If you're serious about improving your car’s handling, ride height, and overall suspension performance, you’ve probably come across the term coilovers. But what exactly are coilovers, and why are they one of the most sought-after suspension upgrades for performance cars?
This definitive guide will answer all your questions about what coilovers are, how they work, their benefits, types, and whether they’re the right suspension upgrade for your car.
By the end of this article, you'll have a complete understanding of coilovers, why they matter, and how they compare to lowering springs, stock suspension, and performance shocks.
What Are Coilovers?
A coilover (short for coil spring over shock) is a self-contained suspension system that integrates a shock absorber and a coil spring into a single unit.
Unlike traditional suspension setups where the spring and shock are separate components, a coilover combines them into a compact and adjustable assembly, allowing for precise suspension tuning.
Key Components of a Coilover:
✔ Spring – Supports the car’s weight and determines ride height.
✔ Shock Absorber (Damper) – Controls motion, reducing bounce and stabilizing the vehicle.
✔ Adjustable Perch & Threads – Enables fine-tuning of ride height and preload.
✔ Damping Adjusters (on Adjustable Coilovers) – Allows compression and rebound control for optimized handling.
How Do Coilovers Work?
Coilovers work by compressing and expanding in response to road conditions, driver inputs, and weight transfer. The spring absorbs impact forces, while the shock absorber dampens and controls motion, ensuring a stable and predictable ride.
When properly tuned, coilovers:
✔ Reduce body roll during cornering.
✔ Improve steering response and chassis balance.
✔ Maintain better traction by keeping tires planted on the road.
✔ Allow ride height adjustments for performance or aesthetics.
This makes them superior to stock suspension and a must-have upgrade for drifting, racing, track days, and aggressive street driving.
Benefits of Coilovers – Why Upgrade?
Upgrading to coilovers provides significant performance and handling benefits, making them one of the most popular suspension upgrades for sports cars, track builds, and daily-driven performance vehicles.
🔥 1. Adjustable Ride Height
- Lower your car for better aerodynamics and aggressive aesthetics.
- Raise it for extra ground clearance when needed.
🔥 2. Improved Handling & Stability
- Reduces body roll in corners.
- Provides better weight distribution and steering response.
🔥 3. Customizable Damping & Stiffness
- Fine-tune compression and rebound damping for comfort or performance.
- Softer settings for daily driving, stiffer for track and racing.
🔥 4. Better Steering & Driver Feedback
- Reduces suspension flex, giving the driver more precise control.
- Enhances turn-in response and chassis stability.
🔥 5. Enhanced Traction & Grip
- Keeps tires in better contact with the road for more consistent grip.
- Essential for drifting, time attack, and racing applications.
🔥 6. Longer Lifespan & Durability
- Performance coilovers are built to withstand aggressive driving conditions.
If you want complete control over your car’s suspension, coilovers are the best solution.
Types of Coilovers – Which One Is Right for You?
Coilovers come in different configurations, catering to various driving styles and budgets.
1. Full Coilovers vs. Sleeve Coilovers
✔ Full Coilovers – A complete shock and spring assembly, offering maximum adjustability and performance. Ideal for track use, drifting, and serious performance tuning.
✔ Sleeve Coilovers – A budget-friendly option that converts stock shocks into height-adjustable coilovers. However, they lack damping adjustability and precision.
2. Street Coilovers vs. Track Coilovers
🚗 Street Coilovers
- Designed for daily driving and spirited weekend runs.
- Softer damping for comfort, with better handling than stock.
🏁 Track/Drift Coilovers
- Stiffer springs and more aggressive damping for maximum grip and performance.
- Engineered for high-speed cornering, drifting, and competitive driving.
3. Adjustable vs. Non-Adjustable Coilovers
🛠 Adjustable Coilovers
- Allow you to fine-tune ride height, damping, and stiffness.
- Best for drivers who want full control over their suspension settings.
🛠 Non-Adjustable Coilovers
- Pre-set damping and ride height.
- Ideal for budget-conscious users who want a simple upgrade.
Coilovers vs. Lowering Springs – What’s the Difference?
Many people wonder whether coilovers or lowering springs are the better suspension upgrade.
| Feature | Coilovers | Lowering Springs |
|---|---|---|
| Ride Height Adjustability | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Damping Adjustability | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Handling Performance | ✅ Superior | ⚠️ Limited |
| Cost | 💰 Higher | 💰 Lower |
| Best For | Performance, track, drift setups | Simple lowering, mild handling gains |
Verdict: If you want full suspension control, go with coilovers. If you just want a lower stance with no adjustments, lowering springs are a cheaper alternative.
How to Choose the Best Coilovers for Your Car
If you’re shopping for coilovers, here are the most important features to consider:
✔ Spring Rates – Higher rates mean a stiffer ride with better cornering performance.
✔ Damping Adjustability – Lets you fine-tune shock stiffness for optimal handling.
✔ Ride Height Adjustment – Allows raising or lowering of your car.
✔ Camber Adjustment – Some coilovers include adjustable top mounts for fine-tuning wheel alignment.
✔ Monotube vs. Twin-Tube Design
- Monotube Coilovers – Better heat dissipation, superior damping response, used in high-performance racing.
- Twin-Tube Coilovers – More affordable, softer ride, but less responsive to extreme driving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are Coilovers Better Than Stock Suspension?
Yes! Coilovers improve handling, reduce body roll, and offer ride height adjustability, making them superior to stock suspension for performance applications.
2. Can Coilovers Be Comfortable?
Yes! Many coilovers have adjustable damping, allowing you to soften or stiffen the ride as needed.
3. Are Coilovers Good for Daily Driving?
Yes, but they should be properly adjusted. Street coilovers provide a good balance between comfort and performance.
4. Do Coilovers Improve Performance?
Yes! Coilovers enhance grip, stability, and cornering speed, making them ideal for racing, drifting, and high-performance driving.
Final Thoughts – Are Coilovers Worth It?
If you're looking for better handling, adjustability, and a serious suspension upgrade, coilovers are one of the best modifications you can make.
💨 Key Takeaways:
✔ Coilovers improve handling, reduce body roll, and enhance stability.
✔ Adjustable coilovers allow for ride height, damping, and camber tuning.
✔ Ideal for track, drifting, performance driving, and aggressive street setups.
✔ Better than lowering springs if you want full suspension control.
🔥 Now that you know what coilovers are, are you ready to upgrade your suspension and transform your driving experience? 🚀
