I am assuming the suspension has changed from 07-08 to the new 2009 Fit. Is this correct or will I be able to use aftermarket suspension parts for 07-08 models?

 

hard to tell without looking but most-likely yes. tein japan lists a new
pn for the newer fit's too.

 

i saw where you said that in the endura tech thread, so i went to tein.co.jp and I don't see any part numbers for a new model Fit.

Also I called Endura Tech and they say their current coilovers will fit the 09. But it definitely did not sound like a definite answer.

 

That is true, I am not definitely sure if they will or not. From what I understood there were no changes to the suspension but only the increase of the length, which I think was 2" and then the extension in A pillar area. I was not under the impression that the actual chassis had changed and therefore would require a new OEM set up. However, I will see if I can't find something out about this so we are all properly informed.

Has anyone looked at an 09 VIN? The chassis code should be in it. They should be the 4th, 5th and 6th digits of the VIN.

 

A lot of us with '07-'08 Fits hope that you guys are right about no changes in suspension for '09. That might increase the suspension market for new design shocks/struts or coilovers to give the incentive to high-end suspension makers to design and market performance shocks & struts for all Fits.

 

The chassis code should be GE8, but it may change for US?

 

I totally agree with you. Let's all hope they didnt change any of the chassis mounting points.

I am coming from the Subaru world. And with Subaru the suspension components changed slightly every single year, but the mounting points on the vehicles did not (with the exception of the STi) so you could still use a complete suspension setup from one year on another. So just because Tein shows a different spring part # does not necessarily mean that the way the complete strut assembly mounts to the car has changed.

Endura Tech: I will be willing to be a guinea pig to test the coilovers on my 09 when it comes in, if you will let me return them if they don't fit.

 

Bump for more discussion.

 

aren't the new Fit/Jazz and the FN2 european civic type-r based off of the same chassis? could the type-r suspension work on the new GE8?

 

let me check again... could've sworn i saw a listing for the next gen over there about 3months ago...

 

TEIN's offering for the USDM GD3: basic damper, S-techSKB36-AUB00

TEIN's offerings for the JDM GD3: supercompact, basiccompact, H-techSKA04-G1B00, S-techSKA04-S1B00


GE6, 7, 8, 9 all starting Heisei19 October (Oct 2007).

GE6: supercompact, basiccompact, H-techSKB74-G1B00, S-techSKB74-S1B00

GE7: No compatible listing

GE8: supercompact, basiccompact, H-techSKB74-G1B00, S-techSKB74-S1B00

GE9: No compatible listing

Conclusion:
Im not familiar with the USDM 09 chassiscodes, but from the production
dates listed above, im assuming that the Oct07's are the 09's for
USDM and the chassis codes are going to be GE-something... when
comparing the GD3 s-tech springs they are not listed in the GE6 or 8.

that's where i thought they are not compatible between GD and GE.

 

Umm no the 07-08 Suspension stuff "WILL NOT FIT" on the 09 chassis The front dampers are longer than the 1st gen fits & the rear is different also.... not to mention spring rates on the New fit are about half of what the 1 egn fits were...

I'll have a bunch of pictures of my new coilovers at the end of the week for you all to drool on and to do a side by side comparison to the 1st gen parts

 

^^ thanks for confirming by actual comparison and experience.

 

No problem

 

well its awesome to finally have a clear answer, but sucks because who knows how long it will be before the parts are available here.

And once again there will be no aftermarket strut/shock option so that makes coilovers the only option.

 

Boy a lot of people are on top of this. I went to look into this stuff too and found that the GE8 was the new chassis code for the 09 US Fit.

I also found some comments about the Chassis on Vtec.net and it basically stated this:

"Honda promises that the 2009 Fit's ride quality and handling have improved, thanks in part to improved front and rear suspension designs. Up front, the MacPherson strut has had its geometry optimized to provide superior wheel alignment when turning, for a more solid handling feel. Additionally, the axes of the suspension arm mounting points and compliance bushings have been aligned for optimal smoothness. The rear suspension design has been enhanced by virtue of longer trailing arms, larger compliance bushings, and a reduced spring lever ratio. On paper, these improvements, along with the Fit's tremendous increase in body structure rigidity should certainly ride better."

 

honda could've improved the handling just by adding better tires from
the getgo.

 

Sweet, now how quickly will Endura Tech have a coilover solution for the 09's?

 

Your comment has been noted.

 

I hope that's a good thing?!