One of the most common questions car enthusiasts ask when diving into suspension upgrades is simple: what are coilovers? You’ve probably heard the term thrown around at car meets, track days, and online forums, but understanding coilovers — and what they do for your car — is essential if you’re considering them for your build. This guide will break down everything you need to know about coilover suspension, including how they work, how they differ from other setups, and why they’re a top choice for performance driving.
For our detailed engineering breakdown, see the original feature here: What Are Coilovers – The Ultimate Guide.
What Are Coilovers?
Coilovers (short for “coil spring over shock”) are suspension assemblies that combine a spring and a shock absorber into a single, integrated unit. Unlike stock shocks and springs, coilovers allow fine-tuning of ride height, damping, and sometimes camber, giving drivers more control over how their vehicle handles.
How Do Coilovers Work?
At their core, coilovers manage how your car absorbs bumps, transfers weight, and grips the road. The spring supports the car’s weight and controls compression, while the shock (or damper) manages rebound and prevents excessive bouncing. Together, they stabilize the vehicle while allowing you to adjust the balance between comfort and performance.
Coilovers vs Lowering Springs
A common question is whether to buy lowering springs or coilovers. Lowering springs simply reduce ride height by replacing factory springs, but they don’t offer damping adjustability or geometry tuning. Coilovers, by contrast, give you full control over ride height, stiffness, and alignment — making them essential for anyone serious about performance.
Benefits of Coilover Suspension
- Adjustable Ride Height: Fine-tune stance for aesthetics or track clearance.
- Better Handling: Sharper turn-in, less body roll, and more confidence at speed.
- Damping Control: Tune compression and rebound to suit street, track, or drift driving.
- Custom Alignment: Coilovers with camber plates allow aggressive alignment for motorsport.
- Durability: Quality coilovers are built to withstand motorsport abuse.
Types of Coilovers
Street Coilovers
Balanced between comfort and performance, these are great for daily drivers who want adjustability without sacrificing ride quality.
Track Coilovers
Stiffer springs and dampers optimized for maximum grip, consistent lap times, and high-speed stability.
Drift Coilovers
Specifically tuned for front-end stability and rear traction, drift coilovers help maintain control at high slip angles while maximizing forward grip. Contrary to belief, they don’t make drifting “easier” — they make drifting faster.
Monotube vs Twin Tube Coilovers
Coilovers come in two main damper types:
- Monotube: More consistent damping and better heat management, ideal for track and drift use.
- Twin Tube: More affordable, offering a smoother ride for street use.
When Should You Upgrade to Coilovers?
If you want more control over your car’s performance, handling, and stance, coilovers are worth the investment. Common reasons to upgrade include:
- Lowering your car beyond what springs can offer.
- Preparing for motorsport applications like drifting or track racing.
- Wanting the flexibility to tune handling for different conditions.
- Replacing worn-out stock suspension with a performance upgrade.
Choosing the Best Coilovers
When shopping for coilovers, consider your goals:
- Daily driving: Look for comfort-oriented coilovers with moderate adjustability.
- Track use: Prioritize monotube construction, higher spring rates, and damping control.
- Drifting: Choose drift-spec coilovers designed for stability and grip at angle, like SLR Drift Spec Coilovers.
FAQs About Coilovers
Do coilovers make cars uncomfortable?
Not necessarily. Street coilovers are designed to balance comfort with performance, while track and drift setups are stiffer by nature.
Are coilovers worth the money?
Yes. The adjustability, performance gains, and versatility make them one of the most valuable upgrades you can make.
Can coilovers be daily driven?
Absolutely. Many coilovers are built with daily drivers in mind, offering both comfort and performance when properly adjusted.
Conclusion: What Are Coilovers and Why Do They Matter?
So, what are coilovers? In short, they’re adjustable suspension systems that transform how a car looks, feels, and performs. From daily driving to drifting and professional racing, coilovers give you the precision and flexibility that lowering springs or stock shocks simply can’t match.
If you’re ready to upgrade your suspension, explore our full collection of SLR Drift Spec Coilovers — engineered for performance at every level.
