07 Corolla LE Suspension Setup

[NeoVB]

Hello,

I have a 2007 Corolla LE, and I'm working on upgrading the suspension. I'm not worried about how the car looks or how it performs speed-wise (not interested in trying to make this car faster).

Currently, I have the following on the car:

17x7 Scion TC rims
225/45/17 tires
Ultra Racing Front 2-point strut bar
Ultra Racing Rear 2-point strut bar

Interested in the following:

Ultra Racing 19mm Rear Sway Bar
Ultra Racing 20mm Front Sway Bar
Coilovers

Can you guys let me know if I should go bigger/smaller on the sways? Also, what are some good coilvers that I should look at (coilver budget is ~$1000)? I've checked out Megan Racing Steet Series, TEIN Super Street, KSport Kontrol Pro and D2 Racing RS. I am looking for a drop of approximately 1-1.5 inches. From what I've read on there, a 1.5" drop on 225/45's shouldnt rub, right? Also, will camber kits be necessary for the fronts with such a drop? I believe the rear has non adjustable camber - please correct me if I'm wrong.

This is my long-distance driving car but will be autocrossed, hence the need for a strong suspension setup. Also, what other handling mods should I consider?

Thanks for any help!

[PhatRoyale]

If you're driving long distances, I doubt that you would want coilovers. The ideal ones, the Tein SS' are over $1000 easily.

If you want something comfortable yet will still handle nicely, keep your stock springs and upgrade the struts to Bilstein HD's. Reason for keeping the stock springs is that they are only compatible with the OEM springs. Unusual, but still quite effective in upgrading handling.

The sway diameters look fine.

[NeoVB]

To be honest, I dont really care much about ride comfort... I have other cars for that The MPGs is what really motivates me on long distances!

I just checked the prices on the HDs though, and it looks like a front/rear set will cost about $644 (tirerack.com). Wouldnt it make more sense to spend the extra few hundred and get the coilovers for full adjustability? Aside from ride comfort, are there any other negatives?

Also, if someone can comment on the camber and rubbing points above I would really appreciate it. Thanks!

[PhatRoyale]

Coilovers will need rebuilding every so often when the struts blow out. Could be more often than a typical strut/spring setup from what I've seen depending on driving habits and road conditions. Other than that, not much else besides price.

Skip the Megans and D2s.