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Coilovers are a popular choice among car enthusiasts for their ability to provide adjustable ride height and damping settings. When it comes to daily driving and track days, finding the right adjustment settings can significantly impact your vehicle’s performance and comfort. This article explores the best coilover adjustment settings for both daily driving and track days, focusing on technical insights from Eibach and Öhlins.
Understanding Coilover Adjustments
Coilovers combine a spring and shock absorber into a single unit, allowing for better handling and ride quality. Adjustments can typically be made to ride height, preload, compression, and rebound settings. Understanding these adjustments is crucial for optimizing your vehicle’s performance.
Key Adjustment Settings
- Ride Height: The distance between the ground and the vehicle’s chassis.
- Preload: The tension applied to the spring when the vehicle is at rest.
- Compression Damping: Controls how quickly the shock absorber compresses.
- Rebound Damping: Controls how quickly the shock absorber returns to its original position.
Daily Driving Settings
For daily driving, comfort and stability are key. Here are the recommended settings:
- Ride Height: Set to a moderate height to avoid bottoming out while still maintaining a sporty look. Typically, this is around 1 to 2 inches lower than stock.
- Preload: Adjust to achieve a balance between comfort and responsiveness. A good starting point is around 5-10% of the spring’s total length.
- Compression Damping: Set to a softer setting to absorb bumps and provide a smooth ride. Usually, 10-15 clicks from full soft is appropriate.
- Rebound Damping: A slightly firmer setting can help maintain control. Start with around 12-18 clicks from full soft.
Track Day Settings
When transitioning to track days, the focus shifts to performance and handling. Consider these adjustments:
- Ride Height: Lower the vehicle further (around 2-3 inches lower than stock) for a lower center of gravity and improved handling.
- Preload: Increase preload to reduce body roll during cornering. Aim for around 15-20% of the spring’s total length.
- Compression Damping: Increase stiffness to improve responsiveness and reduce body movement. About 5-10 clicks from full stiff is recommended.
- Rebound Damping: Set firmer to maintain tire contact during rapid changes in weight. Start with around 8-12 clicks from full stiff.
Technical Insights from Eibach
Eibach is known for its high-quality springs and coilover systems. Their technical insights emphasize the importance of adjusting settings based on specific driving conditions. They recommend using their proprietary software for precise measurements and adjustments, ensuring optimal performance tailored to individual preferences.
Technical Insights from Öhlins
Öhlins is another leader in the coilover market, renowned for their advanced damping technology. They suggest that drivers should consider factors such as tire pressure, weight distribution, and driving style when adjusting coilovers. Öhlins also provides detailed guidelines for setting up their systems, focusing on achieving a balance between comfort and performance.
Conclusion
Finding the best coilover adjustment settings for daily driving and track days requires a careful balance of comfort and performance. By following the guidelines provided and utilizing insights from Eibach and Öhlins, drivers can enhance their driving experience, whether on the street or the track. Always remember to test and refine your settings to suit your personal driving style and conditions.