When you upgrade the suspension with some performance springs and shocks your not going to get a smoother ride by my definition. I would say that you would get a sportier ride but I don't consider that to be smoother. As for what type of set up for your car depends on what you want to do with it and what type of performance you are looking for? To do this you need the following:
Jack and stands
socket and rachet set
spring compressor
Torque wrench
the suspension

I'm not sure but on the 2g's you have to replace the damper fork nut because it's self locking. Maybe someone else could verify this for your 3G. The next upgrade is going to depend on what the power goals are for the car. What would you like to achieve?