When it comes to coilovers, there are a lot of myths an assumptions regarding them.
For example, people think it’s more efficient to just buy some aftermarket springs, instead of using coilovers as suspension.
Coilover Pro’s
Coilovers are more expensive than springs but they allow the user to adjust the ride height at any time. This provides the car owner the ability to adjust the ride height depending on weather conditions, what wheels/rims are on the car, etc. During the winter you can raise your coilovers to gain more clearance. This reduces the likelihood of snow and ice contacting the undercarriage causing damage. During the summer you can lower the ride height. You can also adjust the damping on many coilovers. Having damping adjustment allows you to control the ride quality; softer or harder depending on what kind of driving you are doing.
Since your shocks and springs are matched and made to work with each other you will reduce the wear on the entire system. Your ride quality and handling will be smoother. You can corner weight the car, and you will have a more comfortable riding experience. You can also adjust the ride height or damping anytime.
Coilover Con’s
They are more expensive than lowering springs, and other forms of suspension. There is some trial and error with lowering or raising the car to reach your determined ride height.
To Summarise
Coilovers are generally the way to go. The level of damage you will cause your shocks when using lowering springs depend greatly on the quality of the stock shocks and how low you are looking to go. But, if you can afford to fork out the few hundred extra on coilovers that would be the better choice.
