Transform Your WRX’s Handling: The Ultimate Guide to Upgrading to the Best WRX Coilovers

Best WRX Coilovers Are you ready to take your WRX’s handling to the next level? Look no further! This guide will show you how to transform your Subaru WRX’s handling by upgrading to the best coil overs on the market. Whether you’re a performance enthusiast looking to dominate the track or enhance your daily driving experience, coil overs are a game-changer. With their adjustable ride height, damping settings, and improved suspension geometry, coil overs offer unparalleled control and performance. But with so many options available, choosing the right coil overs can be a daunting task.
That’s where we come in. We’ve done the research and testing to bring you a comprehensive guide that covers everything you need to know about upgrading your WRX’s coil-overs. From the benefits of coilovers to installation tips and brand recommendations, we’ve got you covered. Get ready to unleash the full potential of your WRX’s handling and elevate your driving experience to new heights.
Benefits of Upgrading to Coilovers
Upgrading to coilovers offers a multitude of benefits for your WRX’s handling. Firstly, coil overs provide a significant improvement in performance and control. With their adjustable ride height, you can fine-tune your suspension to perfectly balance comfort and performance. This allows you to optimize your vehicle’s handling characteristics on the track or the street. Additionally, coil overs offer improved suspension geometry, which results in reduced body roll and enhanced stability during cornering. This translates to increased traction and better overall handling.
Another advantage of upgrading to coilovers is the ability to customize your suspension setup. Coilovers allow you to adjust the damping settings and tailor your suspension to your specific driving style and conditions. Whether you prefer a more comfortable ride for daily commuting or a firmer setup for spirited driving, coil overs can be adjusted to meet your preferences. This level of customization is not possible with stock suspension systems, making coil overs a popular choice among enthusiasts.
Moreover, coilovers are built to withstand the demands of aggressive driving. Unlike stock suspension components, which may not be designed to handle high-performance applications, coilovers are engineered to provide the necessary strength and durability. This ensures that your suspension can handle the increased stress and forces during spirited driving or track days. With coil overs, you can push your WRX to its limits without worrying about compromising the integrity of your suspension.
In summary, upgrading to coil overs offers a range of benefits, including improved performance and control, customizable suspension setups, and enhanced durability. Investing in quality coil overs can unlock the full potential of your WRX’s handling and elevate your driving experience to new heights.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best WRX Coilovers
Choosing the right coilovers for your WRX is crucial to achieving the desired performance and handling characteristics. With so many options available on the market, it’s essential to consider several factors before deciding.
The first factor to consider is your intended use for the vehicle. Are you primarily using your WRX for daily commuting, spirited driving on the weekends, or track days? The intended use will dictate the type of coil overs best suit your needs. For daily driving, comfort and ride quality may be a priority, while track-focused coil overs prioritize performance and adjustability.
Next, you’ll want to consider your budget. Coilovers come in a wide range of price points, and while it’s tempting to go for the most expensive option, it’s essential to find a balance between quality and affordability. It’s worth investing in a reputable brand with a warranty and a proven performance and reliability track record.
Another crucial factor to consider is adjustability. Coilovers offer various levels of adjustability, including ride height, damping, and spring rates. The ability to fine-tune these settings allows you to optimize your suspension setup for different driving conditions and preferences. However, it’s important to note that more adjustability may come at a higher cost.
Additionally, it’s essential to consider the compatibility of the coilovers with your WRX’s suspension system. Choose coilovers specifically designed for your vehicle’s make and model. This ensures proper fitment and compatibility, maximizing the performance benefits of the coilovers.
Lastly, it’s always a good idea to read reviews and gather feedback from other WRX owners who have already upgraded to coilovers. Their experiences and insights can provide valuable information and help you make an informed decision.
Considering these factors, you can narrow your options and choose the coil overs that best suit your needs, budget, and driving preferences.
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Understanding Different Types of Coilovers
Coilovers come in various types, each offering unique characteristics and performance benefits. Understanding the differences between these types will help you make an informed decision when upgrading your WRX suspension.
The most common type of coilovers is the complete coilover system. This type replaces the coil spring and shock absorber in your WRX’s suspension setup. Full coil-overs offer the highest level of performance and adjustability, making them ideal for enthusiasts and track-focused applications. With separate adjustments for ride height and damping, you can fine-tune your suspension to achieve the desired balance between comfort and performance. Full coilovers also typically come with stiffer spring rates, reducing body roll and improving overall handling.
Another type of coilovers is the spring-over shock setup. This type retains the stock shock absorber and replaces only the coil spring. Spring-over shock coil overs are generally more affordable than full coil overs and offer a moderate performance improvement. While they may not provide the same level of adjustability as full coilovers, they still offer the benefits of adjustable ride height and improved suspension geometry.
Lastly, there are adjustable shock absorbers with separate lowering springs. This setup allows you to upgrade your WRX’s suspension by replacing the stock shock absorbers with adjustable ones and installing lowering springs. While not technically coilovers, this setup offers improved performance and adjustability at a more affordable price. Adjustable shock absorbers allow you to fine-tune the damping settings while lowering springs provide a lower ride height and enhanced handling characteristics.
When choosing the type of coilovers for your WRX, consider your intended use, budget, and level of adjustability required. Full coil overs are recommended for enthusiasts and those seeking the highest level of performance, while spring-over shock coil overs and adjustable shock absorbers with lowering springs offer more affordable options with moderate performance improvements.
Step-by-Step Guide to Upgrading to Coilovers
Once you’ve chosen the right coilovers for your WRX, it’s time to install them and unleash the full potential of your vehicle’s handling. While the installation process may vary depending on the specific coil overs and your WRX’s configuration, the following step-by-step guide will provide a general overview.
1. Prepare Your Vehicle: Before starting the installation, make sure you have all the necessary tools and equipment. Additionally, ensure your vehicle is parked on a level surface and the wheels are securely choked to prevent movement.
2. Remove the Stock Suspension: Begin by safely raising your WRX using a jack and supporting it with jack stands. Remove the wheels to gain access to the suspension components. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to remove the stock suspension, including the coil springs and shock absorbers. Please take caution when working with suspension components, as they may be under tension.
3. Install the Coilovers: The new coilovers follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Start by installing the shock absorbers, ensuring they are adequately secured. Next, attach the coil springs, making sure they are correctly aligned. Adjust the ride height and preload settings according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
4. Reinstall the Wheels: Once the coil overs are installed, carefully reinstall the wheels and tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specified torque settings. Ensure that all components are properly secured and that there is no binding or interference with the suspension.
5. Test and Adjust: With the coilovers installed, lower your WRX back onto the ground and take it for a test drive. Pay attention to ride quality, handling, and overall performance changes. Adjust the coilovers’ settings, such as ride height and damping, to achieve the desired balance between comfort and performance.
It’s important to note that the installation process may require specialized tools and knowledge. If you need more confidence in your abilities, it’s recommended to seek professional assistance or have the installation done by a qualified technician.
Proper Installation and Setup of Coilovers
Proper installation and setup of coilovers are essential to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Follow these guidelines to ensure a successful installation and get the most out of your upgraded suspension system.
1. Read the Instructions: Carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions before installing. Each coilover brand and model may have specific requirements and recommendations. Familiarize yourself with the instructions to ensure a smooth installation process.
2. Use Proper Tools: Ensure you have the necessary tools and equipment to complete the installation. Using the correct tools will ensure the installation is done correctly and prevent damage to the coilovers or other components.
3. Follow Torque Specifications: Always follow the manufacturer’s specified torque specifications when tightening bolts and fasteners. Over-tightening or under-tightening can result in damage or failure of the suspension components.
4. Check for Interference: After installing the coilovers, check for interference or binding. Ensure that all components, such as brake lines, ABS sensors, and sway bar end links, are properly aligned and do not contact other parts.
5. Perform Alignment: A professional alignment is important once the coilovers are installed. This will ensure that your WRX’s suspension geometry is appropriately set up and optimized for performance and handling. Improper alignment can result in premature tire wear and compromised handling characteristics.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure a proper installation and setup of your coilovers, maximizing their performance benefits and prolonging their lifespan.
Adjusting and Fine-Tuning Coilovers for Optimal Performance
Coilovers offer a wide range of adjustability, allowing you to fine-tune your suspension setup for optimal performance and handling. Here are some critical adjustments you can make to get the most out of your coilovers.
1. Ride Height: Adjusting the ride height allows you to customize the look and performance of your WRX. Lowering the ride height can improve handling by lowering the center of gravity. However, it’s essential to maintain adequate ground clearance and avoid excessive lowering, which can cause clearance issues and compromise ride quality.
2. Damping Settings: Coilovers feature adjustable damping settings, which control the rate at which the suspension compresses and rebounds. Fine-tuning the damping settings allows you to optimize your suspension for different driving conditions and preferences. Experiment with different settings to find the right balance between comfort and performance.
3. Spring Rates: Some coilovers allow you to change the spring rates, which can further customize the suspension characteristics. Stiffer spring rates can reduce body roll and improve handling but may also result in a firmer ride. Consider your driving style and preferences when adjusting the spring rates.
4. Corner Balancing: Corner balancing is a process that ensures an equal distribution of weight across all four corners of the vehicle. This is particularly important for performance-oriented applications, as it maximizes traction and improves overall handling. Corner balancing should be performed by a professional using specialized equipment.
It’s important to note that adjustments should be made gradually, allowing you to evaluate the effects on your WRX’s handling. Please keep track of the changes you make and how they impact your driving experience. Finding the perfect setup for your specific needs and preferences may take trial and error.
Maintenance and Care Tips for Coilovers
Proper maintenance and care of your coilovers are crucial to ensure their longevity and performance. Follow these tips to keep your coilovers in top shape:
1. Regular Inspections: Periodically inspect your coilovers for any signs of damage, leaks, or wear. Check for loose fasteners and ensure that all components are properly secured. If you notice any issues, address them promptly to prevent further damage.
2. Cleanliness: Keep your coilovers clean by regularly washing them with mild soap and water. This helps remove dirt, debris, and contaminants that can cause premature wear and affect performance.
3. Protective Coating: Consider applying a protective coating to the coilovers’ threads and adjusters, such as a silicone-based spray. This helps prevent corrosion and ensures smooth adjustments.
4. Avoid Harsh Environments: Coilovers are designed to withstand the demands of performance driving, but exposure to harsh environments, such as salted roads or extreme weather conditions, can accelerate wear and corrosion. Avoid driving in such conditions or take extra precautions to protect your coil overs whenever possible.
5. Check Manufacturer’s Recommendations: Refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations for specific maintenance requirements and intervals. Some coilovers may require periodic servicing or rebuilds to maintain optimal performance.
By following these maintenance and care tips, you can ensure that your coilovers perform at their best and enjoy their benefits for years.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Upgrading to Coilovers
While upgrading to coilovers offers numerous benefits, enthusiasts must correct some common mistakes. Avoiding these mistakes will help you get the most out of your coilover upgrade and prevent potential issues.
1. Improper Installation: Proper installation is crucial to ensure optimal performance and safety. Skipping steps or not following the manufacturer’s instructions can result in compromised handling, premature wear, or even suspension failure. Take the time to install your coilovers or seek professional assistance properly.
2. Incorrect Adjustments: Adjusting your coilovers with understanding their effects can lead to better handling or other issues. Make adjustments gradually and keep track of the changes you make. If you need more clarification, consult the manufacturer’s recommendations or seek guidance from experienced enthusiasts or professionals.
3. Neglecting Suspension Geometry: Upgrading to coilovers can affect your WRX’s suspension geometry. Please address these changes, such as not performing a professional alignment, to avoid compromised handling, premature tire wear, and other issues. Ensure that your suspension geometry is appropriately set up after installing coil-overs.
4. Choosing the Wrong Coilovers: Choosing coilovers solely based on price or brand reputation may not produce the best performance or handling characteristics for your needs. Consider factors such as intended use, adjustability, and compatibility with your WR
Silvers Neomax
If you’re seeking a hand-assembled and highly customizable coilover kit, the Silvers Neomax is an outstanding option that offers excellent value for money. It is a viable alternative to the Fortune Auto 500, especially if the latter’s price tag is a bit out of reach.
One notable aspect is that the Silvers Neomax shares many similarities with the Fortune Auto 500, but there is a key distinction—these coilovers are meticulously assembled in Taiwan. Silvers boasts its state-of-the-art facility in Taiwan, enabling them to maintain stringent quality controls. Just like Fortune Auto, Silvers subjects all dampers to rigorous testing on the shock dyno, ensuring they fall within a 5% tolerance. Any dampers that fail to meet this standard are promptly discarded.
What sets Silvers apart is their commitment to crafting every kit by hand and building them to order. This dedication to customization and personalization is unrivaled in the industry, and Silvers takes pride in having the fastest turnaround times, even for custom kits.
Similar to the Fortune Auto 500, the Silvers Neomax offers the option for 2-way independent dampening adjustment with external reservoirs, allowing you to fine-tune your suspension to suit your preferences. Furthermore, Silvers understands the importance of customization and offers various options to tailor the kit according to your needs.
While the warranty period is slightly shorter than some other coilover companies, Silvers still provides a generous 18-month warranty, offering peace of mind and ensuring customer satisfaction.
In conclusion, the Silvers Neomax coilover kit delivers exceptional value for your hard-earned money. Whether you find yourself unable to invest in the Fortune Auto 500s or reside outside of the United States, where access to servicing in America isn’t a critical factor, the Silvers Neomax presents itself as a compelling choice.
Key Features of the Silvers Neomax Coilover Kit:
- Adjustable Ride Height: The Silvers Neomax offers a convenient ride height adjustment feature. With the standard kit, you can adjust the ride height by 1-3 inches, while the Super Low kit allows for an impressive 5-inch adjustment.
- Precise Dampening Control: This coilover kit provides you with 24 levels of dampening adjustment. This allows you to fine-tune the suspension to find the perfect balance between performance and comfort.
- Enhanced Performance and Comfort: The Silvers Neomax utilizes monotube dampers with a hybrid linear piston and digressive valving. This combination enhances overall performance while ensuring a comfortable ride quality.
- Upgradeable to 2-Way Dampening: For those seeking even greater control over their suspension, the Silvers Neomax can be upgraded to a 2-way, independently adjustable dampening system. This provides advanced customization options to suit your specific preferences.
- Camber Adjustability: The front strut mounts of the Silvers Neomax are camber adjustable. This lets you fine-tune your vehicle’s camber settings for improved handling and tire wear.
- Customization Options: Silvers offers the flexibility to select custom spring rates and valves to meet your unique requirements. Additionally, you can opt for a Swift spring upgrade, further enhancing the performance capabilities of the kit.
- Warranty Coverage: Silvers stands behind the quality and durability of their coilover kit, offering an 18-month warranty. This ensures that you can enjoy your suspension upgrade with peace of mind.
- Rebuildable Design: The Silvers Neomax is designed to be rebuildable. This feature allows for easy maintenance and potential upgrades, ensuring the longevity and adaptability of the kit.
Experience the Silvers Neomax coilover kit, designed to provide adjustable ride height, precise dampening control, enhanced performance and comfort, customization options, and peace of mind of warranty coverage and buildability.
BC Racing BR Series
When it comes to coilover kits, the BC Racing BR Series stands out as one of the most popular options worldwide—and it’s easy to understand why.
These coil overs offer exceptional value for money, striking the perfect balance between affordability, ride comfort, performance, and customization.
BC Racing has skillfully combined all the desired features of a coilover kit into one affordable package that has consistently delivered outstanding results on both the street and the track.
The BR Series boasts a remarkable 30-level dampening adjustment courtesy of linearly valved monotube dampers. This design ensures a comfortable ride for daily driving while providing superb handling capabilities for track use.
Furthermore, BC Racing understands the importance of customization. They offer a range of options to help you achieve the perfect coilover setup that aligns with your specific goals. Whether it’s custom spring rates or valve adjustments, BC Racing will cater to your needs. Additionally, their commitment to customer satisfaction extends to offering rebuild services or providing you with the necessary parts to perform a rebuild yourself.
With the added peace of mind of a 1-year warranty, the BC Racing BR Series is a remarkable choice that has garnered a loyal customer base worldwide. It is particularly well-suited for street cars that also find themselves on the track.
Experience the BC Racing BR Series coilover kit and unlock a world of possibilities for your vehicle. Enjoy its unbeatable combination of affordability, customization options, performance, and the satisfaction of countless happy customers worldwide.
TEIN Flex Z
When it comes to coilover kits, the TEIN Flex Z stands out as an exceptional choice that offers remarkable value for money. These coil overs combine affordability with outstanding quality, making them an ideal option for enthusiasts on a budget.
TEIN is renowned for producing high-quality coil overs that perfectly balance street comfort and performance, and the Flex Z is no exception.
With the Flex Z, you get all the features you could desire from a street coilover. It includes ride height adjustment, allowing you to fine-tune your vehicle’s stance. Additionally, it offers a 16-level dampening adjustment, providing flexibility to customize your suspension setup based on your driving preferences. The camber adjustable strut mounts further enhance the kit’s versatility.
TEIN incorporates a twin-tube damper design in the Flex Z, prioritizing road comfort without compromising performance. The damper oil is specifically formulated to withstand intensive driving and maintain consistent damping, even under high temperatures.
What sets the Flex Z apart is its innovative damper inserts. Instead of sending your entire coil overs in for rebuilding, you can order new damper inserts and easily swap them out. This approach saves you time and money, making maintenance hassle-free.
TEIN also offers the option to custom valve the dampers to match different spring rates, providing further customization possibilities.
Furthermore, TEIN builds the Flex Z coilovers specifically for the regions they are sold in. This ensures that the coil overs are optimized to handle the expected conditions, whether it’s harsh weather or rough roads. You can have confidence in their performance and reliability in your specific environment.
In conclusion, the TEIN Flex Z Coilover kit is unmatched in its price range. Its exceptional performance and quality have even been compared to coil-overs at a much higher price point. If you are looking for coilovers under $1000, the Flex Z is an excellent choice that won’t disappoint. Upgrade your suspension with the TEIN Flex Z and experience unparalleled value and performance.
Features include:
- Ride height adjustment by the shock body
- 16-level dampening adjustment
- Camber adjustable strut mounts
- TEIN no-sag springs
- TEIN’s patented powder coat and ZT coating for maximum corrosion protection in all weather conditions
- Damper oil designed to handle intensive driving
- Twin tube dampers tuned for comfortable street driving
- Replaceable damper inserts
- 1-year warranty
Godspeed MonoSS
Introducing the Budget-Friendly Godspeed Coilovers: Affordable Suspension Upgrade for WRX
When you find yourself on a tight budget but still need a suspension upgrade for your WRX, the Godspeed coilovers emerge as an excellent option worth considering.
Despite their remarkably affordable price point, these coilovers offer surprising quality and have gained a decent reputation among enthusiasts. They have become popular for those seeking a budget-friendly kit that delivers a decent performance while maintaining a comfortable street ride.
Impressively, the Godspeed coilovers provide ride height and dampening adjustability, allowing you to fine-tune your suspension settings to suit your preferences and driving conditions. Additionally, they come equipped with camber adjustable strut mounts, further enhancing their versatility.
Find yourself on an extremely tight budget and are unable to invest in other coilovers on the market. The Godspeed MonoSS coilovers will undoubtedly get the job done and provide you with a satisfactory street ride.
Experience the Godspeed coilovers and discover their surprising performance and affordability. While they may not offer all the advanced features and capabilities of higher-end options, they represent an excellent solution for budget-conscious individuals looking to upgrade their WRX suspension without compromising quality. With the Godspeed coilovers, you can achieve an improved ride without breaking the bank.
Features include:
- Ride height adjustment by the shock body
- 16-level dampening adjustment
- Front camber adjustable strut mounts
- Koyo Japan bearings
- “Race” damper oil
- Monotube dampers with “Performance internal piston.”
- 1-year warranty