All About Coilovers: A Beginner’s Guide to Modern Coilover Suspension
If you’re passionate about enhancing your car’s control, performance, and overall ride quality, installing coilover suspension is one of the most effective moves you can make. Whether you’re a drift enthusiast, track driving, or simply want a smoother and performance-focused daily drive, the right coilover shocks can completely transform how your vehicle feels on the road.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about coilover suspension, and how they differ from standard suspension setups.
What Are Coilovers?
A coilover shock (short for “coil spring over shock”) is a suspension system that integrates a coil spring and a shock absorber into one compact unit. Unlike traditional shocks and springs, coilover shocks are designed to give you better control over your car’s ride height, damping, and handling characteristics.
Because they merge both the spring and shock into one adjustable system, coilovers are a common choice among car enthusiasts who want a mix of comfort, control, and performance.
Why Install Coilovers?
Installing adjustable coilovers is more than just a cosmetic upgrade. Here’s why so many enthusiasts choose them:
1. Better Handling and Stability
Coilover suspension significantly reduce body roll, improve cornering grip, and keep your tires planted during aggressive driving. Whether you’re cornering hard on the track or driving through city streets, a quality coilover suspension gives you unmatched stability.
2. Adjustable Ride Height
One of the biggest benefits of adjustable coilovers is the ability to adjust your vehicle to your ideal ride height. Whether you want a track-ready look or need more ground clearance for daily driving, coilovers offer the freedom you need.
3. Enhanced Performance on the Track
Because shocks with coilovers allow for customization of rebound and compression, you can tailor how your suspension responds under different driving conditions. That means better traction, optimized weight transfer, and faster lap times.
4. Improved Ride Quality
Contrary to coilover popular belief, coilovers aren’t just for racing. Many modern coilovers are engineered for both performance and comfort, delivering a refined and more controlled ride even on rough roads.
Adjustable Coilovers vs Standard Shocks with Coilovers
You might be wondering: How do they differ between standard shocks with coil springs and fully adjustable coilovers?
Shocks with coilovers offer some performance benefits but are usually basic in terms of customization.
Adjustable coilovers on the other hand allow you to fine tune your ride height, damping, and stiffness, giving you full control over how your car handles and feels.
If performance, handling, and customization are priorities for you, adjustable coilovers are the clear choice.
Tips for Choosing the Right Coilover Suspension
Before you upgrade, here’s what to keep in mind when choosing coilovers:
✅ Vehicle compatibility: Always choose a setup designed specifically for your car’s make and model.
✅ Adjustability: Look for options that allow you to fine tune ride height and damping.
✅ Quality: Invest in high quality coilovers from trusted manufacturers. They’ll perform better and last longer.
✅ Purpose: Decide whether your focus is daily driving, drifting, or competitive racing.
Brands like SLR Speed
offer top-tier coilover suspension systems specifically engineered for drifting and high performance driving, giving you excellent angle, grip, and control on the road or track.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re focused on improving performance, more control, or just a more comfortable ride, coilover suspension are a powerful upgrade for any performance car. With the right coilover shocks, you can customize every aspect of your suspension setup, from ride height to damping, and enjoy a driving experience that’s perfectly tuned to your style.
Switch to a high quality coilover system today and experience the difference every time you hit the road.