Coilovers: The Ultimate Guide to Coilover Suspension Systems

If you're searching for coilovers, you're likely serious about performance. Whether you're into track racing, drifting, time attack, autocross, or just improving your street car’s handling, coilovers offer the most complete and adjustable suspension upgrade available. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down exactly what coilovers are, how they work, why they matter, and how to choose the right setup for your goals.

What Are Coilovers?

A coilover (short for “coil spring over shock”) is a suspension unit that combines a coil spring and a shock absorber into a single, integrated assembly. Unlike traditional spring and shock setups, coilovers allow for precise tuning of ride height, spring preload, and often damper settings like compression and rebound.

Key Coilover Components:

Shock Body – The main tube housing the damper internals.
Spring – Coiled steel or composite that supports the vehicle’s weight and controls movement.
Spring Perch – The threaded collar used to adjust ride height and preload.
Camber Plate (optional) – Allows for front camber adjustment in McPherson strut setups.
Adjuster Knobs – Used for compression and rebound damping settings (on adjustable models).

Why Upgrade to Coilovers?

1. Ride Height Adjustment
Dial in the exact stance and center of gravity you want, whether for aerodynamics, weight distribution, or aesthetics.

2. Handling Performance
Upgraded coilover suspension systems significantly improve grip, reduce body roll, and increase chassis responsiveness.

3. Track Versatility
Adjust damping and spring preload for different surfaces, tire compounds, or vehicle loads—on the fly.

4. Superior Materials
High-end coilovers use monotube dampers, pillowball mounts, chromoly shock shafts, and linear or digressive valving for precision and longevity.

Types of Coilovers

1. Street Coilovers
Comfort-oriented with mild damping and soft spring rates. Great for daily driving and weekend canyon runs.

2. Track Coilovers
Stiffer spring rates, aggressive damping, and adjustable top mounts for dialing in camber. Often include rebound and compression clickers.

3. Drift Coilovers
Designed to maximize lateral grip and steering control while allowing for fast transitions. These require different valving characteristics than track coilovers.

4. Drag Coilovers
Set up for weight transfer and traction off the line. Typically softer in rear, stiffer up front.

💡 SLR Drift Spec Coilovers are purpose-built for drifting with track-grade materials, custom spring rates, and damper tuning specifically for sideways control.
👉 Explore the full lineup here

How Coilovers Affect Performance

1. Spring Rates and Wheel Rates

Spring rate (measured in kg/mm or lb/in) defines the force needed to compress the spring. However, the wheel rate is what matters for handling—factoring in the motion ratio of suspension geometry.

A stiffer spring increases response but reduces compliance.
Too soft, and you bottom out or bounce over uneven surfaces.

2. Damping Control

Dampers resist the motion of the spring. Most performance coilovers offer adjustable damping:

Rebound – Controls extension of the shock (how fast the wheel returns).
Compression – Controls compression of the shock (how fast the wheel travels upward).

3. Corner Weighting

Coilovers allow for proper corner balancing with adjustable perches—critical for serious racing applications to prevent uneven traction.

Common Coilover Myths

❌ “Coilovers ruin ride quality.”
Incorrect. Cheap coilovers ruin ride quality. High-quality coilovers, like those offered by SLRspeed, can be valved for both comfort and performance.

❌ “All coilovers are the same.”
False. Material quality, damper valving, monotube vs twin-tube design, and spring selection make massive differences in feel, control, and lifespan.

❌ “You don’t need coilovers unless you’re racing.”
Even street enthusiasts benefit from the custom tuning capabilities, sharper handling, and improved aesthetics.

Choosing the Right Coilover System

When shopping for coilovers, consider the following:

Feature	Why It Matters
Spring Rate	Affects grip, comfort, and chassis dynamics
Damper Type	Monotube = better heat dissipation and responsiveness
Adjustability	1-way, 2-way, or 3-way damping for fine-tuning
Camber Plates	Crucial for McPherson strut cars like BMW E36/E46
Build Materials	Billet aluminum, stainless steel = long lifespan
Customization	Ideal if you're drifting, road racing, or need corner balance

Why SLR Drift Spec Coilovers Are the Top Choice

SLRspeed’s Drift Spec Coilovers are not off-the-shelf rebranded kits. They're the result of years of real-world track testing, driver feedback, and performance engineering.

Here’s what makes them different:

✅ Custom Spring Rates Available for drift, track, drag, or street
✅ Monotube Dampers with wide adjustment range
✅ Optional Camber Plates for alignment control
✅ Valved for Drift-Specific Balance between grip and agility
✅ Made in USA and Tuned by Racers
✅ 2-Way Adjustable Options Available

Browse the full SLR Drift Spec Coilover lineup here:
👉 https://slrspeed.com/collections/slr-drift-spec-coilovers

Coilovers vs Lowering Springs

Feature	Coilovers	Lowering Springs
Adjustability	Full ride height + damping control	Fixed drop only
Performance	Superior handling and grip	Minimal performance gain
Price	Higher upfront	Lower cost, but less capability
Alignment Support	Often includes camber plates	May cause alignment issues

Coilover Maintenance Tips

Inspect for Leaks – Check damper seals regularly.
Clean Threads – Road grime and corrosion can seize the collars.
Grease Preload Collars – Helps with adjustment longevity.
Retorque Top Hats – Especially after track use.

Final Thoughts

Coilovers are more than just a drop in ride height. They’re the foundation of serious suspension tuning—offering an unmatched combination of adjustability, control, and performance.

If you want to drive harder, drift cleaner, or simply make your car feel alive, upgrading to a coilover suspension system is the smartest move you can make.