Coilovers

[SinisterSHO]

Okay. call me a newbie or whatever, but I'm kind of confused of what exactly a coilover is. As far as I can tell, its a coil spring over a strut? Do coilovers offer more adujustability? Are they expensive?
I see Tim has the IPT coilovers, and I think when I try to go to the IPT site, something doesn't work right, maybe theres a broken link.

 

[shotimev6]

ipt doesnt sell them anymore. they rock. if youre ever around palatine let me know ill give you a ride in my 92. i have IPT coilovers with koni struts. doesnt get any better thumb

 

[olympic]

Advantages of coil-overs:

-ride height is easily adjustable over a wide range.
-they use standard 2.5" ID springs which are available in any length and rate you want at a reasonable price.
-they're lighter and more compact.

IPT doesn't sell them anynmore but they were $900 which didn't include struts. Just the springs, collars, perches, etc.

 

[K-Dawg]

Last I heard, they still had a set sitting on the shelf.

 

[LI_SHO]

There are still sets of coilovers circulating?? Anyone who has a set for sale let me know...I may have a buyer for you immediately

 

[Toolman]

Contact Shawn, as I believe he has one set leftover, and he mentioned the possibility of them going below retail.

 

[SinisterSHO]

Kinda answered my question, But what exactly makes a coilover, a coilover? Why is the stock system I have on my car, not a coilover system?

 

[Shoaz]

Opal Frost ATX:
Kinda answered my question, But what exactly makes a coilover, a coilover? Why is the stock system I have on my car, not a coilover system?

Usually when people use the term "coilover" for performance suspension they're implying a threaded sleeve, adjustable perch, and springs selected from the standardized diameter spring sets that are available. Typical spring sizes are selected from the large number springs available with 2.5" inside diameter and varying lenghts. Springs are often available in 50 lb/in increments, e.g., 450, 500, 550, etc., and uncompressed lengths anywhere from 6 to 12" etc., etc.

Although the stock struts have the spring coil around the strut, it doesn't have the adjustability or common spring form factor that most people have in mind when they say "coilover".

 

[LOUDSHO92]

You can also get coilovers from Ground Control. They are a little bit cheaper and I talked to some one with them and they liked them.

 

[1fastsho]

coilover comes from rwd applications. say like a mustang, the spring and shock are seperate. "coilovers" are a conversion to place the spring onto the shock. a mcpherson strut is a non adjustable coilover design but not a true race tyoe coilover system.

 

[NinjaMike]

I'll be putting the IPT coil over's on my car in a week or so. From what I experienced in my buddy's car, I'm sure I'll be quite happy.

 

[SHOfun 93]

Make sure you replace the strut rod bushings when you do...I didn't on my 93, and I get a popping when I go over bumps. Kinda irritating.

But as far as handling..there is NO SUBSITUTE! hail

 

[Chris Benvie]

Shawn you replied but you didn't say if you still have a set in stcok

 

[haydenm315]

Opal Frost ATX:
Okay. call me a newbie or whatever, but I'm kind of confused of what exactly a coilover is. As far as I can tell, its a coil spring over a strut? Do coilovers offer more adujustability? Are they expensive?

If you're still confused about coilovers, check out the suspension on a hobby quality radio control car. The spring and strut are combined into a single unit. All of the benefits were already mentioned so I won't repeat and just give this example. Another advantage to coilovers is the ability to use a rally spring setup. THis is accomplished by using 2 different kinds of springs mounted on the coilover. On top is a softer spring that maintains a smooth and comfortable ride. Under that is a much stiffer spring. When you push your car, the soft spring is compressed and the suspension becomes more stiff depending on how hard you run the car. A friend of mine has these on his vw corrado and it's sweet.