Lowering Springs Guide
Best Lowering Springs for the
2017 – 2022 Honda Civic Type R FK8: Every Kit Compared
A complete comparison of every lowering spring kit available for the 2017–2022 Honda Civic Type R (FK8) — covering drop heights, pricing, fitment notes, and real-world owner feedback. Six kits from Swift, Spoon, H&R, Tein, and RS-R.
At a Glance
Quick Comparison
| Brand / Kit | Front Drop | Rear Drop | Fits | Type | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tein S.Tech | -1.0" | -1.0" | FK8 | Progressive |
|
SHOP → |
| RS-R Down Sus | -0.6" to -0.8" | -0.8" to -1.0" | FK8 | Progressive |
|
SHOP → |
| H&R Sport | -0.8" | -0.8" | FK8 | Progressive |
|
SHOP → |
| RS-R Super Down | -1.4" to -1.6" | -1.4" to -1.6" | FK8 | Progressive |
|
SHOP → |
| Swift Spec-R | -1.0" | -1.0" | FK8 | Linear |
|
SHOP → |
| Spoon Progressive | -0.8" | -0.8" | FK8 | Progressive | $550 | SHOP → |
Important
What to Know Before You Buy
FK8 Year Range
Most kits list 2017–2021 fitment; the FK8 was sold through 2022 in some markets. The Tein S.Tech and Spoon Progressive list 2017–2021. RS-R and H&R cover the same range. If you have a 2022 FK8, verify fitment with the manufacturer before purchasing.
Alignment & Camber
Drops under 1.0" typically stay within factory alignment specs. The Spoon (-0.8") and H&R (-0.8") are the most conservative. The RS-R Super Down (-1.4" to -1.6") may require camber correction. Always budget for a professional alignment after installation.
Factory Shocks & Ride Quality
All kits are designed to work with factory dampers. If your FK8 has high mileage, the shocks may be worn. Installing new springs on tired shocks can feel bouncy. Consider refreshing the dampers if you’re past 50,000 miles.
Springs vs. Coilovers
Lowering springs offer a set drop at lower cost. If you want adjustable ride height and damping, coilovers are the better choice. Check our Suspension Buyers Guide for a full comparison.
Tein S.Tech Lowering Springs
The Tein S.Tech (SKHK8-S3B00) is the most affordable option in this guide, delivering a 1.0" front and rear drop on the FK8. Designed for enthusiasts who want a more aggressive stance and firmer suspension response without stepping up to coilovers. Chrome vanadium construction with progressive spring rates (297 lbs/in front, 269 lbs/in rear).
Tein S.Tech springs reduce wheel gap, enhance vehicle stance, and sharpen handling for daily driving and spirited performance. Designed to work with OEM or OEM replacement shocks. Road tested in North America for the proper balance between performance and comfort. 1-year limited warranty.
Drop by Application
| Application | Front Drop | Rear Drop |
|---|---|---|
| 2017–2021 Honda Civic Type R FK8 | -1.0" | -1.0" |
Pros
- Lowest price in this guide
- Square -1.0" drop
- Progressive rate for street comfort
- Japan-made, road tested
Cons
- 1-year warranty (vs. lifetime for H&R)
- Less track-focused than Swift
H&R Sport Springs
The H&R Sport (28714-1) delivers a 0.8" front and rear drop on the 2017–2021 Civic Type R FK8. Cold-wound in Germany from high-tensile steel with a corrosion-resistant coating. The progressive rate enhances handling without sacrificing ride comfort.
H&R springs carry a lifetime warranty. Forum feedback from FK8 owners is consistently positive — the Sport sits lower than stock while remaining daily-drivable. A solid middle-ground option between the budget Tein and the premium Spoon.
Drop by Application
| Application | Front Drop | Rear Drop |
|---|---|---|
| 2017–2021 Honda Civic Type R FK8 | -0.8" | -0.8" |
Pros
- Lifetime warranty
- Square drop, conservative geometry
- Made in Germany
- Strong community validation
Cons
- Conservative drop vs. RS-R Super Down
- Higher price than Tein
RS-R Down Sus Lowering Springs
The RS-R Down Sus (H059D) provides a mild drop for FK8 owners who want to lessen the fender-to-wheel gap without going aggressive. Front drop ranges from 0.6" to 0.8", rear from 0.8" to 1.0". The progressive design takes into account factory suspension geometry, shock damping, and ride height for a balanced upgrade.
Constructed from high-tensile steel with a progressive coil design. Comfortable at low speeds, stiffer during aggressive maneuvers. Compatible with factory shock absorbers. Ideal for daily drivers who want a subtle stance improvement.
Drop by Application
| Application | Front Drop | Rear Drop |
|---|---|---|
| 2017–2021 Honda Civic Type R FK8 | -0.6" to -0.8" | -0.8" to -1.0" |
Pros
- Mildest drop in this guide
- Best ride quality for daily use
- Progressive design
- Japan-made
Cons
- Subtle drop may not satisfy stance-focused owners
- Range varies by installation
Swift Spec-R Sport Springs
The Swift Spec-R (4H917R) is the only linear-rate spring in this guide, designed for track-oriented FK8 owners. Published spring rates: 6.3 kg/mm front, 7.4 kg/mm rear. Delivers a 1.0" front and rear drop — a balanced, square drop tuned for optimal suspension geometry within the OEM shock’s usable stroke.
Swift’s H5S.TW proprietary material and manufacturing process aim to reduce unsprung mass and eliminate coil bind. Popular with HPDE and SCCA competitors. Japan-made and track-validated. Works with factory dampers.
Drop by Application
| Application | Front Drop | Rear Drop |
|---|---|---|
| 2017–2022 Honda Civic Type R FK8 | -1.0" | -1.0" |
Pros
- Linear rate — predictable for track use
- Published spring rates
- Square -1.0" drop
- Japan-made, track-validated
Cons
- Firmer than progressive springs on street
- Higher price than Tein/H&R
RS-R Super Down Sus Lowering Springs
The RS-R Super Down Sus (H059S) delivers the largest drop in this guide: 1.4" to 1.6" front and rear on the FK8. Designed for enthusiasts who want a more aggressive stance while enhancing handling. The progressive rate balances performance and comfort for both daily driving and spirited use.
Application-specific design tailored for the 2017–2021 Civic Type R FK8. Takes into account factory suspension geometry, shock damping, and ride height. Direct bolt-on replacement for factory springs. Professional alignment recommended.
Drop by Application
| Application | Front Drop | Rear Drop |
|---|---|---|
| 2017–2021 Honda Civic Type R FK8 | -1.4" to -1.6" | -1.4" to -1.6" |
Pros
- Largest drop in this guide
- Square drop front and rear
- Progressive design
- Japan-made
Cons
- Camber correction recommended
- Firmer ride than mild-drop options
Spoon Sports Progressive Springs
The Spoon Sports Progressive Spring Set (51400-FK8-001) is a precision-tuned suspension upgrade for the FK8. Spring rate increase of 6% front and 15% rear over stock (Front 5.0 kgf/mm, Rear 4.9 kgf/mm). Reduces body roll, enhances cornering traction, and delivers a more controlled driving feel without compromising daily usability.
Developed through Spoon’s extensive motorsport experience. The progressive design improves ride quality on uneven surfaces while delivering stronger support under higher cornering loads. OEM-compatible performance upgrade. Ideal for enthusiasts who want sharper performance while retaining street-friendly comfort.
Drop by Application
| Application | Front Drop | Rear Drop |
|---|---|---|
| 2017–2021 Honda Civic Type R FK8 | -0.8" | -0.8" |
Pros
- Spoon motorsport heritage
- Progressive design for comfort and performance
- Square drop, conservative geometry
- Japan-developed, FK8-specific
Cons
- Premium price
- Conservative drop vs. RS-R Super Down
Fitment Reference
Which Kits Fit Your Trim?
| Trim | Tein | H&R | RS-R Down | Swift | RS-R Super | Spoon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Civic Type R FK8 (2017–2022) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
✓ = Confirmed fitment for 2017–2021 FK8
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need new shocks when installing lowering springs?
No. All kits in this guide are designed to work with factory dampers. If your FK8 has high mileage, the shocks may be worn. Consider refreshing them when you install springs.
Will lowering springs void my factory warranty?
Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a dealer cannot void your entire warranty for installing aftermarket parts. However, if a warranty claim is directly related to the modification, the dealer can deny that specific claim.
Do lowering springs affect ride quality?
Yes. Conservative drops (Spoon, H&R at -0.8") maintain near-stock comfort. Aggressive drops (RS-R Super Down at -1.4" to -1.6") are noticeably firmer. Progressive springs generally ride better than linear springs on the street.
What’s the difference between progressive and linear spring rates?
Progressive springs have a variable rate — soft initially for comfort, then stiffening under compression. Linear springs (like Swift Spec-R) have a constant rate — firmer overall but more predictable for track use.
Should I get lowering springs or coilovers?
Lowering springs offer a set drop at lower cost. If you want adjustable ride height and damping, coilovers are the better choice. Check our Suspension Buyers Guide for a full comparison.
I have a 2022 FK8. Which kits fit?
Most kits list 2017–2021 fitment. The Swift Spec-R lists 2017–2022. For 2022 FK8, verify fitment with the manufacturer before purchasing. The FK8 chassis is unchanged, so many 2017–2021 kits may fit, but confirmation is recommended.
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Browse all of our lowering springs for the Honda Civic Type R FK8, or contact us if you need help choosing the right kit for your goals.