Installing a KW V3 Coilover Kit on your Acura Integra Type S is one of the most effective ways to transform the car’s handling from a capable front-drive sport compact into a precise, track-ready machine. The Integra Type S already benefits from a sophisticated adaptive damper system from the factory, but the KW V3 takes things further by giving you full control over ride height, rebound, and low-speed compression damping. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through every step of the installation, from tools and prep to final alignment and test drive. Along the way, I’ll share pro tips to ensure your new coilovers perform exactly as intended.

Why Choose KW V3 for the Integra Type S?

Before diving into the installation, it’s worth understanding what makes the KW V3 kit special for this chassis. Unlike many entry-level coilovers, the KW V3 uses stainless steel bodies for corrosion resistance, independent rebound and compression adjustment with 16 clicks each, and a twin-tube design that better separates oil from gas for consistent damping even during hard use. The Integra Type S shares its suspension architecture with the Civic Type R (FL5), so the KW V3 kit is thoroughly engineered for this platform, offering specific spring rates and valving that preserve the car’s excellent roll control while allowing you to fine-tune bias for your driving style.

For owners who track their Integra Type S or want to dial out understeer on corner entry, the ability to adjust low-speed compression independently is a game-changer. You can soften it for daily comfort or stiffen it for maximum response at autocross and road courses. Combined with roughly a 1–1.5 inch drop (depending on your ride height setting), this kit also lowers the center of gravity, reducing body roll and improving transient response.

Tools and Materials Needed

Gather everything before you start to avoid delays. Having the right tools ensures a smooth installation and prevents damage to new components.

  • KW V3 Coilover Kit (part number 10280025 for the Integra Type S/FL5 Civic Type R)
  • Floor jack and two (or four) tall jack stands
  • Breaker bar and torque wrench (ft-lb and in-lb)
  • Socket set: 10mm, 12mm, 14mm, 17mm, 19mm, 21mm deep and shallow
  • Hex keys (Allen wrenches) – 5mm and 6mm
  • Pliers or diagonal cutters for zip ties
  • Spring compressors (needed only if you plan to disassemble stock struts – optional if you’re just swapping the complete assembly)
  • Penetrating oil (like PB Blaster) for stubborn bolts
  • Anti-seize compound for threads
  • Wire brush or rag to clean mounting surfaces
  • Safety glasses and mechanic’s gloves

Optional but recommended: A KW suspension official website provides detailed setup guides and torque specs for the kit. Also have a copy of the factory service manual torque values for suspension bolts – some are torque-to-yield and must be replaced.

Preparation Steps

Preparation is critical for a safe and efficient install. The Integra Type S uses a multi-link rear suspension and MacPherson strut front, so the process differs from older Honda platforms. Follow these steps before lifting the car.

  • Park the vehicle on a flat, level surface. Engage the parking brake firmly.
  • Loosen the lug nuts on all four wheels while the car is still on the ground. Do not remove them yet – just crack them loose so they’re easier to spin off once the car is jacked.
  • Remove any underbody panels or plastic covers that may obstruct access to the strut top nuts (the top mount plates are accessible under the hood for the front, and under the side panels for the rear).
  • If the car has adaptive dampers (they do as stock), you may need to disconnect the electrical connector at the top of the front strut. The KW V3 kit comes with delete plugs to avoid error codes – install those per the instructions.
  • Spray penetrating oil on the knuckle pinch bolts and sway bar end links 20 minutes before starting to ease removal.

Removing the Stock Front Suspension

Front Strut Assembly

The front uses MacPherson struts with the damper going through the coil spring. Removing them is straightforward but watch for safety – the springs are under tension if you plan to separate the top mount.

  • Jack up the front of the car and place jack stands under the front pinch welds or the subframe – never under the control arms. Lower the car slightly onto the stands so it’s stable.
  • Remove the front wheels fully.
  • Disconnect the sway bar end link from the strut body using a 14mm socket. A second wrench on the back of the ball joint stud helps prevent spinning.
  • Remove the brake line bracket clip from the strut if present. Do not disconnect the brake line itself – just unclip the bracket.
  • Remove the two bolts securing the strut to the knuckle (19mm). You may need to separate the knuckle slightly with a pry bar if they’re tight. Be careful not to damage the ABS sensor or wire.
  • Under the hood, remove the three 12mm nuts holding the top strut mount. You may need to hold the strut from below to prevent it from rotating.
  • Extract the strut assembly from the wheel well – tilt it out with the spring compressed by hand (the stock spring is not under huge tension once the top mount is unbolted, but still exercise care).
  • If you plan to reuse the top mounts, transfer them to the new KW V3 coilovers. Otherwise, KW provides new bearing top mounts that work with the OEM hardware.

Rear Damper & Spring Assembly

The rear has a separate spring and damper – the KW V3 kit replaces the entire shock and spring as a packaged coilover unit. The process is a bit different.

  • Jack up the rear and secure on stands.
  • Remove the rear wheels.
  • Disconnect the sway bar end link from the rear knuckle (if equipped – the Integra Type S has a rear sway bar).
  • Remove the lower bolt of the rear damper (21mm) where it attaches to the lower control arm. Also remove the top two bolts that secure the top mount to the body (exposed in the cargo area side panel).
  • Pull the rear damper out. The spring is separate and easier to remove after the damper is out – just lift it out. The KW V3 replaces the spring and damper as one unit.
  • Install the KW rear coilover using the same mounting points. Torque all bolts to factory specs.

Installing the KW V3 Coilovers

Now for the rewarding part – fitting the KW V3s. These coilovers come pre-assembled with springs pre-set to a recommended ride height, but you should verify and set your desired height before installation to simplify alignment later.

Front Installation

  • Thread the lower spring perch to a starting height. KW provides a guide – start about 10mm of thread showing below the lock ring for a moderate drop. Use anti-seize on all threads.
  • Slide the KW coilover into the front strut tower from below. Make sure the top mount sits flush against the tower.
  • Hand-thread the three top nuts (12mm) but don’t fully tighten yet – leave them loose until the knuckle bolts are started.
  • Insert the two 19mm knuckle bolts. Torque them to 130 ft-lb (verify your year; some FL5 specs are 120–135 ft-lb).
  • Now torque the top nuts to 28 ft-lb (with the car’s weight on the suspension? Actually, torque them with the car in the air – it’s fine because the top mount is a solid metal unit – but check KW instructions).
  • Reattach the sway bar end link. Torque to 33 ft-lb.
  • Clip the brake line bracket back onto the coilover body – KW includes a bracket adapter if needed.

Rear Installation

  • Slide the KW rear coilover into place. The lower bolt goes through a spherical bearing at the bottom – use the supplied hardware (often a pinch bolt with a washer). Torque the lower bolt to 90 ft-lb.
  • The top mount bolts into the body chassis points. Torque to 28 ft-lb.
  • Reconnect the sway bar end link.
  • Adjust the ride height via the lower spring perch only – do not adjust preload to change height (the KW V3 uses a threaded body, preload should remain at a baseline setting for proper spring rate distribution).

Adjusting the Coilover Settings

The true power of the KW V3 lies in its clickable adjustment – 16 clicks of rebound and 16 clicks of low-speed compression. Here’s how to set them initially, then fine-tune.

Rebound Adjustment

Rebound controls how quickly the damper extends after compressing. Too much rebound causes the suspension to pack down over bumps, while too little makes it feel floaty.

  • Turn the rebound adjuster at the top of the damper rod (front) or at the bottom shaft (rear) fully clockwise to full stiff (click closed). Then count counterclockwise to your desired setting.
  • Recommended street start: 10 clicks from full stiff (rebound). For track, 6-8 clicks.
  • Adjust in pairs: both front shocks same, both rear same. You can tweak rear separately to adjust handling balance.

Compression Adjustment

Low-speed compression damping influences body roll, dive, and squat. High-speed compression is fixed by the internal valving.

  • Turn the compression adjuster (on the bottom of the front damper, and on the top of the rear body) fully clockwise (stiff), then count out.
  • Street: 8-10 clicks from full stiff. Track: 4-6 clicks. Avoid going too soft – it can cause bottoming.
  • Use the KW adjustment tool (supplied) or a small flathead screwdriver for the knurled dials.

For a more exact method, read the KW setup guide which also covers corner weighting and bump stop clearance.

Post-Installation Steps: Corner Balance and Alignment

After installing the coilovers, the car will sit lower and your alignment settings will be far from spec. You must perform a corner balance if you intend to track the car – otherwise a standard four-wheel alignment will suffice.

Corner Balance

This process adjusts ride height per corner to equalize diagonal weight distribution. It’s best left to a professional race shop with scales. However, you can pre-set the ride height to be even side-to-side using a tape measure. Measure from the center of the wheel hub to the fender lip – you want the left and right to be within 1/8 inch. Then have the shop fine-tune.

Alignment Specs

The KW kit allows significant camber adjustment at the front (via the strut slot on the knuckle) and at the rear (via eccentric bolts). For street use, aim for:

  • Front camber: -1.5° to -2.0°
  • Rear camber: -1.0° to -1.5°
  • Toe: Front 0 total, Rear 0 to 1/16” total toe-in
  • Caster: Non-adjustable, should be around 5-6°

For track use, you can go to -2.5° front and -2.0° rear. Be aware that negative camber reduces straight-line stability slightly but improves turn-in dramatically. Check your tire wear closely.

For a detailed alignment tutorial specific to the Integra Type S, refer to a popular FL5 Civic Type R alignment thread (same specs apply).

Test Drive and Final Adjustments

Once everything is torqued and aligned, it’s time to feel the difference. Start with a gentle drive to settle the suspension – you’ll notice the car feels more planted and communicative. After 10-15 miles, recheck all fasteners – especially the knuckle bolts and top nuts – as they can settle.

Take the car to a familiar twisty road and evaluate:

  • Steering response: If it feels too darty, reduce front rebound or add compression.
  • Understeer on corner exit: Soften rear rebound 2 clicks to rotate the car more.
  • Ride comfort on bumps: If harsh, back off both compression and rebound 2 clicks.

Keep a log of your settings – digital or physical – so you can revert if needed. The KW V3s are tunable enough to adapt to different tires, road surfaces, and even driver preference.

Maintenance Tips

Stainless steel bodies resist corrosion, but you should periodically clean the adjustment knobs and threads. Use a small brush to remove dirt. Every 12 months, check the bushings and spherical bearings for play. If you track your car often, consider a KW suspension rebuild service every 30,000-50,000 miles or after heavy use.

Conclusion

Installing a KW V3 coilover kit on your Integra Type S is a rewarding project that yields noticeable improvements in handling precision, cornering grip, and driver confidence. The adjustability allows you to tailor the car to your exact needs, from comfortable daily driving to aggressive track sessions. By following this guide and taking the time to dial in your settings and alignment, you’ll maximize the potential of both the coilovers and the car. Get ready to carve corners with a new level of control – your Integra Type S has never felt so connected to the road.