Is it practical to install stiffer shocks without also installing lowering springs?

[Spades]

well, on my first car i replaced the struts with slightly stiffer aftermarket struts without lowering. the handling was greatly improved, and the ride did not suffer that much, not as much as it would have if i lowered it. so, if you like your ride height where it is but want better handling, imo, go for it :)

[03Z33]

Originally Posted by St_G

I won't pretend to fully understand the reasons -- blame my automotive ignorance, not your explanation, 03Z33 -- but it's clear that changing just the shocks is not a great solution. So how about the opposite? What would installing JUST lowering springs do? It's not something that sounds appealing at first glance to me, since, as I mentioned, I like the stock ride height, but I'm just curious what the end result would likely be.

The idea is that most dampers can handle a certain "range" of spring rates meaning if your stock spring rate is 2K and a Tanabe spring is 3K, this may still be within the range of stiffness the damper can handle. In my opinion this is still a compromise and you shouldn't be suprised if your stock shock wear out prematurely. I had DF210 springs on my car and loved them, but again, ride height wasn't a problem for me (they actually weren't low enough) and I know what to expect. After going to the track and driving some mountain roads, I decided I wanted something a little better, and that's when I upgraded to the coilovers.

For your needs, if a coilover is over the budget you are planning for, you may still consider the Tanabe NF210 spring since it was designed with minimal lowering in mind and is only slightly stiffer than stock so that it still works well with the stock shock. In the end, your best option will be to find a tuned setup with matching parts.

Originally Posted by Spades

well, on my first car i replaced the struts with slightly stiffer aftermarket struts without lowering. the handling was greatly improved, and the ride did not suffer that much, not as much as it would have if i lowered it. so, if you like your ride height where it is but want better handling, imo, go for it :)

If your stock struts are worn, even a new stock replacement will greatly improve the ride