How much better are coil overs? - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Bigdumogre · 04-01-2021, 07:27 AM

I know lots of people use them and are they that much better than using other aftermarket struts? example : (koni with bar springs)
Are they that much harder to install?

I know the advantage is adjusting ride height if needed.

KillboyPowerhead · 04-01-2021, 09:25 AM

Adjustability is the main advantage - not just height but shock compression and/or rebound too. You're also getting a shock and spring made to work together whereas shocks and springs from different manufacturers are typically "one size fits all" and are made to work with factory equipment as well as with other aftermarket parts, so with coilovers you're theoretically getting a more balanced and precise product versus a generic, all-around one. With that said, JusticePete (Camaro suspension guru) highly recommended the Bilstein B6 shocks and BMR or DSE lowering springs combo (highest aftermarket spring rates available for these cars) and said he prefers that setup to many low- and mid-priced coilovers.

Install is no different except you may need to cut holes in the trunk to reach the adjustment knob, depending on the design.

With that said I don't have much experience with separate shocks and springs except for the Eibach springs I had paired with my factory shocks, and I found the springs to be way too soft and was constantly bottoming out on relatively minor potholes and bumps; now I have BC Racing's BR series coilovers (their entry/street level coilover) which use much stiffer springs.

InFiD3ViL · 04-01-2021, 09:46 AM

Coilovers substantially changed my suspension and ride feel for the better, and I went with budget Megan Racing Coilovers ($750), 15 step adjustable. I can only imagine how much better a really high quality set of coilovers would feel.

I lowered my car nearly 2 inches and usually run on full hardness. Yes, bumps are felt more now, but it also dramatically reduced body roll and made the handling feel much more responsive. So far, this is my only suspension mod, but I plan to get a set of sway bars and end links next, followed by a full poly bushing setup in the rear.

RupertPupkin · 04-01-2021, 09:53 AM

Installs about the same process, unless you get coilovers that require for you to drill in your trunk (BC/ Megan).

InFiD3ViL · 04-01-2021, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RupertPupkin

Installs about the same process, unless you get coilovers that require for you to drill in your trunk (BC/ Megan).

I was worried about that at first, but the process was easy and it came out looking very clean for me. I used a small hole saw, resealed the cut edges with clear coat and poked them through my trunk carpet. I just wish they weren't so damned long. Not sure why they need to be nearly a foot long? For the holes, I was considering ordering a set of rubber grommets to seal them better or to just get some of those door edge guards with the self adhesive and cut them to size to cover the metal edges.

Yes, my trunk is messy. I have a massive pile of microfibers in there.

Bigdumogre · 04-01-2021, 11:23 AM

Great info

1JEWLDSSRS · 04-01-2021, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by InFiD3ViL

I was worried about that at first, but the process was easy and it came out looking very clean for me. I used a small hole saw, resealed the cut edges with clear coat and poked them through my trunk carpet. I just wish they weren't so damned long. Not sure why they need to be nearly a foot long? For the holes, I was considering ordering a set of rubber grommets to seal them better or to just get some of those door edge guards with the self adhesive and cut them to size to cover the metal edges.

Yes, my trunk is messy. I have a massive pile of microfibers in there.

That trunks not messy!! Mine has a fold out chair for the shows, a large carry bag with ALL my detail product AND a ton of micro fiber towels, not to mention my small cooler for the drinks too...

InFiD3ViL · 04-01-2021, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1JEWLDSSRS

That trunks not messy!! Mine has a fold out chair for the shows, a large carry bag with ALL my detail product AND a ton of micro fiber towels, not to mention my small cooler for the drinks too...

Well I have like 50 microfiber towels that I just grabbed and pulled towards the rear to take the pic. I also have a ton of detailing supplies stuffed into the cargo net...I guess I was just projecting for the stuff that couldn't be seen in the pic lol.

Bigdumogre · 04-02-2021, 03:59 AM

My trunk is always empty other than 2 re usable bags that I keep by the spare tire whole. I can’t stand stuff in the trunk lol

04-01-2021, 07:27 AM	#1
Bigdumogre Drives: 2012 Camaro SS Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: New York Posts: 1,434	How much better are coil overs? I know lots of people use them and are they that much better than using other aftermarket struts? example : (koni with bar springs) Are they that much harder to install? I know the advantage is adjusting ride height if needed. __________________ 2012 Camaro 2SS/RS - CSP Custom Cam 232/240 .615/.615 113 +3, Texas speed CNC heads, FTI billet triple disc converter, K&N cai, Katech ported TB, GPI Ported/rod modded manifold, Texas speed 1 7/8 headers, HFC, Flowmaster 2 chambers with x pipe, Mishimoto CC, MSD wires, Roto fab washer relocation, tru cool 40k trans cooler, apex scoop, Pedders extreme coil overs and much more!!

04-01-2021, 09:25 AM	#2
KillboyPowerhead Drives: 2015 Z/22 Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 931	Adjustability is the main advantage - not just height but shock compression and/or rebound too. You're also getting a shock and spring made to work together whereas shocks and springs from different manufacturers are typically "one size fits all" and are made to work with factory equipment as well as with other aftermarket parts, so with coilovers you're theoretically getting a more balanced and precise product versus a generic, all-around one. With that said, JusticePete (Camaro suspension guru) highly recommended the Bilstein B6 shocks and BMR or DSE lowering springs combo (highest aftermarket spring rates available for these cars) and said he prefers that setup to many low- and mid-priced coilovers. Install is no different except you may need to cut holes in the trunk to reach the adjustment knob, depending on the design. With that said I don't have much experience with separate shocks and springs except for the Eibach springs I had paired with my factory shocks, and I found the springs to be way too soft and was constantly bottoming out on relatively minor potholes and bumps; now I have BC Racing's BR series coilovers (their entry/street level coilover) which use much stiffer springs. __________________ Overkill/Self Tuned; Mace Camshafts; K&N Typhoon Cold Air Intake; Ported 80mm Throttle Body/Intake Manifolds/Manifold Spacer; Solo Performance High-Flow Cats, Cat-back Exhaust; Vitesse Motorsports Throttle Controller; Elite Engineering E2 Catch Can; BC Racing BR Coilovers; JPSS Delrin Radius Rod Bushing Inserts, Sway Bars; Pegasus Aluminum Rear Cradle Bushings, Camber/Caster Plates; Z/28 Toe Links, Trailing Arms, Upper Control Arm Bushings, Rear Shock Mounts

04-01-2021, 09:46 AM	#3
InFiD3ViL Drives: 2010 CGM 2SS/RS LS3 Swapped A6 Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Spring Hill, FL Posts: 4,570	Coilovers substantially changed my suspension and ride feel for the better, and I went with budget Megan Racing Coilovers ($750), 15 step adjustable. I can only imagine how much better a really high quality set of coilovers would feel. I lowered my car nearly 2 inches and usually run on full hardness. Yes, bumps are felt more now, but it also dramatically reduced body roll and made the handling feel much more responsive. So far, this is my only suspension mod, but I plan to get a set of sway bars and end links next, followed by a full poly bushing setup in the rear. __________________ 2010 CGM Camaro 2SS LS3 Swapped A6 - GPI LS3 SS1 .647/.638, (224/237, 112 +4, 7º overlap) on CamMotion 8620 core, BTR Platinum .660" Dual Spring kit w/titanium retainers, CHE bronze trunnion upgrade, stock heads milled @ .015, Melling HV 10296 oil pump, TSP 1-7/8" long tube headers (W/Catless Off-road Pipes), Corsa Xtreme 3" Catback, GPI Ported/Rod Mod Intake, Stage 2 Ported Throttle Body, Vararam OTR CAI, Mike Norris Gen 2 catch can + GM 1LE clean side separator, 160º thermostat - Megan Racing adjustable coilovers (lowered 1.75"), MRR M017 10/11" wheels-Tuned by Ryan @ GPI

04-01-2021, 09:53 AM	#4
RupertPupkin Drives: 2014 Camaro SS 1Le Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: IL Posts: 1,586	Installs about the same process, unless you get coilovers that require for you to drill in your trunk (BC/ Megan). __________________ 2014 SS 1LE Money Pit/ Forged 402 CAM 22X/24X, .619/.617, 113 LSA/ LS9 Heads FIC 1200cc/DSX Aux Pump//McLeod RXT Clutch 730whp: 630Trq

04-01-2021, 11:23 AM	#6
Bigdumogre Drives: 2012 Camaro SS Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: New York Posts: 1,434	Great info __________________ 2012 Camaro 2SS/RS - CSP Custom Cam 232/240 .615/.615 113 +3, Texas speed CNC heads, FTI billet triple disc converter, K&N cai, Katech ported TB, GPI Ported/rod modded manifold, Texas speed 1 7/8 headers, HFC, Flowmaster 2 chambers with x pipe, Mishimoto CC, MSD wires, Roto fab washer relocation, tru cool 40k trans cooler, apex scoop, Pedders extreme coil overs and much more!!

04-02-2021, 03:59 AM	#9
Bigdumogre Drives: 2012 Camaro SS Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: New York Posts: 1,434	My trunk is always empty other than 2 re usable bags that I keep by the spare tire whole. I can’t stand stuff in the trunk lol __________________ 2012 Camaro 2SS/RS - CSP Custom Cam 232/240 .615/.615 113 +3, Texas speed CNC heads, FTI billet triple disc converter, K&N cai, Katech ported TB, GPI Ported/rod modded manifold, Texas speed 1 7/8 headers, HFC, Flowmaster 2 chambers with x pipe, Mishimoto CC, MSD wires, Roto fab washer relocation, tru cool 40k trans cooler, apex scoop, Pedders extreme coil overs and much more!!