Coilovers Before and After: What to Expect?

Coilovers Before and After: What to Expect?

Installing coilovers can be a transformative experience for your vehicle, leading to both aesthetic and performance enhancements. In this post, I want to share my own journey and invite everyone to share theirs as well!

Aesthetic Changes

One of the most noticeable differences after installing coilovers is the drop in ride height. I went from a stock ride height that made my car look like a sedan to a more aggressive stance that really captures attention. Rolling fenders became necessary to avoid rubbing – it’s a commitment, but the end results are worth it! Here are a few tips:

  • Adjust the height gradually: Start higher and go lower to find the look that suits you best.
  • Mind the fender clearance: Consider the width of your tires to avoid any unexpected scrapes.

Performance Enhancements

From a performance standpoint, I noticed my car handled corners much better. The ability to adjust damping settings provided a custom driving experience based on how I felt that day. Here’s what I found in my testing:

  • Stiffness adjustability: Made a huge difference when switching from daily driving to track days.
  • Alignment is crucial: After the install, getting an alignment is non-negotiable. It ensures that the handling improvements translate into real-world driving benefits.

Technical Considerations

With great upgrades come some technicalities:

  • Be prepared for potential modifications like fender rolling or camber adjustments.
  • Consider the quality of the coilovers you are purchasing—some options may require extra maintenance.

Community Insights

I’ve seen posts about coilover installations on various models like WRX, 350Z, Audi RS3, and BMW M2. Each model has its quirks, so I encourage everyone who’s made the leap to coilovers to share their before and after experiences.

  • What setups are you running?
  • Did you encounter any surprises during installation?

Let’s gather all our insights on what to expect and how to make the most of our coilover installations. Looking forward to seeing some awesome before-and-after pics!


Feel free to ask questions if you’re considering this upgrade, or just want to chat about it!

That’s awesome, rsmith! Did you notice any changes in ride comfort on bumpy roads?

2 Likes

I’ve got to agree with rsmith. My car feels like it’s glued to the road. I did sacrifice some comfort, but the performance boost is worth it for spirited driving.

My experience has been similar! The car’s stability is greatly improved, especially during high-speed turns. Just be ready for a stiffer ride in everyday driving.

8 Likes

I installed coilovers on my daily driver and initially, I missed the plush ride. Now I appreciate the enhanced feedback they provide in corners!

Exactly! For daily driving, it can be jarring, but on the track, it’s a whole different story!

I really enjoyed the coilover upgrade, but it took some time to adjust. What was your prior suspension setup like before the coilovers?

My stock springs were way too soft for my taste. After switching to coilovers, I felt like I transformed my car into a track-ready machine!

I definitely felt the same! It’s like driving a completely different car now.

One downside I’ve experienced is the added noise from the road. It’s more noticeable, but I guess that’s part of the trade-off for performance!

That’s a fair point, lopezjavier. The noise is definitely something I noticed. It’s not bad once you get used to it, but it’s worth mentioning for potential buyers.

Ha! I thought my speakers were broken at first! Just a tiny price to pay for better handling, right?

Humor aside, coilovers also allow much better adjustability. You can really fine-tune the height and stiffness for your personal driving style.

I’ve only just started looking into coilovers. Are there specific brands or types you’d recommend for someone doing a mix of daily and occasional track days?

Great question, sarah75! I’ve had a positive experience with XYZ Coilovers. They provide a good balance of comfort and track performance.

I just installed coilovers on my Civic, and the difference is amazing! The lowered stance really improves the sporty look. Can’t wait to share my before-and-after photos!

That sounds exciting! What kind of coilovers did you choose, and how much did you lower it?

Lowering my car with coilovers totally transformed its look. It’s not just about aesthetics; it also feels way more responsive on turns! I’ll share a side-by-side.

Absolutely! It’s like getting a whole new car. Did you notice any issues with ride quality after the drop?

1 Like

Before: a stock Subaru WRX. After: a beast! The aggressive look with the new stance is something every enthusiast should experience! Photos to come!