Solo Werks coilovers offer an enticing entry point into the world of adjustable suspension. At a price point significantly lower than many competitors, are these coilovers a worthwhile upgrade for your car? This review dives into my personal experience with Solo Werks coilovers after a few hundred miles of driving, including installation, ride quality, and overall impressions.
Ownership and Installation
Research confirmed that Solo Werks is owned by KW, a reputable name in the suspension industry. This connection suggests a potential lineage in engineering and performance. The coilovers arrived in a simple cardboard box with included instructions. However, I opted to follow the ECS Tuning ST-X coilover installation guide on YouTube, which proved very helpful. Visually, the Solo Werks coilovers appear remarkably similar to the ST-X coilovers.
Fitment and Adjustments with a 19″ Wheel Setup
My car is equipped with 19×9 ET35 wheels with 245/35/19 tires and 19×10 ET38 wheels with 275/30/19 tires. Achieving a very low ride height with this setup required thin spacers to avoid contact between the wheels/tires and the coilover collars and springs. Even without spacers, I managed to get the desired ride height with minimal compromise.
Ride Quality and Performance
The ride quality on Solo Werks coilovers is surprisingly comfortable. I’d describe it as similar to an OEM sport suspension with a slightly firmer feel, perhaps comparable to an “OEM sport plus” setting. While the difference between Solo Werks and my previous OEM sport suspension is subtle, I suspect the contrast would be more noticeable if I reverted to stock. Importantly, the ride is smooth and free of any unusual noises or harshness, making it perfectly acceptable for daily driving and passengers.
Overall Impression and Comparison
For the price (around $525 after a rebate), the Solo Werks coilovers offer excellent value. They provide ample adjustment for fine-tuning ride height and deliver a comfortable yet sporty driving experience. My usage is primarily for weekend and fair-weather driving, so I haven’t tested them on the track. A direct comparison to ST-X coilovers would be insightful, as their visual similarity raises questions about performance differences. If you have experience with ST-X coilovers, please share your feedback!