The R obviously handles really well in stock form. Im looking to stiffen it up a bit, and lower it slightly as well (only about an inch) for next year.

The 10k/8k setup seems like a good match for that. Im concerned that this will throw off the stock handling due to the increased spring rates up front...
The stock setup is 250lbs/250lbs, and this heavier spring rate is going to give me more understeer correct?

How do I balance this out? Or are there other options...ie koni/gc 450/450 setup?
Reversing the spring rates and put the 10k in the back?

I've considered springs such as tein, but much prefer a spring/shock combo that has been designed to work together.

 

The stock spring rates are 250 lbs/in front (heard 246 as well) but the rears are actually progressive rate springs from 180 lbs/in up to 250 lbs/in.

There are many different opinions on this. In Japan most of the DC2s run stiffer in the front than the rear, but they also change out the anti-roll bars and stagger their wheel and tire setups.

In short it wont throw off the balance, but a lot of guys here in the states run stiffer rear rates to get more rotation on track.

I would contact PIC about swapping the springs but I don't think that's an option since the shocks are valved for the spring rates.

IMO you'll be fine with the 10K 8K, only reason to go stiffer is if you have a considerable amount of track experience and feel you need it.

Contact PIC though, they are very helpful and can tell you more about what you need/want out of the suspension.

 

On my previous R I had OEM rear tower bar, an aftermarket tie bar, Neuspeed RACE springs on Tokico Blue shocks and 205 50 15 Cooper tires. It was a very tight setup. The car handled incredibly but it was also a VERY rough ride. Prone to the tail stepping out on sharp turns more than usual and slightly bouncy on rough roads. I felt every pothole. Then again if I wanted to float on air like I was in a Cadillac. I would have bought a Cadillac.

 

one of the biggest reasons people go stiffer is tires ! the stickier they get the more spring rate you need to control motion. 10k-8k is about as stiff as i would ever want to go on the street and might even be a bit much depending on the tire you use. if you go too stiff for a certain tire what happens is it becomes much harder to feel what the car is doing. you're driving along, feels great then the tires are squeeling. with softer rates you get the ground tracking and grip is easy to predict, it's just transitions suck and you're slower because the car doesn't even out as fast or change directions as quick. i'm on 500/430 right now {which is close to 9k-8k) and am considering softening up the front rate. the only reason i'm holding off is because i'm on a 240 tread dunlop sport maxx, good tire yes but not like the star spec or kumho xs or new advan. the other crazy thing i stumbled on is the car is faster with the front shocks set somewhat soft compared to the rear. you want some dive in the front, it allows camber gain and better braking. the rear shocks i run stiffer. still not 100% dialed but close.

 

Get the PIC 10k/8k and get the car aligned and corner balanced. I assure you, you will like it. The car will respond a little more than stock. Your good to go no need for sway bars and other silly stuff people put down there.