If you want to lower your car and improve its handling, performance and appearance, here are two great options: coilovers or lowering springs. But what are the differences between them and which one is better for your car? In todays post, we will compare coilovers and lowering springs in terms of their pros and cons, and help you decide which one suits your needs and preferences.
What are Coilovers?
Coilovers are suspension components that consist of a shock absorber and a coil spring. They replace your entire factory strut and allow you to adjust the ride height, damping and sometimes the camber of your car. Coilovers are typically more expensive and complex to install than lowering springs, but they also offer more benefits, such as:
- Better ride quality: Coilovers can provide a smoother and more comfortable ride than lowering springs, as they allow you to fine-tune the damping to suit your driving style and road conditions. Coilovers can also reduce the risk of bottoming out and scraping your car on speed bumps or uneven roads.
- More control: Coilovers can improve the handling and responsiveness of your car, as they reduce body roll, squat and dive, and increase grip and stability. Coilovers can also allow you to adjust the camber angle of your wheels, which can affect the cornering ability and tire wear of your car.
- More customization: Coilovers can give you more freedom to personalize your car's appearance, as they allow you to adjust the ride height to your desired level. You can also choose from different types of coilovers, such as street, track or rally, depending on your driving goals.
What are Lowering Springs?
Lowering springs are shorter and stiffer than factory springs. They work with your factory struts and lower the ride height of your car. Lowering springs are typically cheaper and easier to install than coilovers, but they also have some drawbacks, such as:
- Poorer ride quality: Lowering springs can make your ride harsher and noisier than factory springs, as they have a higher spring rate to support the same amount of weight. Lowering springs can also compromise the performance of your factory struts, as they may not be designed to work with shorter springs.
- Less control: Lowering springs can improve the handling and appearance of your car by lowering its center of gravity and reducing drag, but they may also cause some issues, such as alignment problems, uneven tire wear, reduced ground clearance and increased stress on other suspension components.
- Less customization: Lowering springs can only lower your car by a fixed amount, usually between 0.25" to 2". You cannot adjust the ride height or damping of your car with lowering springs. You also have fewer options to choose from when it comes to lowering springs, as most of them are designed for street use only.
How to Choose Between Coilovers and Lowering Springs?
The choice between coilovers and lowering springs depends on several factors, such as:
- Your budget: Coilovers are generally more expensive than lowering springs, both in terms of initial cost and maintenance cost. If you are on a tight budget and want a simple way to lower your car, lowering springs may be a better option for you.
- Your preference: Coilovers are generally better for drivers who want more flexibility, control and customization over their car's suspension system. If you are passionate about tuning your car's performance and appearance, coilovers may be a better option for you.
- Your driving conditions: Coilovers are generally better for drivers who use their car for track racing or other demanding driving scenarios. If you need a high level of precision and adjustability for your car's suspension system, coilovers may be a better option for you.