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coilovers vs lowering springs

coilovers vs lowering springs

You're trying to decide over coilovers or lowering springs but which option is best for you? Lowering your car is just one of the many ways you can make your ride stand out and look much better compared to a stock setup - It's like giving your car a stylish, stance makeover.

Now, why do people do it? Well, there are a few reasons. First off, it just looks cool. A lowered car has that sporty, aggressive vibe that some people dig. Plus, it can improve the aerodynamics, making the car more streamlined and possibly even boosting its performance.

Then there's the handling aspect. Lowering your car can improve its cornering ability, giving you better control and making those turns feel more precise. It's like your car becomes more glued to the road, which for most petrolheads is exactly what they're looking for.

Of course, there's also the personalisation factor. Everyone wants their car to reflect their style, right? So, for some, lowering their car is just another way to make it uniquely theirs.

However, lowering your car can have some downsides too. For one, you might have to deal with a rougher ride, especially if the roads in your area aren't exactly as smooth. Depending on how low you go, you might run into clearance issues, like scraping the bottom of your car on speed bumps or steep driveways.

It's a personal choice, but for those who are into it, it's just another way to enhance performance and the aesthetics of their pride and joy.

 

Why coilovers?

Coilovers give a lot more options for the setup of the car, from a subtle drop and an improvement in handling to being able to set the car up with the “stanced” look if you wish. There are many Different types of coilovers out there whether you need a budget set from TEIN or a more premium option from KW Suspension for on-the-limit track use.

With the addition of damping and camber adjustment available on some coilovers like HSD and BC Racing, you can get quite detailed with the setup on coilovers. In some cases coilovers can be lighter than the OEM suspension already on the car so there are more pros to coilovers than what you may think.

Pros:

  • Complete ride height adjustable
  • Damping, camber, and castor adjustment (coilover model dependent)
  • Significant handling improvements and a more controlled ride compared to lowering springs
  • Superior to lowering springs when daily driving
  • Great for track days and enhanced aerodynamics
  • Can last between 20.000-50,000 miles

 

Cons: 

  • More setup and understanding is required to prevent contact and damage with other components
  • Incorrect configuration could lead to an uncomfortable ride
  • Higher cost, especially for more premium brands

Why lowering springs?

Lowering springs are a perfect solution for people looking to improve the look of their car with a slight drop and maintain a close-to-stock ride. These have a very simple installation as they simply replace the OE springs on the car and as they are progressive springs they tend to match the OE ride very well and can be installed by most garages. As you're only replacing the springs the cost is a lot less than when compared to a set of coilovers. You could also look to add uprated OE-style dampers to go with the springs and this will generally give a slight improvement in handling, mostly from improved suspension arm geometry.

Once the lowering springs have been installed, you'll need to reset the wheel geometry, as lowering the car can alter the toe or camber on certain vehicles.

Pros:

  • Compatible with existing dampers
  • Cheaper than coilovers
  • No setup is needed (only geometry)
  • Comfy ride but can be a little firmer over stock
  • Improved handling around corners and less car body roll due to a lower centre of gravity

 

Cons:

  • Preset ride height
  • Dampers will work harder over time, so will need more frequent replacement
  • Less noticeable handling changes when compared to coilovers
  • Possibility of bottoming out which can lead to damage underneath the car

Lowering springs or coilovers: which is right for me?

First of all, let's consider something important: the quality of the parts you use and how they fit into your car can seriously affect how it runs, handles, and drives. Going for the cheapest option might seem like a good idea, but it's not always the smartest move. And if you try to lower your suspension on your own, it could end up costing you big time.

See, those super cheap parts might not come from well-known brands with a solid track record. Installing any part from an unknown manufacturer is like playing roulette—you never know what you're gonna get. Plus, if you don't have the know-how, trying to install parts yourself could be a risky business. You might even end up messing up other parts of your car. To make sure your ride stays in top shape, it's best to leave the work to a professional mechanic.

Now, let's talk about the whole debate between lowering springs and coilovers. It's caused quite a stir among car enthusiasts on social media. Some folks swear by lowering springs, while others are all about coilovers. But here's the thing: there's no one-size-fits-all answer here. What works best for your car depends on two main things: your budget and what kind of performance you're after.

Before you make a decision, take a good look at your budget and think about what you want out of your car's performance. And don't forget to check out what other owners of similar cars have to say on online forums. Their experiences can give you some valuable insight before you make your final call.

Hopefully, this guide gives you some good tips for finding your ideal coilovers or lowering springs. However, if you're still undecided, please speak to our friendly customer support team at [email protected] or call 0121 792 2000.

Team Driftworks

We're here to give you the most up-to-date knowledge on frequently searched topics gained from years of first-hand experience modifying our cars. We'll always aim to give you the answers straight without adding over complicated, unnecessary detail.

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