Coilover Question

[NissanNewbie]

I've seen some sets for over 1k and some "kits" for like 300 which would be better to get the real coilovers or to get the kit that goes onto the shocks and upgrade the shocks or something? The second choice would probably be cheaper but would there be a big difference in performance between the two options?

[AKADriver]

The $300 "kit" is total junk.

That's not to say sleeve-type coilovers can't work, but there is no engineering behind those kits.  Ground Control sells a sleeve-type coilover that works extremely well and is used by real racers.  The price is a little higher at $400 but they're proven parts with quality engineering and good support from the manufacturer.

If you're looking to drop your car to the ground, then you need a full coilover suspension.  The sleeve-type coilovers use normal long-stroke struts that will bottom out quickly if the car is dropped more than 2" or so.  A full coilover will include reworked short-stroke struts that allow a lower drop.

[NissanNewbie]

So which one would be the better choice? Go with the actual coilovers or do the sleeve type? I'm not interested in dropping the car to the ground but I don't want to go half-assed. Is either one better for performance and day-to-day use? Is this one of those "you get what you pay for" situations?

[AKADriver]

Ground Controls work great, but only if you put in the effort to get a well matched strut, and go the extra mile with your install to make sure they don't rattle.  The full coilovers have done all that thinking for you.

[mazdog240]

Since you mentioned performance twice in your post I would reccomend the more expensive full on coilover setups.  These will provide you with much much better performance and many are highly adjustable and available with amny combinations of spring rates.  Tein, Zeal, Cusco, HKS, Kei Office, Gp Sports all make high quality performance coilover systems. Quality wise I would not hesitate to get any the these companines setups. But also at this level do will "get what you pay for" there is a difference between the $1300 Tein Flex and $2000+ Zeals.