Honda – MTS Technik Suspension Kits

Honda Civic – sharper handling and lower stance with MTS Technik

Honda – MTS Technik Suspension Kits provide complete fixed-height sport suspension kits for iconic Civic IV, V and VI models. Rather than mixing generic springs and worn OE dampers, each MTS Technik Suspension Lowering Kit pairs vehicle-specific lowering springs with sport shock absorbers tuned as a system. For Civic IV (Hatchback, Sedan, CRX II), Civic V (Hatchback, Coupé, CRX III) and Civic VI (Hatchback, Sedan, Coupé) you will typically see 40/35–40 mm, 50/50 mm or 60/35 mm drops, significantly reducing pitch and roll while preserving everyday usability.

Because the kits are designed around actual axle loads and chassis layouts, the car sits at a predictable height and behaves consistently across bumps and corners. The matched spring–damper combination delivers firm but controlled movement, avoiding the “bouncy” feel of lowering springs on tired shocks. Drops in the 40–60 mm range give Civics a much more purposeful stance, lower the centre of gravity and make weight transfer under braking and turn-in more progressive. MTS documentation highlights that the goal is to improve both appearance and stability, striking a compromise between stiffness and comfort rather than chasing maximum harshness.

Technical Basics

MTS Technik sport suspension kits use high-quality chromium–silicon steel springs, cold-wound and protected by chemical treatments plus powder coating for long-term corrosion resistance. Depending on application, spring rates may be close to linear for immediate feedback or slightly progressive to keep small-bump comfort while adding strong support as loads build. The shortened sport dampers use gas charging, heat-stable oil and dedicated valving to maintain consistent damping even under repeated heavy use.

Honda Civic platforms react quickly to load changes thanks to their relatively light bodies and rev-happy engines. A well-tuned sport suspension on these cars reduces nose-dive and squat and keeps the body flatter during rapid direction changes. MTS kits are developed around the MacPherson-strut front and specific rear layouts, using the factory weight distribution and axle-load data as their baseline. This helps keep the suspension working inside its intended travel window rather than operating permanently on bump stops.

Selection Criteria

Selecting a Honda – MTS Technik Suspension Kit starts with correct identification of the car: Civic IV, V or VI, body style (Hatchback/Sedan/Coupé/CRX), engine and production year. Each kit is tied to specific chassis codes and axle-load ranges, so always choose by application list and product code instead of “almost fits” guesses. A mis-matched kit can sit too high or too low and fall outside its designed damping window.

Your next decision concerns lowering amount. Drops around 40/35–40 mm work well for daily-driven Civics, cleaning up wheel gap and firming response while keeping reasonable ground clearance. More aggressive 50/50 and 60/35 mm drops give a more dramatic look and sharper body control but reduce travel and increase the risk of scraping exhausts or sump over poor roads and steep driveways. If your roads are rough or you often carry passengers and luggage, a milder setup is usually the smarter option.

Wheels and tyres are equally important. Wider tyres, lower offsets or spacers push the contact patch closer to fender lips and liners, especially at the rear. On a lowered Civic, always check clearances at full steering lock and through the full suspension stroke with realistic loads on board. Leaving a few millimetres of margin is preferable to running extremely low and fighting rubbing on every bump.

Installation & Maintenance

Installation of MTS Technik sport suspension kits is safety-critical and best left to experienced workshops. Spring replacement requires proper compressors, secure support of suspension arms and torqueing all fasteners to factory specifications. During installation, inspect top mounts, bearings, bushes, dust boots and bump stops; any worn component should be replaced so the new suspension does not have to work with tired hardware.

After fitting the kit, a full four-wheel alignment is mandatory because lowering alters toe and camber. For the first few hundred kilometres, avoid extreme kerb hits and heavy loading, then return to the workshop to re-check torque values and alignment. Over the longer term, keep an eye out for damper oil leaks, chipped spring coating and deteriorated bushes; hard driving or occasional track days justify at least annual inspections by a suspension specialist.

FAQ

How much will an MTS Technik kit lower my Civic?
Depending on the application, Civic IV–VI Suspension Lowering Kits typically offer around 40/35–40 mm, 50/50 mm or 60/35 mm drops. Check the specific product page for the exact figures for your model.

Is an MTS Technik kit comfortable enough for daily driving?
Yes. The sport suspension is firmer than stock, but it is tuned as a stiffness/comfort compromise, not a track-only setup. For everyday use, the moderate drop options are usually the best choice.

Can I just fit lowering springs to my Civic?
While very mild drops can work on stock dampers, MTS strongly recommends using matched springs and sport dampers. A complete kit offers better control, stability and durability than lowering springs on standard shocks.

Is wheel alignment required after installation?
Absolutely. Lowering changes suspension geometry, so a professional four-wheel alignment is essential after installation and after any major changes in ride height.

How often should the suspension be inspected?
Plan at least annual checks of the whole suspension system, or more often if you drive hard or attend track days. Investigate any new noises, oil traces on dampers or changes in handling without delay.