How Do Coilovers Work?
Coilovers replace the factory shocks and springs with adjustable units that allow you to fine-tune your suspension to your specific needs. The shock absorber in coilovers dampens the bounce of the spring while the spring itself supports the vehicle's weight. By adjusting the spring preload, damping, and ride height, you can tailor your suspension to your driving style and the conditions of the road or track. A lower ride height helps reduce body roll, particularly at high speeds. The revised spring setup also reduces squatting when accelerating and diving when decelerating, all helping to ensure all four wheels get maximum traction when you need it most.
What Does Each Coilover Component Do?
Coilover Suspension is made up of a series of components but understanding what each one does helps when installing and setting them up on your car. Here is a technical breakdown of how coilovers work and the components that make up a coilover:
1. Shock absorber: The shock absorber is the main component of all coilovers. It is responsible for controlling the movement of the spring, ensuring that the wheel stays in contact with the road surface. The shock absorber compresses and rebounds, converting kinetic energy into heat.
2. Coil spring: The coil spring is responsible for supporting the weight of the vehicle and providing a cushion against bumps and other imperfections on the road. Coil springs come in various lengths, thicknesses, and rates, and are often made of steel or other high-strength materials.
3. Top mount: The upper mount connects the coilover to the vehicle's body. It is typically adjustable, allowing for changes in camber, caster, and other suspension settings.
4. Lower mount: The lower mount connects the coilover to the vehicle's suspension arm. It is also adjustable, allowing for changes in ride height and alignment.
5. Spring perch: The spring perch is on the shock absorber and supports the coil spring. It is adjustable, allowing for changes in preload and ride height.
6. Damper adjustment: Many coilovers come with adjustable dampers, which allow for fine-tuning of the suspension settings. Dampers control the rate at which the shock absorber compresses and rebounds.
7. Bump stop: The bump stop is a rubber or polyurethane piece that prevents the suspension from bottoming out. It is located between the shock absorber and the upper mount.
8. Dust boot: The dust boot protects the shock absorber from dirt, debris, and other contaminants.
9. Spanner wrench: A spanner wrench is used to adjust the settings of the coilover, including ride height and preload.
The Benefits Of Using Coilovers
There are many benefits to using coilovers, including:
1. Improved handling: Coilovers offer improved handling and stability compared to factory suspension. By lowering the centre of gravity and reducing body roll, you can achieve better cornering and faster lap times.
2. Customisable ride height: Coilovers allow you to adjust the ride height of your vehicle, giving you a more aggressive stance and improved aerodynamics.
3. Better ride quality: Coilovers can provide a smoother and more comfortable ride compared to factory suspension, especially on bumpy or uneven roads.
4. Fine-tuned suspension: With adjustable damping and spring rates, you can tailor your suspension to your specific driving style and preferences.
5. Improved appearance: Lowering your ride height and upgrading your suspension with coilovers can give your vehicle a more aggressive and sporty look.
Overall, coilovers provide a more customisable suspension setup compared to factory suspension. By adjusting the spring rates, dampers, and other components, you can fine-tune your suspension for maximum performance and handling. Additionally, the ability to adjust ride height and alignment can also improve the appearance of your vehicle.
What Coilover Brands Are Available?
Many brands specialise in making coilovers, but some of the most popular and respected brands include HSD, KW Suspension, TEIN, BC Racing, ST Suspension, Bilstein, Ohlins, and Eibach. Each coilover brand offers different levels of adjustment depending on the price point - generally speaking, the more expensive the coilovers, the more adjustment you'll get.
Here are just a few brands we have tried and tested at Driftworks:
HSD Coilovers: HSD is the high-performance aftermarket coilover range by HD System. Established in the 90's; HSD manufactures innovative affordable coilover suspension solutions with superb damper refinement.
KW Suspension: KW Automotive GmbH, commonly referred to as KW Suspension, is a German manufacturer of high-performance suspension systems for street and racing applications. Founded in 1992, KW Suspension has established itself as a leading provider of premium suspension components, including coilover suspension systems, shock absorbers and springs.
TEIN: A Japanese manufacturer, TEIN is renowned for its high-quality suspension components, particularly its coilover suspension systems. TEIN coilovers are designed to provide exceptional performance and adjustability, without costing a fortune, making them a popular choice for car enthusiasts and professional drivers alike.
BC Racing: BC Coilovers are high-performance coilover suspension systems for street and racing applications. The company was founded in 2006 in Taiwan and has since established itself as a leading provider of premium suspension components worldwide. With a huge following in the USA, BC Racing have dominated the car tuning market due to their affordable price tag, performance, and adjustability.