[ScoobySteve]

I recently got a bunch of engine items sorted on my car so I spent this past Saturday out driving. While I had the car on the lift for the engine stuff I replaced my swaybars with an 26.8mm up front and an 18mm outback. I've also got new tires (Dunlop Direzza Z1 Sport Star Spec).

Since the engine is well-sorted...now's the time to focus on the handling. I'm pretty sure my rear shocks are finished. My front strut inserts were replaced (with stock Boge / Sachs replacements) about 15,000mi ago. I've never done the rears so I can only assume they have 132,000mi on them. They feel woefully underdamped.

I was thinking of doing Koni all the way around as I really like the adjustability factor. I'm thinking of also getting a set of the 200lb front springs while I'm in there. I notice they come in lowering and non-lowering varieties. Personally, I don't think my 944 needs to be lowered at all. I'm not planning on changing out the torsion bars -- at this time.

Lastly, I'm trying to figure out what to do with the front strut mounts. I have an '86 so they are not too expensive to replace. I haven't noticed anything obviously wrong with them, but my mechanic friend noticed they deflect a lot when raising and lowering the car on the lift. Are they cooked? And if so, should I spring for the spherical bearing replacements?

I live in CA and do almost exclusively street driving. But I like my cars on the taut side. I could just replace the struts and stock with original, but I have a feeling I'd end up being dissatisfied -- especially with the sticky rubber and bigger bars.

I was hoping some of the more experienced guys could chime in before I start writing checks.