So I'm in a debate..., To lower or not to lower... Options

[blu94gt]

So I've been thinking a lot about the next mod for my car. Right now I'm waiting on my sway bars to come in, but after that I'm not sure what I want to do. I've thought about KYB AGX struts with Tein S-tech springs, or waiting a bit and doing a 3sge swap. About the suspension: I'm not sure if I want to lower the car any, or keep it at a stock height.

I was thinking today as I was driving down some muddy backroads that I've always loved how versatile the Celica is; with my old mud tires I could actually go anywhere my friend's 4x4 Nissan truck could and do it faster. If I get a tighter lower suspension I'll be limited on how much off-road performance I have like that. I kind of like being able to follow my Jeep and truck friends right on into the woods to go camping and such, but then again I do 98% of my driving on streets and want to autocross.

hmmm...

[Silver94CelicaOw...]

Nope, they dont make AGX for our cars unfortunately.

Honestly, if you don't want to spend a TON of money in suspension but want good comfort, the best thing you can do is this...

Step 1: Good tires. Always the best first step in improved handling. The sidewall profile will play the biggest factor in ride comfort, hands down....thin tire = minimal comfort. Thicker tire = softer ride.
Step 2: ST Sway Bars. Can be had through the group buy and are said to make an enormous difference.
Step 3 Optional: If your shocks are beat, then put on fresh KYB GR2 and then purchase Tein S-tech springs. Best spring uprade per dollar for our cars, IMO. Monroe also makes OEM replacements, but will take to lowering differently than KYB's and make the car feel a little different if you combine them. (observation by defgeph). Stiffened spring rate with these springs and also lowers the car = lower center of gravity = good for handling.

I started out with new tires and bought a set of Tein SS which I absolutely love, the handling is amazing. However ride quality is still much rougher than stock on the softest setting. The above steps are a better choice if ride quality is a main concern, but any setup will feel harsh with a thin tire, where a thicker tire will be much more bearable.