the ride would depend ont he spring rates...aftermarket springs/coilovers usually have harder spring rates i believe.
also, springs are progressive
whereas coilovers are constant in terms of spring rate

 

I installed some Koni yellows in my coupe, I have to say those are some stiff shocks/struts very - very nice. And you can adjust them some what.

You may be able to take alot of play out of your ride just by installing a set of these shocks. A set of aftermarket springs would set you back another $250.00 but I suggest if you like your current ride height just install the Koni yellows.

If money is a bit tight, get some heavy duty shocks at the autopart store what ever house brand they have, and get a set of H&R or Eibachs online used or something. New you may be able to find a set for $200 less used.

Else I can't think of anyway to improve the ride other then to replace your stock shocks with the same and go back to a good as new ride.

 

springs go really cheap off ebay...

got mine for 125 (H&R Race)

or get em used like Mr.chad said, friend got his for around 80-100 bucks

 

I just don't think springs are his issue, I think it's the shocks all the way, I'd fix those and worry about the springs later, unless he has a few hundred he can spare to blow on springs too. Lowering the car leads down a sticky path of camber and all that crap.

I'd spend say $100-200 and replace the shocks with some brand new OE spec equivilents from Autozone or something before I did anything.

Or just go to www.Shox.com or www.Tirerack.com get some good cheap sport shocks and call it a day. Springs I'd do used, but shocks would have to be new all the way.

 

ive seen coilovers on ebay for about $20.00 with about 30.00 shipping. is this a good deal? i think they were Tein brand. sorry for sounding like a total noob, but the coilovers themselves will stiffen my ride???

 

I wouldn't trust a used coilover system unless you new the seller.
The damper could be total junk in a worn out system.

 

i dont think they are used. so will they stiffen up my ride by themselves???

 

Odds are they would stiffen up the ride...but let's see good coil-overs run $750-$2000.00 and you think you can score a good set for $20? You get what you pay for.

First, I would inspect the car and make sure all of the bushings are tight and that the shocks and such are good. See a dealer if you need to....Putting performance parts on a semi-junky suspension = expensive junky suspension. I would assume your ride is a few years old. I'd fix the factory junk, if needed, before putting money down on aftermarket parts. No one likes to hear this, but it's so needed.

Next I would readup on springs, shocks/struts, and coil-overs get an idea of what each is first before you lay down cash on stuff. And then when you purchase be sure you are getting what you pay for. Ebay is not always truthful.....but shops like the www.Tirerack.com and www.Shox.com have been good to me in the past.

 

Yeah, those ones on ebay are just coil sleeves that you use with your stock shocks...avoid them. If you want coil sleeves get GC's with good shocks like Koni's.

Either replace your stock shocks, or prepare to spend money on quality parts.

Some reading for you: http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/tech/terminology.jsp

 

im thinking replacing the stock ones, were the stock 97accord shocks ever stiff? i wouldnt know, i bought it used.