Different Types of Coilovers

Different Types of Coilovers

Introduction to Coilovers

Coilovers are a popular suspension upgrade that combines a shock absorber and a coil spring in a single unit. They offer adjustable ride height and damping, allowing for precise suspension tuning. There are several types of coilovers, each designed for different performance needs and applications.

1. Full Coilovers

What They Are: Complete suspension units with an integrated shock absorber and spring. Why You Should Use Them: Offer the highest level of adjustability and performance improvement. How They Work: Full coilovers replace the entire suspension assembly, providing adjustable ride height and damping.

Pros:

1. Comprehensive Adjustment: Allows for ride height, damping, and sometimes camber adjustments.
2. Performance Improvement: Provides significant handling and stability enhancements.
3. Durability: Built to withstand high-performance driving conditions.

Cons:

1. Cost: Generally more expensive than other suspension options.
2. Complex Installation: Often requires professional installation and alignment.

Popular Brands:

• KW Suspensions: Known for their adjustable coilovers. KW Suspensions at JM Auto Racing
• Bilstein: Provides high-performance coilovers. Bilstein at JM Auto Racing

2. Sleeve Coilovers

What They Are: Conversion kits that add adjustable sleeves to existing shock absorbers. Why You Should Use Them: More affordable than full coilovers and offer some adjustability. How They Work: Sleeve coilovers are installed over factory or aftermarket shocks, allowing for adjustable ride height.

Pros:

1. Affordability: Less expensive than full coilovers.
2. Adjustable Ride Height: Provides some level of customization.
3. Compatibility: Can be used with existing shocks.

Cons:

1. Limited Adjustment: Less comprehensive than full coilovers.
2. Variable Performance: Depends on the quality of the existing shocks.

Popular Brands:

• Ground Control: Known for high-quality coilover sleeves. Ground Control at JM Auto Racing
• Skunk2: Provides affordable and effective sleeve kits. Skunk2 at JM Auto Racing

3. Twin-Tube Coilovers

What They Are: Coilovers with a twin-tube design, featuring an inner and outer tube. Why You Should Use Them: Offer a comfortable ride with good performance. How They Work: Twin-tube coilovers have a secondary tube for oil and gas separation, providing a balance between comfort and performance.

Pros:

1. Comfortable Ride: Absorbs bumps and road imperfections well.
2. Durability: Good for daily driving and occasional performance use.
3. Affordability: Generally less expensive than monotube designs.

Cons:

1. Performance Limitations: Not as responsive as monotube designs in high-performance driving.

Popular Brands:

• Tein: Known for reliable twin-tube coilovers. Tein at JM Auto Racing
• KYB: Provides durable and comfortable coilovers. KYB at JM Auto Racing

4. Monotube Coilovers

What They Are: Coilovers with a single tube design, separating the oil and gas. Why You Should Use Them: Offer superior performance and heat dissipation. How They Work: Monotube coilovers have a single tube for oil and gas, providing better responsiveness and performance.

Pros:

1. Superior Performance: Better responsiveness and handling.
2. Heat Dissipation: More efficient, reducing fade during aggressive driving.
3. Durability: Built for high-performance applications.

Cons:

1. Cost: More expensive than twin-tube designs.
2. Ride Comfort: Can be stiffer, affecting ride quality.

Popular Brands:

• Ohlins: Known for high-performance monotube coilovers. Ohlins at JM Auto Racing
• Bilstein: Provides premium monotube designs. Bilstein at JM Auto Racing

Conclusion

Different types of coilovers cater to various performance needs and budgets. Full coilovers offer the highest level of adjustability and performance, while sleeve coilovers provide an affordable option with some customization. Twin-tube coilovers balance comfort and performance, and monotube coilovers deliver superior handling and heat dissipation. With various high-quality brands available, there’s a coilover solution for every driving style and application.