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Coilovers Vs Shocks/Springs
Posted: Tue Dec 18, 2007 10:56 am
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
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
Posted: Tue Dec 18, 2007 12:21 pm
by polo gangsta
coilovers cos u can wind them up or down till whatever your happy with as with springs n shocks u cant
Posted: Tue Dec 18, 2007 12:42 pm
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
Posted: Tue Dec 18, 2007 1:05 pm
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.
Posted: Tue Dec 18, 2007 1:07 pm
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.
Posted: Tue Dec 18, 2007 1:12 pm
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
Posted: Tue Dec 18, 2007 1:53 pm
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 £££
Posted: Tue Dec 18, 2007 1:57 pm
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

Posted: Tue Dec 18, 2007 4:07 pm
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.
Posted: Tue Dec 18, 2007 6:29 pm
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!
Posted: Wed Dec 19, 2007 12:21 am
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"
Posted: Wed Dec 19, 2007 12:04 pm
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.
Posted: Wed Dec 19, 2007 2:30 pm
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
Posted: Wed Dec 19, 2007 2:45 pm
by JoeG07
...but you can't see them once theyre fitted unless you look REALLY closely!
Posted: Wed Dec 19, 2007 4:39 pm
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
