If you’ve ever wondered whether to go with coilovers or lowering springs, you’re not alone. This debate is one of the most common in car communities, and for good reason — both systems offer different benefits depending on your goals. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the differences, pros, cons, and ideal use cases for coilovers vs springs.
What Are Lowering Springs?
Lowering springs are shorter and stiffer versions of your factory springs. They reduce ride height and improve cornering by lowering your car’s center of gravity. Typically, they’re designed to work with your OEM shocks, though pairing them with performance dampers is ideal.
Pros of Lowering Springs
- Affordable entry-level suspension mod
- Improves appearance by reducing wheel gap
- Lower center of gravity improves cornering
- Simpler install if matched to OEM shocks
Cons of Lowering Springs
- Fixed ride height — no adjustability
- Can mismatch with stock shocks, causing premature wear
- Less tuning capability for serious track use
- Stiffer ride may not be ideal for daily comfort
What Are Coilovers?
Coilovers combine a coil spring and shock absorber into a single integrated unit. Most coilovers offer adjustable ride height and many include adjustable damping, camber plates, and other tuning features. They are the go-to choice for performance enthusiasts and track drivers.
Pros of Coilovers
- Height adjustability — dial in your perfect stance
- Custom damping for road, drift, or circuit setups
- Camber/caster plates included on higher-end options
- Ideal for track cars or aggressive street builds
- Fully tunable for driver preference and driving style
Cons of Coilovers
- More expensive than lowering springs
- More complex to install and tune properly
- Some cheaper coilovers may degrade quickly
- Overkill for purely stock daily drivers
Ride Quality: Coilovers vs Springs
Ride quality depends heavily on how both systems are implemented. Cheap coilovers can feel harsh and bouncy, especially when slammed to the ground. High-end coilovers with properly matched damping, however, can ride better than lowering springs — especially when paired with comfort-oriented valving and spring rates.
Lowering springs typically offer a firmer ride than stock, but without adjustability. They may be better for someone who wants a simple drop without dialing in performance.
Handling Performance
For spirited driving, autocross, or track use, coilovers offer a clear advantage. Their ability to tune rebound, compression, height, and sometimes even camber gives serious drivers more control over suspension geometry and response.
Springs alone can improve cornering by reducing roll and squat, but their static setup means you're stuck with the factory damping characteristics unless you upgrade your shocks separately.
Daily Driving Comfort
If you daily your vehicle on rough roads or need a soft ride for passengers, lowering springs paired with OEM-style shocks might be the better bet. Coilovers can also be daily-driven, but only if you choose models designed with comfort in mind and avoid the temptation to slam the car for aesthetics alone.
Adjustability
- Lowering Springs: None — you get the drop you buy.
- Coilovers: Usually offer ride height adjustability, and many include damping, rebound, or even camber adjustment on upper mounts.
This adjustability can be a game-changer if you're constantly evolving your build or switching between street and track use.
Cost Breakdown
| Component | Lowering Springs | Coilovers |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Cost | $100–$300 | $700–$2500+ |
| Install Cost | Lower (no corner balancing needed) | Higher (may require alignment + corner balance) |
| Long-Term Value | Great for mild upgrades | Better if you plan to keep modding |
Which One Should You Choose?
Ask yourself these questions:
- Do you want a simple drop with minimal effort? → Lowering springs
- Are you planning to track the car? → Coilovers
- Do you want to fine-tune the suspension later? → Coilovers
- Is budget your biggest concern? → Lowering springs
- Do you care more about function or form? → Both work, but coilovers win for function
Why Enthusiasts Choose Coilovers
Performance builds almost always end up on coilovers. Whether it's to achieve aggressive stance with zero wheel gap, or to gain split-second control on track corners, coilovers offer the refinement and flexibility that springs alone can’t match.
For example, our SLR Drift Spec Coilovers offer independent height and preload adjustment, damper tuning, and race-grade valving — all features serious drivers rely on for consistency and feedback.
Case Studies: Real-World Applications
Daily Driver – BMW E46
A commuter looking for a better appearance and mild handling boost can benefit from lowering springs like H&R or Eibach, paired with Bilstein dampers. Budget-friendly and keeps the ride civil.
Weekend Track Car – Nissan 350Z
Installing coilovers such as the SLR Drift Spec series allows the driver to adjust stiffness for track days, raise the car for transport, and control squat mid-corner. It’s a massive advantage for any car that's pushed to its limits.
How SLRspeed Supports Both Suspension Options
We carry a curated range of both coilover systems and compatible spring kits. But unlike big box retailers, we’re racers and tuners ourselves. Our goal is to help you get the right setup for your actual driving needs.
Conclusion: Coilovers vs Springs — What Wins?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer in the coilovers vs springs debate. Each suspension upgrade offers pros and cons depending on your goals. But if you want full control over height, damping, and geometry — and you’re building a car for more than just looks — coilovers are the clear winner.
On the other hand, if you’re just looking for a mild drop, better aesthetics, and an easy install, lowering springs might be all you need.
Whichever direction you go, make sure you’re pairing components properly and working toward a complete suspension setup. Don’t just chase looks — build something that performs.
