Solo Werks coilovers offer an enticing entry point into the world of adjustable suspension. With a price point significantly lower than many competitors, are these coilovers a worthwhile upgrade? This review, based on a few hundred miles of driving and a recent alignment, delves into the Solo Werks experience.
Solo Werks and KW: A Shared Heritage
Before diving into the performance aspects, it’s important to understand the connection between Solo Werks and KW Suspensions. Research confirms that Solo Werks was indeed founded by former KW engineers and subsequently acquired by KW. This shared lineage suggests a potential for similar engineering principles and quality control.
Installation and First Impressions
Purchased with a rebate for around $525, the Solo Werks coilovers arrived in unassuming packaging. While instructions were included, a YouTube guide for ECS ST-X coilovers (which appear visually identical) proved helpful during installation.
One notable observation concerns fitment. With a 19×9 ET35 wheel and a 234/245 tire, a thin spacer is necessary for extremely low ride heights to prevent contact between the wheel/tire and the coilover collars/springs. Even without a spacer, achieving the desired ride height was possible, albeit with minimal clearance.
Ride Quality and Performance
The ride quality on Solo Werks coilovers is surprisingly refined. Described as akin to OEM sport suspension, perhaps slightly firmer, the difference is subtle. Comfort is certainly maintained, making these coilovers suitable for daily driving and passenger approval. No unusual noises or performance quirks were encountered.
Overall Impressions and Considerations
For a predominantly street-driven vehicle used primarily for weekend or fair-weather excursions, the Solo Werks coilovers offer ample adjustability and satisfactory performance. The significant price advantage compared to other options makes them a compelling choice for budget-conscious enthusiasts. A direct comparison with ST-X coilovers would be insightful, as the visual similarities raise questions about performance parallels.
The current setup, pictured below after alignment, sits slightly lower than the halfway point in the adjustment range. This review will be updated as more miles are accumulated.
The current wheel and tire setup consists of 19×9 ET35 with 245/35/19 tires in the front and 19×10 ET38 with 275/30/19 tires in the rear. Future updates will explore the long-term durability and performance of these coilovers.
