If you’ve ever looked into lowering your car or improving handling, you’ve probably heard of coilovers. But what exactly are they, how do they work, and which ones are right for your build?
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about coilovers — from how they differ from stock suspension, to the pros and cons, and how to choose the right setup for drifting, track driving, or street use.
What Are Coilovers?
Coilover is short for “coil spring over shock.” It’s a suspension system that combines the spring and damper into a single, compact, adjustable unit. Unlike OEM suspension that separates the spring and strut/shock, coilovers give you more control over ride height, stiffness, and responsiveness.
What Makes Up a Coilover?
- Spring: Controls ride height and absorbs vertical motion
- Damper (shock): Controls how fast the spring compresses and rebounds
- Adjustable collars: Let you raise/lower the car or preload the spring
- Camber/caster plates (optional): Allow alignment tuning up top
Why Upgrade to Coilovers?
The benefits of coilovers go far beyond lowering your car:
- Improved cornering stability
- Custom spring rates for your driving style
- Adjustable ride height for fitment or performance
- Fine-tuned damping for street comfort or track sharpness
- More suspension travel on slammed cars
Street Coilovers vs Drift Coilovers
Not all coilovers are created equal. Let’s compare:
Street Coilovers:
- Softer spring rates for comfort
- Basic damping adjustment (if any)
- Good for looks and light performance
- Not ideal for heavy angle or high-speed control
Drift Coilovers:
- Stiffer front spring, softer rear for balance and control
- Valving tuned for fast transitions and rebound
- Built to pair with angle kits and aggressive alignment
- Stronger mounts and better heat tolerance
How to Choose the Right Coilovers
Your decision should be based on:
- Use case: Are you dailying, drifting, or tracking the car?
- Chassis compatibility: Do the coilovers support your alignment/caster goals?
- Spring rates: Do they match your car’s weight and driving style?
- Build quality: Are the shocks rebuildable? Valved for performance?
- Support + testing: Were they developed for your platform or just resold?
SLR Drift-Spec Coilovers are available for E36, E46, 350Z, and more — all designed from the ground up with proper spring rates, pro-tested valving, and geometry support for real-world abuse.
Common Coilover Myths
- “Stiff is better”: Not true. Overly stiff setups can ruin grip and handling.
- “They all feel the same”: Valving and spring balance dramatically affect how the car responds.
- “Cheap coilovers = good deal”: Many budget coilovers lack support, consistency, or real performance tuning.
Conclusion: Coilovers Are the Foundation of a Great Setup
Whether you’re building a track monster, street slider, or show car that sees real use, coilovers are one of the most important choices you’ll make. Choose wisely — your tires, angle kit, and control arms are only as good as the coilovers connecting them.
Learn more in our full breakdown on what coilovers are and how they work, or check out the full SLR Drift-Spec Coilover lineup to find the perfect setup for your build.
