Are coilovers realy that much better than springs?

[xuimod]

a couple of newbie questions here.

I know most coilover systems are height adjustable but other than than, are coilovers that much better than springs for lowering. is the handling much better with coilovers?

also, i've read on FitFreak's suspension sticky thread that its not recommended to lower the Fit more than 4cm b/c it changes the 'chamber angle' (i have no idea what that is). so my 2nd question is does this 'changing of the chamber angle' happen with BOTH coilovers or springs if u lower it more than 4cm? or is it just springs?

[kentris]

I assume with coil overs, it's pretty much the whole suspension kit ? So you won't lose the comfortability but still have lowering. I could be wrong.

[the_saint]

For what it's worth, I am not an expert. ;D

Coilovers give you control over certain settings (height, dampening, ect.) while springs do not. Coilovers usually allow you to lower the vehicle much more than any set of springs would allow. Adjustability is the key with coilovers.
I believe that for the average driver, springs alone are good enough. Although you may need to purchase 'performance' strust/shocks. For some reason stock struts usually don't fare will with lowering springs.

As for the camber, when the suspension compresses, the top of the tire/wheel will pull inward (camber). So when you lower a vehicle it will affect the camber since you are in a sense compressing the suspension. This change in camber from lowering is correctable...to a point. I'm guessing that once you lower the Fit past 4cm it will be past the adjustment range and will no longer be able to be corrected. Yes, camber will be changed by both springs and coilovers.
With other cars there are suspension parts that you can buy to correct this problem (adjustable control arms, pillowball mounts, etc.) but I do not know what is available for the Fit/Jazz.

Hope this helps

[TRoLL]

so coilovers are not shocks? shock absorbers are different are they?

[the_saint]

I'm sorry, I guess I wasn't clear on that point.
Coilovers do include their own shock absorbers. They are designed differently than the standard shocks that come with the car and are usually adjustable for compression, rebound, and some other technical stuff that is beyond me. Those adjustments are made independently of ride height.
To further confuse you...most coilover companies also have a variety of different spring rates available for their coilovers. I don't know exactly how the spring rates work with the adjustments you can make to the shocks, but I do know that the higher the spring rate the stiffer the ride will be.

Maybe these pics will help clarify

Strut


Coilover


Notice that the spring on the coilover is much smaller in diameter. The spring actually drops past the top of the wheel.
The spring for the strut suspension is much wider and does not drop below the top of the tire.

[kentris]

basically, coil-overs are basically the full suspension kit. (I think it is anyway ;D)

[ahcash]

yeah.. coilovers are the whole thingy with the springs etc..
shockers are the one in the middle..

[dreams]

a good combination of Springs and SHocks also can be considered, other than changing the spring with the stock shocks,only shorten the life of the shocks.

[vividjazz]

My understanding was coilovers are basicly spring and shock combined. Same as changing both spring and shock except that coilovers are adjustible unlike a preset spring and shock combination. If changing springs you should really change the shocks to match.

I understood that you still need a camber/caster kit (correct me if I'm wrong) if lowering below a certain point regardless of wether coilovers or spring/shock combo or if fitting wider tyres that otherwise wouldn't fit.

[the_saint]

^^true & true