Coilover Kits

Does your car roll too much in corners, or do you want to adjust ride height and damping for road and track? Coilover kits combine shock absorber and spring in one unit with adjustable ride height and are made for you if you want to tailor the chassis to your project.

What does a coilover kit do?

A coilover kit typically replaces the original shock absorbers and springs with units where the spring sits directly on the damper. A threaded body lets you set the ride height, and depending on the model the damping can also be adjusted. In this category you will find, for example, Koni GTS Coilovers and ISC Suspension N1 Coilovers as well as the ICON 2.5 Series Coilover Kit for Toyota Tacoma and 4Runner.

How to choose coilovers

The right kit depends on several factors at once:

• Intended use: Street driving, track days and off-road place different demands on spring rate, damping and travel. ICON kits, for example, are also available in versions with extra travel.
• Adjustment: Some kits can only be adjusted for height, others also for damping. More settings give more options for fine-tuning.
• Fitment: Check model year, model and exceptions. A Koni GTS kit for the Honda Civic FC/FK, for example, only fits cars with 52.5 mm front struts and not cars with factory MagRide.
• Comfort: Stiffer springs and a lower ride height can reduce body roll, but can also make the car feel harsher on poor roads.

Installation and maintenance

Changing the ride height also changes the wheel alignment, so an alignment after installation is typically necessary. With a larger drop, camber and caster kits can become relevant, and sway bars can complement the setup if you want to reduce body roll further. Clean and lubricate the threads regularly, especially after winter driving, so the lock rings do not seize. The category includes brands such as QA1, Tein, H&R, AST and ICON.

Frequently asked questions

Can coilovers be approved for inspection?

It depends on the product and the car. Check whether documentation exists for the specific part number, and be aware that changed ride height and wheel alignment can matter at inspection.

How much can I lower my car with coilovers?

It depends on the kit's adjustment range, wheel and tyre size and the space in the wheel arch. If you lower too much, the tyres can hit the bodywork and the damper can be left with too little travel.

Why choose coilovers over lowering springs?

Lowering springs on original dampers give a fixed height, while coilovers typically offer adjustable ride height and a damper matched to the spring. The choice depends on how much adjustment your project requires.