Coilovers or Springs and shocks.

[StR8sPo0Ln]

Hey guys whats up, i have a pair of tiens i was going to put on my car, with some good shocks. Then, it was brought up to my attention i should do a full coilover setup. What would you suggest im not looking to autocross or road race, so i dont see the need to go with the coilovers. Any information you could give me would be greatly appreciated.

 

[talon8it]

I am wondering the same thing i live in the country and would like to redo the suspension and dont no which way to go with it? i am not worried about prices i will just save up? any info would greatly help thnx

 

[spinninfwdlaser]

I like Teins, and D2 coilovers. Both are excellent quality, and have great racing background. D2s are cheaper, and in my book better. Either are great buys, coupled with some swaybars and poly bushings, you can tear through some turns quicker than you would think.

 

[StR8sPo0Ln]

Thanks but the question said was should i go with coilovers or a set of springs and shocks. thats my main concern, money isnt that much of a problem i can always save up. I just dont know if its worth the money to spend on coilovers, when all i do is the quater mile.

 

[talon8it]

what is a rough price on the coilovers?

 

[snowborder714]

Coilovers (I think) are going to be on the more expensive side. They run from $700ish to $2500+. If you are just looking for a nice setup and don't want to spend too much money, I'd say go with the shocks/springs. But if you want a great setup and something that'll give you a bit more, go with the coilovers. I just put Tein Flex's with EDFC on my car and I couldn't be happier. Completely adjustable (height and stiffness) and were extremely easy to install (minus some of the nuts/bolts being a PITA to get off). You can read on here about people who have coilover setups and people who have the shock/spring setup. I personally chose the coilovers because I was going to do it right the first time and done (that way I didn't have to do the upgrade more than once) and because of how much adjustability there was with the coilovers.

Bottom line: shocks/springs will be cheaper and still give you a decent ride and coilovers are more expensive but better IMO.

 

[flyinghighlm]

If a DD is your thing and you do not want to race, just go with some good shocks and springs, maybe throw some strut bars in but for a DD there is no need for coilovers. A good suspension goes along way, and a good stock set up can hold up on a spirited drive. I know you do not always take it easy on turns, who does ALL the time.

 

[95blackGsTurbo]

Just get a set of nice springs and shocks. No reason to spend $800+ for something you will never use. Plus they can be a bit rough riding at times. I have a friend that has a set of Tien full coilovers and it isn't the worlds smoothest ride but at the autox track is where you really notice them working. No reason to overbuild.

 

[asian312]

Daily drive and occational track day/auto-x:
H&R/Koni (stiffer rates than Tein and Eibach http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=242876)

Competition:
- JICs, Hotbits, Jtoby's GC setup (come on down to the Handling Tech)

 

[talon8it]

thank you for the advise i think i am going to go with a set of shocks and springs instead of coilovers i think i will go with some konis they have a pretty good reputation thanks for the advise though much appreciated

 

[91TSiChick]

I think I would go with a good spring/shock combo. I am looking at the same thing for my TSi and Si. I had full coilovers on the Si and loved them but it was pretty slammed and the roads here are horrible so it was an unpleasant experience. The coilovers handled great and looked awesome but since they were free I went with those. If I had to purchase either or, I would definately do springs/shocks because 1. cheaper, 2. if you aren't autoX or turns its kind of a waste of money in my opinion.

 

[talon8it]

yeah but i would like to be able to still run through the curves at some pretty good speeds and what the new shocks and springs improve the speed that i would be able to go through the curves at? because if it isnt a huge difference then i would rather go with the coilovers?????

 

[asian312]

It's not the a comparison between shocks/springs vs. coilovers, but how the spring rates and the valving match the purpoes for the car. You really have to be honest with yourself and ask what you want your car to do.

The H&R/Koni setup I run on are plenty ample for me at track days and really firmed up the corners (also have RM sway bars). On the street its stiffer than the stock setup (those were also blown) but I can say I drive it comfortably to work every day. If it was just a street setup, I could see the Eibach/Tokico/AGX/GR-2 working as they primarily focus on a sport feel while retaining comfort.

On the flip side I have a friend with K2 coilovers on his car which are pretty similar to the D2 and Megan Racing ones. He hates them on the street. They are stiff and bounce a bit. He does have the softer spring rates. On the track (road course) however they felt pretty amazing with a little tweaking of the knob. Even with 3 people in the car the body stayed pretty flat (no swap bars either). I was pretty impressed.

I guess my point is you need to jump in some cars and get a feel for yourself of what is acceptable for your goals.