Coilovers Vs Shocks/Springs

Chat about your MKIV (6N) Polo
iggy350
Silver Member
Posts: 371
Joined: Mon Mar 26, 2007 10:43 am
Location: Huddersfield

Coilovers Vs Shocks/Springs

Post by iggy350 »

Ok nubby question but i have no idea on the suspension stuffs.

Anyways can anyone tell me what the differences between the Coilovers and Shocks/Springs? Also which is better and why, im guessing coilovers since thats what most of you use :P

Am looking to lower the car at the beginning of April so i wanna get the gear in soon :) while i still have a job and moneys coming in :)

Thanks
polo gangsta
Bronze Member
Posts: 141
Joined: Tue Jun 05, 2007 6:23 pm

Post by polo gangsta »

coilovers cos u can wind them up or down till whatever your happy with as with springs n shocks u cant
iggy350
Silver Member
Posts: 371
Joined: Mon Mar 26, 2007 10:43 am
Location: Huddersfield

Post by iggy350 »

Cool thanks m8 :)

Do they have any other advantages in performance over shocks and springs? or do they just work in the same way, however allowing the users to higher and lower when they like?

Thanks
User avatar
NOZ
Platinum Member
Posts: 1652
Joined: Fri Feb 02, 2007 11:43 am
Location: East London
Contact:

Post by NOZ »

Once you put springs on thats it, your either happy with em or get a new set. With coilies they're adjustable to your own fancy. I've never had a low suspension kit but did have a 40mm kit. Now I have coilies and they're dropped about 80mm. All I can say is the rides harsher the lower you go obviously BUT the handling tends to be much much better.

The only real disasvantage though is that they can seize up if left at a height for ages although its not common enough to be scared of.
User avatar
Ollie_R
Sponsor
Posts: 1247
Joined: Wed Feb 01, 2006 1:24 pm
Location: SE London
Contact:

Post by Ollie_R »

Springs and shocks are usually cheaper, even if you get a good-quality kit, by mfg's like H&R, Weitec, and KW. They're fixed, some may have adjustments for the rear drop by the use of notches and a circlips below the rear spring cup. Some go as low as 80mm, which is more than enough. 60/40 is a good drop for a MKIV/V, and it doesn't compromise ride comfort and practicality compared to other drops. I prefer them as they don't need adjustment and are cheaper than fully-blown coilovers.

Coilovers are good if you want to go as low as possible. For ground-scraping fun, coilovers can't be beat for their ability to go below 100mm. They're usually harder than springs and shocks, and the ride can be rather harsh if you go lower than 60mm.

Overall, there are no handling differences between the two really, both will improve the car's handling, and both will give a more aggressive stance. I prefer springs and shocks, because I'm not into big drops. Try not to be taken in to going as low as possible, do what you want and take your needs in to regard.
iggy350
Silver Member
Posts: 371
Joined: Mon Mar 26, 2007 10:43 am
Location: Huddersfield

Post by iggy350 »

thanks for the info guys :) much apprieciated =D think im gunna go with the coilovers =D

i like the idea of their practicallity. Once my car is repaired and ive got my coilies and new wheels on ill post a pick of my ride =D
User avatar
NOZ
Platinum Member
Posts: 1652
Joined: Fri Feb 02, 2007 11:43 am
Location: East London
Contact:

Post by NOZ »

Coilies are practical but in my case I would've been better using a kit. The car came with coilies but since I chose my height its stayed that way ever since. So unless you think you'll play about with the height time to time then just get a kit to save £££
iggy350
Silver Member
Posts: 371
Joined: Mon Mar 26, 2007 10:43 am
Location: Huddersfield

Post by iggy350 »

I've seen some coilies for like £200 which i think is good not 2 expensive, and i also prefer the look of the coilies lol how sad is that :P
LeMeph
Platinum Member
Posts: 1044
Joined: Sat Apr 22, 2006 7:50 pm

Post by LeMeph »

depends what you want really. From my experience, limited though it may be, i have found that coilies are a helluva lot stiffer then shocks and springs. Yeh theyre adjustable and they look tidier (imo that is) but you sacrifice alot for the height. Like ride comfort and maneuverability.

I know quite a few drivers who seem to think that handling wise shocks and springs are better. I dont know why they think this they just do lol. I like shocks and springs cos you get mroe sway and feel. When you have rock hard coilies and you throw it into a corner it seems to me as though its harder to tell when your gonna skid out, even though technically it should BE harder to skid out...

These thoughts are confusing me. Im going back to my coursework lol.
CraigMK4
Silver Member
Posts: 365
Joined: Fri Dec 22, 2006 10:21 pm
Location: Bristol, UK
Contact:

Post by CraigMK4 »

Speak to Kam Racing if you're thinking of going with coilovers, i don't know if he still sells them at the same price, but i bought a set of raceland ones off of him for £130. I'm sure he can sort you out!
JoeG07
Gold Member
Posts: 842
Joined: Sun Apr 08, 2007 11:42 pm

Post by JoeG07 »

what you have to bare in mind is altho, yes with coilovers you can adjust the height anytime you want, you have to get your tracking and camber redone (£40?) everytime you readjust the height. And although the novelty of adjustable height is nice, ask yourself when you'll actually adjust the height, its not a 10 second adjustment lol. Mines at 60 on springs and i dont see when id ever want to adjust the height, lower would be unpractical and higher wouldn;t be enough. I'll get slated for saying this but personally i think a lot pf people go for coilovers because theyre a "more respected mod"
User avatar
NOZ
Platinum Member
Posts: 1652
Joined: Fri Feb 02, 2007 11:43 am
Location: East London
Contact:

Post by NOZ »

That seems about right and it does sometimes sound like people just follow suit cos its a full adjustable kit whether they reallly need it or not. Mine came with the car but since I adjusted the height I ain't touched it in a year. A good spring kits usually cheaper then coilies so better off with that if not adjusting.
iggy350
Silver Member
Posts: 371
Joined: Mon Mar 26, 2007 10:43 am
Location: Huddersfield

Post by iggy350 »

hehe I dont wanna really adjust it tbh but i really do like the look of the coilies. I'll have a chat with my local modder hehe and see what he uses/suggest as well, cos ill prob get him to fit it cos i cba working in the cold
JoeG07
Gold Member
Posts: 842
Joined: Sun Apr 08, 2007 11:42 pm

Post by JoeG07 »

...but you can't see them once theyre fitted unless you look REALLY closely!
iggy350
Silver Member
Posts: 371
Joined: Mon Mar 26, 2007 10:43 am
Location: Huddersfield

Post by iggy350 »

True that joe, well am in no rush to buy just yet so im sure ill make up my mind sooner or later :P
Post Reply