If you’re looking to improve the handling and performance of your LS400, investing in a set of coilovers is a great place to start. Over the years, coilovers have become one of the most popular forms of suspension for drivers looking to improve their driving experience.
From street cars to professional racing series, coilovers are commonly used to change the handling and ride quality of a vehicle. This popularity has led to a variety of different Coilover brands and models available on the market, making it difficult for drivers to choose the best coilovers for LS400.
Thankfully, we’ve compiled some of the best options available, from budget-friendly solutions to high-end brands. We also included a buyer’s guide to help you choose the right set for your needs. So whether you’re looking for a simple setup or something more comprehensive, read on for our top picks!
Top Picks
Before you move on to the more detailed portion, have a quick look at how we organized our top-rated list based on their excellence:
- Best for Drifting: Ksport CLX090-KP Fully Adjustable Coilover
- Best for Smooth Drive: BC Racing BR Series Coilovers
- Best for Daily Driving: Godspeed MRS1460 MonoRS Coilover
- Best for Terrains: CXRacing Damper CoilOvers
- Best for Budget: MaXpeedingrods Adjustable Coilover
Best Coilovers For LS400 Buyer’s Guide
We’ve put together the ultimate guide to coilovers, offering everything from basic information on what they are and how they work. This guide is perfect for anyone looking to buy a set of coilovers, no matter your experience or budget. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast searching for the best performance possible or just want to save a few bucks, we’ve got you covered.
- Upper Mount
The upper mount is an important area of a coilover that coordinates a smooth driving experience. It enables the coilover to be affixed to your car and is extremely important for carrying out this operation. There are two kinds of upper mounts, a pillow-ball upper mount, and a rubber upper mount.
Nearly all coilovers on the market use a pillow-ball upper mount. This creates a spherical bearing, which allows the connection between the circle and the top-hat rod which is where it sits inside the car.
A pillow-compression ball results in added sharpness of handling, but it also distributes vibrations and harshness throughout the suspension to a greater degree, causing a greater harshness while driving on the street.
On the other hand, rubber upper mounts, which are mostly offered by some newer brands, offer a little steering deflection. Coilovers that are set up using them will be more steerable than the stock setup, because of their extra stiffness.
- Spring Rates
Spring rate is one of the most crucial aspects you have to be aware of while purchasing a Coilover setup. Springs have a key role in controlling the automobile’s suspension bushings; without them, they would not absorb bumps or make the car lose elasticity.
The higher your suspension spring rates, the stiffer it is compressed; that takes more force to compress the spring, so the suspension is not able to move as easily. When you accelerate your car or take a turn or brake, your car starts moving.
By minimizing bodily movement, coilovers make handling more predictable and distribute the cornering load evenly across all four tires, leading to better grip. Before purchasing aftermarket coilovers, it’s best to compare them to OEM suspension. The stiffer springs in many coilovers improve handling and give the driver awareness of the road and their vehicle, allowing them to make better driving decisions.
The spring rate is determined by how much force it requires to compress the spring. If your springs have a rate of 300 pounds per spring, they will compress 1 inch for every 300 pounds of force. If you receive another 300 pounds of force to the springs, the spring will compress another inch to the load being 600 pounds. The spring rate does not vary.
The ideal spring rate for your Lexus could differ depending on your application pattern. Drag racing, street driving, or drifting, the spring rate you select will change the performance characteristics of your car. The selected coilover application changes internal valving to match the modified spring rate desired.
- Helper Springs
A helper spring is a specialized type of thin and comparatively lighter spring that’s usually placed between the primary spring and the spring mount. If you need to reduce your car’s height over diverse terrain, you’ll be assisted through that situation if your car remains connected to the helper spring when it’s at rest on the road.
The energy will keep the spring immobile while it lessens the car, enabling you to lower it over uneven surfaces more safely. Some coilovers today already include helper springs in the box, but most can be added later if required.
- Damper Construction
Damper construction plays a vital role in determining the compatibility and performance of a Coilover suspension system. In general, there are two types of damper design used in modern coilovers, these include monotube and twin tube.
Corner-to-corner precision is provided by the distinctive handling performance of monotube coilovers that have been fitted with OE-style customizations. Not to mention, the exceptional cornering response of the course in a matter of seconds after just releasing the throttle can allow for the situation of diverse road passions, even when driving clean air.
In the case of a twin-tube damper setup, if there is a crackdown, the fuel is transported to the inner tube by the piston that’s pressing itself back into the opening and closing. As the piston returns, the fuel is sucked back into the outer tube. Most OEM vehicles use a twin-tube design, which allows the driver to bring a suspension stroke and provides a more comfortable bumpy ride.
Top 5 Best Coilovers For LS400 – Our Top Rated List
In order to make our review as comprehensive and helpful as possible, we spent countless hours researching the best products on the market. We evaluated each product based on its features, performance, and value. We also took into account customer reviews and ratings to ensure that our list is accurate and unbiased.
1. Best for Drifting – Ksport CLX090-KP Fully Adjustable Coilover
Highlighted Features:
- 36 levels of dampening force adjustment
- Specialized cruising setting for regular driving
- Camber adjustability for better alignment
- Ride height adjustability without influencing spring and shuck
- Made from incredibly durable 6061 aluminum
Introducing our first choice, which is CLX090-KP. This is a fully adjustable Dual-Shock CLX coilover system designed and manufactured by Ksport. If you’re interested in lowering your LS400 and always prefer a motor vehicle driven at a low position, this option might be good for you.
The system consists of two single-piece uppers and lower C arms with built-in reservoirs that make inflating or deflating the shocks simple. Your Coilover setup is much like the one you’d apply for different car parts setups, so it’ll become as fun and straightforward as the various elements of other automotive companies.
Within a couple of months of owning your vehicle, you will notice whether it has enhanced the rate. It could fit your automobile’s suspension on the asset Struts. The primary aim of rejiggering the suspension is to optimize the bottom bounce, but this is not the case.
The main focus, while going to the Ksport, should be to lower how much movement (less rocker) there is, thereby increasing ride quality. Maybe it takes numerous attempts at various heights, but at long last, you’ll have your goal in mind.
You might need to climb the damper adjustments somewhat later after a little more time, but you will get better handling and traveling on your aged automobile as soon as you put in brand-new shocks earlier.
Your suspension can be upgraded by installing this complete kit, which includes everything that’s necessary. We know that the kit does not cost a lot and can compete with any kit when it comes to value and performance. We know that by using this kit, your suspension will be upgraded without any problems.
2. Best for Daily Driving – BC Racing BR Series Coilovers
Highlighted Features:
- Separate full-length height adjustability
- Front camber plates
- 30 levels of compression rebound force adjustment
- Swift springs for enhanced comfort
- Easy-to-access knobs for fine-tuning
Whether you’re a new or old Coilover user, you might have heard the name “BC Racing”. In the second position, we have one member from their legendary BR series. The BR Series represents the most excellent remedy for a situation where you need not dig deep into your pockets to make your car suspension ideal. It is an awesome coil-over suspension for those with a regular street Lexus LS400.
The BC Racing BR series consists of the default mode resolution on foot and has a minimum of a two-inch decrease in ground clearance. It’s simple to observe the difference in the handling immediately after connecting to the coilovers. Driving has become considerably more stable and easy to handle.
Since installation is never required prior to, only a simple procedure. These coilovers are very useful, as they can be stored away for easy reference. With this particular setup, BC offers many springs, including Swift Springs that make you feel more like a tourist. If you’re trying to find lows, they also offer a low setup.
What’s more? Well, it comes with various accessible knobs to fine-tune the feedback of your compression rebound adjustments. Regardless of how high you set your elevation, you may lift or lower your vehicle using this unit. These coilovers result in a more comfortable ride state while you travel on tracks, functioning seamlessly for racetracks and on the street as well.
The only complaints noted by users are related to clunking sounds heard coming from the backseat when the vehicle impacts a speed bump. This can be heard at steady or slow speeds, regardless of whether there was a bump in that place.
3. Best for Daily Driving – Godspeed MRS1460 MonoRS Coilover
Highlighted Features:
- 32 levels of dampening force adjustment
- 52mm Mono-Tube Steel Alloy Shock
- Powder Coated CNC Machined Aluminum Accessories
- Racing Grade Shock Oil
- Independent spring tension setting
Looking for a coilover for your car that is reliable and will last? Look no further than Godspeed’s MRS1460 MonoRS Coilover. As one of the premium options from Godspeed, this suspension system has been tested and proven to be effective and durable. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned driver, this coilover system is the perfect option for you.
Best Specialty’s Coilover edition of this Coilover category has excellent functions such as a great focus on weight reduction and terrific specifications and functions for car lovers who seek some background in coilovers. It comes with two parts consisting of monotube stainless steel shocks, so it gives 32 levels of compression rebound adjustment.
This Coilover edition features a number of phenomenal weight reduction functions and specifications, making it a good option for car enthusiasts who have some understanding of coilovers. It has two monotube stainless steel shocks, enabling 32 levels of dampening rebound.
Particularly, the shock is connected via a high-quality top hat that contains a high-performance bearing pillow ball mount (when appropriate) to the base of the brake arm bracket through a ten-millimeter CNC machined heat-treated bearing.
The thing that drew our attention is the high-quality T7075 forged aluminum and carbon steel bottom brackets that are lightweight without compromising durability and also incorporate brake line brackets (if appropriate).
Its spring tension knob and the ride height adjustment work independently of each other, and when the shock cushion is damaged, you can fix it by getting a replacement part. Moreover, the springs of unconventional SAE9252 steel have been specially designed to produce an optimal balance between performance and luxury.
The major drawback of this system is it’s difficult to fine-tune the ride height and stiffness of the suspension to fit the needs of each driver.
4. Best for Terrains – CXRacing Damper CoilOvers
Highlighted Features:
- 32-step damping adjustment
- Excellent ride height adjustability
- Sporty spring rate
- Mono-tube shock design
- Pillow ball upper mount
CXRacing Coilovers are one of the best options for those who want good performance without spending a fortune. They offer amazing damping and handling at an affordable price, making them a great choice for anyone looking for quality suspension upgrades. With years of experience in the racing industry, CXRacing knows how to make a great damper coilover and has put its expertise into this product.
This option is perfect for those who are looking for a budget-friendly option with good performance. As we found, these suspensions are mainly designed to provide drivers with a comfortable and stable driving experience while reducing road noise and improving performance.
We think they’re absolutely amazing after you tangle them with the built-weakener, full stiff, and let them set up for daily use. Besides, they’re very simple to set up and operate, but you need to keep in mind that they’re not made for non-stop rapid cornering. Just let them know the full stiff setup, and they’re totally smooth on every corner.
After several days of driving on them, you must say, the price you have paid for this unit has given you something like most other premium and pricier options. As you set the fronts to the bottom middle of the 32+ adjustment, and the back to really tight (<5 clicks ), the trip will be excellent.
It surfs a bit like stock, however, it may start to concrete your daily ride a little more, though perhaps not as noticeable as in our opinion. Yes, you can select tweak if you want to get involved in autocross.
Most of the time, the resistance to your semitrailer spinal column will feel brutal and squishy. However, the wheels you are employing with this unit will give you the smoothest trip regardless of the knobby tires.
One noticeable negative fact we’ve observed during the installation is having the correct ride height. The rear is all the way to the bottom, and it is essentially the same at the top. At the moment, it rubs a bit if we’re turning quite sharply in front.
5. Best for Budget – MaXpeedingrods Adjustable Coilover
Highlighted Features:
- Track-grade springs with high-viscosity oil
- Perfectly adjusted valve coefficient
- Dust-free assembly
- 24 levels of dampening force adjustment
- Deep groove ball bearing structure
We spent all our time listing the exact ends of the spectrum that are satisfactorily examined by budget shoppers: the cheapest price is the cost of the MaXpeedingRods Adjustable Coilover. Brand name coilovers have something of a storied place in the premium segment, but if you’re looking for a budget option, MaXpeedingRods is one of the cheapest you’ll find.
People prefer attractive designs, regardless of how much their ride costs. However, a MaXpeedingRods Coilover seems quite luxurious thanks to its beautiful appearance. Noticing the Coilover designer is hard because its price is near the low end of the range; people will never see a MaXpeedingRods Coilover as cheap.
Accordingly, you save not just money but also get an attractive complement to your suspension. You would just find some minor errors or imperfections from the welder or cosmetically unattractive welds.
In any case, these imperfections are nothing to be concerned about. Therefore, you can’t worry about the MaxpeedingRods coilovers not looking great on your ride. The fact that MaXpeedingRods coilovers provide good durability for such an amazing price is a testament to their particular craftsmanship.
We are not the slightest bit concerned about seeing anyone else in this industry that offers less durability for its cost than MaXpeedingRods. Therefore, while we might not find the best deal in wear-and-tear resistance, we still see a large driving return on the market.
It seems enough to let you have a great race track season without any problems. However, there is a very good chance that you’ll have to purchase a replacement before the next racing season begins. Conversely, if you use the set of coilovers daily to drive, it is likely to last for a couple of seasons before becoming worn out.
Frequently Asked Question
How long do coilovers usually last?
While the majority of coilovers last around five years, the life expectancy of any given unit can be influenced by several aspects, such as how often it is used, how it is serviced, and so on. Provided that you keep your vehicle well-maintained and drive it gently, your coilovers may last for up to ten or more years.
How do I protect my coilovers?
There are a few things you can do to protect your coilovers. First, make sure you keep them clean. Dirt and dust can accumulate over time, which can damage the suspension. Second, make sure they are properly inflated. Over-inflating your coilovers can cause them to become brittle and eventually fail.
Are coilovers better than shocks?
For ultimate performance, the damper and spring are matched to provide a controlled rate of damping unlike lowering springs. However, coilovers offer a large range of adjustability consisting of ride height, spring preload, shock damping, and rebound.
Can you run coilovers in winter?
No matter what your climate preference is, one thing is certainly clear: Coilovers hate winter! The protective layers used to prevent roads from freezing and the chemicals used to break up the ice, such as salt and sand, often damage coilovers. In particular, will actually damage your coilovers!
Do I need an alignment after coilovers?
Yes, it is a good idea that you should get an alignment as soon as you make any alterations to the suspension of your vehicle with aftermarket items. This is especially important when lowering or lifting a motor vehicle. Because components of your suspension could wind up throwing critical geometry off, you don’t want to risk such a scenario.
Final Words
In conclusion, the LS 400 has always been known for its handling and performance. Thanks to the excellent coilovers that are available on the market, you can now improve this even further. From budget options to high-end suspensions, there’s a Coilover for everyone. We have just picked the possibly best coilovers for LS400 you could ever have. Now, it’s up to you what’s suitable for your budget and driving pattern.
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