Suspension Overhaul: Coilovers vs. Lowering Springs for the Infiniti G37 and Q50
There’s a moment every Infiniti owner knows—the one where you take a familiar corner and feel the car lean a little too much, and you start wondering what it would be like if it just stayed flatter.
That thought is dangerous. Once it takes root, it leads you down a rabbit hole of suspension upgrades, forum threads, and late-night browsing of coilover kits. I’ve been there. You’ve probably been there too.
Let’s break down the real difference between lowering springs and coilovers for your G37 or Q50, and help you figure out which one actually makes sense for you.
TL;DR
Lowering springs are the budget-friendly way to improve your car’s stance and handling, costing around $150–$400, but they offer a fixed drop and rely on your factory shocks . Coilovers cost $800–$3,000+ but give you full adjustability—ride height, damping, and sometimes camber—making them the better choice for enthusiasts who want to dial in their setup . For G37 and Q50 owners, both platforms have specific quirks: the multi-link rear suspension can be sensitive to aggressive drops, and AWD models have limited performance strut options .
Key Takeaways
- Lowering springs are simpler and cheaper but can wear out your factory shocks faster and may cause axle vibrations on the Q50 .
- Coilovers offer full control over height and damping, which is crucial if you want to track your car or get the perfect stance without constant bottoming out .
- AWD Q50 owners face more limitations—there are fewer strut options, and lowering springs can cause driveline vibrations that require upgraded axles to fix .
- Swift springs get strong praise from the community for offering a near-stock ride quality with minimal drawbacks .
- Real-world experience matters—some owners love their springs, others regret them within weeks when the harshness sets in .
Lowering Springs: The Budget Entry Point
Let’s start with the simpler option. Lowering springs replace your factory springs with shorter, stiffer ones. That’s it. You keep your original shocks and struts, and the car sits lower.
What You Get
For $150–$400, a set of lowering springs gives you a fixed drop of about 0.5 to 2 inches . The car looks sportier, the center of gravity drops, and body roll reduces noticeably. Popular brands like Eibach, H&R, Tein, Megan Racing, and Swift all offer G37 and Q50 fitments .
The Megan Racing springs for the Q50, for example, are made from SAE 9254 cold-wound steel and deliver a “racecar-like handling while maintaining a comfortable ride” according to their marketing . Customer reviews back this up—one Q50 owner said the drop was “perfect, giving it a sportier look without sacrificing comfort” .
The Reality Check
Here’s where things get interesting. Forum feedback is mixed.
One Q50 owner installed Stillen RSR down springs and described the initial experience as “driving with bricks for suspension” . The same owner noted that after a few weeks, the springs settled and the ride improved significantly .
Another owner flat-out regretted the decision: “I slapped a set on and regret it every since. Every little bump feels like your wheels gonna crack” . Ouch.
The problem isn’t always the springs themselves—it’s the factory shocks. They weren’t designed for stiffer springs. Over time, they wear out faster. The ride gets harsher. You feel every road imperfection because the shocks can’t properly dampen the spring’s rebound.
Q50-Specific Gotcha: Axle Vibrations
This is important. Several Q50 owners have reported vibration issues after installing lowering springs, especially on AWD models.
One forum member described getting “the shake from 20-25 mph and 75 ish from the axles” after installing RSR down springs on their AWD Q50 . They tried the Z1 Axle kit—no fix. The dealership blamed the lowering springs .
The community fix? Infiniti Q70 axles. They’re more heavy-duty and better suited for lowered Q50s . It’s an extra cost you might not have budgeted for.
The Swift Spring Exception
Not all lowering springs are created equal. Swift springs get consistent praise across the forums. Multiple owners describe them as riding “very stock like” with the only downside being “shorter travel and at times hitting the bumpstops with the stock shocks” .
One owner went further: “Swift is the best in the game when it comes to springs” and said they offer a ride “comparable to some good coils” .
If you’re set on springs, Swift is your safest bet.
Coilovers: Full Control, Higher Cost
Coilovers are the complete package. A coilover (short for “coil spring over shock absorber”) replaces both the spring and the shock with a single adjustable unit.
What You Get
For $800–$3,000+, coilovers give you :
- Adjustable ride height (within a range, not just a fixed drop)
- Damping adjustment (soft to track-stiff)
- Spring preload adjustment
- Often, camber plates for alignment tuning
Entry-Level Options
The Godspeed Project Mono MAXX coilovers come in around the lower end of the price spectrum. They feature a 52mm monotube design, 40 levels of damping adjustment, and use Italian IP F.A shock oil . Customer reviews are mixed—some say “the ride is surprisingly comfortable for daily driving,” while others report issues like a broken top shaft after 500 miles .
You get what you pay for.
Mid-Tier Performance
The ARK DT-P Coilover System for the G37 costs around $2,053 and offers pillow ball mounts for “precise handling and camber adjustments” . With 16 levels of damping adjustment and spring rates of 12 kg/mm front and 11 kg/mm rear, it’s aimed at drivers who want a direct connection to the road .
Customer feedback from a 2010 G37 owner: “The ride is firmer yet comfortable, and the car feels glued to the road during turns” .
D2 Racing offers coilovers for the G37 and Q50 designed specifically for luxury-sport platforms. Their kits are application-matched with “gas-charged dampers” and threaded bodies that “enable per-axle height changes within the approved range” . They emphasize not going too low, especially on multi-link rear suspension setups, because “excessive lowering reduces usable bump travel and alters arm angles” .
Why Coilovers Matter for the G37 and Q50
The Infiniti G37 and Q50 use sophisticated multi-link rear suspensions that are “sensitive to height changes” . This means:
- A bad alignment can ruin your tires
- Excessive lowering can cause bump-steer
- Drivetrain angles change with ride height, potentially causing vibrations
With coilovers, you can adjust height in small increments and dial in the perfect balance between looks, handling, and mechanical sympathy. You’re not stuck with a fixed drop that might cause problems.
The Comparison
| Factor | Lowering Springs | Coilovers |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $150–$400 | $800–$3,000+ |
| Adjustable Ride Height | ❌ Fixed drop | ✅ Fully adjustable |
| Damping Adjustment | ❌ None (uses stock shocks) | ✅ Tunable |
| Camber Adjustment | ❌ Limited | ✅ Often included |
| Installation | DIY-friendly | Moderate (alignment required) |
| Best For | Budget daily drivers | Enthusiasts / track use |
AWD Q50 and G37x: The Complications
If you have an AWD Infiniti, you need to pay extra attention to your suspension choices.
- Fewer strut options exist for AWD models. One forum member noted: “still don’t understand where the performance/lowering STRUTS are for AWD cars…. haven’t seen one set out there” .
- RSR coilovers are one of the few options that retain the Dynamic Digital Suspension (DDS) functionality on Q50s .
- Axle vibrations are more common on AWD cars when lowered, and upgrading to Q70 axles is a known fix .
- Control arms—both adjustable front and rear—are often recommended when lowering AWD models to keep alignment within spec .
The extra complexity might push you toward coilovers simply because you have more control over the setup.
What the Community Says
Forum discussions give you the real story—the stuff that product pages won’t tell you.
On lowering springs:
- “Lowering spring are for only show and basically destroy your q’s suspension”
- “I would agree that springs are more aesthetic versus functional”
- “When I lowered my G35 sedan, I used OEM 350Z springs. Yes the ride is a bit harsh, but that’s what I wanted, a canyon carver”
On coilovers:
- “They transformed the look and feel of my G37”
- “Coilovers are always preferable for obvious reasons”
- “I have had mine for maybe 45,000 trouble free miles”
One owner’s honest take: “Just before I buy them i want to make sure I wont have this problem with them and if they are worth it. (Before u say u should have just gotten them to begin with, price is a big factor so it was worth a shot)” .
That sums up the dilemma perfectly.
The Verdict
Here’s the thing—neither option is bad. It depends entirely on your priorities.
Buy lowering springs if:
- You’re on a tight budget
- You want a mild drop (1 inch or less)
- You’re okay with a firmer ride
- You understand that your shocks will wear faster
- You stick with brands like Swift that have a solid reputation
Buy coilovers if:
- You want full control over height and damping
- You track your car or drive aggressively on back roads
- You plan to dial in the perfect stance and alignment
- You want adjustability for future changes (wheels, tires, etc.)
- You can afford the higher upfront cost
One final piece of advice: If you go the coilover route, don’t cheap out. The entry-level kits can be hit-or-miss. Spend a bit more for something like BC Racing, ARK, or RSR. Your spine will thank you later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will lowering springs damage my factory shocks?
They’ll wear them out faster. The stiffer springs put more load on the shocks, which weren’t designed for the increased spring rate. Plan to replace shocks sooner than normal.
What’s the best lowering spring brand for the Q50?
Swift springs consistently get the best reviews from the community, offering a near-stock ride quality . Megan Racing also has positive feedback for mild drops .
Can I install coilovers myself?
It’s doable if you’re handy with tools, but you’ll need an alignment afterward. The installation is more involved than springs, especially on the rear multi-link suspension .
Will lowering my Q50 cause axle vibration?
It’s a known issue, especially with aggressive drops on AWD models. Upgrading to Q70 axles is a common fix .
Are coilovers worth the extra money?
For enthusiasts who want to dial in their setup, absolutely. For casual drivers who just want a slightly sportier look, springs are probably sufficient.
How much should I lower my G37 or Q50?
Moderation is key. Excessive lowering reduces bump travel and alters suspension geometry. Start with a conservative drop and adjust from there .
Do I need adjustable control arms?
If you lower the car significantly, yes. Camber adjustment is necessary to prevent uneven tire wear .
References:
- ProCarManuals – Lowering Your Car Safely Guide
- LLRacing – D2 Racing Suspension Kits
- SLRspeed – G37 Coilovers Upgrade Guide
- InfinitiQ50.org – Lowering Springs Discussion
- InfinitiQ50.org – Springs to Coils Discussion
What’s your suspension setup? Drop a comment below and share your experience—good or bad!
