I believe the EX does come with a rear swaybar (canadian model EX does not),
which would be ideal if you want to get more overstear. The stock swaybar is
probably the best choice since the aftermarket stuff might be over kill. Also,
another option would be to simply add an upper and lower strut bar at the back.
The only problem with the strut bar is that it'll dig into your trunk space and
you still might get some understeer (assuming that theirs a front sway bar).

I've heard that some individuals have removed the front sway bars from their
LX/DX coupes inorder to make their handling characteristic more neutral. (the
LX/DX coupe also does not have any rear swaybars).In my 98 Hatch (which doesn't
have any swaybars at both ends), handling tend to be neutral. Also, I've added
the strutbars (both upper and lower) in the back, which dials in a little
oversteer. The combination of no swaybars with the strutbars installed seems to
be perfect combination for the streets. Going without swaybars would reduce
stability on the highway, but the tokico shocks, eibach springs and wider wheels
compensate. If you're not going to upgrade the shocks and springs, then simply
adding the rear sway bar is probably the best route.

Pars
98 Hatch

Jacob Turner wrote:

> Hi all,
> I am the happy owner of a '98 civic hx (5spd). I am generally pretty
> happy with the car except for the suspension. I am looking to do some
> upgrades in this area and am looking for some advice.
>
> The civic HX as you may already know has no rear sway bar. From underneath
> the rear suspension looks the same as an EX to me though I could be wrong.
> The front suspension looks similar too. Is the suspension the same across
> the civic line? I would like to purchase an aftermarket front/rear sway bar
> set but I never see the HX listed it seems as compatible.
>
> What brand(s) of aftermarket struts have any of you used? I am not
> necessarily looking for fully adjustable or anything, just a bit stiffer on
> the spring and maybe slightly adjustable damping. I also don't really want
> to lower the car more that 1/2" if I can help it as it is already a chore
> getting in and out of my driveway.
>
> Would strut tower braces/bars really help enough to be worth the cost and
> hassle. From what I have seen I will have to do some drilling to mount them
> on an HX.
>
> I am also looking at some good bushings for the rest of the suspension.
>
> Thanks in advance for any ideas/thoughts you all may have. I suppose also
> that I should point out that I am not trying to build a race car here. I
> just like to drive in the mountains a lot and get tired of feeling like I am
> driving a Cadillac in the twisties.
>
> ===
> Jacob Turner
> http://ringnebula.net