I only have money for one or the other. I love the way my car handles but it always gets me to think about just how much better it COULD handle. I read somewhere that most aftermarket shocks are the same or lower spring rate then the stock ones... so I waas figuring since I can't afford springs and shocks maybe I'll get just shocks for now. If they work well with aftermarket springs then they must work equally well with the stockers?
Is there any point to doing that or would the shocks potentially be too short for the stock ride height? ...or does most of the handling characteristics have to do with the springs rather then the shocks?>

You can do that....easier to do both but since your low on cash shocks on stock springs are fine.

Terry

96 Eagle talon ESI
Greddy header - Greddy exhaust

97 Eclipse
Star Stage II - Boost/oil/EGT gauges - 3" custom DP/Apexi N1 3" exhaust - SFMU/return line - Apexi SAFC - Stage 2 6 puck Sprung hub MIBA clutch - Shortened shifter - Koni Yellows w/eibach prokit - Stillen Fr/Rr swaybars - ceramic intake - DEI Keyless entry alarm - Niche 17" Shoks

Waiting to be installed: HKS EVC IV, 450 Turbo injectors, GSX Front brakes (need rotors)

Just occured to me though, I thought aftermarket springs improve handling by lowering the center of gravity ?? So maybe the benefits of springs are greater then shocks?

for a stiffer ride and some handling stick with the stock springs and aftermarket struts.

If you get lowering then the stick struts will mostlikely blow on you sooner or later, making your ride worse.

Originally posted by BumpinTalon
So maybe the benefits of springs are greater then shocks?

Definately no.

The lower centre of gravity is a good thing but your struts play the largest role imo.

I would buy struts (not called shocks..lol)first and then buy springs after.

If you were to say buy lowered springs you will be bottoming out your stock strut the amount you've lowered it.

Think if your strut has 4" or travel and you lower it 2" that means you have 2" left to absorb the road and handle the cars' weight. Yopu will then bottom out the struts.

BTW: Stock struts and springs handle like ASS. You will LOVE how your car handles with struts and springs.