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Coilovers VS Struts and springs...the real deal.

Discussion in 'Suspension & Brakes' started by mar-spec, Nov 15, 2010.

  1. Offline

    mar-spec New Member

    Member Since:
    Mar 18, 2009
    Alright, my goal with this post is to get some info about both. Since there's no sticky that really addresses this topic, I've seen many different posts asking about verying points and aspects to both CO and strut/spring mods. What I would like to do is get a sticky with some generally asked questions and their answers if we can find them.

    So I'll start with mine and see how this goes.
    Coil-overs: Has anyone that does autocross have enough experience with co's that can comment on ride heights, meaning what have they found to work the best. I know it differs between driver styles but just slamming a car to the ground doesn't equate to the best times for any given driver.....or does it.

    Ground Control COs: http://www.fastscions.com/scion-tc-ground-control-suspension-coilovers-kit-8081.01.aspx
    What are these, are they applied to struts and shocks, has anyone tried or heard anything about them?

    Brands: what are some good starters CO sets, or is it just best to go big. Meaning have the basic CO setups provided enough features for the average autocrosser making the pricey setups ($1200+) a waste. How much better are aftermarket struts and shocks compared to oem.

    General Question: Is one superior to the other, meaning are CO's better on a track and struts/springs are better for everyday,or vice versa, or is one just better than the other overall, or is it all opinion.

    I'll start with those , I know that's a lot to answer, and I will be doing some research myself to find out as I prepare for springtime autoX. Thanks for any help or answers that result from this post. :driving:

    As time passes and questions are answered I'd like to keep editing this original post to state any other questions the others ask or have asked, and try to keep a running log of the answers.
    mar-spec, Nov 15, 2010
    #1
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    • Staff / Moderator

    navylife59 Super Moderator

    Member Since:
    Mar 22, 2006
    Location:
    2005 Scion Tc
    The main differences are cost and flexibility. Individual struts and springs are cheaper as the majority of the performance struts are no rebuildable. They also provide you the option of more brands to choose from and you can mix up the springs and struts to get exactly what you need. The main Con is that you have limited adjustability with the strut and you are pretty much stuck with the spring you chose. There is no adjustability with the spring.

    Aftermarket coilovers can run the gambit of quality and performance from pure junk to $10K+ single purpose built race versions. Some are non-adjustable while others have so much adjustability that it takes a seasoned chief mechanic to get them set correctly for different track conditions. Even the cheapest coilovers cost more than the best springs and struts.

    Too tired to expand on anymore.

    BTW...Technically our year model tC's have an OEM coilover system in the front and rear. The 2011 switched to the traditional shock and spring separate on the lower trailing arm in the rear.
    navylife59, Nov 16, 2010
    #2

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