1990 coupe suspension upgrades

[sushiplugger]

I own a 1990 240sx coupe that I have had since about 1998, and the shocks and struts are definitely not what they used to be. I've got 105K miles on the original suspension, and I figured why not replace it with more performance oriented equipment, since it's gotta go anyway. The overall goal of these upgrades is to have a better performing, even more fun to drive daily driver. I have already installed front and rear strut tower bars (easy and cheap!).

After some fairly extensive research, this is the what I am currently planning on;

- Replace cracked and leaking T/C bushings with Whiteline polyurethane bushings
- Replace dry and cracked front and rear suspension bushings with Whiteline polyurethane bushings
- Replace stock sways with Whiteline bars
- Replace struts and shocks with KYB AGX
- Replace cracked and disintegrated strut and shock tower mounts and boots (prob'ly with KYB replacements)
- Replace springs with ???? - (and this is my dilemma)

I am fairly certain that I would like to replace the stock springs with linear rate springs as it seems there is some contention about the real merits of progressive springs for both comfort and performance. So linear seems the safer route to go for me. I also do not want to drop the car more than 1-1.5 inches as the front air dam already scrapes on everything if I am not careful (that also seems to be the lowest recommended limit for good AGX performance/wear). Since the goal is for a fun daily driver (I would eventually like to get into competition driving, but I have to be realistic too), I am also not interested in really stiff springs. I have been looking at Suspension Techniques and Tein S-techs as they seem to have a decent amount more stiffness with a good amount of drop for me.

Unfortunately, I can only guess as to what the spring rate numbers are going to translate into on the road. My only point of reference (if anyone has ridden/driven one) is the 2003 SE-R Spec-V suspension feel. I would be very happy to have the same firmness of ride as that car with greatly increased handling at the end of my upgrades.

I am also planning to do these upgrades myself, as I have some mechanical knowledge and experience (I am currently restoring a 1956 Chrysler New Yorker).

So all of this (thank you for reading it) boils down to three questions...

1.) Does anyone have any suggestions for good, moderately comfortable linear springs (or reasons to reconsider using progressive springs)?

2.) Does it make sense to collect all of the parts first and spend a weekend putting them all on at once, or are some of these upgrades separate tasks that can be done without much redundant work?

3.) Have I missed anything?

Thanks again for your help, and sorry for the long post!

|>@T