Performance Suspension Kits

Performance suspension kits – more control, more grip, more confidence

Performance Suspension Kits bring together carefully engineered suspension packages that go far beyond simple lowering springs. Instead of randomly pairing parts, these kits match springs and dampers to specific vehicles, axle loads and intended use, whether that is fast-road driving, occasional track days or club-level motorsport. Within this category you will find Eibach Suspension Kits with their well-known progressive springs, alongside MTS Technik Suspension Kits by Make, which offer fixed-height sport setups and full coilover systems for a broad range of European and Japanese cars.

Eibach focuses on finely tuned performance spring and kit solutions designed to deliver a neutral, predictable balance with reduced body roll and squat, often with TÜV approval for road use. MTS Technik complements this with Suspension Lowering Kits – matched spring–damper sets – and height-adjustable coilovers available with TÜV / KBA certification and a 2-year, unlimited-mileage warranty on many applications. Together they cover everything from subtle 20–30 mm drops that simply tighten up the car to more aggressive 40–60 mm setups aimed at enthusiasts who prioritise sharp turn-in, reduced body movement and a more purposeful stance.

Technical Basics

Most performance suspension kits are built around high-grade chromium–silicon steel springs that are cold-wound, chemically treated and powder-coated to resist corrosion and fatigue. Eibach’s hallmark is the use of carefully calculated progressive spring rates that provide comfort over small bumps while stiffening as load increases, keeping the chassis better supported in high-speed corners and under hard braking. MTS Technik kits use similar materials and combine them with shortened, gas-charged twin-tube sport dampers whose valving is tuned to match specific spring rates and ride-height ranges.

Vehicle-specific engineering is crucial. Each kit is linked to defined front and rear axle-load windows, engine types and body styles, so that the advertised 20–30 mm, 30/30 mm or 40/40 mm drop is achieved without constantly riding on the bump stops. This approach also keeps suspension geometry within a usable range, minimising unwanted side-effects such as excessive bump steer or snap oversteer. TÜV-approved kits have undergone additional testing to verify that their lowering and handling characteristics stay within safe limits for use on public roads, which is especially valuable on powerful or heavy cars.

Selection Criteria

Choosing the right performance suspension kit starts with accurate vehicle identification: make, model, generation, body style (hatchback, saloon, estate, coupé, cabrio), engine and drivetrain (FWD/RWD/AWD). Brand-specific application lists used by Eibach and MTS Technik specify not only fitment but also permissible axle loads. Selecting purely by model name or anecdotal advice is risky; an incorrect kit can leave the car sitting too high or too low, outside both its intended travel and damping window. Always cross-check the data on the product page with your registration or VIN-based technical information.

Your next decision is how much lowering is appropriate for your use. For daily-driven cars, a modest 20–30 mm drop typically offers the best balance of comfort, clearance and handling gains. This level of lowering reduces roll and wheel-arch gap without making speed bumps or steep driveways a constant concern. Enthusiasts who frequent twisty roads or track days may opt for 35–40 mm or more, but such setups inevitably reduce bump travel and ground clearance, demanding more care over kerbs and surface changes. In many cases, Eibach spring kits suit OEM+ builds, while more aggressive MTS Technik spring–damper or coilover packages are better for focused performance cars.

Installation & Maintenance

Fitting a Performance Suspension Kit is a safety-critical job and should be entrusted to a competent workshop. Proper tools – including high-quality spring compressors – and correct lifting and support practices are mandatory. All fasteners must be torqued to factory specifications, and rubber bushes should be tightened at normal ride height to prevent pre-load and premature wear. During installation, it is wise to inspect top mounts, ball joints, control arm bushes, dust boots and bump stops, replacing any tired components so that the new suspension does not inherit old weaknesses.

After installation, a full four-wheel alignment is essential, since lowering alters toe and camber and can influence caster. The first few hundred kilometres should be treated as a settling-in period: avoid kerb strikes, deep potholes and repeated full-load launches where possible. Thereafter, re-check torque values and alignment. Over time, monitor the system for shock oil leaks, chipped spring coatings and loosened height or locking adjustments; if the car is used for spirited driving or track days, an annual suspension inspection is a sensible baseline to maintain both performance and safety.

FAQ

What is a performance suspension kit?
A performance suspension kit is a matched package of springs and dampers – sometimes full coilovers – designed to lower the car, reduce body movement and improve handling compared with standard suspension. Unlike simple lowering springs, these kits are tuned as a system for specific vehicles and axle loads.

How much can I lower my car and still use it every day?
For most road cars, a drop of around 20–30 mm offers a strong visual and dynamic improvement while preserving enough ground clearance and bump travel for everyday use. More extreme lowering is possible but brings increased risk of bottoming out, scraping and accelerated component wear.

Do I need adjustable coilovers, or is a fixed kit enough?
Height-adjustable coilover kits give more flexibility for fine-tuning stance and corner balance, especially on track-oriented builds. For many road-focused cars, however, a fixed-height performance kit such as an Eibach or MTS Technik spring–damper set offers excellent results without the complexity and cost of full adjustability.

Is a wheel alignment required after installing a performance kit?
Yes. Any significant lowering changes suspension geometry, so a professional four-wheel alignment is mandatory after installation. Correct settings restore stability, steering feel and tyre life, and skipping this step can quickly ruin even the best-quality kit.

How long do performance suspension kits last?
With quality components such as Eibach springs and TÜV-approved MTS Technik dampers, plus regular maintenance, performance suspension kits are designed to last many years and tens of thousands of kilometres. Service life depends heavily on driving style, road quality and proper installation, so periodic inspections are strongly recommended.