in and reinstall the metal crossmember, the carpeting, and the flooring.
The ABS lines wind up inside the car in the truck area. Lower the car, fold down the rear

Reinstall the brake assembly and the stabilizer bar. Tighten all the bolts to factory specs and double-check to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything. When you are finished, the result should look something like the picture. The folks at Sierra took the car for a test drive to make sure everything was in order. The springs lowered the car approximately 0.5 inch (as advertised).
Reinstall the brake assembly and the stabilizer bar. Tighten all the bolts to factory spec