Coilover vs. Air Suspension... pros & cons?

[LowGo]

I've been wanting to lower my AWD Magnum for quite some time. It looks like I now have 2 options. The KW var2 coilovers or an air suspension system.

The KW coilovers, I understand fairly well. However, I'm a total neophyte when it comes to air suspension (I know what they do, but I don't have any experience with them).

As stated, I want to lower my car a bit, but I also want a good, responsive suspension that handles as good as or better than stock. I know the air suspension is quite a bit more expensive than the coilovers, but I do love the "cool" effect! However, I don't want the "cool" effect if I'm going to sacrifice handling, ride, or reliability. This car is my daily driver.

So, I'm hoping to get some input from you knowledgable folks as to the pros and cons of the 2 systems so I can, hopefully, make an informed (and somewhat intelligent) decision.

[American Muscle]

Saw your post yesterday and thought surely some one will reply with more knowledge than me. I hate to see a post go unanswered. While I do not have the information you want you can ask one of our vendors Universal Air Suspension. They can atleast give you the airbag side if this.
From what I have read Airbags, if done RIGHT, are as reliable as anything on the market.

[Darthvader]

Air suspension has become a lot more sophisticated but I have never driven in a Mag with it so can't really say. I do own AWD and have KW's. The ride is much better than factory and the handling is amazing. I made the right choice by a long shot. I hated the look of the AWD stock height. Now I have to carry a bat to beat off the chicks.

[hops23]

I too have KWs on. Here's a link to an air ride thread:
Bagged Magnum
The air ride/bags require more modding i.e. space for tanks etc... the link has good pics of set ups. The cost is easily twice if not three times that of coilovers. I agree about the "cool" factor of being slammed.

[Teahead]

Seems like the CONs for air would be:

- lowering/raising changes spring rate

- lose cargo room for the air tank

- expensive as heck

PROs would be:

- instant adjustability

UNKNOWN: ride quality???

[LowGo]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the responses. I guess my main concern is, will I get the same handling characteristics out of air that I will out of coilovers (I love cornering!). If both are fairly equal, then it's just a matter of deciding if the "cool" aspect of air is worth the money.

(and Darth... don't tell my wife about the "chick" problem!)

[LowGo]

I too have KWs on. Here's a link to an air ride thread:
Bagged Magnum
The air ride/bags require more modding i.e. space for tanks etc... the link has good pics of set ups. The cost is easily twice if not three times that of coilovers. I agree about the "cool" factor of being slammed.

Thanks for the link. I was searching for something like that. I don't know how I missed that one!

[American Muscle]

Seems like the CONs for air would be:

- lowering/raising changes spring rate

- lose cargo room for the air tank

- expensive as heck

PROs would be:

- instant adjustability

UNKNOWN: ride quality???

I don't think springs remain when bagging, replaces entire suspension. You wouldn't really loose cargo space but that spare would have to go.

[Teahead]

I don't think springs remain when bagging, replaces entire suspension. You wouldn't really loose cargo space but that spare would have to go.

Of course you'd lose the springs, but bags must be measured in stiffness somehow. "Spring rate" is the only thing I know of. Is there a diff. measurement for bags?

[UniversalAirSuspension]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the responses. I guess my main concern is, will I get the same handling characteristics out of air that I will out of coilovers (I love cornering!). If both are fairly equal, then it's just a matter of deciding if the "cool" aspect of air is worth the money.

(and Darth... don't tell my wife about the "chick" problem!)

your handling with air suspension will greatly increase over stock. With our kit your body roll is virtually eliminated. You will notice a slightly "stiffer" rider over the stock, however its not as rough of a ride as standard lowering coil.

Also this system can be used with the standard struts, bilstien, and the KW's.

I have had a customer remove his KW v2's inplace of a stock magnum strut and our air suspension with no noticable chance in the handling. (He was all about handling also)

[UniversalAirSuspension]

I don't think springs remain when bagging, replaces entire suspension. You wouldn't really loose cargo space but that spare would have to go.

That is correct you are replacing the springs with air springs. You can either put the tanks into the spare tire well or on top of your spare tire well cover.

[UniversalAirSuspension]

Of course you'd lose the springs, but bags must be measured in stiffness somehow. "Spring rate" is the only thing I know of. Is there a diff. measurement for bags?

With air bags your "spring rate" is determined by the amount of air pressure inside of your bags.

[LowGo]

your handling with air suspension will greatly increase over stock. With our kit your body roll is virtually eliminated. You will notice a slightly "stiffer" rider over the stock, however its not as rough of a ride as standard lowering coil.

Also this system can be used with the standard struts, bilstien, and the KW's.

I have had a customer remove his KW v2's inplace of a stock magnum strut and our air suspension with no noticable chance in the handling. (He was all about handling also)

Thanks for the info. I'm working on the "budgeting" and "how am I gonna present this to the wife" issues now!

[createdbyone]

honestly, you will get a better ride out of airsuspension with the added benefit of raising your car for large holes/speedbumps. And the cool effect!!!!

[SICKO]

Okay , Let's Talk About It. First Thank's Zach For The Shout Out. I Had All The Lowering System's That Are Out Today ( Lo Spring's , Coilover's , Airbag...) And My Answer Is Air...And This Is Why. I'm A Biggggg Handling Freak And I Did Not Lose Any Of It By Bagging It. Also I Drove My Vehical Very Low With The K2 And I Could Not Go Up Many Drive Way's. The Best Thing Is To Find Out What You Are Really Looking For. But Any Way You Go It's Going To Make Your Mag , 300 Or Charger You Much Better !!!!!!!!!!!!