When modifying your suspension for better handling, ride height, or track performance, the most common question people ask is: are coilovers better than lowering springs? The answer depends on how you use your car and what level of control you want over your suspension.
Whether you're looking to improve the aesthetics of your build, reduce body roll, or fine-tune your car for the track, it's important to understand the differences between these two upgrades. This breakdown will help you choose the right setup based on your goals.
What Do Lowering Springs Offer?
Lowering springs are replacement springs that reduce your vehicle's ride height. They’re designed to be installed on your existing factory struts or shocks, and generally offer a more aggressive stance along with a firmer ride.
Benefits of Lowering Springs:
-
Affordable and simple to install
-
Immediate visual improvement (lower stance)
-
Slightly stiffer ride and reduced body roll
-
Maintains more of a factory-style ride
However, lowering springs typically offer fixed spring rates and no damping adjustability, which means you can't fine-tune the ride quality or response. This can lead to a harsh ride or even premature wear on stock shocks if not properly matched.
What Makes Coilovers Different?
Coilovers replace your entire spring and shock setup with a fully integrated, adjustable unit. Designed for performance, they give you precise control over your suspension’s behavior and stance.
Advantages of Coilovers:
-
Fully adjustable ride height
-
Damping adjustability (compression and rebound)
-
Custom spring rates available
-
Ideal for track, autocross, drifting, and spirited street driving
-
Better weight transfer and chassis balance
Coilovers offer a significant performance upgrade, especially if you're looking to dial in handling precision or optimize grip for motorsport applications.
Coilovers vs Lowering Springs – Which One Should You Choose?
If you’re deciding between the two, here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Lowering Springs | Coilovers |
|---|---|---|
| Ride Height Adjustability | ❌ | ✅ |
| Damping Adjustability | ❌ | ✅ |
| Custom Spring Rates | ❌ | ✅ |
| Ease of Installation | ✅ | ❌ |
| Price | ✅ Lower | ❌ Higher |
| Performance Tuning | ❌ Limited | ✅ Advanced |
| Ideal Use | Daily Driving, Style | Drifting, Track, Performance |
If your goal is simply to improve aesthetics and slightly tighten up handling, lowering springs may be enough. But if you're serious about performance, coilovers give you the adjustability and chassis control that springs can’t match.
Real-World Perspective: Why Enthusiasts Choose Coilovers
For those pushing their cars at the limit—whether it's on the track, in the canyons, or during high-speed drift transitions—coilovers provide a competitive edge. The ability to tune rebound, compression, and ride height lets you tailor your setup to track conditions, tire compound, and driving style.
And because coilovers are available in both single-adjustable and 2-way adjustable formats, drivers can start with a simple setup and upgrade as their needs evolve.
Still Torn Between Springs and Coilovers?
We’ve already done a deep dive comparing both setups in this popular blog: Lowering Springs vs Coilovers – The Ultimate Suspension Comparison. If you’re still unsure which path is best for your build, check it out for a full breakdown of the pros, cons, and technical specs of both suspension options.
Ultimately, the best choice comes down to how you drive, what you expect from your car, and how much tuning control you want. One thing’s for sure: the right suspension will completely transform your driving experience.
