No flames please.

A regular strut suspension has a shock and a spring. A coilover suspension also has a shock and a spring. A side from being adjustable, what is so different with a coilover (shock and spring combo)?

I see they are generally smaller, therefore lighter. But that's about it. Why should I go with coilovers vs traditional shock and springs? Use a 97 Civic for example.

 

coilovers are just a term to describe aftermarket replacements for your stock suspension, sold as a combination of a spring and shock. Your stock suspension is also technically a coilover, since it is a coil (spring) over a shock straight out of the factory. So note that a coilover is not necessarily adjustable in height, although most aftermarket ones are.

A strut suspension has a shock and spring as well but struts are found on Macpherson suspension cars.

For the most part, aftermarket coilovers are lighter and smaller than stock. The biggest advantage is usually the ability to adjust height.

 

thanks

 

One more question.

So when comes time to replace the shocks, it would be "cheaper" to replace to go with traditional lowering springs and shocks, then coilovers? Just because of more selection, and I don't have to replace the whole thing?

 

Before Bruce Lee, there was Yip Man.

 

I would not look strictly at price when deciding which route to go, that's no way to choose parts for your car. Think about what you want from the car, and what you'd expect the parts to do for your car, it's a much easier and efficient way to start narrowing down your choices.