Some here have suggested that the Sportline kit did not lower the car that much. I have about 3.5" between top of tire and bottom of fender on the front wheels. I would expect a significant improvement in handling by lowering the center of gravity by 45% of that. Also I cannot see how a 1mm increase in sway bar diameter can give a comprable cost-benefit improvement.

Last time I checked (last year) the Sportline kit was up to about $1100. Looks like I can do the Vogtland springs, Bilstein comforts, rubber, (I already have the ball joints) for about 3/4 of that. The Vogtlands (and Eibachs) are also progressive rate springs. Supposedly the Vogtlands have the progression calculated by track testing (those Germans). The Sport struts are comprable to the HDs which according to one poster is 30% firmer than OEM; the replacement comforts are 15% firmer. Several suggested that the comforts would accomodate shorter springs. I really do like that bank vault ride.

Part of the problem with trying to read every post on the subject in a couple of weeks and make coherent decisions is differentiating two poster's opinions from concensus. I guess we formulate an opinion based on the posts which stick in our minds. And I find that other than a couple of threads I have open in seperate windows, I cannot remember who said what.

About the ball joints, 'lumpy' is the best I can describe the feel like the linkage hits a bump just before full turn. One reason I plan a full rebuild is I know the benefit of replacing 17yr old rubber. And although I have decent roads, the car spent its first 15 years on Long Island and I hit enough potholes leaving to convince me the suspension took a beating.