When my Scion tC started to feel like it was wearing slippers instead of shoes, I knew the suspension needed help — turns that used to be fun became tentative, and the road felt distant. I figured coilovers were mostly an aesthetic move until a friend convinced me to try a set. After the swap, the car woke up: turns were firmer, steering spoke back to me, and driving suddenly felt intentional again — not just about looks, but about actually enjoying the car.
Want one of these polished further into your post’s voice (more technical, more casual, or more dramatic)? I’ll tweak it instantly.
What Coilovers Bring to the Table
Think of coilovers as a suspension upgrade that puts you in control. Instead of sticking with whatever Toyota decided was “good enough” for a daily driver back in 2005, you can fine-tune your own setup. Want it stiffer for canyon runs? Done. Want it a little softer for your commute? No problem. You can even set the exact ride height you want—anywhere from a subtle drop to a full-on slammed stance.
For me, the appeal of Scion tC coilovers is that they bring flexibility. Stock suspension is fine until it isn’t, and once you’ve driven a car with a proper coilover setup, it’s hard to go back. The steering tightens up, cornering feels planted, and even braking improves because the car doesn’t dive forward as much. It’s just more fun to drive.
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Flashark’s Take on Scion tC Coilovers
When I first came across Flashark’s kit for the 2005–2010 Scion tC, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Coilovers can get really expensive—some brands want over a grand for a set—but Flashark’s price point is way more approachable. Around $319 (sometimes less with sales), these coilovers fall into that sweet spot where you’re not draining your savings but you’re still getting a real performance upgrade.
A couple of highlights that stood out:
- You can drop the car between 1–4 inches. That’s plenty of range, whether you just want a cleaner stance or you’re chasing that “low and mean” look.
- They’re twin-tube shocks, which usually means a smoother ride for daily driving compared to the stiffer monotube style.
- Spring rates are 9kg in the front, 7kg in the rear—stiff enough for better handling, but not so harsh that you regret it every time you hit a pothole.
- They even come with camber-adjustable top mounts up front, which helps dial in your alignment if you’re lowering the car aggressively.
And yeah, they come in a deep purple finish. Not a performance feature, but let’s be real—it looks pretty sweet when you see them installed.
What It’s Like Behind the Wheel
So how do they feel? Honestly, the best word I can think of is “tight.” The Scion tC isn’t exactly a lightweight sports car, but with coilovers, it feels more composed. The body roll in corners is cut down, the steering feels sharper, and you don’t get that floaty sensation on the highway.
I’ve read through reviews from other owners, and the general vibe is the same: way better than stock. One person mentioned that after just a week on these Scion tC coilovers, they already noticed the handling felt like a new car. That says a lot, especially when you consider how affordable this kit is compared to some of the big-name brands.
Now, are they track-ready racing coilovers? No. But for daily driving, weekend canyon runs, and even some spirited off-road fun, they hold up. They’re built to balance comfort and performance, which is exactly what most of us want.
Installation Notes
Here’s the thing: the kit doesn’t come with a detailed instruction manual. If you’ve swapped suspension before, you’ll be fine—it’s a straightforward install. You get all four coilovers and the adjustment wrenches in the box. If you haven’t done this type of work, I’d suggest either following a good YouTube guide or just having a shop handle it. Don’t forget to get an alignment after, or you’ll eat through tires faster than you’d like.
One tip: take your time setting the ride height. Don’t just crank them down all the way and call it a day. Adjust preload correctly and measure each corner so the car sits even. It’s worth the extra effort.
OEM vs. Coilovers
You might be asking: why not just replace the stock shocks? Here’s the catch—by the time you buy OEM-style struts and maybe some lowering springs, you’re already close to what a set of coilovers costs. But with OEM parts, you’re locked into one ride height and one stiffness. With coilovers, you’re the one making those decisions. That flexibility alone makes them worth it.
Plus, let’s not ignore the aesthetics. A lowered Scion tC with the right stance just looks better. It’s one of those upgrades that hits both performance and style in one shot.
Final Thoughts
If your Scion tC still has the original suspension, swapping to coilovers will be one of the biggest improvements you can make. Flashark’s kit in particular checks a lot of boxes: affordable, adjustable, and designed to handle daily use without beating you up on rough roads.
Sure, there are fancier (and pricier) coilovers out there. But for the price, these give you a serious bang for your buck. Better handling, sharper looks, and more control over how your car feels—that’s exactly what you want from a suspension upgrade.
So, are Scion tC coilovers worth it? Absolutely. If you’re ready to give your TC a fresh lease on life, this is a smart place to start.
