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REVIEWSRIDE RIGHT WITHStability and comfortin a single packageD1SPEC COILOVERSYou may have heard of them, but didyou know the name coilover is actuallyshort for “coil spring over strut”?Consisting of a shock absorber witha coil spring encircling it, coilovershave become a popular choice ofmany who wish to improve theirrides’ handling. Unlike most factoryabsorbers, coilovers allow the user tomake height and damping adjustmentsto suit his/her requirements. Furthercustomisation can also be done byBefore installationselecting appropriate spring ratesfor both the front and rear. The finetuningof suspension components candrastically affect the handling of thevehicle. If performed incorrectly, youcould experience excessive understeeror understeer and not to mention, anextremely uncomfortable ride.A new addition to D1Spec’s growingline-up of products is its fully adjustablecoilover. Brought in by Fabulous-X,the sole authorised local distributorof D1Spec products, not only doesit pack an impressive list of features,it also comes with a 1-year warrantyagainst manufacturer defects. D1Specproducts are made by a professionalmanufacturer of auto performanceaccessories for the past 10 years inCentral Taiwan. Manufacturing is solelywithin the grounds of their own factory,hence they are able to exercise controlover the cost, quality and lead time. Witha strong R&D team, D1Spec productsconstantly enjoy a good reputation allover the world.After installationInstallation of this set of coilover wouldfirst involve removing the wheels. Youwould be able to spot the previouslyinstalled D1Spec big brake kit as well asthe factory absorbers and springs. Thefactory absorbers are then removed andstored aside for the owner.Original Front SupensionInstallation in progressExposed top mountsTightening things upFactory absorbersLooking goodUpon inspecting the new D1Speccoilover, we found that the quality andfinishing was indeed superb. The staffat Fabulous-X then filled us in with thedetails. Utilising a twin-tube designdamper, it will offer you the best ofboth worlds. It delivers comfort duringregular day-to-day driving, but getsharder as the force increases. Thistwin-tube design reduces body roll anddoesn’t sacrifice ride quality. Comfortand performance is further balancedthrough the use of cold-bent springs.Spring seat and locks are constructedfrom durable aluminum alloy. 28damping adjustment levels are availableand height adjustability ranges from30mm to 90mm.Damping adjustableRear factory absorbersNow for the rearOnce installation was completed, itwas then time for fine-tuning to bedone. Using a vernier caliper, precisemeasurements were taken to ensurethe height adjustments were equal onthe front and the same was also donefor the rear. After some final checks,a complimentary alignment wasperformed to compensate for the dropin ride height.Sitting on the new D1Spec coilover, notonly does the Honda Odyssey looksbetter with the drop in ride height, butalso handles better through corners.Almost in placeHeight adjustableTaking measurementsFor more information, please contactFabulous-X at 6841 7697 / 9667 7711.JULY 2011 29