To start I have searched, but did not find the answer I was looking for. Also this is my daily driver or this wouldn't be an issue.
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

 

Raising your car raises the CG, nothing you can do about that. This affects the amount of weight transfered when you accelerate your car (do a search to find out more). You can't do anything about that either. You can change how your car "handles" but there are many definitions of that. A good handling car has do many things including being drivable. Honestly, I'd have to write a book to explain everything...and it won't make sense if I just explain a few things. I'd say check out a book from the library about vehicle dynamics.

Weight transfer can be dealt with (neccessary with FWD cars). You can change the geometry of the suspension system, but if you don't want to buy coilovers then that's not an option I'm guessing. Some good shocks will make a drastic difference in how the car handles, espeically its "response" (transient instead of steady-state cornering).

I don't think you'll notice a 1" change in ride height, especially if your spring are not super soft in the first place.