Why coil overs? Adjustibility? I've tracked my XJ and helped a friend with his XJ-S... They are deficient to modern cars in many ways but I dont front think coilovers was at the top of that list.

 

Okay I think I understand. So what your saying Greg is to use solid mounts for the subframe, and then go back to my original idea with a coilover or s/s unit in place of the current spring?

 

I guess to lower it, so I have exact adjustments to my liking, with the ability to use different spring rates and also control the compression and rebound of the shock unit.

I used to be into subarus and basically you'd just put on a coilover for performance use. Not too many would just put a lowering spring in as they are set stiffnesses and set lowering ride heights.

 

Yes, exactly that. As long as the tops of the S/S units are mounted to the subframe, and the subframe solidly mounted to the body, the effect would be the same. I think to do this, as TWR did and the XD kit does, you would have to weld extensions onto the top of the subframe towers to provide a top mount for the units. The top wishbone fulcrum is not affected, as welding, cutting and modifiying as required onto the (now redundant) spring tower of the subframe can be done without touching the top wishbone fulcrums. Then, as you said, you would get complete adjustability of ride height and damping, and easy spring changes.
What, if anything, would you do at the rear? Ride height and bump/rebound adjustable rear shockers are bolt on in place of the OEM units, but again, for the ideal you would need to go to solid rear subframe mounts.
I take it comfort is not a priority!

 

I'm looking for a more track minded car but be road legal to drive around to shows. I am definitely a stanced car person. Rears I suppose I would do the same and solid mount it.

So are you thinking you could/would use the shock lower mount as your new coilover mount and then make a new mount for the top that would travel in the middle of the a arm like the excessive company did?

 

I think I would make a bottom mount roughly where the centre of the spring pan is. The top, as you describe. The top mount needs to be quite a bit higher than the top wishbone fulcrum in order to get enough suspension travel.