Whether you're daily driving a slammed BMW, tracking a time attack car, or just chasing the perfect stance, one upgrade shows up on almost every build sheet: coilovers. But are they really that much better than stock struts or spring setups?
In this post, we’re breaking down the real-world benefits of coilovers and why they’re a go-to upgrade for drift cars, street cars, and weekend warriors alike.
Be sure to also read our main breakdown: What Are Coilovers? The Ultimate Guide →
1. Ride Height Adjustability
Unlike static spring/shock combos, coilovers give you threaded collars or lower perches that let you change ride height exactly how you want it. Lower your car for improved center of gravity or raise it slightly for tire clearance and travel — all without swapping parts.
- Daily Driver Bonus: Keep height practical while improving ride quality
- Track Setup: Lower CG = better cornering & faster transitions
2. Damping Adjustability = Street or Race Ready
Mid to high-end coilovers let you fine-tune how stiff or soft the ride feels. Want comfort on the freeway and stiffness on the weekend? Just turn the knobs.
- Soft settings: Soak up potholes & daily road noise
- Firm settings: Less body roll and sharper turn-in
This adjustability is why you’ll find coilovers in everything from show cars to Formula Drift cars.
3. Better Handling and Tire Wear
Coilovers improve your car’s handling geometry by optimizing cornering force, rebound, and chassis balance. The result?
- Improved lateral grip
- Reduced understeer/oversteer
- More even tire wear across tread
Plus, stiffer springs and tuned dampers reduce dive under braking and squat under acceleration — essential for fast lap times and quick transitions in drifting.
4. Camber and Caster Adjustability
Many coilover kits come with adjustable top mounts that allow you to fine-tune camber and caster — a huge plus for track or drift setups.
Camber adjustment lets you dial in more negative camber for cornering grip without resorting to expensive arms. Caster improves steering feel and self-centering. That’s why proper coilovers are key to performance setups.
5. Improved Looks & Fitment
Let’s be real — stance matters. Coilovers are the fastest way to get your car sitting right on your wheels without compromising alignment or ride.
Lower the fender gap, tuck a bit of tire, and get your car looking dialed. Whether you're at a track day or a show, that slammed but functional ride height is only possible with adjustable coilovers.
6. Built to Withstand Abuse
Cheap lowering springs or budget shocks fail quickly. Quality coilovers are built to take the abuse of track days, daily driving, and aggressive cornering without fading or leaking.
At SLRspeed, we test our coilovers in pro drift cars, time attack monsters, and daily-driven builds across the country. That’s why we recommend reading this full coilover guide if you want the best possible upgrade path.
Want Our Recommendation?
Don’t just grab the cheapest eBay kit. Your suspension affects safety, performance, and comfort.
We’ve built drift-spec coilovers for platforms like:
- 350Z – True drift balance with streetable manners
- E46 BMW – A must-have for any street or circuit setup
- E36 BMW – Max angle and control, built to slide
Explore the full guide: What Are Coilovers →
Conclusion
If you're serious about performance, dialing in ride height, or just want a better looking, better driving car — coilovers are the foundation.
And now that you understand the real-world advantages, you can choose a setup that actually fits your goals instead of following forum hype.
Read the full guide here → and get your suspension right the first time.
