Best coils for around 1K
 

Hey guys,

So I have about $1000 (wife approved) to get some coils for my FR-S. I use it as a daily drive and never go to the track. I want something for looks and comfort is my number 1. I still will be hitting corners here and there, but I'm mostly concerned with comfort. Should I even go with coils or save some money and just get springs?

Only reason to buy coilovers in your case is for height adjustment. Do you want to be able to change the ride height? No? Then you'll be fine with springs.

Springs

Maybe Bilstein B14? Progressive spring rates make it comfortable. Only features height adjustment so you can set it and forget it.

Are springs more comfortable than coils? I don't know much about how the spring rates work. If I do go with springs, what am I looking at with camber issues?

Just because you are putting something aftermarket on, doesn't mean you are making something better. I don't think you want 1k coilovers if you are concerned with comfort as a DD. You will get peoples opinions that some in this price range are "great," but this is subjective, and people will of course try justify their purchase.

You will gain camber lowering. Less than an inch drop and getting LCA's to fix the rear camber isn't necessary, but will help your tires if you do. You probably still want an alignment to make sure toe is in check. If you drop more than an inch, you will need more than just coilovers to get the job done. If you are looking just for a drop about 1" or less, springs seems to be the way to go. Then, you can still get LCA's and camber bolts, get all of your alignment back in spec, and have a good chunk of that 1k left over.

I'm on 25mm lowering springs from Mann Engineering. For camber, the front isn't affected but the rear will see a change from 0 to -1.5 degrees. That's not too bad if you toss your car into the occasional corner but you may see some tire wear if all you're doing is going straight. Toe also changes when lowering so get a proper alignment after you change your suspension.

In terms of ride, it's definitely firmer and not as comfortable as stock. The spring rates for the Mann Engineering springs are pretty soft compared to the competition so I can only imagine stiffer springs on stock struts would be even more uncomfortable.

The rear shocks on our cars is ridiculously short so lowering your car will get rid of a lot of stroke. I find myself riding the rear bumpstops quite often, which makes for a lot of harshness.

Honestly, the stock suspension is excellent. It's a good compromise of ride and sportiness. But if you like the lowered look, you're going to compromise ride a bit.

It's not too bad on my springs bit it's not my ideal set up.

Did those springs come with replacement bumpstops?

They did not but Mann Engineering said it wasn't necessary to cut the bumpstops. I'm thinking I should have haha.

Dont forget, if you're thinking about springs and worrying about dampers theres a few that may meet your needs as well. Coilovers arent for everyone, except for those who want height adjustment privilages.

How are the Tein street basics? Seems like they are pretty good, but I've had bad experiences using OEM pieces with aftermarket suspension. Anyone have these? Pros and Cons?

ST coilovers! Under a grand, adjustable ride height, spring rates are reasonable, I Love mine!

Solid too, no clunks or noises, ride is similar to stock but much better handling.

ST coilovers are made by, and exactly the same as KW V1 coilovers. The only difference is the shock body material is steel, not stainless, and only a worry if you live and drive where they salt the roads in winter time.

Lowered 1.5''-2''

Unless you plan to raise and lower the car a bunch just get springs. RCE and Swift make good matches to the stock dampers. You can always upgrade to Koni or Bilstein struts later on.

If you are dead set on coilovers the STs are a decent option. Also the Tein Street Flex are clearancing at a few places as they are being discontinued.

Coilovers are great, but caveat emptor:

1) the spring perch does come loose as you use it, so unless you have access to a shop that can tighten your suspension from time to time, or your own space, be aware of this.
2) like most other shocks, they need to be rebuilt or replaced from time to time.
3) if you want comfort, shocks is going to be your #1 goal. Increased spring rates will be less comfortable no matter which way you go... and coilvoer spring rates will be higher than lowering springs, all else being equal.
4) $1k? get shocks and don't change springs!

-alex