If you’ve ever wondered why coilovers are the go-to upgrade for performance enthusiasts, racers, and drifters alike, this blog is for you. We’ll break down the core advantages of coilover suspension, how they compare to traditional suspension setups, and why more drivers than ever are upgrading their builds with high-quality coilover systems. This article is a companion to our full breakdown at SLR’s Ultimate Guide to Coilovers — we highly recommend checking it out for an in-depth explanation of coilovers and their components.
What Is a Coilover Suspension System?
A coilover, short for "coil spring over shock," is a single suspension unit that integrates a shock absorber with a coil spring wrapped around it. Unlike traditional suspension setups that separate springs and shocks, a coilover allows for much more precision and adjustability.
Drivers install coilovers to gain control over:
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Ride height
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Compression and rebound damping
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Spring rate tuning
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Chassis responsiveness and feedback
Whether you're on the street, at the track, or in a drift event, a well-tuned coilover can be the difference between control and chaos.
Why Coilovers Are Better Than Stock Suspension
Most factory suspension systems prioritize comfort and cost over performance. Stock components limit adjustability, and once you lower your car or increase cornering loads, you quickly find the stock setup’s weaknesses.
Here’s why coilovers outperform stock suspension:
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Adjustable ride height lets you dial in your stance and optimize center of gravity.
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Custom damping control gives you the ability to make your car firmer or softer depending on your use case.
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Aftermarket coilovers use stronger materials and better fluid technology than OEM parts.
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They’re rebuildable and serviceable, meaning you can refresh or re-valve them instead of replacing them.
For more on this, visit our main article: What Are Coilovers? The Ultimate Guide.
The Two Types of Coilovers: Single vs 2-Way Adjustable
There are many types of coilovers, but the two most common are:
1. Single Adjustable Coilovers
These adjust compression and rebound together. Ideal for street and grassroots motorsports, they offer wide range tuning without complexity. The SLR Drift Spec Coilovers fall into this category, making them the perfect entry point into high-performance suspension.
2. Two-Way Adjustable Coilovers
These allow you to independently adjust compression and rebound damping. These are essential for pro-level tuning and motorsports like drifting and time attack. Our SLR Drift Spec MAX Coilovers are fully 2-way adjustable and made for competitive use.
Why SLR Coilovers Stand Out
SLR coilovers are not generic dampers with a lowered spring. We design and engineer our coilovers specifically for drifting and performance use, using:
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Drift-specific or custom spring rates
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High-viscosity race oil to eliminate fade
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Precision CNC-machined parts for durability and fitment
We even offer custom spring rate options for drag racing, circuit racing, time attack, and more. Every setup is tested and refined to provide the perfect balance of grip and control.
Coilover Installation: What You Should Know
Upgrading to coilovers is straightforward, but proper setup and alignment is key. After installation, it’s critical to:
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Set your ride height evenly
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Adjust preload if applicable
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Dial in your damping to your driving style
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Get a proper alignment to preserve tire wear and handling
If you’re unsure, consult a local suspension shop or reach out to our team—we’re happy to help.
Final Thoughts: Coilovers Are the Foundation of Handling
There’s a reason why coilovers are the most recommended suspension upgrade in the performance world. From daily drivers to drift cars and time attack machines, a properly tuned coilover system improves every aspect of handling and feel.
Want to learn more? Check out our complete breakdown: What Are Coilovers? The Ultimate Guide and take your suspension knowledge to the next level.
