When it comes to improving your vehicle’s suspension system, one of the most effective and popular upgrades is installing coilovers. Whether you’re an avid enthusiast looking to enhance your car’s handling on the track, or simply want a smoother and more controlled ride for daily driving, the best coilovers for handling improvement can make a world of difference. Coilovers provide adjustable ride height, stiffness, and damping, allowing you to fine-tune your suspension to match your driving style, road conditions, and performance goals. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into coilovers, their benefits, and how you can choose the best set to optimize your vehicle’s handling.
What are Coilovers and Why Should You Upgrade?
Understanding Coilovers
At their core, coilovers are a type of suspension system that combines both the shock absorber and the spring into a single unit. This allows for a more compact and customizable setup compared to traditional suspension systems. Coilovers come with threaded bodies, allowing you to adjust the ride height to lower or raise your car. Most high-performance coilovers also feature adjustable damping settings, letting you control how stiff or soft your suspension feels.
Unlike stock suspension, which is typically designed with a one-size-fits-all approach, coilovers give you the ability to tailor the suspension setup to your specific needs. If you’re looking for better handling, reduced body roll, and improved cornering capabilities, coilovers are a go-to solution. Furthermore, coilovers can be adjusted to suit various driving conditions—whether you’re taking your car to a track or cruising on winding mountain roads.
Why Upgrade to Coilovers for Handling?
Upgrading to coilovers for handling improvement offers several key benefits that can elevate your driving experience:
- Increased Stability and Control: Coilovers improve stability, especially in high-speed corners and sharp turns. This is due to their ability to stiffen the suspension, reducing body roll and enhancing grip on the road.
- Lower Ride Height: One of the primary reasons many car enthusiasts opt for coilovers is the ability to lower their vehicle. A lower center of gravity leads to reduced body roll, improved aerodynamics, and better overall handling.
- Customizable Damping: The best coilovers for handling improvement come with adjustable damping. This allows you to fine-tune how your suspension responds to bumps, dips, and uneven surfaces, ensuring you get the perfect balance between comfort and performance.
- Improved Cornering: Coilovers significantly improve your vehicle’s cornering abilities by reducing suspension travel and keeping the tires in better contact with the road.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Aside from the performance benefits, lowering your vehicle’s ride height can also give it a more aggressive stance, improving its overall appearance.
Key Features to Look for in the Best Coilovers for Handling Improvement
Adjustable Ride Height
One of the most sought-after features of coilovers is the ability to adjust the ride height. This feature allows you to lower or raise your vehicle, depending on your needs. Lowering your car can provide several performance benefits, including a lower center of gravity, which reduces body roll and improves cornering. Additionally, a lowered vehicle often has a more aggressive and visually appealing stance.
However, it’s important to note that simply lowering the car too much can cause negative effects, such as reduced suspension travel and bottoming out. The best coilovers for handling improvement offer the flexibility to find the ideal ride height without compromising performance.
Adjustable Damping
The ability to adjust damping (the firmness or softness of the suspension) is another key feature to look for. Damping controls the shock absorbers’ resistance to compression and rebound, which significantly affects the ride quality and handling. A coilover with adjustable damping will allow you to fine-tune the ride for different conditions. You might want a stiffer suspension for track days or more comfort for everyday driving.
High-quality coilovers often come with two-way or even three-way adjustable damping, providing even more fine-tuned control. The best coilovers for handling improvement allow for a range of adjustments, making them versatile enough for both track and street use.
Build Quality and Durability
Coilovers are an investment, and as such, it’s important to consider the build quality and materials used in their construction. High-end coilovers are typically made from high-grade steel or aluminum, offering both strength and lightweight properties. Additionally, they should feature protective coatings to prevent rust and corrosion, especially if you plan to use your vehicle in wet or salty conditions.
Another important factor is the quality of the internal components. Look for coilovers with high-quality piston rods, seals, and oil for smooth operation and longevity.
Compatibility with Your Vehicle
Not all coilovers are created equal, and it’s essential to choose a set that is specifically designed for your vehicle. The best coilovers for handling improvement will be tailored to your car’s make, model, and performance goals. Many manufacturers offer coilover kits designed to improve handling without sacrificing ride quality, so ensure that the model you select is compatible with your car’s suspension geometry.
Top Brands to Consider
KW Suspensions
KW Suspensions is one of the leading brands in the performance coilover market. Known for their innovative designs and top-tier engineering, KW coilovers offer excellent handling improvement without compromising comfort. Their adjustable damping systems are some of the best in the industry, and they offer a range of products for both street and track use.
Ohlins
Ohlins is another premium brand in the coilover market. They are famous for their high-performance shock absorbers, and their coilover kits provide exceptional handling improvement. Ohlins coilovers come with advanced damping technology, allowing you to fine-tune your car’s suspension to perfection. While they tend to be on the more expensive side, the quality and performance make them well worth the investment.
Bilstein
Bilstein is a trusted name in the world of suspension systems, offering a variety of coilovers that provide excellent handling and comfort. Known for their monotube gas shocks, Bilstein coilovers are durable, reliable, and offer a great balance between performance and ride quality.
Tein
Tein offers a wide range of coilovers suitable for various performance needs, from street driving to motorsports. Their coilovers are known for their high-quality construction and adjustability. Tein coilovers are an excellent choice for those looking for reliable handling improvement on a moderate budget.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best coilovers for handling improvement offer a combination of adjustability, performance, and durability. Whether you are looking to enhance your car’s cornering capabilities, reduce body roll, or simply improve the overall driving experience, upgrading to coilovers is an excellent investment. Be sure to consider factors like adjustable ride height, damping, build quality, and compatibility with your vehicle before making your decision. By selecting the right coilovers, you can take your car’s handling to the next level and enjoy a more dynamic driving experience.