Coilover vs. Standard Suspension: Don’t Make a Mistake
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When upgrading your vehicle’s suspension, it’s crucial to understand the differences between coilover and standard suspension systems. Each option has its advantages depending on your driving goals. This guide will help you make an informed decision to ensure you choose the right suspension for your vehicle.
What is Standard Suspension?
A standard suspension system consists of several components, including springs, shock absorbers, and struts, all designed to offer a balance of comfort and stability for daily driving. Most vehicles come equipped with standard suspension from the factory, optimised for general driving conditions.
However, standard suspension often lacks the adjustability and performance enhancements needed for track use or spirited driving. Handling, cornering, and overall vehicle dynamics may feel less responsive compared to more advanced systems.
What Are Coilovers?
Coilovers, short for "coil spring over shock," are performance suspension systems that combine a shock absorber and a coil spring into a single assembly. Coilovers are typically adjustable, offering drivers the ability to fine-tune their suspension settings based on driving style or road conditions.
Key Features of Coilovers
- Adjustable Ride Height: Coilovers allow you to lower or raise the ride height of your vehicle, giving you the flexibility to enhance aesthetics or optimise performance.
- Damping Adjustability: Many coilover systems, like those from KW Suspension and MCA Suspension available at Empire Performance, offer adjustable damping settings. This allows you to control how stiff or soft the suspension feels, helping to fine-tune handling and ride quality.
- Improved Handling: Coilovers significantly improve cornering ability, stability, and steering response by lowering the vehicle’s center of gravity and offering more precise control.
Coilovers vs. Standard Suspension: Key Differences
When comparing coilovers to standard suspension systems, several key differences become clear:
Adjustability
The most significant advantage of coilovers is the ability to adjust both ride height and damping. Standard suspensions lack this flexibility, meaning you’re stuck with factory-set parameters that may not suit your driving needs.
Performance
Coilovers are designed with performance in mind. Whether you’re looking to hit the track or want sharper handling on the road, coilovers offer superior control and responsiveness.
Longevity and Durability
High-quality coilovers, like those from KW Suspension or MCA Suspension, are built to withstand more demanding driving conditions, particularly on track or off-road. Standard suspensions may wear out faster under performance driving or heavy loads due to their focus on comfort over strength.
Price and Installation
Coilover kits are generally more expensive than standard suspension components due to their advanced features and adjustability.
Coilovers: Who Should Consider Them?
If you’re serious about performance driving or tuning your car for specific driving conditions, coilovers are the ideal choice. Here’s why you might consider upgrading to coilovers:
Track or Performance Driving
Coilovers are designed for high-performance driving. If you frequently take your vehicle to the track or enjoy spirited driving, the precise control and adjustability of coilovers are unmatched.
Customizability
If you want to fine-tune every aspect of your vehicle’s suspension, coilovers allow you to adjust ride height and damping settings to suit your driving style, from daily commuting to aggressive track days.
Aesthetic Appeal
Lowering your vehicle with coilovers not only improves handling but also enhances the look, giving your car a sportier stance.
Suspension Brands at Empire Performance
At Empire Performance, we offer high-quality suspension kits from top brands, including KW Suspension and MCA Suspension. Both brands deliver superior engineering and craftsmanship, ensuring that you get the most out of your suspension system.
KW Suspension Kits
KW Suspension kits are known for their precision engineering and performance tuning capabilities. KW offers a wide range of coilover kits designed to improve handling, reduce body roll, and provide adjustable damping for a personalised driving experience. Whether you’re looking for a street performance kit or a track-ready solution, KW Suspension delivers exceptional control and responsiveness.
MCA Suspension Kits
MCA Suspension, an Australian brand, provides suspension solutions tailored to local conditions and the specific needs of Australian drivers. MCA coilovers are ideal for both street and track use, offering adjustability and robustness to handle the toughest roads or track conditions. With an emphasis on durability, MCA Suspension kits are built to last while enhancing both comfort and performance.
Final Thoughts
Coilovers provide unmatched adjustability and performance, making them perfect for enthusiasts looking to improve handling, aesthetics, and track capabilities. For the ultimate suspension upgrade, whether you’re considering KW or MCA Suspension kits, Empire Performance offers high-quality options suited to your needs. Ensure you choose wisely based on your driving habits, vehicle goals, and the level of performance you seek. For more information, browse our collection of KW Suspension Kits and MCA Suspension Kits at Empire Performance.