Air suspension vs. Coilovers... Pro's vs Con's

[F23]

Hello Everyone,

This is my first post, and I want to ask a question that has confused me for a while. Here's the context:

I am considering getting a 1970 Mercury Cougar, and I want to do a full pro-touring setup if I do purchase one. I figured one of the first things I would do is a complete suspension upgrade using one of the kits from Ride Tech. Ride Tech, as I'm sure most of you know, offers both coilover's and air setups. The air setups are almost $2000 more for the lv 2 kit I am interested in. My main question is, whats the difference? Is one any better for the track or the street? Less comfortable but better handling? If someone could explain the differences, that would be a big help.

Here's the link to the page in question. I know its the mustang ones, but the 1967-70 Cougars and Mustangs had the same frames, the cougar was just stretched 3 inches. A little extending and welding is all it takes. I'm stuck in between the level 2 kits for air and coilovers. http://www.ridetech.com/store/musclecars/?subcats=Y&features_hash=V312.V328

Thanks Everyone,

F23

[Schwartz Performance]

Hello,

There have been a lot of threads on here regarding this subject. Even as of a few days ago I sold a guy a Level 2 air ride for his 69 Mustang who posted a similar thread.
Take advantage of the search function & you'll find more than what you need :)

Oh and don't forget were a dealer for RideTech which ever route you end up going.

-Dale

[Josh@Ridetech]

Hey F23,

It all depends on what you would like to do with the car. As far as ride quality or performance goes, I can use either setup for whatever style of driving that you are doing. The Shockwaves and coilovers both use the same shock, internally. The only difference is that one uses a coil spring, while the other uses an air spring. The main thing is getting what you want, personally. The big difference in the kit (price wise) is the compressor system that is needed to operate the air suspension.

If you want the easy, height adjustability, I would say that it would be worth looking into the air suspension. With it, you can easily get over obstacles, as needed or lay it out at a show for a cooler stance. If you're the kind of person who wants to just put a good riding/handling suspension on the car and only adjust the ride height when needed, look into the coilovers. The Fox shocks offer a very nice ride or performance from either kit that you go with. We can get you set up with the correct spring rates for the engine and transmission combination that you are running too, we'll make sure that everything is correct for your car.

Also, I offer an Airbar for the Cougar, so it will be much simpler than having to modify the kit when you get it! If you have any questions, feel free to get ahold of me. My direct phone line is 812-481-4734, I'll be happy to help.

Thanks!

[Nothingface5384]

If you go air ride you can also go air assist brakes if you desired
http://powerbrakeservice.net/power-brake-service-airmaster-brake-booster.html

Theirs also electronic controlled coilovers called berserkers (no ride height adjustment though) and hydraulic coil overs called J ride on the market also.