Coilovers vs. Lowering Springs: Which Suspension Upgrade is Right for You?

The Basics

Lowering springs replace your factory springs with shorter, stiffer springs that lower your car's ride height.

How They Work:

• Replace stock springs only
• Keep stock struts/shocks (initially)
• Lower car 1-3 inches
• Stiffer spring rates
• Bolt-on installation

What's Included:

• 4 springs (front and rear)
• Installation hardware (sometimes)
• Instructions

What's NOT Included:

• Struts/shocks (use stock or upgrade separately)
• Adjustability
• Damping control

Types of Lowering Springs

Progressive Rate Springs:

• Spring rate increases under compression
• Comfortable daily driving
• Stiffer when pushed hard
• Best for street use

Linear Rate Springs:

• Consistent spring rate
• More predictable
• Better for track use
• Harsher ride

Typical Drop Heights

Mild Drop (0.75-1.25"):

• Subtle appearance
• Minimal handling change
• Best ride quality
• Daily driver friendly

Moderate Drop (1.25-2"):

• Noticeable stance
• Improved handling
• Slightly harsher ride
• Most popular

Aggressive Drop (2-3"+):

• Slammed look
• May require other mods
• Harsh ride
• Show car territory

The Basics

Coilovers (coil-over shocks) are a complete suspension system with integrated springs and adjustable dampers.

How They Work:

• Replace entire strut/shock assembly
• Spring wraps around shock (coil-over)
• Fully adjustable ride height
• Adjustable damping (most models)
• Threaded body for height adjustment

What's Included:

• 4 complete coilover assemblies
• Adjustment tools
• Installation hardware
• Instructions

What You Get:

• Adjustable ride height
• Adjustable damping (most models)
• Matched spring/shock combo
• Performance-oriented design

Types of Coilovers

Non-Adjustable Damping:

• Fixed damping rate
• Adjustable height only
• Budget-friendly
• Good for street use

Single-Adjustable:

• Adjust compression and rebound together
• 32-way damping adjustment (typical)
• Good for street/track
• Most popular

Dual-Adjustable:

• Separate compression and rebound adjustment
• Ultimate tunability
• Track-focused
• More expensive

Triple-Adjustable:

• Compression, rebound, AND low-speed compression
• Professional/race use
• Very expensive
• Overkill for street

Cost

AspectLowering SpringsCoiloversParts Cost$200-$500$800-$3,500Installation$200-$400$400-$800Total Cost$400-$900$1,200-$4,300

Winner: Lowering Springs (much cheaper)

Adjustability

FeatureLowering SpringsCoiloversRide HeightFixedFully adjustableDampingStock shocksAdjustable (most models)Spring RateFixedFixed (but matched)Corner BalanceNoYes (advanced)

Winner: Coilovers (infinitely adjustable)

Performance

AspectLowering SpringsCoiloversHandlingImprovedExcellentTrack UseOKExcellentTunabilityNoneHighConsistencyGoodExcellent

Winner: Coilovers (purpose-built performance)

Ride Quality

AspectLowering SpringsCoiloversDaily ComfortGoodVaries (adjustable)HarshnessModerateModerate-HighRoad NoiseSimilar to stockMore than stockLong-TermDegrades (stock shocks)Consistent

Winner: Lowering Springs (initially, with stock shocks)

Longevity

AspectLowering SpringsCoiloversSpring Life100k+ miles100k+ milesShock LifeStock shocks wear faster50k-100k milesRebuildReplace shocks separatelyRebuildable (some brands)Long-Term CostHigher (shock replacement)Lower (matched system)

Winner: Coilovers (designed to work together)

Handling Improvements

Lowering Springs:

• ✅ Lower center of gravity
• ✅ Reduced body roll
• ✅ Stiffer spring rates
• ❌ Stock shocks not optimized
• ❌ Can't fine-tune
• ❌ Shocks wear faster

Typical Improvement: 15-25% better handling

Coilovers:

• ✅ Lower center of gravity
• ✅ Reduced body roll
• ✅ Matched spring/shock combo
• ✅ Adjustable damping
• ✅ Optimized for lowered height
• ✅ Can fine-tune for track

Typical Improvement: 30-50% better handling

Track Day Performance

Lowering Springs:

• OK for occasional track days
• Stock shocks fade quickly
• Can't adjust for track conditions
• Not ideal for serious track use

Lap Time Improvement: 1-3 seconds (vs. stock)

Coilovers:

• Excellent for track days
• Adjustable damping for track setup
• Consistent performance
• Can corner-balance
• Professional-level tuning

Lap Time Improvement: 3-7 seconds (vs. stock)

Lowering Springs Total Cost

Initial Investment:

• Springs: $250-$450
• Installation: $200-$400
• Alignment: $100-$150
• Total: $550-$1,000

Long-Term Costs (5 years):

• Shock replacement (needed): $400-$800
• Installation: $200-$400
• Alignment: $100-$150
• Total: $700-$1,350

5-Year Total: $1,250-$2,350

Coilovers Total Cost

Initial Investment:

• Coilovers: $1,000-$3,000
• Installation: $400-$800
• Alignment: $100-$150
• Total: $1,500-$3,950

Long-Term Costs (5 years):

• Rebuild (optional): $300-$600
• Alignment adjustments: $100-$200
• Total: $400-$800

5-Year Total: $1,900-$4,750

Cost Per Year

Lowering Springs: $250-$470/year Coilovers: $380-$950/year

Difference: Coilovers cost $130-$480 more per year

But you get:

• Better performance
• Adjustability
• Matched system
• Track capability

Lowering Springs Ride Quality

Pros:

• ✅ Similar to stock (initially)
• ✅ Stock shocks provide comfort
• ✅ Progressive springs smooth bumps
• ✅ Daily driver friendly

Cons:

• ❌ Degrades over time (shocks wear)
• ❌ Bouncy after 20k-40k miles
• ❌ Can't adjust for comfort
• ❌ May bottom out on big bumps

Best For: Daily drivers prioritizing comfort

Coilovers Ride Quality

Pros:

• ✅ Adjustable damping (dial in comfort)
• ✅ Consistent over time
• ✅ Matched spring/shock combo
• ✅ Can soften for street, stiffen for track

Cons:

• ❌ Harsher than stock (usually)
• ❌ More road noise
• ❌ Stiffer ride (performance-oriented)
• ❌ Budget coilovers can be very harsh

Best For: Enthusiasts who want performance + adjustability

Real-World Ride Quality

Stock Suspension:

• Comfort: 10/10
• Handling: 5/10

Lowering Springs (with stock shocks):

• Comfort: 7/10
• Handling: 7/10

Budget Coilovers ($800-$1,200):

• Comfort: 5/10
• Handling: 8/10

Mid-Range Coilovers ($1,200-$2,000):

• Comfort: 6-7/10 (adjustable)
• Handling: 9/10

Premium Coilovers ($2,000-$3,500):

• Comfort: 7-8/10 (highly adjustable)
• Handling: 10/10

Choose LOWERING SPRINGS If:

✅ Budget is priority

• $400-$900 total cost
• Can't afford $1,500-$4,000 for coilovers

✅ You want subtle drop

• 1-1.5" drop
• Improved stance
• Not slammed

✅ Daily driver comfort matters

• Want close to stock ride
• Don't want harsh suspension
• Prioritize comfort over performance

✅ You don't track your car

• Street driving only
• Occasional spirited driving
• No track days

✅ You want simple

• Bolt-on installation
• No adjustments needed
• Set it and forget it

Choose COILOVERS If:

✅ You want maximum performance

• Track days
• Autocross
• Canyon carving
• Serious handling

✅ You want adjustability

• Dial in ride height perfectly
• Adjust damping for conditions
• Fine-tune handling balance

✅ You want to go low

• 2-3"+ drop
• Slammed stance
• Show car look

✅ Long-term investment

• Matched spring/shock system
• Won't need shock replacement
• Rebuildable (some brands

✅ You're an enthusiast

• Love tinkering and adjusting
• Want to optimize setup
• Enjoy learning suspension tuning

✅ You have the budget

• Can afford $1,500-$4,000
• Want best performance
• Long-term investment mindset

Lowering Springs Installation

Difficulty: Moderate Time: 3-5 hours Tools Needed:

• Floor jack and jack stands
• Spring compressor (REQUIRED - safety!)
• Socket set
• Torque wrench
• Alignment after install

Steps:

1. Lift car, remove wheels
2. Remove strut/shock assembly
3. Compress spring with spring compressor
4. Remove stock spring
5. Install lowering spring
6. Reassemble strut/shock
7. Reinstall assembly
8. Repeat for all 4 corners
9. Get alignment (REQUIRED!)

Professional Install Cost: $200-$400

DIY Savings: $200-$400

Safety Warning: Spring compressors are dangerous! One mistake can cause serious injury. Consider professional install if inexperienced.

Coilovers Installation

Difficulty: Moderate-Advanced Time: 4-6 hours Tools Needed:

• Floor jack and jack stands
• Socket set
• Torque wrench
• Spanner wrenches (for adjustment)
• Alignment after install

Steps:

1. Lift car, remove wheels
2. Remove stock strut/shock assembly
3. Install coilover assembly (complete unit)
4. Set initial ride height
5. Torque all bolts to spec
6. Repeat for all 4 corners
7. Set damping (if adjustable)
8. Get alignment (REQUIRED!)

Professional Install Cost: $400-$800

DIY Savings: $400-$800

Easier than springs! No spring compressor needed since coilovers come pre-assembled.

Post-Installation

REQUIRED:

• ✅ Alignment (camber, toe, caster)
• ✅ Test drive (check for noises)
• ✅ Re-torque bolts after 100 miles
• ✅ Check ride height after settling

RECOMMENDED:

• ✅ Corner balance (coilovers)
• ✅ Damping adjustment (coilovers)
• ✅ Camber plates (aggressive drops)

Best Lowering Springs

Eibach Pro-Kit:

• Drop: 1-1.5"
• Cost: $250-$400
• Ride: Comfortable, progressive
• Best For: Daily drivers
• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

H&R Sport Springs:

• Drop: 1.2-1.6"
• Cost: $300-$450
• Ride: Sporty, firm
• Best For: Spirited driving
• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Tein S.Tech:

• Drop: 1-2"
• Cost: $200-$350
• Ride: Moderate
• Best For: Budget builds
• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Swift Springs:

• Drop: 1-1.5"
• Cost: $350-$500
• Ride: Excellent (high-quality)
• Best For: Enthusiasts
• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Best Budget Coilovers ($800-$1,400)

BC Racing BR Series:

• Cost: $1,000-$1,400
• Adjustability: 30-way damping, height adjustable
• Ride: Moderate (adjustable)
• Best For: Best value, street/track
• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Tein Street Basis Z:

• Cost: $800-$1,200
• Adjustability: Height only (non-adjustable damping)
• Ride: Comfortable
• Best For: Daily drivers on budget
• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Raceland:

• Cost: $400-$700
• Adjustability: Height only
• Ride: Harsh
• Best For: Extreme budget builds
• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (you get what you pay for)

Best Mid-Range Coilovers ($1,400-$2,500)

Fortune Auto 500 Series:

• Cost: $1,400-$1,800
• Adjustability: 32-way damping, height adjustable
• Ride: Excellent (digressive valving)
• Best For: Street/track, best overall
• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Tein Flex Z:

• Cost: $1,200-$1,800
• Adjustability: 16-way damping, height adjustable
• Ride: Good
• Best For: Street performance
• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

KW V1/V2:

• Cost: $1,500-$2,200
• Adjustability: V1 (height only), V2 (rebound adjustable)
• Ride: Excellent (German engineering)
• Best For: Daily drivers wanting quality
• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Best Premium Coilovers ($2,500-$3,500+)

KW V3:

• Cost: $2,200-$2,800
• Adjustability: Compression and rebound separate
• Ride: Exceptional
• Best For: Serious enthusiasts, track use
• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ohlins Road & Track:

• Cost: $2,800-$3,500
• Adjustability: Dual-adjustable
• Ride: Best in class
• Best For: Track warriors, ultimate performance
• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

MCS (Motion Control Suspension):

• Cost: $3,000-$4,500
• Adjustability: Triple-adjustable
• Ride: Professional-grade
• Best For: Race cars, time attack
• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

AST Suspension:

• Cost: $3,500-$5,000
• Adjustability: Triple-adjustable
• Ride: Race-proven
• Best For: Professional racing
• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐