they could handle a 1.5in drop in an Eibach prokit, but honestly you should upgrade the shocks with the springs. if you or a shop are going to be doing the work to change the springs, might as well do the shocks so you don't have to do it again. don't cheap out on suspension, do it right the first time. why not get some coilovers? options auto salon is having a clearance on Apexi coilovers for about $400. Apexi is discontinuing the coilovers which is why they are so cheap.