Mike does make a good point. A stiff suspension on subpar tires will compromise traction at the limits, additionally too stiff of a suspension will also compromise traction when hitting a significant bump or dip on the road when daily driving.

Weezzerr, i've got pics of the Eibach's here.

 

What exactly do you consider an upgrade?

Most OTS coilovers are actually a downgrade in performance, but most people can feel the change in ride quality and assume that it is an upgrade.

A higher spring rate may give you more confidence, but you actually want the lowest spring rate and softest damping possible that lets you still hold the road. Typically, that ideal softest spring rate is still higher than what comes stock.

In terms of tires, there are plenty of street tires that will improve handling more than any suspension upgrade possibly can. The problem is that most of these tires come in limited sizes, especially when it comes to 19s and 20s. You also have to remember that no matter what you do to the car, the tires are the only part of the car that touches the ground. If you're exceeding the limit of your tires, then that is still the limiting factor in how the car holds the ground.

I track my s2k regularly. On paper, and according to magazine tests, it does slightly less than 1 G lateral. The only handling modifications I have are rims and tires. My datalogger shows that I can sustain 1.55Gs lateral. That's a HUGE change in lateral Gs, and I can guarantee that getting myself top of the line shocks wouldn't make that big of a difference.

These are the stock tires on the s2k



This is what i "upgraded" to



This is what I currently have on




@ the OP: Try some Bridgestone RE-11 or Yokohama AD08. 245/40/19 and 265/35/19 Those will fit on OEM sport rims. Do you have a sport package? I never asked.

RE11:



AD08:

 

^Mike knows tires.

 

Considering how many I go through, I would hope so. I should invest in tire companies.

 

You should hook me up with tires for 20s.

 

I really want a set of those AD08s. Everything I have read about them is good. I am waiting until I can get my hands on a pair of 275/35-19 for the rear. They are listed on the Yokohama site and Neal@tirerack thinks they should eventually get some in stock.

 

I have absolutely no doubt that you'll love them.

Since you're in CO, just be careful about cold weather. All of the tires I listed above don't like any temperatures under 40F or so... if its cold out, make sure the tires are warm before having fun

 

Boy don't I know about the cold! I can't even get the set of Invos that came on the car to warm up by the time I get to work when it is below 40. Luckily My G is my fun car so I only get it out when it is dry but the cold can be a pain!

 

I agree that tires can make all the difference in "HOLDING" the road (grip). But they have nothing to do with how the body rolls on the suspension, you need lowering and sways for that. All 3 components are needed for best handling performance...imo...