Suspension selection
- Thread starter ReeseLightning
- Start date
94383Z71
New member
It's a totally different system really.
Eibach's (as well as B&G or any other spring kit) are simply just springs that replace the stock coil springs to ride lower, and usually provide lower bump stops. Simply 4 springs for lower ride height.
Their downside is that one you put them in..that's it. They may settle a tad, but that's gonna be your ride height unless you change springs. But springs are relatively cheap.
Coilovers are a different beast. They are like a spring/strut combo (while still separate spring/shock in the rear like stock) that mounts in place of stock. They have a threads body that allows you to fine tune your ride height exactly how you want it, and change it (comparatively) fast and easy. Many kits also include shortened front swaybar end links. They usually have different shock dampening characteristics as well.
Their downside is really just the fact they cost 4-5x what you can get springs for. More complicated, but more perks.
Disclaimer: I'm on Eibachs and have little knowledge of coilovers. Hopefully somebody that knows them better will chime in and correct me if I'm wrong.
Eibach's (as well as B&G or any other spring kit) are simply just springs that replace the stock coil springs to ride lower, and usually provide lower bump stops. Simply 4 springs for lower ride height.
Their downside is that one you put them in..that's it. They may settle a tad, but that's gonna be your ride height unless you change springs. But springs are relatively cheap.
Coilovers are a different beast. They are like a spring/strut combo (while still separate spring/shock in the rear like stock) that mounts in place of stock. They have a threads body that allows you to fine tune your ride height exactly how you want it, and change it (comparatively) fast and easy. Many kits also include shortened front swaybar end links. They usually have different shock dampening characteristics as well.
Their downside is really just the fact they cost 4-5x what you can get springs for. More complicated, but more perks.
Disclaimer: I'm on Eibachs and have little knowledge of coilovers. Hopefully somebody that knows them better will chime in and correct me if I'm wrong.
ReeseLightning
New member
Would coilover a be a worthwhile option for the everyday driver or are they more specialized towards drag racing and drifting style?
94383Z71
New member
IMO they're not for the average car enthusiast, or even above average.
I LOVE cars, been working on them for 10 years, I've built 3 trucks and went to school for Automotive Service & Engineering. I still went Eibach's on this car because the amount of work and money for coilovers is better spent in other areas on these cars.
I LOVE cars, been working on them for 10 years, I've built 3 trucks and went to school for Automotive Service & Engineering. I still went Eibach's on this car because the amount of work and money for coilovers is better spent in other areas on these cars.
ReeseLightning
New member
Ok that sounds good I'll stick with the Eibach springs then.
sonic_braaappp
New member
Coilovers are awesome simply because the adjustability. I've had springs on a few cars but I'm going with coils on the sonic. Don't really like the whole lowered/Stances thing but I like how it looks on the sonic
ShawnB
New member
Most Coilovers at max height are about 1/2 to 3/4in lower than stock. So every winter raise your perches to max height. Drop in spring. That's my plan when I get my Coilovers. In pa, so we get some decent snow falls as well. Just be sure to wash the threads of the Coilovers every chance you can in the winter.
I've done both on previous cars. My opinions:
If the springs don't lower the car beyond the useable length of the struts/shocks, you'll be fine, from what I've seen 2 inches is about as low as you'd want to go on springs alone. I did a 4.5" drop on springs only, and blew my front struts in less than six months of Michigan pot holes.
Coil Overs are designed to work at the drop provided by their range of motion, and lots of them now are adjustable on the strut body instead of spring pre-load. This is good, however most of them have much softer spring rates than the factory springs provide, to allow some sense of comfort at that minimized level of suspension movement. This leads to sacrifices in performance, tire wear and traction.
My plan is to upgrade to the RS Suspension, with the GM Performance "sport" springs, which provides a 1.5" drop, while maintaining an OEM level of ride quality. At least that's my hope.
I spend too much time in my car to be that uncomfortable, and my kids are too young for whiplash
If the springs don't lower the car beyond the useable length of the struts/shocks, you'll be fine, from what I've seen 2 inches is about as low as you'd want to go on springs alone. I did a 4.5" drop on springs only, and blew my front struts in less than six months of Michigan pot holes.
Coil Overs are designed to work at the drop provided by their range of motion, and lots of them now are adjustable on the strut body instead of spring pre-load. This is good, however most of them have much softer spring rates than the factory springs provide, to allow some sense of comfort at that minimized level of suspension movement. This leads to sacrifices in performance, tire wear and traction.
My plan is to upgrade to the RS Suspension, with the GM Performance "sport" springs, which provides a 1.5" drop, while maintaining an OEM level of ride quality. At least that's my hope.
I spend too much time in my car to be that uncomfortable, and my kids are too young for whiplash
laborsmith
New member
1.5" or 0.5"?
I have a hard time accepting GM would condone a 1.5" drop on springs alone.
Laborsmith
I have a hard time accepting GM would condone a 1.5" drop on springs alone.
Laborsmith
EzekeiL
Member
OK, correct me if I am wrong here, but everyone seems to think coilovers are just for being able to adjust the ride height of your car and slam it to the ground...I always thought that the point of purchasing expensive coilovers was to get better handling performance out of the vehicle...not just the ability to adjust the ride height.
The reason they are so expensive is because of their superior ability (ideally) to help the car handle better and they are usually highly adjustable (in more ways then just ride height) so that you can adapt the best suspension setup to the conditions of the track/road/whatever.
I suppose the Coilovers on the cheap end (sub 1k) of the spectrum are just to satisfy the stance crowd and have no better performance then just a good set of well thought out shocks (if someone would offer some for our car D:< ) and springs put on in the factory setup ...for DD at least.
If you are happy with the 1 to 1.5in or so drop you get with just a spring swap then go for it. I, personally, would think you might be wasting your money if you buy coilovers and you aren't going to race the car in some way...but if you got the money to blow then go for it i suppose! 800 is really cheap for a full set of coilovers.
If you just want ride height that will be adjustable then install airbags. They have come a long way to being perfectly fine for street applications.
This is just my opinion though, so take it with a grain of salt. I'm not into the stance look (i do like lowered cars just prefer practicality) but A lot of people like grinding the bottom of their cars on asphalt and if you need it that low then coilovers and airbags are you only real options.
The reason they are so expensive is because of their superior ability (ideally) to help the car handle better and they are usually highly adjustable (in more ways then just ride height) so that you can adapt the best suspension setup to the conditions of the track/road/whatever.
I suppose the Coilovers on the cheap end (sub 1k) of the spectrum are just to satisfy the stance crowd and have no better performance then just a good set of well thought out shocks (if someone would offer some for our car D:< ) and springs put on in the factory setup ...for DD at least.
If you are happy with the 1 to 1.5in or so drop you get with just a spring swap then go for it. I, personally, would think you might be wasting your money if you buy coilovers and you aren't going to race the car in some way...but if you got the money to blow then go for it i suppose! 800 is really cheap for a full set of coilovers.
If you just want ride height that will be adjustable then install airbags. They have come a long way to being perfectly fine for street applications.
This is just my opinion though, so take it with a grain of salt. I'm not into the stance look (i do like lowered cars just prefer practicality) but A lot of people like grinding the bottom of their cars on asphalt and if you need it that low then coilovers and airbags are you only real options.
laborsmith
New member
The Camaro forums have a lot of posts from owners who use coil overs and neither raise nor lower their rides. Even Corvette forums have some similar posts.
Laborsmith
Laborsmith
2014 Blue RS
Active member
So, coilovers will provide better handling? And by default they lower our cars by 1.5". I've been wondering about this. I like the look of the cars lowered but have been concerned with DD ride quality.
laborsmith
New member
Hopefully you know better but for those who do not know coilovers only lower those car assembled on Pluto by default and since we North Americans are not allowed to drive Plutonian cars on our roads that does not count.
Coilovers do allow the driver to adjust the ride to meet their own needs. Being able to raise or lower is a welcome side effect.
Laborsmith
2014 Blue RS
Active member
Hahaha. No idea where former planets came from but clearly I know nothing about coil overs. Stance AND ride quality are my interests though.
laborsmith
New member
Both stance and ride quality are what coil overs are meant to address.
Laborsmith
Laborsmith
mitdr774
also a dinner prick
Something else to keep in mind is that stock and most lowering springs are a progressive rate spring. Most coil overs have a fixed rate spring. This will have an effect on DD use depending on road conditions. That is one reason I am not running coil overs. I prefer the suspension be able to more easily absorb smaller bumps without jarring the **** out of me.
ReeseLightning
New member
Sorry googled DD and got designated driver, what's it mean in our context?