What are coilovers and how do they work?

What are coilovers and how do they work? A comprehensive guide to coilovers from the experts at Stance Auto Magazine. Learn how coilovers work, their benefits, types, and how to choose the ideal system for your ride

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What are coilovers and how do they work?
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What are coilovers and how do they work?

Welcome to Stance Auto Magazine, a hub for automotive enthusiasts who appreciate the art of car modification and customization. While our name may imply a focus on stanced cars, we want to make it clear that we cater to all types of modified and customized vehicles.

Dreaming of finally dialling in that perfect stance for your ride? Well, friends, coilovers are the answer. If you're craving a slammed look, enhanced handling, and optimized ride comfort, then coilovers are a must. The team here at Stance Auto Magazine has all the details on how coilovers work their magic.

Coilovers get their name from the coil spring and shock absorber pairing they contain. Unlike old-school suspension with fixed springs and shocks, coilovers allow for independent adjustment of shock stiffness and spring rates. This gives you ultimate control when fine-tuning your vehicle's suspension.

maXpeedingrods Coilovers Coil

How Do Coilovers Work Their Magic?

Coilovers replace your factory shocks and struts and feature adjustable spring perches and shock damping. You're able to customize ride height, handling characteristics, and performance to your exact needs. Here's the breakdown:

Adjustable Spring Perches

The perches allow the spring to be moved up and down on the shock body. So you can dial in the perfect ride height whether slammed or ready for the racetrack. Dropping your ride height reduces body roll and enhances handling.

Shock Absorbers

These control the compression and rebound of the suspension. Adjustable damping allows customization of ride quality from ultra plush to track day stiff. Proper damping keeps those tires stuck to the road for maximum grip when attacking corners.

Coil Springs

The springs support your vehicle's weight and determine the suspension's compression/rebound characteristics. Lower spring rates equal soft cushy rides while higher rates provide stiff performance-oriented handling. Coilovers allow spring rates to be matched to your exact vehicle needs.

By tuning all of these elements you can achieve a suspension profile optimized for your priorities. Crank the damping for track days then dial it back for a comfy commute to work on Monday. Coilovers truly unlock your vehicle's potential.

maXpeedingrods Coilovers Coil

Why Coilovers Rule

The benefits of coilover suspensions make them a must-have mod:

Improved Handling

Lower ride height, specially tuned springs, and adjustable damping give you sharper turn-in, reduced body roll, and enhanced traction for sticking it to the competition on winding back roads.

Ride Comfort

Think coilovers are all about rock-hard performance? Think again. Properly tuned spring rates and damping settings let you find that perfect balance of handling prowess and cruising comfort.

Ride Height Flexibility

This one is huge for the stance crowd. But even if you're not trying to lay a frame, adjustable ride height lets you clear speed bumps and steep driveways with ease.

Suspension Geometry

Intelligently lowering your vehicle with coilovers reduces suspension compression and tweaks alignment specs for enhanced steering feel and high-speed stability.

Increased Performance

Whether you live for carving canyons or rule the autocross, coilovers optimize your suspension for your needs. Acceleration, braking, handling - coilovers make your vehicle perform.

maXpeedingrods Coilovers Coil

Types of Coilovers

The coilover world offers different configurations to match your priorities and budget. Here are some of the most common setups:

Entry Level Coilovers

These value-minded coilovers provide basic height and damping adjustment using more affordable components. Great for lightly modified daily drivers seeking improved handling without breaking the bank.

Mid Range Coilovers

The go-to choice for many enthusiasts - mid-range coilovers use higher-end components with increased adjustment range. Targeted at drivers wanting a more aggressive stance and sportier performance.

High-End Coilovers

Pro-level setups from respected brands like KW that feature pillow ball mounts and inverted designs. For those demanding maximum performance and adjustability. Prepare to pay for the premium quality though.

Pre-Set Coilovers

Pre-set coilovers have fixed, non-adjustable damping and ride height tuned by the manufacturer. A simplified option if you just want a mild drop without getting too hardcore.

maXpeedingrods Coilovers Coil

Dropping It Low

So what's the maximum drop you can get when installing coilovers? There are some important factors at play:

  • Car suspension design - Some vehicles just aren't built for extreme lows.
  • Wheel/tire fitment - Rubbing is a legitimate issue when lowered.
  • Coilover stroke length - Shocks need travel for full suspension articulation.
  • Stock ride height - The lower it starts, the lower you can go.

To "lay frame" you'll need top-tier coilovers paired with camber kits/arms for maximum wheel clearance. Even then, ride quality and handling often suffer at super-low heights. Something to keep in mind.

Picking the Perfect Coilovers

With so many coilover options on the market today, deciding on the right system can be daunting. The experts at Stance Auto recommend:

  • Set a budget - Entry models start at $500, pro builds go up to $5000+.
  • Consider your goals - Daily driving or track weapon? Mild drop or extreme slam?
  • Research top brands - BC Racing, Fortune Auto, and KW all make great coilovers.
  • Verify proper fitment - Coilovers are designed for specific vehicles.
  • Don't cheap out on install parts - Quality camber kits are a must.
  • Find a reputable shop - Proper setup is critical to great performance.

Getting coilovers installed? The experts at Stance Auto recommend leaving it to seasoned professionals. Tuning coilovers for ideal ride height, damping, and alignment takes experience. Invest in quality coilovers and professional installation - you won't regret it.

H&R Monotube Coil Over Kit

Coilovers Unleashed

We hope this deep dive helps you understand how coilovers unlock your vehicle's true potential. When properly set up, coilovers offer incredible gains in handling, adjustability, and overall performance compared to stock suspension. Paired with the right wheels and tires, coilovers can totally transform your vehicle for show and go.

The team at Stance Auto Magazine wants to see your ride dialled in and performing at its best. Let coilovers help you stick it to the competition on the streets and shows!

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