OEM Replacement EK9 Dampers in US?

[MidwestEK9]

Hey all. I'm in the US and in need of some replacement front dampers for my '98 EK9. Would like to stick to OEM if possible, or at least 'OEM-Spec'.

From what I can gather, the original Honda part number is 51605-S03-Z01, which seems to be discontinued and I am not able to find any new old stock.

How could or should I go about sourcing some replacement dampers for my EK9 in the US? Is there a Bilstein equivalent part number I can order in the US, or is there an equivalent (superseded) Japanese part number that's still available to import? My goal with my EK9 is to keep it stock, so I would really like to avoid the coil over route. Spoon makes dampers, but they are quite expensive and have a bit more damping than the OEM's.

What's my best move here?

 

[No_Fear]

https://www.kyb.com/catalog/

or

blistein : BE5-2337 , BE5-2336

have not tried any of them ,both are replacement for EK4 since ek9 was only in japan ,but they will fit.

 

[Dzero4]

https://www.kyb.com/catalog/

or

blistein : BE5-2337 , BE5-2336

have not tried any of them ,both are replacement for EK4 since ek9 was only in japan ,but they will fit.

These will fit however the damping is incorrect for an ek9.
There are no like for like dampers available.
My best suggestion would be to contact your local Tein distributor and see if they can offer something from their custom lineup offering to match the OEM option.

 

[MidwestEK9]

Update: I found a set of EK9 OEM suspension with springs/dampers (front and rear, all four) from JDM Ohio Direct. Ordered today for about $660 USD shipped. The only legit EK9 suspension available in the USA per my deep search. Several kits available on Yahoo Japan, but the pain of shipping dampers from Japan steered me elsewhere. There were several sets of "EK9 Suspension" for sale on ebay US, but none of them were legit (i.e. no S03-Z01 part numbers). The ones from JDM Ohio Direct, at least if the pictures were accurate, were indeed EK9 OEM S03-Z01 dampers and springs.

Hopefully this will allow me to avoid the aftermarket route, as I really want am OEM experience. Only time will tell whether this new suspension kit is in good condition. Just have to pray and stick it on the car and hope it works. What a world

Edit: Pics of what I bought:

 

[terry_em1]

They're at least 24 years old, so don't get your hopes up

 

[MidwestEK9]

They're at least 24 years old, so don't get your hopes up

Not sure the point of your comment to be honest. Do you have a suggestion for how I can get some OEM EK9 suspension that ISN'T at least 24 years old?

If I want to keep my EK9 suspension OEM, this is the process and the price I have to pay. Sure, the new set I just bought could be blown to hell. But what I do know is my CURRENT set is blown to hell. So.... it's not like I'm going to go backwards or anything. Worse case I bought some junk. Best case I fix my car.

 

[terry_em1]

Didn't say you're a fool. You're digging too deep into my comment...

As long as you're painfully aware that you're buying 24 year old parts, thats cool. Be good if mileage is provided by JDM Ohio Direct, so you can gauge what kind of condition you'll expect. At the very least, I'd refresh all the rubber bushes and boots. Even if stored indoors, still prone to cracking.

 

[DMEK9]

Update: I found a set of EK9 OEM suspension with springs/dampers (front and rear, all four) from JDM Ohio Direct. Ordered today for about $660 USD shipped. The only legit EK9 suspension available in the USA per my deep search. Several kits available on Yahoo Japan, but the pain of shipping dampers from Japan steered me elsewhere. There were several sets of "EK9 Suspension" for sale on ebay US, but none of them were legit (i.e. no S03-Z01 part numbers). The ones from JDM Ohio Direct, at least if the pictures were accurate, were indeed EK9 OEM S03-Z01 dampers and springs.

Hopefully this will allow me to avoid the aftermarket route, as I really want am OEM experience. Only time will tell whether this new suspension kit is in good condition. Just have to pray and stick it on the car and hope it works. What a world

Edit: Pics of what I bought:

View attachment 51215

Well done for finding these.....they actually look good in the picture.....hope they turn out to work well for you
I'm also like you, want to keep it OEM as much as possible.
I would like to find a low mileage set for my 9 as I know mine are tired.....