How to Adjust Coilovers for Street and Track Use

 Coilovers are one of the most popular suspension upgrades due to their adjustability, making them ideal for both street driving and track days. However, understanding how to properly adjust them is key to maximizing performance and comfort in each setting.

Coilover Components

1. Spring Rates: The stiffness of the springs is crucial for ride quality and performance. Softer springs are better for street use, offering more comfort, while stiffer springs are preferable for the track, where handling and stability are prioritized.
2. Damping Adjustment: Coilovers often come with adjustable damping, allowing you to control how quickly the shock compresses and rebounds. Softer damping settings will provide a smoother ride, while stiffer settings improve handling by reducing body roll and weight transfer.

Adjusting for Street Use

• Ride Height: For daily driving, it’s best to set the coilovers slightly above their lowest setting to avoid scraping on bumps and curbs. A moderate ride height ensures a balance between performance and practicality.
• Damping Settings: Set the damping on the softer side for street use, which helps absorb road imperfections and provides a more comfortable ride. Keep in mind that too soft a setting can lead to excessive body roll.

Adjusting for Track Use

• Ride Height: Lowering the car’s center of gravity improves handling and stability, especially on high-speed corners. However, be cautious not to lower the vehicle too much, as it may bottom out on rough sections of the track.
• Damping Settings: Increase the damping stiffness to reduce body roll and improve responsiveness during cornering. Stiffer damping also helps keep the tires in better contact with the track, improving grip and lap times.

Key Considerations

• Alignment Check: After adjusting coilovers, ensure that the vehicle’s alignment is checked and corrected. Improper alignment can lead to uneven tire wear and handling issues.
• Tire Pressure: Optimal tire pressure is essential when adjusting coilovers. On the track, slightly higher tire pressure can provide more responsiveness, while lower pressure on the street can improve ride comfort.

Conclusion

Properly adjusting coilovers for street and track use is all about finding the right balance between comfort and performance. By tweaking ride height and damping settings, drivers can enjoy the best of both worlds—smooth daily driving and high-performance handling when it matters most.