Choosing between coilovers and air ride systems for lowering your car involves weighing various factors related to performance, convenience, and personal preferences. Let’s explore these suspension options in more depth.
Starting with coilovers, these are an excellent choice for enthusiasts seeking improved performance from their lowered vehicle. Coilovers offer adjustability in damping, rebound, and compression rates, providing a range from stiffer setups designed for track-focused driving to softer configurations ideal for daily commuting. Tuning the height on coilovers requires some effort and patience, often involving adjusting the threaded spring perches or collars. However, the payoff is enhanced handling, reduced body roll, and overall better performance on the road. The precision and customization options of coilovers make them favored among driving enthusiasts looking to optimize their car’s dynamics. Popular brands of coilovers we recommend and carry are: KW Suspensions, ST Suspensions, BC Racing, Fortune Auto, Ohlins, D2 Racing, H&R, HKS, Bilstein.
On the other hand, air ride systems offer unparalleled convenience and versatility when it comes to adjusting ride height. With air ride, altering the car’s height is as simple as clicking a button or turning a dial, allowing quick and effortless adjustments on the fly. This flexibility makes air ride systems perfect for achieving extreme low stances while still retaining the ability to raise the car for drivability over speed bumps or rough roads. The comfort level with air ride tends to be higher compared to coilovers, offering a smoother and more adjustable ride. We recommend Air Ride parts from: Airlift, Accuair, D2 Racing, KSport, Ride Tech, AirRex.
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However, while air ride systems excel in convenience and versatility, they may not match coilovers in terms of ultimate performance. Generally, air ride setups are not as adept at handling aggressive driving styles compared to coilovers. The air springs in air ride systems tend to have more give, affecting handling and responsiveness, especially during high-performance maneuvers or aggressive cornering.
Both coilovers and air ride systems have their distinct advantages and limitations. Coilovers prioritize performance and handling, providing a tailored suspension setup for driving enthusiasts seeking improved dynamics. On the contrary, air ride systems offer unparalleled adjustability and convenience, making them ideal for those who prioritize versatility, extreme lowering, and ease of adjustment.
Ultimately, the choice between coilovers and air ride systems hinges on individual preferences, driving habits, and the specific goals for the lowered car—whether it’s optimized performance, extreme lowering, or convenience in height adjustment. Understanding these differences helps enthusiasts make an informed decision based on their priorities and intended use for their vehicle.
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