Right now I've basically got a stock setup except the rear springs are a bit lowered (red, most likely Pedder's Springs)
Car is a JDM 1990 SW20 N/A, and it's the same setup since I bought the car, conditions of the springs/strut unknown but, ride is okay/good, shocks seem to be doing their job. Fronts take speed bumps better than rears, maybe cos rear's are lowered with stock springs.
Anyways cutting to the chase, Winton Fun Day (Vic) is coming up (7th July) which is a good opportunity to explore my car and have a bit of "fun" and considering my unbalanced combo, should I:

1. Swap rears with 2nd hand springs, struts stock - super budget. Can I really find a decent one?
2. Eibach Pro Kit, struts stock - Will my ride/performance actually suffer? Maybe bump stops can help
3. Eibach Pro Kit + Tokico/Koni - most $$$ but eventually will get, maybe few months after giving wallet a rest
4. Do nothing

I'm looking for bang for buck right now but eventually I want to upgrade to no.3. Current mods include: Kirk engine mount inserts, Porterfield R4S pads, Motul 5.1 fluid, poly bushes and a new heart coming in, pumping 100hp per litre.
I'll be going up against DC2R. It's gonna be tough...
All inputs welcome
 

Do it right the first time man. I've had Pro Kits and adjustable Konis in mine since I bought it and I think its perfect for the street and carving through the hills. IF for the track though I'd really want beefier SWAY BARS/Anti roll bars though, especially if you are using sticky tyres. Also re tyres at a minimum I'd be using equivalent Ultra high performance tyres/Extreme performance eg. Federal RS-Rs, AD08s, etc. NOT Bob jane specials as an MR2 isn't really a car that you want sliding around all over the track - then you'll be right on the tail of that Integra ;)

A cheaper option:
Stock post '92 springs/Koni's/stock struts will ride better than Pro-Kits with a similar ride height.
I currently run these and handling and ride is great.
BTW, each Pro-kit spring is 2kg heavier than the stock Toyota ones.
 
 
 

Eibachs work with stock struts, but given the age of many SW20s, its often the struts are the problem in the first place.
 
Another option is we can get a set of BC coilovers or Megan racing coilovers for about $1200-1300 brand new to save the hassle of trying to get matched parts.

My stock sway bar sizes are 17mm and 18mm, forgot which way it was but I think it's front and rear respectively. Not sure how stable the sways really are at limit but definitely getting new tyres as they reach their limit before anything else! However I have read that it's better to get a not so good tyre so it's more forgiving once the grip has been used up, good for learning the car's behaviour. AD08 are probably the best tyres I will ever run on this car lol. Something like KU31's is what I was looking for.
Yeh I forgot to mention 92+ springs on the options but I suppose if the struts are good then maybe I can use the later models springs. Def looking like the best option here! Also good to know Eibach are a whopping 2 kg each which means more unsprung/sprung weight (suspension would be a bit of both?)
 

Hey dylmrt how is the ride quality with BC coilovers? Even on the softest settings, is it streetable?

they're 2 kg heavier because they're not soft like most stock springs
if anyone is worried about un-sprung weight, then they should be looking at their wheels first.
adjusting the damping with the Konis gives you the best of both worlds - set it softer for a daily, crank it to max on the track. It the harsh damping that gives a bad ride. Most coilovers I've found give a harsh ride on less than perfect roads.

I run BC's and I have no problem with them on the street. there also fully adjustable for track work as well

They're not as soft as stock that's for sure, but on the softest setting, I've heard they're bearable.
 
Tristan (voodoo) should be able to comment, perhaps you should email him as he recently bought a set.

Have a mate who might have BC's, maybe I'll ask him for a ride. While we're on topic, how does Tokico Illuminas compare with Konis in terms of ease of use? In fact, can you change shock settings while it's already installed? Apparently there's 5 settings with Tokicos and Koni's have "infinite" adjustability which might make it confusing...