What are Coilovers and Lowering Springs?
Coilovers and lowering springs are two popular suspension upgrades that improve a vehicle's handling and aesthetics. Coilovers combine a shock absorber and a spring in one unit, offering adjustable ride height and damping. Lowering springs, on the other hand, replace the factory springs to lower the vehicle's center of gravity and improve handling.
Why Should You Get Coilovers or Lowering Springs?
- Improved Handling: Both coilovers and lowering springs lower the vehicle's center of gravity, enhancing stability and cornering performance.
- Enhanced Aesthetics: Lowering the vehicle gives it a more aggressive stance and improved appearance.
- Customizable Performance: Coilovers offer adjustable ride height and damping, allowing for fine-tuning based on driving conditions and preferences.
- Increased Ride Quality: High-quality coilovers and lowering springs can improve ride comfort by better absorbing road imperfections.
How Do Coilovers and Lowering Springs Work?
Coilovers:
- Ride Height Adjustment: Coilovers allow for precise adjustment of ride height, enabling you to lower or raise your vehicle as needed.
- Damping Adjustment: Many coilovers offer adjustable damping settings, allowing you to control the stiffness or softness of the ride.
- Integrated Design: Coilovers combine a shock absorber and spring in one unit, providing a compact and efficient solution for suspension upgrades.
Lowering Springs:
- Fixed Ride Height: Lowering springs provide a predetermined drop in ride height, typically ranging from 1 to 2 inches.
- Enhanced Spring Rate: Lowering springs often have a stiffer spring rate compared to factory springs, improving handling and reducing body roll.
- Compatibility: Lowering springs are designed to work with the factory or aftermarket shock absorbers, providing an affordable suspension upgrade.
Case Studies and Real-World Examples
A 2017 Subaru WRX equipped with KW coilovers demonstrated significantly improved handling and ride quality. The adjustable ride height and damping allowed for precise tuning, providing an excellent balance between performance and comfort. Installation took about 5 hours with basic tools and a lift.
A 2018 Honda Civic Si with Eibach lowering springs showed enhanced handling and a more aggressive stance. Users reported improved cornering stability and reduced body roll. Installation took about 3 hours with basic tools and a spring compressor.
Popular Brands
- KW Suspensions: Known for their adjustable coilovers that offer customizable ride height and performance. KW Suspensions at JM Auto Racing
- Eibach: Offers performance lowering springs that enhance handling and aesthetics. Eibach at JM Auto Racing
- Bilstein: Provides high-quality coilovers and shock absorbers. Bilstein at JM Auto Racing
- BC Racing: Known for their great coilovers for both street and track. BC Racing at JM Auto Racing
Installation and Maintenance
Installing coilovers or lowering springs can be a moderate to advanced DIY project, often requiring a lift and specialized tools. Coilover installation involves removing the factory suspension and installing the new units, followed by adjustments to ride height and damping. Lowering springs require the removal of factory springs and installation of the new ones, often using a spring compressor. Regular maintenance includes checking for proper alignment, inspecting for wear and tear, and adjusting settings as needed.
Conclusion
Both coilovers and lowering springs offer significant improvements in handling, aesthetics, and ride quality. Coilovers provide adjustable ride height and damping, allowing for precise tuning, while lowering springs offer a more affordable solution with fixed ride height improvements. With various brands and options available, there’s a suspension upgrade suitable for every driving style and budget.