IIRC there was a really good write up on the grassroots motorsports page a while back on coilovers. The ride wtih coilovers is dependant on both the shocks and springs used. Something like a TEIN HA which I have is pretty stiff and if you want a nice city ride there not for you. I'd say your correct in looking for a spring/shock combo. For springs I would only want Eibach or Tanabe since I've read good things about both, and for shocks of course only the best in the Koni Yellows.