Are you looking to buy or install coilovers in Perth? Our friendly team of suspension experts can help!
Here at Wilkinson Suspension Centre, we have extensive experience with installing and setting up coilovers for both everyday vehicles and dedicated track cars.
Send us your coilover enquiry today via our Contact Form, or give us a call on (08) 9370 2646.
For more information about coilovers, we have put together this comprehensive page. Keep reading to find out what coilovers are exactly, why you should get them and how they will benefit your vehicle.
To top it off, we’ve listed some of the most frequently asked questions we’ve heard about coilovers!
The word coilover is an abbreviation for ‘coil spring over shock absorber’ which is exactly the construction of a coilover. Most commonly an aftermarket “coilover kit” offers ride height adjustability through threaded adjustable spring seats.
A coilover suspension system works in the same manner as a conventional strut and coil spring suspension. The spring takes the load or weight whilst the shock absorber controls the motion of the spring.
A good quality coilover will be designed specifically for the vehicle with extensive testing performed on both the spring and shock absorber to achieve seamless performance.
Additionally, an aftermarket coilover kit will feature one or more adjustability options depending on the brand or type of coilover kit.
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Adjustable coilover kits are designed with a threaded shock body to allow the spring seat to be adjusted up or down the shock absorber body. This adjusts the position of the spring in order to change the ride height, suspension droop, compression travel and in some cases spring preload.
Damping adjustable coilover kits are designed with an external dial or ‘key’ to allow adjustment of the shocks internal valving. A coilover kit can feature either independent compression and rebound adjustment or combined compression and rebound adjustment, depending on the application.
This feature allows drivers to fine-tune the ride quality, counter understeer or oversteer and alter the handling characteristics which is ideal for track use.
Whether you want to improve your vehicle’s looks, attend the occasional track day or have a dedicated race car, a coilover kit can be selected to match your needs.
Height adjustments achieved with coilovers do not only allow drivers to lower the vehicle’s ride height just for looks. In fact, they also lower the vehicle’s centre of gravity which contributes to a sportier feel.
Lowering a vehicle with a lowered spring kit reduces the vehicle’s suspension travel, which in some cases can be a limiting factor in terms of the amount the vehicle can be lowered by. When using a coilover, the shock absorber length is reduced to suit a lowered ride height range allowing additional scope for the ride height to be decreased.
If applicable, damping adjustment allows the driver or engineer to fine-tune the handling characteristics such as reducing body roll, changing the way the vehicle weight transfers and altering understeer or oversteer.