What Coilovers Do I Need? A Complete Guide for Car Enthusiasts

If you’re considering upgrading your car’s suspension system, coilovers might be at the top of your list. These adjustable suspension components can dramatically change how your car handles, performs, and looks. However, choosing the right coilovers can be a bit tricky, especially with so many options on the market.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about coilovers, including the different types available, how to choose the right ones for your car, and their pros and cons. By the end, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to make an informed decision and improve your car’s performance and aesthetics.

What Do Coilovers Do for a Car?

Before diving into what coilovers you need, it’s important to understand what they do for your car. Coilovers are a type of suspension system that combines the shock absorber and the spring into a single unit. They replace the stock struts and springs and are designed to offer greater adjustability for both ride height and damping (the firmness of the ride).

The primary functions of coilovers include:

• Improved Handling: Coilovers allow you to adjust the stiffness of the ride, which helps you fine-tune the suspension for better cornering, stability, and overall performance. Whether you’re driving on the street or on the track, coilovers can help your car handle more precisely.
• Adjustable Ride Height: Coilovers allow you to lower or raise your car’s height, which can improve its appearance and performance. Lowering the car lowers the center of gravity, improving handling, while raising the height can give your car more clearance for rough roads or off-roading.
• Customization: With coilovers, you can achieve a more customized ride. Whether you want a stiffer setup for track use or a softer one for daily driving, coilovers give you that flexibility.

What Coilovers Should I Get?

When it comes to selecting the right coilovers, the answer depends on a variety of factors. Here are the most important considerations:

1. What Do You Use Your Car For?

• Street Driving: If you drive your car primarily on the street, comfort should be a priority. A coilover with adjustable dampers is a great choice for daily driving because you can adjust the firmness of the ride to suit your needs.
• Track Use: For those who track their cars, a stiffer coilover setup with high adjustability is essential. Coilovers with higher-quality dampers, like monotube designs, are ideal for track use, offering better control at high speeds.
• Off-Road Use: If you’re into off-roading, look for coilovers that provide enough suspension travel to handle rough terrain and adjustability to adapt to different surfaces.

2. What Size Coilovers Do I Need?

The size of the coilovers is determined by your car’s specifications, including the make, model, and year. Coilovers are designed to fit specific vehicles, and choosing the correct size ensures proper fitment and optimal performance.

• Stock Suspension vs. Coilover Upgrade: Most coilovers are designed as direct replacements for stock struts and springs. However, if you’re lowering your car significantly, you may need to consider additional modifications like camber kits or longer sway bar links.
• Fitment: Coilovers come in a variety of sizes and lengths. Check the manufacturer’s specifications for your specific car to ensure proper fitment. The wrong size coilovers can lead to poor handling, clearance issues, and even damage to your car.

3. Budget and Brand

The price of coilovers can vary significantly depending on the brand, features, and quality. Some well-known brands that offer quality coilovers include:

• KW Suspensions
• Bilstein
• Tein
• BC Racing
• H&R
• Eibach

Choosing a reputable brand ensures that you get a high-quality product that will last and provide the performance you’re looking for.

What Makes a Good Coilover?

When selecting coilovers for your car, consider these factors:

1. Adjustability

The primary benefit of coilovers is their adjustability. Good coilovers will allow you to adjust both ride height and damping (shock stiffness). Some coilovers also offer additional features like camber adjustment or separate spring preload adjustment.

• Ride Height Adjustment: This allows you to lower or raise your car’s ride height, improving its appearance and performance.
• Damping Adjustment: Adjustable dampers allow you to fine-tune the suspension stiffness to suit your driving style, whether you’re cruising on the street or racing on the track.

2. Build Quality

The quality of the materials used in the coilovers directly affects their durability and performance. Look for coilovers made from high-grade materials like aluminum or steel, which offer a balance of strength and weight savings.

3. Spring Rate

Spring rate refers to the stiffness of the springs in your coilovers. A higher spring rate means a stiffer ride, which can be beneficial for track use but uncomfortable for daily driving. A lower spring rate results in a softer ride that is more suitable for street driving.

4. Monotube vs. Twin-Tube Design

• Monotube Coilovers: These feature a single cylinder with a gas-charged shock absorber, which provides better performance and heat dissipation. They are ideal for track use and aggressive driving.
• Twin-Tube Coilovers: These have two tubes—one for oil and one for gas—and are generally more comfortable for daily driving. They tend to be more affordable than monotube coilovers.

What Coilovers Fit My Car?

To determine which coilovers fit your car, you need to know your car’s make, model, year, and any other modifications you’ve made. Manufacturers design coilovers to fit specific vehicles, and the correct fitment is essential for optimal performance and safety.

Here’s how you can figure out which coilovers will fit your car:

• Check the Manufacturer’s Specifications: Coilover manufacturers provide a list of compatible vehicles for each product. Ensure that the coilovers you’re considering are designed to fit your specific make and model.
• Measure Your Current Suspension Setup: If you’re replacing an existing suspension, measure the length of your current shocks and springs. Coilovers should have similar measurements to ensure proper fitment.
• Consult Forums and Reviews: Online car enthusiast forums are a great place to find advice from other car owners who have installed coilovers on similar models. They can provide helpful insight into the fitment process and whether any modifications are necessary.

Pros and Cons of Coilovers

Like any modification, coilovers come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of upgrading to coilovers.

Pros:

1. Improved Handling: Coilovers allow for greater customization of your car’s suspension, which results in better handling. By adjusting the ride height and dampening settings, you can optimize your car for street driving, track use, or off-roading.
2. Adjustable Ride Height: Coilovers provide the flexibility to lower or raise your car’s ride height, improving both performance and aesthetics. Lowering the car lowers its center of gravity, which improves cornering and stability.
3. Better Aesthetics: Lowering your car can give it a more aggressive, sporty stance that enhances its overall appearance.
4. Customization for Driving Style: Coilovers are highly adjustable, which means you can fine-tune your suspension to match your driving style and the conditions you face. Whether you want a softer ride for daily driving or a stiff setup for the track, coilovers offer that flexibility.
5. Durability: High-quality coilovers are built to last and can withstand the rigors of aggressive driving, track use, and even off-roading.

Cons:

1. Cost: Coilovers can be expensive, with prices ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars depending on the brand, features, and quality. Additional installation costs can also add to the overall expense.
2. Ride Comfort: While coilovers can improve handling, they can sometimes result in a stiffer, less comfortable ride, especially if they’re set up for aggressive driving or track use.
3. Installation Complexity: Installing coilovers requires mechanical expertise and the right tools. If you’re not familiar with suspension systems, it’s recommended to have a professional install them.
4. Maintenance: Coilovers, especially those with adjustable dampers, may require regular maintenance to keep them performing at their best. This includes cleaning, lubrication, and occasional revalving of the shocks.

What Do I Need to Install Coilovers?

Installing coilovers typically requires a few specialized tools and a mechanical understanding of your car’s suspension system. Here’s a general list of what you’ll need:

• Basic Tools: Wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers, and a torque wrench.
• Spring Compressors: If you’re replacing springs as part of the installation, you’ll need a spring compressor to safely remove the old ones.
• Jack and Jack Stands: To lift your car off the ground and secure it safely.
• Alignment Tools: After installing coilovers, an alignment is often necessary to ensure that your car’s suspension geometry is correct.

If you’re unsure about the installation process, it’s best to consult a professional mechanic to avoid any issues.

Conclusion

Choosing the right coilovers for your car can dramatically improve its performance, handling, and appearance. By understanding what coilovers do, what features to look for, and how to select the right coilovers for your specific needs, you’ll be able to make a well-informed decision. Whether you’re upgrading for better handling, a custom stance, or track use, coilovers offer the flexibility to fine-tune your car’s suspension system. Just make sure to consider factors like ride comfort, maintenance, and cost before making your purchase.