The Toyota 86 responds beautifully to coilovers that lower its center of gravity for sharper cornering. Finding the Best Coilovers For Toyota 86 can be tricky with so many options on the market. This guide breaks down the top picks based on budget, driving style, and performance goals.
Coilovers are the single best upgrade for handling on your 86. They replace your factory struts and springs with a single adjustable unit. This gives you control over ride height, damping, and sometimes camber. Let’s get straight into what you need to know.
Why Upgrade Your Toyota 86 Coilovers
The stock suspension on the Toyota 86 is good, but it’s designed for a balance of comfort and cost. It leaves a lot of performance on the table. Coilovers fix the soft body roll and vague steering feel.
You get a lower center of gravity, which means less weight transfer during cornering. This directly translates to faster lap times and more confidence on back roads. It also lets you dial in the perfect stance for looks or track use.
Key Benefits Of Aftermarket Coilovers
- Reduced body roll for flatter cornering
- Adjustable ride height for stance or performance
- Improved steering response and feedback
- Better traction under acceleration and braking
- Customizable damping for street or track
Best Coilovers For Toyota 86: Top Picks For Every Budget
We have tested and researched dozens of coilover sets for the 86 platform. The following list covers the best options from entry-level to race-ready. Each set offers a different balance of comfort, adjustability, and price.
1. KW Variant 1 Coilovers
KW is a German brand known for quality. The Variant 1 is a fixed-damping coilover that is pre-set for optimal performance. It is a great entry point for street driving.
These coilovers offer a comfortable ride while still being firm enough for spirited driving. The height adjustment is separate from the spring preload, which is a nice feature. You get a 2-year warranty and stainless steel construction.
- Fixed damping, pre-set by KW
- Height adjustable only
- Excellent build quality
- Great for daily driving
2. BC Racing BR Series Coilovers
BC Racing is a favorite among budget-conscious enthusiasts. The BR series offers 30-way adjustable damping and camber plates. This is a solid all-around choice.
You can adjust the stiffness for track days and soften it for the commute. The camber plates let you dial in negative camber for better cornering grip. They are a bit firmer than KW, but still livable on the street.
- 30-way adjustable damping
- Pillowball upper mounts with camber adjustment
- Stainless steel threaded body
- Good value for the features
3. Ohlins Road & Track DFV Coilovers
Ohlins is a premium brand used in motorsports. The Road & Track DFV (Dual Flow Valve) is the gold standard for street and track use. It is expensive but worth every penny.
The DFV technology allows the damper to react quickly to bumps, giving you incredible grip and comfort. They offer a wide range of adjustment and are rebuildable. If you want the best, this is it.
- Dual Flow Valve technology for superior damping
- Separate height and spring preload adjustment
- Rebuildable and revalvable
- Excellent ride quality and performance
4. Tein Flex Z Coilovers
Tein is a Japanese brand with a strong reputation. The Flex Z is a budget-friendly option that still offers good performance. It uses a full-length threaded body for height adjustment.
These coilovers are pre-assembled, so you can install them right out of the box. They have 16-way adjustable damping and are fairly comfortable for daily use. They are a solid choice if you are on a tighter budget.
- 16-way adjustable damping
- Full-length height adjustment
- Pre-assembled for easy install
- Affordable price point
5. Fortune Auto 500 Series Coilovers
Fortune Auto is a US-based company that offers custom valving. The 500 series is their entry-level set, but it is highly customizable. You can choose spring rates and valving to match your setup.
They use a digressive piston design for better low-speed control. The ride quality is very good for the price. They also come with a 5-year warranty, which is impressive.
- Custom spring rates and valving available
- Digressive piston design
- 5-year warranty
- Good for street and track use
6. ST Suspensions XTA Plus 3 Coilovers
ST Suspensions is a sister company to KW. The XTA Plus 3 offers KW-level quality at a lower price. It features adjustable damping and a stainless steel body.
These coilovers are a great middle ground between budget and premium. They have 20 clicks of adjustment and are very well built. They are a bit firmer than KW V1 but offer more adjustability.
- 20-way adjustable damping
- Stainless steel construction
- Height adjustable
- Good value from a reputable brand
How To Choose The Right Coilovers For Your 86
Choosing the right set depends on how you use your car. You need to consider your budget, driving style, and goals. Here is a simple guide to help you decide.
For Daily Driving And Comfort
If you use your 86 as a daily driver, comfort is key. Look for coilovers with a softer spring rate and good low-speed damping. KW V1 and Ohlins R&T are excellent choices.
Avoid coilovers with very stiff springs or aggressive valving. They will make your commute harsh and unpleasant. Stick with brands that prioritize ride quality.
For Weekend Track Days And Autocross
For track use, you want adjustability and performance. BC Racing BR and Fortune Auto 500 are good entry-level track options. Ohlins R&T is the best for serious track work.
Look for coilovers with adjustable damping and camber plates. This lets you fine-tune the suspension for different track conditions. Stiffer spring rates will help with cornering grip.
For Stance And Show Cars
If you are building a show car, you need maximum adjustability. Some coilovers offer very low ride heights. Be careful not to go too low, as it can hurt handling.
Air suspension is also an option for stance, but it is more expensive. Coilovers are simpler and more reliable for static drops. Just make sure you have enough suspension travel.
Installation Tips For Toyota 86 Coilovers
Installing coilovers on a Toyota 86 is a straightforward job if you have basic tools. You will need a jack, jack stands, and a set of wrenches. The whole job takes about 2-4 hours.
- Loosen the lug nuts on all four wheels while the car is on the ground.
- Jack up the car and place it on jack stands. Remove the wheels.
- Remove the top strut mount bolts under the hood or in the trunk.
- Remove the lower strut bolts and the sway bar end link.
- Remove the old strut and spring assembly.
- Install the new coilover, making sure to use the correct top mounts.
- Tighten all bolts to factory torque specifications.
- Repeat for all four corners.
- Lower the car and adjust the ride height.
- Get a professional alignment after installation.
Make sure to pre-set your ride height before installing. It is easier to adjust on the car than off. Also, do not tighten the control arm bolts until the car is on the ground.
Setting Up Your Coilovers For Best Performance
After installation, you need to set up your coilovers properly. This includes ride height, damping, and alignment. Here is how to do it.
Ride Height Adjustment
Start with a moderate drop of about 1 to 1.5 inches. This lowers the center of gravity without causing clearance issues. Measure from the center of the wheel to the fender lip.
Make sure the car is level side to side and front to back. Too much rake can upset the balance. Aim for a slight rake with the front slightly lower than the rear.
Damping Adjustment
Start with the damping set to the middle of the adjustment range. Drive the car and feel how it responds. If it is too bouncy, soften it. If it is too floaty, stiffen it.
For street driving, you want a firm but compliant ride. For track driving, you want it stiffer to control body roll. Adjust in small increments until you find the sweet spot.
Alignment Settings
A proper alignment is crucial after installing coilovers. You will need to adjust camber, caster, and toe. A good starting point for street use is -1.5 degrees of camber front and rear.
For track use, you can run more camber, like -2.5 to -3.0 degrees. Toe should be set to zero or a slight toe-in for stability. Always get a professional alignment from a shop that knows the 86.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Many people make mistakes when installing or setting up coilovers. Here are some common ones to avoid.
- Not pre-loading the suspension before tightening bolts
- Setting the ride height too low, causing bottoming out
- Using too much damping, making the ride harsh
- Ignoring the need for a professional alignment
- Buying coilovers that are too stiff for street use
Take your time with the setup. A little extra effort will pay off in better handling and ride comfort. Do not rush the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Best Coilover Brand For A Toyota 86?
Ohlins is widely considered the best brand for the Toyota 86, offering the best balance of performance and comfort. KW and BC Racing are also excellent choices depending on your budget.
How Much Do Coilovers Cost For A Toyota 86?
Prices range from about $800 for entry-level sets like Tein Flex Z to over $2,500 for premium sets like Ohlins. Mid-range options like BC Racing cost around $1,000 to $1,200.
Will Coilovers Make My 86 Ride Rough?
It depends on the coilover set and how you adjust them. Higher-quality coilovers like Ohlins and KW can actually improve ride comfort. Cheap coilovers with stiff springs will make the ride harsh.
Do I Need Camber Plates With Coilovers?
Not necessarily, but camber plates give you more adjustment for cornering grip. Many coilovers come with camber plates included. If you track your car, they are highly recommended.
How Long Do Coilovers Last On A Toyota 86?
With proper maintenance, coilovers can last 50,000 to 100,000 miles. Rebuildable sets like Ohlins can last even longer with regular servicing. Harsh driving and road salt can shorten their lifespan.
Final Thoughts On The Best Coilovers For Toyota 86
Upgrading your Toyota 86 with coilovers is the best way to improve its handling. The Best Coilovers For Toyota 86 depend on your budget and how you drive. For daily driving, KW V1 or Ohlins R&T are top picks. For track use, BC Racing or Fortune Auto offer great value.
Take your time choosing the right set for your needs. Install them properly and get a professional alignment. Your 86 will feel like a completely different car, sharper and more responsive.
Remember to check your local laws regarding ride height. Some areas have strict regulations. Also, consider the resale value of your car when making modifications. Coilovers from reputable brands hold their value well.
We hope this guide helps you find the perfect set of coilovers for your Toyota 86. Happy driving, and enjoy the improved handling and performance.