The basics of coilovers

The basics of coilovers

For car enthusiasts, achieving the perfect balance between performance and style is a top priority. This is where coilovers come in. Coilovers are a popular suspension upgrade that can enhance a vehicle's handling, appearance, and overall driving experience. In this technical article, we will explore the basics of coilovers, including what they are, how they work, the types of coilovers available, and their advantages and disadvantages.
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What are coilovers?
Coilovers, also known as coil-over-shocks or coil-spring-over-shocks, are a type of suspension system that combines a shock absorber and a coil spring into a single unit. The coil spring wraps around the shock absorber, providing support and damping for the vehicle. Coilovers are designed to replace the stock suspension on a vehicle, offering greater adjustability, improved handling, and a lower ride height.

How do coilovers work?
Coilovers work by providing adjustable spring rates and damping settings, allowing for fine-tuning of a vehicle's suspension. The shock absorber is filled with hydraulic fluid, which flows through small passages, creating resistance and controlling the movement of the spring. The spring compresses and rebounds in response to bumps in the road, while the shock absorber dampens the motion to provide a smooth ride.

​Types of Coilovers:
There are three main types of coilovers available:

1. Full Coilovers: Full coilovers are a complete suspension system, with adjustable height, spring rate, and damping settings. They are a popular choice for racing and track use, offering maximum adjustability for different driving conditions.
2. Sleeve Coilovers: Sleeve coilovers are a more affordable option, offering adjustable ride height and spring rates, but with limited damping settings. They are popular for street use, providing a lower ride height and improved handling over stock suspension.
3. Shock and Spring Coilovers: Shock and spring coilovers are a hybrid of the full and sleeve coilovers, offering adjustable ride height and damping settings, but with fixed spring rates. They are a good compromise between performance and cost.

Advantages of Coilovers:

1. Improved handling and performance: Coilovers offer greater adjustability than stock suspension, allowing for better handling, cornering, and traction.
2. Customizable ride height: Coilovers allow for easy adjustment of the ride height, providing a more aggressive stance and improved aerodynamics.
3. Better overall appearance: A lowered ride height can improve the overall appearance of a vehicle, making it look more sporty and aggressive.

​Disadvantages of Coilovers:

1. Cost: Coilovers are a significant investment, with prices ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
2. Stiff ride: Coilovers can provide a stiffer ride than stock suspension, which may not be ideal for daily driving.
3. Installation and adjustment: Coilovers require professional installation and adjustment, as incorrect installation or adjustment can lead to poor handling or even safety issues.

Coilovers are a popular suspension upgrade for car enthusiasts looking to improve their vehicle's handling, appearance, and overall driving experience. With greater adjustability, improved handling, and a lower ride height, coilovers offer a range of benefits over stock suspension. However, they can also be a significant investment, with a stiffer ride and the need for professional installation and adjustment. Ultimately, the decision to upgrade to coilovers will depend on individual needs and preferences, but they are undoubtedly a worthwhile consideration for any car enthusiast looking to take their driving experience to the next level.

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