Coilover suspension - is it worth opting for such a modification of the car?
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Vehicle modifications and coilover suspension
Car modifications can be divided into two categories - professional and, to put it mildly, non-professional. The former includes, for example, changes to the engine, coilover suspension or exhaust system modifications. The second group includes all the changes included in the concept of "agrotuning". We are talking about modifications that are out of touch with reality, such as the use of stickers, the installation of exhaust pipes with the diameter of the gutter on the roof, and cutting the coils in the springs to lower the car. Thanks to modifications such as coilover suspension, special driving characteristics are achieved. More on this later in the article!
What is coilover suspension?
Apart from the colored springs and the presence of threaded screws, this set is not much different from the traditional solution used by manufacturers. The coilover suspension consists of a complete set of four dampers and springs. Its assembly, depending on the version of the car and the advancement of the chosen model, may differ slightly, but does not differ much from the factory solution.
Threaded suspension adjustment
Adjusting the coilover suspension is not difficult. The kit includes a wrench for adjusting the position of the adjusting screw and the counter screw. Here is how to adjust the threaded hanger step by step:
- lift the car or its side you want to change;
- loosen the counter screw;
- adjust the screw and tighten it to the correct torque.
It's simple, right? If you want a perfect result, you may have to lift the car several times until you get the right settings.
What does a coilover suspension do?
The first advantage is visible to the naked eye. It's all about being able to freely choose suspension settings. Of course, within the limits specified by the manufacturer. This is not possible with standard shock absorbers. Another factor that makes coilovers more and more widely used is the increase in body rigidity. This is especially important when cornering, so the car does not roll as much as in the standard version.
Using this modification, you will notice that the car has become more maneuverable and stable. This means safety, especially in sporty driving. Many drivers who prepare their cars for drifting install "thread" at the very beginning, as it makes the car more stable when moving sideways. If you have a car with a sports claw, you can try this solution even for everyday driving. But the stairs...
Coilover suspension and driving comfort
This type of suspension also has some disadvantages. They are especially noticeable when driving on roads with a poorly profiled surface. Thanks to the coilover suspension, you will feel every pothole, pebble and mound on the road much sharper. This is important in terms of everyday commuting, shopping or other normal activities.
Body roll will still occur, but it will be directed more towards the body, and this can damage the structure of the entire vehicle. It is interesting (and at the same time disturbing) that when driving very hard with coilover suspension, windows break in the car. Unpleasant situation.
What else is worth knowing about coilover suspension?
Speaking of coilover suspension, the cost is also worth mentioning. Depending on the vehicle, coilover suspension prices can reach thousands of PLN. Of course, sets from the East are much cheaper, but the durability and workmanship will not please you. After a while, you will have to regenerate the coilover suspension. Certain factories specialize in this, but it must be said directly that new liners are often very expensive. There is also the possibility of repair and adjustment work, welding of individual elements and other work, depending on the needs.
If you want a warranty on a new kit, the manufacturer will often require it to be installed by a professional workshop. Therefore, make sure of this before you decide to change these elements in your car yourself. It may turn out that in addition to the cost of the entire coilover suspension, an assembly service will have to be added, which costs up to 50 euros, and it may also be necessary to install a camber and introduce additional parts to allow assembly. tuning parts.
