"Tolerable" is subjective. Is there anyone out there who has gone from stock to Eibach, or from Eibach to ROW M030 who can describe the difference?

Of course. Any description will be subjective from the perspective of the driver unless a car has been tested in the Penske suspension lab or a similar technical analysis is done.

Here is my own subjective observations while instructing in other peoples cars. My interest is focused on ride quality, performance and handling and I don't really care about car show quality fender well gaps etc.:

1. Eibach lowering springs- Too low and introduced alignment and bump-steer issues. Difficult to get right.

2. M030 ROW- These cars always feel good with a balance of street driveability and better front grip/easy rotation for performance driving. The ride is firm but still good.

3. PSS9s- Very dependent on setup. I have been in cars with well sorted PSS9 suspension that felt great and cars (usually owner installed) that were scary, unpredictable and awful. I don't recommend a DIY install. Set to full soft for street use and the ride is very good.

I hope you find this useful.

Thanks a great summary

This section is EXTREMELY accurate. Like I said, to do coilovers right, you need a bunch of extra goodies to get the numbers where they need to be.

anyone tried champion lowering springs?

My M030 kit was installed last year on my 2001. Massive improvement at an excellent price. Unless you are building a race car out of your pre-2000 Boxster, I wouldn't spend more than that. It rides nice and firm on stock 18s and the ride height is good. Any lower and I'd have to avoid some driveways that I can angle into now. Any lower is just not practical for a DD.

Good luck..............

Great you are on 18s and like the M030...you are only the second person on here to confirm this...sounds good

So not too firm as to sustain kidney damage or just nice?

See the thread below...... I was sorely disappointed with my Boxster after a few yrs of driving it. Now it feels like a sports car. This is supposed to be a GREAT handling car.....that feature comes with a bit of a stiff ride. But if not for the lack of room in the car I'd be willing to drive it cross country.
Bob

http://986forum.com/forums/performance-technical-chat/25553-replacing-shocks-struts.html