Whether you're into street tuning, track days, or full-blown drifting, there's one upgrade that consistently delivers performance, adjustability, and precision: coilovers. But what exactly are they? And how do you choose the right setup for your car and driving style?
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about coilovers — from how they work, to how they compare with other suspension types, to what makes a set of SLR Drift Spec Coilovers stand out.
What Are Coilovers?
“Coilover” is short for “coil spring over shock absorber.” It’s a compact suspension unit that combines a spring and damper into one assembly, usually with adjustability built in. Coilovers are designed to replace your stock suspension setup and allow for fine-tuning in areas like:
- 📏 Ride height
- ⚙️ Compression and rebound damping
- 🔩 Preload and spring rate matching
Most performance-oriented cars in motorsport — including Formula Drift, Time Attack, and circuit racing — rely on coilovers to dial in the perfect suspension geometry and ride quality.
Coilovers vs. Traditional Springs & Shocks
Traditional suspension setups use a separate spring and shock. While this works fine for daily driving, it lacks the adjustability and compact precision that coilovers provide. Here’s how they compare:
| Feature | Coilovers | Traditional Suspension |
|---|---|---|
| Height Adjustable | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Damping Adjustable | ✅ Yes (on most) | ❌ No |
| Track Ready | ✅ Yes | ❌ Limited |
| Tuning Options | ✅ Wide | ❌ Fixed |
Key Components of a Coilover
- Shock body: The main damper that controls suspension motion
- Spring: Provides the core suspension resistance and controls ride stiffness
- Mounting plates: Top hats or camber plates for mounting and adjustability
- Adjustment collars: Let you change height and preload
- Damping knobs: On higher-end coilovers, allow you to dial in stiffness and response
What Makes Drift Coilovers Different?
Drift cars need fast weight transfer, control under angle, and stability during e-brake or clutch kick entries. That means drift coilovers must be valved differently than track or street-only setups.
SLR Drift Spec Coilovers are designed with:
- 🔧 Drift-specific valving with fast rebound control
- ⚙️ Race oil that maintains consistent damping even during long sessions
- 💪 Spring rates like 12k front / 5k rear to optimize chassis rotation
- 🔩 Adjustable camber plates to dial in front-end grip
→ Check out our SLR Drift Spec Coilovers for 370Z
How to Choose the Right Coilover Setup
Here’s what to consider when choosing coilovers:
- Driving Type: Drift? Daily? Track? Prioritize your goal.
- Spring Rates: Higher rates = stiffer ride. Drift setups usually run a softer rear rate.
- Damping Adjustment: Look for adjustable damping if you want to fine-tune response.
- Build Quality: Go with trusted brands — avoid generic eBay specials that fail under stress.
- Support & Parts: Get coilovers with rebuildable parts and long-term tech support.
Common Coilover Myths Debunked
- ❌ “Lower is better” — Not always. Too low can ruin geometry.
- ❌ “Stiff = faster” — The right spring rate balances grip and body control.
- ❌ “All coilovers are the same” — Cheap coilovers often have poor valving and rebound control.
Final Thoughts: Invest in Real Performance
Coilovers aren’t just a cosmetic mod. They are the foundation of handling performance. Whether you want sharper turn-in, better ride control, or track confidence — they deliver.
Upgrade to SLR Drift Spec Coilovers and feel the difference real suspension tuning makes.
