Well I guess its a wait and see on question #3. From what I can find Eibach ride the best for street applications. Ive found conflicting reports on who lowers the car more, HR or Eibach.
Quotes for install have ranged from $850 plus alignment to $450 alignment included. That was asking the generic springs/struts install question. What I purchased has the springs already installed and for all I know that will save me and take me under the $450 quote Ive already received. Heres a shot of the front and rear assembly. I also have a new soft top waiting for install, and a windbreaker that may eventually ship out of China...but I figure Ill get the struts installed before the new soft top sometime in the next week or two. Ill get some before and after pics and measurements for anybody in my situation (clueless) and considering this upgrade in the future.
Front assembly:
Rear assembly:
