What shocks, if any, can I have and run stock springs with them. I want new and better shocks, but don't want to give up my ground clearance. I've been looking at bilsteins and KYB. I'm also thinking about replacing my old springs with factory take-offs.

 

i run bilstein HD's. 300 shipped.
They are meant for your stock springs and i run my stockers too.

Great shocks.

 

Thanks man. Does anyone know about the KYB? I'm kinda torn between the choice of getting a shock that is adjustable or one thats not.

 

I haven't heard many good things about the KYB's. I have been told that they aren't well made and don't wear as well as other brands... I have never owned nor examined them so take it for what it's worth.

Bilstein HD's are a good choice.
Koni SA's are a better choice, but more expensive.
...just about anything is better than the stock shocks...

If you are looking for crisper response, get a bigger (35mm) front swaybar. When I upgraded my 1998 Z28 two years ago, I modded the suspension in the following order (with a couple of weeks in between):
1) Suspension Techniques 35mm front sway (Amazing improvement in turn-in. Simply amazing)
2) 3rd Gen Bilstein HD's in the rear (less wallow from the rear in transitions)
3) Koni SA's front (tighened the overall package).

The reality is that the big front bar made the most noticeable difference from behind the wheel... Also, Sam Strano has developed a hollow 35mm front bar recently. This would provide the same crisp turn-in without adding all of that weight...

Hope this helps...

 

I've been planning to get 32 and 21mm sways (1LE) as well. Don't have the money to sink in the engine now, so I figured I'd put in a better suspension. i don't drag much, and you get more for your money with suspension. Would a 35mm bar with a stock or 21mm rear bar be too much (as in oversteer)?
As far as shocks, I'll probably go with bilsteins. I'd say the stockers have almost seen their days.

 

The above setup (35mm bar) was for autocross. If you don't car about class, I'd say that when you go to a 35mm bar in the front, get a bigger rear bar, too.

As far as handling at the extremes is concerned, what are you planning on doing with the car? Drag, autocross, open track street or a combination of the above... That's what would decide exactly what you should do.

 

35 mm hollow is the best way to go. You should Koni SA and blistens in the rear. do you want to lower the car? you can and you can still use the stock springs....:

 

avoid KYB unless you're selling the car. I tried the adjustable AGX....great for 6months, then they're garbage. For the front you treally need to spend the cash...I have just bought Koni yellow SA with eibach pro kit. The combo of ST progressive springs and KYB bites. Throw on a 35mm bar and you're off!