A coilover is in simple terms a superior quality mono tube shock which includes a provision of mounting coil springs on the shock. It is thus a compact package of springs and shock. The use of coilovers requires strict attention on spring rates mounting geometry and shock valving.
Although there isn’t anything magical about coilovers but they definitely have a number of advantages. Its parts are separately available at reasonable prices. It is pretty easy to modify or adjust valving to suit the riders needs. They are of high quality, compact and easy to fit. They also allow the selection of specific spring rate to achieve any targeted suspension frequency and also re-adjustable to achieve suspension height or target ride height. It is also easy to set up a coilover for use with a combination of springs which provides a soft to firmer spring rate depending upon the compression of suspension. It also comes with an adjustable top spring seat which provides the advantage of adjusting the ride height. It also provides a remarkable ability for its position to be adjusted whenever a transition in the spring rate occurs.
The above discussion might not clear the air in your mind but eventually you shall figure it all out after we discuss the various types of coilovers, their parts and functions. Most of the coilovers would be categorized either as a remote reservoir, piggy back or an emulsion coilover.
A piggyback coilover shock is somewhat identical to a remote reservoir shock the only difference being that the reservoir is mounted directly on the shock with a bracket that incorporates a hydraulic passage between the reservoir and the cylinder, instead of being attached to the shock with a flexible hydraulic hose. This makes it a challenge to fit. Technically speaking, one can mount a remote reservoir shock and a piggyback shock upside down and still work but one would still refrain from doing so.
An emulsion coilover shock is different from the other two and has neither a reservoir nor floating piston. But it still is nitrogen charged shock, but the emulsion contains in it the charge along with the oil and the pressure tube. It’s resistance to foaming, aeration and fades than the external ones is less and is best suited for light weight and low-speed vehicles. Being compact and they are easier to fit than the other ones and also more economical than them. It can only be mounted right side up.
