I’ve heard rumors that the new Honda Insight uses cast aluminum in certain front suspension parts that can be swapped onto our fits to replace the heavier cast iron pieces. The only problem is, I can’t find anything to support this. At first I thought maybe people were talking about the lower control arms, but the part numbers between the two are identical.

Fit & Insight lower arm, right: 51350-TK6-A01
Fit & Insight lower arm, left: 51360-TK6-A01

The only other major piece it could be is the steering knuckle. The part numbers are different, so this could be it. But, close-up images of the insight knuckles show that they are clearly not aluminum. 2010 Honda Insight EX: Suspension Walkaround

Fit knuckle, right: 51211-TK6-A00
Fit knuckle, left: 51216-TK6-A00
Insight knuckle, right: 51211-TM8-A00
Insight knuckle, left: 51216-TM8-A00

So, does anyone know what the deal is? False rumor?

-Rob

 

I think you heard wrong or somebody is giving out bad information. The new CR-Z has aluminum lower arms versus the stamped steel of the Fit/Insight. They are lighter and more rigid to boot. I asked Spoon about this when I was up at Nikko Circuit, but they weren't very clear in their answer to me about the swap. That and my limited Japanese didn't help. From what I got though, the suspension geometry is different between the 2 vehicles. I'm still going to look into it further though as well as the possibility of swapping to the 5 lug setup all around.

 

Ahhhh that makes sense. I'll dig into it a bit as well and see what I can find on the crz front. Good call 555!

 

fit inverted diagram to the left. cr-z to the right. looks close enough to try it to me.

 

Yeah that is what I saw when I got up under the CR-Z at the Honda dealer. I was like, "ohhhhhhh, front aluminum lower arms like my old 5R Teggy". And just from looking at them, they look awfully close to the Fit's. Just not sure I want to plunk down the cash for a set and then they not work. I am not a baller and if Spoon isn't attempting it or just hasn't thought of it, then it might just not work.

 

no baller here either. i'm just encouraging ballers.

 

hahaha I hear you on that. I've already got another set of stock arms with the J's RCA installed (which wasn't cheap really), not in use until I go with more sussy as the 25mm drop is not really requiring the roll-center adjustment. Though if these will work, I would much rather go that route for sure. I might talk with Umehara-San at J's and ask if he even thought about trying this. They have the monetary backing to at least try.