Bilstein HD & Tokico HP Struts & Allowable Drop

[Winter]

Whats the allowable drop for OEM style struts such as for Bilstein HD & Tokico HP struts? (Noting the factor of springs with a higher spring rate/progressive rate would decrease the changes of bottoming out.)

I just received a set of Tanabe NF210 springs for a my 2001 Accord V6. These will be used with Bilstein HD struts and a 2004 TL 6MT 20mm rear sway bar.

The Tanabe website states a 1.2/0.8 inch F/R drop for this application, with spring rates within %5 of OEM. (The Tanabe rear spring is also progressive.) The invoice from the retailer states a 1.5/1.2 inch drop.

1) Anyone with first or second hand knowledge of the actual drop of the Tanabe NF210 springs on a 6th generation Accord?
2) What is the possibility of bottoming out and strut damage?
3) Tanabe enclosed literature from Japan recommends shortening the bump stops 15 to 25 mm. Bilstein recommends no alteration to their bump stops. Any recommendations?
4) Tanabe enclosed literature from Japan recommends applying tape around the narrow pitch coils. Is this to possibly stop spring coil fretting and noise? Is the tape really necessary? Could the tape actually hold sand and grit to cause spring wear?

 

[Quicksilvercord]

1.) I've got no knowledge.
2.) Bottoming out on that drop is pretty slim.....if you do you deserve to...
3.) I'd go with Bilstein recommendations.
4.) Never heard of that....I wouldn't do it...but thats just me

 

[nyknick1015]

those are the same drop as the pro kit... so i would look up those specs because they are pretty much the same... u wont bottom out on that drop... far from unless u exceed the weight capacity...