What Are Coilovers? The Complete Guide for Drift, Track, and Street Performance
Coilovers are the foundation of any serious performance suspension setup — whether you’re carving corners, sliding sideways, or just wanting a better ride on the street.
But what exactly are coilovers? Why do so many drift, track, and show car builders swear by them? And how do you pick the right setup for your driving style?
Let’s break it all down.
💡 What Are Coilovers?
The term “coilover” is short for “coil spring over shock absorber.” A coilover combines both components into a single, compact assembly that allows for adjustable ride height and (on better kits) customizable damping.
Unlike basic lowering springs or off-the-shelf shocks, coilovers let you dial in how your car handles, feels, and sits — and that’s why they're a go-to upgrade for any serious build.
🚗 Coilovers vs. Lowering Springs
| Feature | Coilovers | Lowering Springs |
|---|---|---|
| Adjustable height | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Adjustable damping | ✅ On most kits | ❌ No |
| Tunable for track/drift | ✅ Absolutely | ❌ Not really |
| Ride quality control | ✅ Precise | ❌ Static |
| Better for resale | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
Lowering springs give you the look. Coilovers give you the performance.
🛠️ Types of Coilovers
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Single Adjustable: Lets you change rebound damping.
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Double Adjustable: Rebound + compression control (ideal for track or drift).
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Drift Spec: Tuned valving, drift-specific spring rates, and durability for high lateral Gs.
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Street Spec: Comfort-focused, often softer and less adjustable.
🧪 Why Coilovers Matter for Drift Cars
Drifting is all about control at the edge of grip. A good set of coilovers gives you:
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Precise weight transfer
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Predictable transitions
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Tuned rebound for snapback and flicks
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Adjustable ride height to fine-tune center of gravity
At SLRspeed, we’ve tuned our SLR Drift Spec Coilovers specifically for drift and competitive driving. These aren’t rebranded off-the-shelf parts — they’re purpose-built for the demands of sideways driving.
🧭 How to Choose the Right Coilovers
Ask yourself:
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Will you daily drive the car?
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Are you building for competition, time attack, or street use?
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Do you need custom spring rates?
If you’re drifting an E36, E46, 350Z, or similar chassis, check out our SLR Drift Spec Coilovers — available with custom spring rates, race-tuned valving, and hardware that can take abuse.
📦 What’s Included in a Coilover Kit?
Most kits include:
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4 coilover assemblies (front and rear)
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Adjustable perches for ride height
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Camber plates (on some models)
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Top hats and mounting hardware
SLR Drift Spec kits come with everything you need — just bolt in, align, and send it.
❓ People Also Ask
Q: What does a coilover do?
A: It replaces your factory shock and spring with an adjustable performance unit, giving you control over ride height and handling.
Q: Do coilovers lower your car?
A: Yes — and adjustably. You can fine-tune exactly how low or high your car sits.
Q: Are coilovers good for daily driving?
A: High-quality coilovers with softer spring rates can be great for daily use — especially if you want better handling and looks.
Q: Can I use coilovers for drifting?
A: Absolutely. SLR Drift Spec Coilovers are specifically designed for it.
✅ Final Thoughts
Whether you’re building a daily with better ride control or a full-blown drift missile, coilovers offer a level of performance and customization that basic suspension upgrades just can’t touch.
If you’re serious about handling — go with coilovers.
If you’re serious about drifting — go with SLR Drift Spec Coilovers.
