Coilovers do the same thing as shock/springs combo. The coilover (coil over a shock) comes in one piece as an integrated unit, whereas shock and springs come separat (obviously). Because coilovers are one unit, they usually have the inherent ability to be height adjusted to your own satsifaction.

The adjustment kit from ECS is for people who already have the separate spring and shock combo and want the flexibility that coilovers have. You haven't purchased anything yet - so if you think you will need the adjustment kit, then go ahead and get coilovers to begin with.

If you plan to adjust your ride height often (ie autoX or track) then coilovers are definitely needed. For most of us, basic spring/shock combo is satisfactory. There are shocks out there with a series of height perches - giving you some ability to set the ride height when you install the shocks. Once installed though, you would need to remove and reinstall if you wanted to change the perch height.

Coilovers usually allow you to do this without having to do a full reinstall. Of course, not all coilovers are created equal, and because they offer adjustment, it doesn't always mean it's an easy adjustment.

To simply lower your ride 2 inches, get yourself some aftermarket shocks and some race springs from Neuspeed or H&R.

 

wow... that pretty much explains everything. thanks brrrman. i guess i'll get the aftermarket shocks springs and then if needed i'll drop the $300 and get the coilover option things. I just want to "get low" any other mods needed when I do this?

any opinions as far as what to go with I have about a grand to blow. would it be wise to look into a slightly used set or no?

thanks again....

 

With $1000 you wont need to buy used. You can get top of the line spring/shock combo, or with a 100-300 bucks more you could get some NICE coilovers. Some of our cars require a camber kit, some dont...luck of the draw? You'll wanna get aligned too, of course.

 

ECS has about 3-4 coilover options, ran 1200-1300 or so for a set of four. Those have the spring and shock as one adjustable unit, best way to go is you can afford the extra few hundred over a sping/shock combo.