Whether you're building a drift car, fine-tuning a track machine, or just want to drop your daily driver the right way, nothing impacts your driving experience more than your suspension. And at the center of it all? Coilover suspension systems.
This advanced guide goes deeper than “what are coilovers?”—we’ll explain how they work, how to set them up, and what really matters when choosing the right kit for your vehicle.
What Is a Coilover Suspension?
A coilover combines a shock absorber and a coil spring into a single, integrated unit. Unlike OEM struts, coilovers are typically adjustable for both ride height and damping force, making them ideal for performance applications where precision matters.
- 🔧 Height-adjustable via threaded collar
- 🔧 Preload adjustment (in some models)
- 🔧 Damping adjustment: rebound, compression, or both
- 🔧 Often monotube construction for motorsport use
Coilover Types: Monotube vs Twin Tube
Monotube: Single chamber with piston and gas separated. Better heat dissipation, firmer ride, and faster response. Used in SLRspeed's drift coilovers and other pro-grade kits.
Twin Tube: Inner piston chamber with surrounding oil reservoir. Softer ride and cheaper to produce, but less precise in high-performance use.
Are Coilovers Good for Daily Driving?
Absolutely—if you choose the right ones. Many daily drivers benefit from coilovers tuned with moderate spring rates and valving designed for comfort and control.
Daily Driver Setup Tips:
- ✔️ Choose progressive or soft linear spring rates (6K–8K)
- ✔️ Avoid ultra-low ride heights that kill suspension travel
- ✔️ Use adjustable damping to dial in comfort on rough roads
- ✔️ Upgrade bushings only if necessary—poly may increase harshness
Spring Rates: How to Choose
Spring rate determines how stiff your suspension is. It’s measured in kg/mm (K) or lbs/in (lbs). Higher rates = stiffer ride, better for track. Lower = softer ride, better for comfort.
| Application | Front Spring Rate | Rear Spring Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Street Daily | 6K–8K | 4K–6K |
| Track/Time Attack | 10K–14K | 8K–12K |
| Drift | 12K | 5K |
| Stance | 10K+ | 8K+ |
SLRspeed's coilovers are drift-valved with 12K front / 5K rear baseline rates for maximum rotation and throttle control. Custom valving and oil ensure they perform under heat and shock loads.
Coilovers vs Lowering Springs
- Lowering Springs: Cheap, non-adjustable, rides on OEM shocks
- Coilovers: Fully tunable, better geometry, longer lifespan (if quality)
If you plan to corner hard, drift, or autocross—go coilovers. If you're just after looks on a budget, lowering springs may work short-term (but often ride poorly).
Damping Adjustability: What It Actually Does
Some coilovers offer adjustable damping—this lets you tune how quickly the shock reacts to road inputs.
- Rebound adjustment: Controls how fast the suspension returns after compressing
- Compression adjustment: Controls how fast the shock compresses under load
SLRspeed coilovers offer external adjusters to balance front-to-rear behavior depending on grip level, tires, and use case.
How to Install Coilovers
- Raise and secure vehicle safely with jack stands
- Remove OEM struts, springs, and top mounts
- Install coilover units (torque to spec)
- Set initial ride height evenly
- Double-check clearance, preload, and lock collars
- Get an alignment ASAP
When to Upgrade to Coilovers
- ✅ After installing wheels/tires that affect ride height
- ✅ When you want true alignment control (camber/toe)
- ✅ To fix poor handling from worn OEM shocks
- ✅ If you're building a drift, track, or show car
Common Coilover Myths
- “Coilovers are always harsh” → Not if spring rate and valving match your goals
- “They ruin daily comfort” → Cheap ones might. Quality kits ride smoother than people think
- “All coilovers are the same” → Wrong. Materials, damping, oil, and hardware quality vary wildly
- “Adjusting ride height is easy anytime” → True, but reset preload & alignment after each change
Top Coilover Features to Look For
- ✔️ Monotube dampers with track-tested valving
- ✔️ Adjustable damping (at least rebound)
- ✔️ Camber plates for front-end alignment control
- ✔️ Corrosion-resistant body and spring perch
- ✔️ Spherical top mounts for track or drift use
Conclusion: Coilovers Are Worth the Investment
If you're serious about handling, looks, and overall control, coilovers are a must. Don’t just grab the cheapest set—look for a kit built for your driving style, road conditions, and long-term durability. With the right coilover suspension, your car will not only feel better—it’ll become something you trust at speed.
→ Read our original coilover blog for more basics and setup tips
