coilovers

Discussion and technical advice the SW20 MR2. 3S-GTE, 3S-GE, 3S-FE etc
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mirholly

coilovers

Post by mirholly »

forgive me for being thick but what are coilovers , what do they do,how do they fit and what do they cost :oops:
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Lauren
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Re: coilovers

Post by Lauren »

coilovers are so called because the spring covers the damper.

But obviously this is the case on a stock MR2.

The difference is that coilovers have an adjustable spring platform, so ride height can be adjusted. The bottom spring platform is a threaded nut that can be wound up and down the strut casing, so thus allowing ride height to be adjusted.

'Coilovers' are used in racing applications as coilover manufacturers such as Leda, Avo, Nitron etc can manufacturer springs and dampers to spec.

Also the other reason why coilovers are used is that they allow corner weighting to be done. What this entails is setting the ride height of the car with the driver on board to equalise the offset effect of the drivers weight on one side of the car.

In all honesty they are total overkill for road use and really suit a track setup. Although because you can spec any spring/damper rate ride quality can be had with good handling characteristics if you get the balance right.

Other advantages to setting the ride height, mean that suspension geo can be retained with regard to roll centres and camber etc (though camber is so badly controlled on an MR2 that its a bit academic really).

I would suggest that unless you are going to race or track the car regularly and spend the time getting the geo right, they aren't necessary for road use. You would be better off going for some koni adjustables and uprated springs.

Coilovers fit in place of the standard struts, so its pretty easy to fit a set.

Cost varies but like everything you get what you pay for. A price for something decent will set you back a grand or so.
HTH
mirholly

RE-COILOVERS

Post by mirholly »

thanks I don't want to fit them I just read one of the postings and wondered what they did =D>
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