To start I have searched, but did not find the answer I was looking for. Also I'm new to the AutoX/road race arena, so bare w/ me on my lack of knowledge. And, yes i know I'm suppose to first learn to drive the car then build it, but i've already jumped in head first, so I need to start swimming.Unfourtanely i skipped doggie paddling .

This is my daily driver or this wouldn't be an issue.I plan on attending some AutoX events through out the year.Unfourtunately most of what i've done to my car, I did before I decided to AutoX.

I have a 1990 Civic HB, my wheel tire combo is 15x7 w/ 195/50/15 and my current springs are Progress Group 2" drop F&R.

Here is the problem, my custom exhaust runs straight back under the gas tank ,just behind the tank it makes a 45 degree bend to the factory hole in the bumper. This leaves approximately 3.25 inches of ground clearance from the lowest point of my exhaust and the ground. I'm sure by now you get the picture, scrapping is a daily occurance and I don't want to destroy my exhaust. So I'm looking into an affordable alternative, which is another set of springs. I would love coil overs but just can't spring for them, and if I had $400+ to spare i'd rather get a Cat-back to replace the custom exhaust and keep my Progress Group springs which I enjoy extremely.

So my question is/are what are the cons of swapping out the springs w/ similiar or slightly greater spring rates and a less aggressive drop, in the range of .75 to 1.5" drop. I know it raises my center of gravity, but can I compensate for the higher center of gravity giving me the ability to create the same handling characteristics I currently have?
Or am I basically screwed and will have to change springs for now and then wait till i can afford to do more to fix the problem?

Thanks-Jason

 

bump for the morning crew