Hello, this is my first post here...

I test drove a '13 Sport yesterday and confirmed that I can use it as a very economical work
vehicle and still have a sporty car. I will be carrying extra weight full time, usually between
300 and 800 pounds of tools and supplies. The occasional heavier load is possible.

My questions:

Is the factory suspension of either the Sport or the base model up to the task?

I need something that maintains the factory ride height or lifts it slightly.
Are there any high quality heavy duty coil over systems that do not lower the ride?

Are the factory brakes up to the task of stopping a heavier load?


I have not purchased the vehicle yet, but I can tell you it will be a 2011 or newer model and have the automatic transmission.

Thank you for your time.

 

I think Honda says you should only carry 800lb in a Fit and that number includes you.

 

Look up monroe air shocks on this site. the fit complains about over 200 in the back. it needs weight distributed aka front center and back

 

I appreciate that information because I could not find payload specs anywhere.

Is it in print somewhere? Honda PDF?

Thanks to how the rear seats fold up exposing the floor loading the weight low and balanced does not appear to be a problem. Lighter items will be loaded over and behind the rear axle/wheels.

I did read the threads on Air Shocks. Yes they are rather inexpensive, but I think I would prefer coil overs, better tires and maybe beefier sway bars.

 

Its in the owners manual and door jam. What's your budget?

 

That explains it... I haven't purchased a FIT yet.

Budget, maybe a grand or so - what do you have in mind?

 

I contacted a company called K-Sport yesterday afternoon to see if their Rally Spec GR Coilover System was made for the FIT/JAZZ.

 

I recommend AMR Engineering coilovers ($1,500) or Bilstein ($1200) everything on the market is designed for lowering. AMR build custom coilovers so they might be able to set up your dampers and springs for the extra weight.

 

Lowering is well supported by all sorts of companies & products, but that won't satisfy my need.

I left a message with AMR...thanks.

 

Payload Capacity 850lbs 2012 Honda Fit Specifications and Standard Equipment at carmax.com

Better then the Honda Element 675 lbs 2009 Honda Element Specifications

 

Thank you!

I looked at the Element several years ago and even test drove it with a full load.
675 lbs is a conservative number (I had it loaded with 1000 lbs of bottled water)
and I suspect 850 lbs on the FIT is also underrated.

Same salesman yesterday and he remembered my little experiment.


It there a diagram of the FIT suspension available for download?

Maybe all that's needed are better springs, shocks, tires and sway bars...







.

 

Springs: Swift or RS-R Downs offer higher spring rates and only about an inch drop.
Shocks: nothing yet besides oem replacement.
Tires: 205/50/r16 kumho ecsta or continental DWS
Sway bar: Progress Rear sway bar

 

OK, I'm getting a better feel for this.

That sway bar is a must have item and I have my eye on a set of Michelins.
The Bilstein kit mentioned earlier may be the ticket as long as they do not
lower the ride height.

You guys are very helpful and I thank you.

.

 

It does lower the height right out of the box but not alot. I think the lowest it goes is 1.5in. Spring rates unknown. If you can tolerate a harder ride Buddy Club N+ might be another option. They are designed for "occasional" track use so the spring rates and dampening is harder than some other coilovers

 

If you know anything about spring rates though you could always use some buddy clubs and switch out the springs in the rear to suit your needs. Maybe ask AMR or Buddy club what K/mm springs to run.