Lowering springs...Why?

[Mikiee]

I'm new to this tuning business. What is the point of lowering springs? Is it just for looks or does it improve the ride/handling? And what about coil-overs? Why would you use them vs. lowering springs or vice-versa? When you put either of these on, are you more likely to bottom out on rough roads?

[nismoracingsx]

decent lowering springs when matched w/ proper shocks will help w/ looks and handling. Mostly you would notice during corning/turns. Lowering the ride also helps a little with stability at higher speed (less bouncy feeling).

Now "coilovers"are basically lowering springs specifically matched/packaged w/ the proper dampeners (shocks). Coilovers are also normally ride height adjustable and sometimes dampening adjustable as well (depending on brand and price).

Depending on how low you go, you might bottom out on some roads, on others you might not.

If you don't plan on racing in any way and you're also wanting to keep your car more streetable, a basic spring/shock combo would be best for you, imo. You'll see a lot of people jump on here and smash anybody who doesn't run coilovers (240 guys mostly), but in the need its up to you. Coilovers normally cost a bit more though.

[blindsnyper]

lowering springs make the car look better (personal opinion, not all like it) and handle a little better in the corners. and cost less. usually $200-250.
coilovers can go lower than spring (in MOST applications) and handle better than springs because of the stiffer spring rates (again, in MOST application). but cost quite a bit more. $850-1300+.

personally i think if you can afford it, coilovers are the best way to go.