suspension question...
 

I have been trying to decide about coilovers vs springs. It seems they are within 3-400$ of each other. The RCE/Bilstein combo is around 1400$. I can get nice Cusco coilovers with camber plates front and back for 1800$. What, if any, is the benefit of getting springs over coilovers? This is my DD and I want to start autoX possibly or getting some track time.

Let's compare @Racecomp Engineering Tarmacs/Bilstein B8s to RCE Tarmac Zero coilovers, since they're the same company, same spring rate, etc... I think the spring/strut combo is about $1200, coilovers are about $1700. So what makes the coilovers better, since they're $500 extra?

With the coilover you get stainless steel construction and height adjustability. You also get dampers that are perfectly matched for the springs they're used with. With the springs/struts their rates are very very close, but not perfect. You could have the struts revalved, but then you'll be up to the price of the coilovers anyways. With either set you would need to keep the OEM top mounts or buy super awesome camber plates; @Raceseng makes awesome ones, HVT makes very good ones.

Also, what cusco coilovers are you getting for $1800 that come with camber plates?

The other benefit of coilovers is fitment if you are planning to run wide wheels and/or a lot of camber. Just one more thing to consider when planning this out.

That is true; a lot of guys in the meaty tire thread and aggressive fitment thread need coilovers to fit their wheels and tires.

I wasn't asking for advice justifying coilovers. I was asking, for someone that doesn't need track adjustability, is there ANY reason to just get springs instead of coilovers? I can't see a reason why. That is why I asked.

The number one question is, what is your goal?

Number two, what is your budget?

Do you want to stance? Do you want to track? Do you want to rally?

I would like to track eventually. I love the hella flush look, but its not practical. My budget is around 2k. I'm still on stock rims, so I worry about fitment if I just buy springs and then get rims and tires that don't work. But, instead of spending 1200 and then going back and getting coilovers later, is it better just to get coilovers from the start?

Coilovers will often have much higher spring rates which, while great for keeping you planted on a track, can be kind of unsettling when going through speed bumps and potholes.

Higher priced springs and struts like the RCE/Bilstein combo will usually far outperform lower priced coilovers. Plus they're cheaper.

If you don't need the 40 way damping adjustability and you can find a spring/strut combo that gives you the drop you want, I'd go with that over a coilover. If you want something that can't be done comfortably with springs and struts, like dropping it 2 inches so you can tuck a wheel, get coilovers.

edit: What are your end goals for wheel size? You can fit 17x9's in with OEM-sized springs, but it's kind of snug.

A good spring/strut combo would be capable on the track if you are not chasing trophies. It would also leave more money in your pocket for track days and the all important driver mod. I don't think we were saying choose coilovers, but these are the benefits. If you don't need those then springs/struts are good. I plan to run SCCA and eventually be locally competative on a Koni/RCE set-up. I can still fit 17x9 et35s with up to -2.5 camber so I am OK with this.

Also, are you getting quality coilovers? What Cuscos are you looking at? You could also end up with coilovers that are too soft to track or too bouncy for a DD and end up upgrading. KW V3s are the good starting point and similar in price. There are also the RCE T0s (which I see people upgrade from for track) and the more expensive but highly regarded RCE T2s.

I made this mistake. I will try to help you avoid it... I bought Springs, Installed them and they were great for stock wheels. Decided to get 9.5" wheels after doing research on if they would fit and was sure they would. Go to put the new wheels on and rub rub rub. Fucked... Ended up ordering coilovers in the end and couldn't be happier.

If he really wants to track in the future there is no reason to get 9.5 wheels.

I'm looking at super advan v2. 18x8

Those come with a +48 and +38 offset. You'll be fine with springs and struts. The +38 will push the wheel out to be more flush and less sunken in. Not sold on your choice of wheels, but to each their own.

Don't bother with the +48, especially if you plan to add any camber up front. +38 will sit a lot better with 8" wheels. I have 17x8 +45 and wish I had gone for +35 instead.