Air induction upgrades are one of the most popular modifications for drivers looking to improve engine responsiveness, airflow and overall driving enjoyment. By improving the way air enters the engine, induction upgrades can help unlock better throttle response, improved efficiency and potential performance gains.
Factory intake systems are often restrictive due to emissions and noise regulations. Upgrading to performance induction components allows the engine to breathe more efficiently, particularly on turbocharged vehicles.
At Proven Performance, you’ll find a wide range of induction upgrades designed for performance-focused road cars and modified builds.
What Are Lowering Springs?
Lowering springs are replacement springs designed to reduce ride height compared to factory suspension springs.
They work with your vehicle’s original dampers (shock absorbers) and provide a lower centre of gravity, improving both aesthetics and handling.
Lowering springs are one of the most popular entry-level suspension modifications because they are relatively affordable and straightforward to install.
Benefits of Lowering Springs
- Lower purchase cost
- Improved vehicle appearance as opposed to standard springs
- Reduced body roll
- Sharper handling response
- Retains near-factory ride comfort
For many drivers, lowering springs provide a noticeable improvement without significantly changing the vehicle’s ride characteristics.
What Are Coilovers?
Coilovers combine springs and dampers into a single integrated suspension assembly.
Unlike lowering springs, coilovers are typically adjustable, allowing drivers to modify ride height and, in some cases, damping settings to suit their preferences.
This makes coilovers a popular choice among enthusiasts seeking greater control over suspension performance.
Benefits of Coilovers
- Adjustable ride height
- Improved handling performance
- Customisable suspension settings
- Better cornering stability
- Suitable for track and performance driving
Coilovers offer significantly more flexibility than lowering springs, making them ideal for drivers who want to fine-tune their vehicle’s setup.
Although both upgrades lower ride height and improve handling, there are several important differences.
Ride Height Adjustment
- One of the biggest differences between coilovers or lowering springs is adjustability.
- Lowering springs provide a fixed drop determined by the manufacturer.
- Coilovers allow ride height adjustments, enabling drivers to customise the stance and handling characteristics of the vehicle.
Winner: Coilovers
Handling Performance
- Both suspension upgrades improve handling compared to factory suspension.
- Lowering springs reduce body roll and improve responsiveness.
- Coilovers typically provide greater gains due to upgraded dampers and adjustable settings.
Winner: Coilovers
Ride Comfort
- Ride quality depends heavily on the specific product and vehicle application.
- Many lowering springs maintain a ride quality similar to OEM suspension.
- Some performance-focused coilovers may deliver a firmer ride, particularly when configured for aggressive handling.
Winner: Lowering Springs
Cost
- Budget is often a major factor when comparing lowering springs vs coilovers.
- Lowering springs are generally much less expensive than complete coilover systems.
- Coilovers require a greater investment but offer significantly more functionality.
Winner: Lowering Springs
Which Suspension Upgrade Is Best for Daily Driving?
For drivers looking for the best suspension for daily driving, lowering springs are often the most practical choice.
Benefits for daily drivers include:
- Affordable upgrade costs
- Improved appearance
- Enhanced cornering stability
- Minimal impact on comfort
- Reliable long-term performance
Drivers who primarily use their vehicle for commuting, weekend drives or occasional spirited driving may find lowering springs provide the ideal balance of performance and comfort.
When Should You Choose Coilovers?
Coilovers may be the better option if you:
- Want adjustable ride height
- Attend track days
- Frequently modify suspension settings
- Require maximum handling performance
- Plan extensive future modifications
The additional adjustability offered by coilovers allows enthusiasts to tailor suspension performance to specific driving conditions.
This level of flexibility is difficult to achieve with lowering springs alone.
Both coilovers and lowering springs require professional installation for optimal results.
Following installation, a full wheel alignment is highly recommended to ensure:
- Proper tyre wear
- Optimal handling performance
- Correct suspension geometry
- Maximum stability
Investing in proper setup helps ensure your suspension upgrade performs as intended.
Q. Are coilovers better than lowering springs?
A. Coilovers generally provide greater performance and adjustability. However, lowering springs often offer better value for daily-driven vehicles.
Q. Do lowering springs damage suspension components?
A. Quality lowering springs installed correctly are designed to work safely with factory suspension systems. Excessive lowering or poor-quality parts can increase wear.
Q. Are coilovers worth the extra money?
A. For enthusiasts seeking adjustability and maximum performance, coilovers can be a worthwhile investment. For everyday driving, lowering springs may provide sufficient benefits at a lower cost.
Q. Will lowering my car improve handling?
A. Reducing ride height lowers the centre of gravity, which can improve stability and reduce body roll when combined with quality suspension components.
Coilovers vs Lowering Springs: Which Is Right for You?
Choosing between coilovers vs lowering springs ultimately comes down to your goals and budget.
If you want an affordable suspension upgrade that improves appearance and handling while maintaining everyday comfort, lowering springs are an excellent choice. If maximum adjustability, track capability and performance tuning are your priorities, coilovers offer the highest level of suspension control.
Whether you’re building a dedicated performance vehicle or simply enhancing your daily driver, upgrading your suspension can dramatically improve the driving experience.
Explore the full range of suspension upgrades, lowering springs and performance components at Proven Performance and find the ideal setup for your vehicle.