Introduction to the Spoon Sports Suspension Upgrade

The Acura Integra Type R (ITR) remains a benchmark among front-wheel-drive performance cars, revered for its lightweight chassis, precise manual gearbox, and the legendary B18C5 engine. Yet even this factory-tuned machine benefits from suspension refinement as the decades pass. Worn bushings, tired dampers, and outdated spring rates can dull the razor-sharp responsiveness that made the Integra Type R a cult classic. Enter Spoon Sports, a Japanese tuning house synonymous with Honda and Acura performance. Their suspension systems are engineered to restore and elevate the driving experience, offering improved handling without sacrificing daily usability. This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of Spoon Sports suspension options, installation costs, expected handling improvements, and what you need to know before committing to this upgrade.

Why Upgrade to Spoon Sports Suspension?

Spoon Sports has been developing high-performance parts for Honda and Acura vehicles since the 1980s. Their suspension components are designed with a philosophy of balance: increasing grip and driver feedback while retaining enough compliance for street driving. Upgrading to a Spoon Sports suspension system directly addresses the Integra Type R’s aging underpinnings and unlocks additional performance headroom.

Performance Benefits

The primary reason enthusiasts gravitate toward Spoon Sports is the substantial improvement in cornering capability. The stiffer spring rates and matched damping reduce body roll, allowing the Integra to maintain flatter cornering attitudes. This translates to higher corner entry speeds and more confident mid-corner adjustments. Additionally, the improved damping control keeps the tires in better contact with the road surface, reducing the likelihood of unpredictable breakaway. For track-day drivers, these benefits are immediately noticeable during fast transitions and over curbing.

Equally important is the retention of ride quality. Spoon Sports tunes their suspension to avoid the jarring harshness common with many aftermarket coilovers. The result is a compliant ride that still communicates road texture without punishing occupants. This makes the system suitable for daily driving while still offering the performance edge needed for weekend lapping sessions.

Build Quality and Reputation

Spoon Sports components are manufactured to OEM-plus standards, often using higher-grade materials than factory parts. The dampers feature corrosion-resistant finishes, and the springs are shot-peened for fatigue resistance. This reputation for reliability means that a properly installed Spoon Sports suspension can outlast the car itself with routine maintenance. Enthusiasts frequently cite the longevity of Spoon parts, even under severe track use, as a key reason for choosing them over cheaper alternatives.

Understanding the Spoon Sports Suspension Components

Spoon Sports offers several suspension products for the Acura Integra Type R, including complete coilover sets, separate damper and spring combinations, and even sway bars and bushings. Understanding the differences helps you select the right system for your driving goals and budget.

Complete Coilover Kits

The most popular option is the Spoon Sports Coilover Kit, which integrates the spring and damper into a single, height-adjustable unit. These kits are available with fixed damping or a simple two-way adjustable system, depending on the specific model. The height adjustability allows owners to fine-tune ride height for aesthetic preferences or aerodynamic benefits. Spoon’s coilovers feature a monotube damper design for consistent performance under high heat loads, a common issue during extended track sessions.

Spring and Damper Separates

For those who prefer to retain the factory strut tower mounts or who want to mix and match components, Spoon Sports also sells separate springs and dampers. The Spoon Progressive Springs are a popular upgrade that lowers the car approximately 20mm front and rear while providing a progressive spring rate for a dual-purpose street and track setup. Pairing these with Spoon Spec Dampers gives a near-coilover level of performance with less complexity. This approach is more cost-effective and appeals to purists who value the original geometry of the Integra Type R’s suspension.

Supporting Components

To fully realize the benefits of a Spoon suspension, complementary upgrades are recommended. Spoon Sports offers reinforced compliance bushings, which restore the tightness lost with age. Their sway bars, when paired with upgraded end links, further reduce body roll without overwhelming the tires. A complete Spoon Sports suspension refresh can include these items, creating a cohesive setup that works in harmony.

Installation Process and Costs

Installation complexity varies depending on the scope of the upgrade. Replacing a full coilover set is more involved than swapping springs and dampers. Additionally, factors such as geographic location, shop rates, and whether you perform the work yourself will significantly influence the final cost.

DIY Installation

If you possess mechanical experience and a complete set of tools, installing a Spoon Sports suspension is a weekend project. The factory service manual provides step-by-step procedures for strut and spring removal. Expect to spend between 6 to 10 hours on the initial installation, with additional time required for corner balancing and alignment. DIY installation costs include the parts themselves (typically $1,200 to $1,800 for a full coilover kit) plus alignment fees of around $100–$150. You will also need specialty tools such as spring compressors, a torque wrench, and penetrating oil for rusted bolts. Total DIY cost, including parts and alignment, ranges from $1,300 to $2,000.

Professional Installation

Hiring a professional shop ensures that the suspension is installed correctly and aligned to manufacturer specifications. Labor rates in the United States and Canada vary from $80 to $150 per hour. A full coilover installation typically requires 4 to 8 hours of labor, depending on rust condition and the shop’s familiarity with Integra Type R suspension. Additional charges may apply if seized bolts or damaged bushings require replacement. Professional installation costs, including labor and parts, typically fall between $1,800 and $3,000. High-end performance shops that specialize in Honda/Acura vehicles may charge a premium but often provide custom corner weighting and damper adjustment services that maximize the suspension’s potential.

Cost Breakdown

To help you budget, here is an estimated cost breakdown for a complete Spoon Sports coilover upgrade on an Acura Integra Type R:

  • Parts: Spoon Sports Coilover Kit – $1,400 (average price from reputable retailers like Evasive Motorsports or King Motorsports)
  • Alignment: $120–$150 (precision alignment with corner balance if required)
  • Hardware: Replacement top nuts, strut mount bolts – $30–$50
  • Labor (professional): $600–$1,200 (4–8 hours at $100–$150/hr)
  • Total professional installation: Approximately $2,150–$2,800
  • Total DIY installation: Approximately $1,550–$2,150

Note that these estimates exclude state sales tax, shipping fees, and any incidental repairs such as replacement of worn control arms or ball joints.

Handling Improvements – Before and After

Upgrading to Spoon Sports suspension transforms the Integra Type R’s driving dynamics. The factory suspension, while excellent in its day, was designed for a conservative balance of ride comfort and performance. Spoon’s components tilt the scale decisively toward performance without abandoning livability. Below are the key areas of improvement.

Cornering and Body Roll Reduction

The most dramatic change is in cornering stability. Stock Integra Type Rs exhibit noticeable body roll during aggressive cornering, which can unsettle the chassis over bumps mid-turn. The Spoon Sports stiffer springs and dampers reduce roll by approximately 30–40%, allowing the car to stay flatter. This reduces weight transfer to the outside tires, maintaining better traction across all four contact patches. On a skidpad, owners report an increase in lateral grip of 0.05–0.10 g, which translates to higher corner exit speeds and more confidence when navigating tight switchbacks.

Steering Response and Feedback

Spoon’s suspension geometry preserves the Integra Type R’s renowned steering feel. The reduced compliance in the bushings (if upgraded alongside) and better damping control allow more road texture to reach the steering wheel. This heightened feedback enables drivers to sense the exact limit of front tire grip, making it easier to approach the threshold of understeer. The result is a more connected and engaging driving experience, particularly on winding back roads or during autocross events.

Ride Quality for Street and Track

A common concern with aftermarket suspension is harshness. Spoon Sports engineers have tuned their systems to avoid excessive rebound damping, which can cause a “bouncy” ride. On smooth pavement, the Spoon suspension feels firm yet controlled. On rougher roads, it absorbs impacts without transmitting sharp jolts to the cabin. The progressive spring rates (in the separated spring option) help manage large compressions while maintaining compliance over smaller imperfections. Drivers who use their Integra Type R as a daily driver will find the ride quality acceptable for long commutes, provided they avoid overly aggressive lowering that reduces suspension travel.

Track Performance Validation

Several independent reviews and forums, such as those on Honda Tuning Magazine and Team Integra, have documented the performance gains. Lap times on tracks like Laguna Seca and Streets of Willow Springs typically improve by 1–2 seconds per kilometer with a properly set-up Spoon suspension compared to a worn stock setup. The consistent damping also reduces tire wear, allowing drivers to push for more laps without overheating the sidewalls.

Maintenance and Longevity

Spoon Sports suspension components require routine attention to maintain peak performance. Coilover dampers should be inspected for oil leaks every 12 months or 12,000 miles, especially if the car is used on track. The damper bodies can be cleaned with mild soap and water to prevent corrosion from road salt. If the suspension is used heavily, rebuilding the dampers by a certified technician (Spoon recommends their authorized service centers) every 30,000 miles or after 50 track days keeps the damping characteristics fresh.

Spring sag is rare with Spoon’s shot-peened springs, but it is wise to check ride height annually. Adjusting the spring preload or ride height should be done with care to avoid binding the damper piston. Users who opt for the progressive spring and damper combination have even lower maintenance demands, as the springs rarely need replacement and the dampers are more tolerant of wear.

Conclusion

Upgrading your Acura Integra Type R with Spoon Sports suspension is one of the most effective ways to revitalize its legendary handling. The investment – whether through DIY installation or professional service – yields measurable improvements in cornering grip, steering feedback, and overall driver confidence. Spoon Sports’ dedication to quality ensures that the components will serve for years without compromising reliability. For enthusiasts seeking to preserve the Integra Type R’s character while extracting its full dynamic potential, the Spoon Sports suspension system stands as a proven, authoritative choice.