Quote:
Originally Posted by piloto
This has been debated ad nausuem, but here goes...
Lowered CG, higher spring rates (in some cases non-linear) and more damping in compression and/or rebound does not automatically translate in improved handling, nor improved grip.
Adjustability for a suspension truly provide the driver (and race engineer) the ability to set the car up properly for a particular driving style and track layout, and in some cases, it might help with gaining an aerodynamic advantage (assuming ground effects and compromise made in the name of ground effects).
The bottom line is that ANY suspension design is a compromise. That applies to handling as well, which is tbasically he dynamic behavior of the car while in motion, in particular in transient stages such as cornering, but not exlcusing acceleration and braking (think anti-squat and anti-dive suspension geometry). One also has to consider any car's handling ability under maximum load (e.g. full of passengers and cargo), tire wear, road condtions (when's the last time the road you drove on was as smooth as some race tracks? And this is not relating to ride comfort...), roll centers (and roll axis), steering geometry and how steering input impacts movement in the suspension, weather conditions, driver ability, etc. All of these parameters mean that to gain more of "this," you often discard more of "that."
So, to keep this post somewhat readble, a multi-adjustable coilover, even one with preloaded springs, does not automatically translate into better handling. Better handling is not a universal term anyway. It might be better for your driving style, but not mine. But it does give you the ability to adjust it, and if you're into running your car in a race and will gather data lap after lap, and make adjustments until your as fast as you feel possible, it makes sense for you. Short of a person going that far to ensure their set-up is optimal for that track on that day, coilovers or any other aftermarket suspension that lowers your car are simply enahcing the aesthetics of your car (for most eyes, including mine).
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+1, especially the "ad nauseum" part.