If you’ve been wondering what coilovers are and whether they’re worth it, you're not alone. A lot of people debate between lowering springs and coilovers—but few actually understand how these suspension upgrades compare on the street and the track.
This guide explains what makes coilovers different from lowering springs, why coilovers offer more control, and how to choose what’s right for your driving goals.
Quick Refresher: What Are Coilovers?
A coilover combines a shock absorber and spring into one adjustable unit. Most coilovers let you fine-tune:
- Ride height
- Spring preload
- Damping (compression/rebound)
They’re ideal for performance driving, especially if you need to set up your suspension for drifting, racing, or autocross.
🔗 Want a deep dive? Read our Ultimate Coilover Guide →
Lowering Springs: Pros and Cons
Lowering springs are replacement coils that drop your car's ride height using your factory shocks. They're affordable and improve looks—but they don’t offer adjustability or real control.
✅ Pros
- Cheaper than coilovers
- Simple install
- Improved stance over stock
❌ Cons
- No damping control
- May ride worse than stock
- Not tuned for performance handling
- Mismatch risk with OEM shocks
Why Coilovers Are Better for Performance
Coilovers are built for people who care about grip, balance, and tuning. Whether you’re drifting, cornering hard, or adjusting for a specific track, coilovers let you dial in your setup like no lowering spring can.
- Height Adjustability: Slam it or raise it to spec height with precision
- Damping Control: Tune for bumpy streets or smooth tarmac
- Matched Components: No guessing between spring/shock combos
- Track-Proven Performance: More grip, more consistency, less compromise
Drifting? You Need Coilovers.
Lowering springs don’t stand a chance on a drift course. SLR’s Drift Spec Coilovers are tuned with:
- 12k/5k spring rates
- Custom damping for weight transfer
- Rebound stability at angle
They’re used by drivers in FD ProAm, grassroots events, and street builds alike.
Daily Driver? Coilovers Still Win.
Even for street cars, coilovers give a better ride when properly adjusted. You can raise the height for winter, stiffen damping for highway stability, or soften it for comfort. Lowering springs lock you into one setting forever.
Bonus: Coilovers Save You Money in the Long Run
You won’t blow your shocks. You’ll stop replacing springs trying to "fix" your ride. You’ll actually get results.
Conclusion
If you’re serious about control, handling, and dialing in your car—coilovers are the only choice. Lowering springs might be cheaper, but they’re a compromise. Coilovers unlock real tuning potential and deliver a better driving experience across the board.
Still not sure what coilovers are? → Read the Ultimate Guide
Ready to upgrade? → Shop SLR Drift Spec Coilovers
