If you're looking to lower your car and improve its handling, you've likely come across the debate between lowering springs vs coilovers. Both suspension upgrades provide better aesthetics, reduced wheel gap, and improved performance, but they cater to different driving styles and budgets.
So, which one is right for you? Should you choose the affordable simplicity of lowering springs or the adjustability and performance benefits of coilovers?
This guide will break down everything you need to know about lowering springs vs coilovers, including how they work, their pros and cons, cost differences, performance impact, and which is best for your driving needs.
By the end of this expert-level guide, you'll have a clear understanding of which suspension upgrade is the best choice for your car.
What Are Lowering Springs?
Lowering springs are stiffer coil springs designed to replace the stock springs in your car’s suspension, effectively reducing ride height. They work with your factory shocks and struts to provide a lower stance and slightly firmer ride.
How Lowering Springs Work
Lowering springs have a shorter, stiffer coil design than factory springs. By reducing the car’s ride height, they:
✔ Lower the center of gravity – Improving cornering stability.
✔ Reduce body roll – Less weight transfer in turns.
✔ Enhance aesthetics – Eliminate the factory wheel gap.
🚗 Common Use Cases:
- Budget-friendly stance and handling improvements.
- A moderate performance upgrade for daily drivers.
- Good for people who want a lower ride without extensive adjustments.
What Are Coilovers?
Coilovers (short for “coil spring over shock”) are fully adjustable suspension units that combine a shock absorber and spring into a single assembly. Unlike lowering springs, coilovers allow for precise ride height, damping, and stiffness adjustments.
How Coilovers Work
Coilovers replace both the shock and spring, giving you full control over your suspension setup. Higher-end coilovers come with:
✔ Adjustable ride height – Raise or lower your car as needed.
✔ Damping adjustment – Fine-tune stiffness for better handling.
✔ Camber adjustment – Optimize wheel alignment for grip.
🏁 Common Use Cases:
- Track cars, drift cars, time attack, and high-performance builds.
- Anyone who wants full control over suspension tuning.
- People looking for better cornering grip and precise handling adjustments.
Lowering Springs vs Coilovers – Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Lowering Springs | Coilovers |
|---|---|---|
| Ride Height Adjustability | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Damping Adjustability | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (on adjustable models) |
| Handling Performance | ⚠️ Moderate | ✅ Superior |
| Ride Comfort | ✔ Similar to stock | ⚠️ Depends on damping settings |
| Installation Complexity | ✔ Easier (uses stock shocks) | ⚠️ More involved (replaces full suspension) |
| Cost | 💰 Budget-friendly | 💰💰 More expensive but full adjustability |
| Best For | Daily drivers, budget-conscious users | Performance driving, track use, drifting, time attack |
Pros & Cons of Lowering Springs
✅ Pros:
✔ Affordable – Lower cost than coilovers.
✔ Easy to install – Works with factory shocks.
✔ Reduces wheel gap – Improves aesthetics.
✔ Stiffer than stock springs – Provides some handling improvement.
❌ Cons:
- Fixed ride height – No adjustability.
- Wears out stock shocks faster – Not ideal for long-term performance.
- Less precise handling – Can’t fine-tune suspension stiffness.
Pros & Cons of Coilovers
✅ Pros:
✔ Fully adjustable – Customize ride height, damping, and camber.
✔ Better handling – Reduces body roll and weight transfer.
✔ More durable – Designed for high-performance applications.
✔ Allows tuning for different surfaces – Track, street, drift setups.
❌ Cons:
- Higher cost – More expensive than lowering springs.
- More complex installation – Requires shock removal and professional alignment.
- Potentially harsher ride – Stiffness depends on settings and spring rates.
Performance Differences: Lowering Springs vs Coilovers
Handling & Cornering Performance
🏆 Winner: Coilovers – They provide better control over body roll, damping, and suspension stiffness, making them superior for racing, drifting, and aggressive driving.
Ride Quality
✔ Lowering Springs – Offer a slightly firmer ride, but still retain some comfort from stock shocks.
⚠ Coilovers – Can be stiffer, but damping adjustability allows for comfort tuning.
Durability & Longevity
✔ Coilovers – Built for performance durability, typically lasting longer than stock shocks with lowering springs.
⚠ Lowering Springs – Stock shocks will wear out faster, leading to bouncy ride quality over time.
Which One is Right for You?
💰 Choose Lowering Springs If:
✔ You want a budget-friendly way to lower your car.
✔ You drive on the street and want a mild handling improvement.
✔ You don’t need ride height adjustability.
🏁 Choose Coilovers If:
✔ You want full control over suspension tuning.
✔ You need better handling, damping, and cornering stability.
✔ You plan to track, drift, or race your car.
✔ You want adjustable ride height.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are Coilovers Better Than Lowering Springs?
Coilovers are better for performance, while lowering springs are better for budget-friendly aesthetics. If you need full adjustability, coilovers are the superior choice.
2. Can You Use Lowering Springs on Stock Shocks?
Yes, but stock shocks wear out faster with lowering springs. To maximize longevity, use performance shocks like Bilstein or Koni.
3. Can Coilovers Be Comfortable?
Yes! Many coilovers offer adjustable damping, allowing you to soften or stiffen the ride as needed.
4. Do Lowering Springs Ruin Your Suspension?
No, but they can shorten the lifespan of stock shocks. Using performance shocks with lowering springs helps maintain ride quality.
5. What’s the Best Suspension for Daily Driving?
If you only care about aesthetics and mild handling improvements, lowering springs are fine. If you want full control over ride quality and handling, coilovers are the better option.
Final Verdict: Lowering Springs vs Coilovers – Which Should You Get?
If you’re serious about performance, handling, and adjustability, coilovers are the clear winner. If you just want a simple, affordable drop without worrying about fine-tuning, lowering springs are a solid choice.
🔥 Best for Budget & Street Driving: Lowering Springs
🔥 Best for Performance & Adjustability: Coilovers
Now that you know everything about lowering springs vs coilovers, which one will you choose? 🚗💨
