Are Coilovers Good for Street Use?

Coilovers are suspension components that combine the spring and shock absorber into a single unit. These components are often used in racing, offering greater adjustability and improved performance. However, there is some debate over whether or not coilovers are suitable for street use.

In this post, we will examine the advantages and disadvantages of using coilovers on the street and discuss how to determine the best coilover setup for your particular vehicle.

READ: Why Are Coilovers So Expensive?

What Are Coilovers?

Coilovers are suspension components that improve handling performance and ride comfort in vehicles. They are a type of spring and shock absorber combination that combines the two components into one unit. Coilovers lower a vehicle's center of gravity, improve cornering stability and adjust the car to suit the driver's preferences.

Coilovers combine a shock absorber and spring designed to provide superior suspension and handling performance. Coilovers offer adjustable ride height, allowing the driver to lower or raise the vehicle's center of gravity as desired. Additionally, they allow for fine-tuning of the suspension for improved cornering stability, ride comfort, and other desired handling characteristics.

Advantages of Using Coilovers on the Street

One of the primary advantages of using coilovers on the street is their adjustability. Coilovers allow you to adjust the ride height of your car, which can be beneficial if you want to improve handling or reduce drag. Additionally, coilovers provide greater adjustability in terms of compression and rebound damping, allowing you to fine-tune your vehicle's suspension to suit your driving style and preferences.

Another advantage of using coilovers on the street is that they are often lighter than standard suspension components. This can help reduce your vehicle's overall weight, improving acceleration, cornering, and braking performance. Additionally, coilovers typically feature higher-quality pieces than those found in traditional suspension systems, which can help to reduce wear and tear on the components and improve the lifespan of the suspension components.

READ: How Often Do Coilovers Need to Be Replaced?

Disadvantages of Using Coilovers on the Street

One of the primary drawbacks of using coilovers on the street is the higher cost. Coilovers are typically more expensive than traditional suspension components, and installing them can be more time-consuming and complicated. Additionally, coilovers are not as comfortable as traditional suspension components, which can make them less suitable for everyday driving.

Another disadvantage of using coilovers on the street is that they can be difficult to tune due to their adjustable nature. It can take a lot of time and effort to dial in the perfect setup for your vehicle, and even then, it can be difficult to achieve the desired results. Additionally, the tuning process can be expensive, as it often requires aftermarket components, such as camber plates and adjustable sway bars.

How to Choose the Best Coilover Setup for Your Vehicle

When selecting the best coilover setup for your vehicle, it is essential to consider your driving style and preferences. If you want improved handling and performance, opt for a setup with adjustable damping, as this will allow you to fine-tune the suspension to suit your needs. Additionally, opt for a lighter setup with quality components if you want to reduce your vehicle's weight.

It is also essential to consider the terrain you will be driving on. Opt for a setup with adjustable ride height and camber plates if you want to use your vehicle on the track. Opt for a softer spring rate setup if you are looking for a comfortable ride for everyday use.

Finally, it is essential to consider the cost of the setup. While coilovers are typically more expensive than standard suspension components, various options are available at different price points. Additionally, some coilovers offer greater adjustability than others, so it is essential to consider your budget when selecting the best setup for your vehicle.

Costs of Coilovers

The cost of coilovers will vary depending on the type and brand of the parts used. Generally, adjustable coilovers will be more expensive than non-adjustable coilovers, and higher-end brands may cost more than budget brands. Additionally, professional installation can add to the overall cost of the coilover installation.

Common Coilover Brands

There are a variety of different brands of coilovers available on the market. Some popular brands include KW, Tein, H&R, BC Racing, and Eibach. Each of these brands offers various coilovers, ranging from adjustable to non-adjustable models.

Maintenance of Coilovers

It's important to maintain coilovers to ensure they are performing as expected properly. This includes checking the bolts and other components for wear and tear and inspecting the suspension for any damage. Additionally, it's important to have the suspension aligned after adjustments or repairs to ensure that the vehicle performs as expected.

READ: Do Coilovers Make Your Car Slower?

Conclusion

In conclusion, coilovers can provide improved performance and adjustability on the street, but they can also be expensive and difficult to tune. When selecting the best coilover setup for your vehicle, it is essential to consider your driving style and preferences, the terrain you will be driving on, and your budget. With the right setup, coilovers can improve street performance and adjustability.