Need advice on cheap lowering springs and tricks
 

Hi guys. Our 82 280ZX made it through the recent 24 Hours of Lemons race down in Buttonwillow, and we are now beginning to prep the car for the March race at Infineon. Our suspension needs SERIOUS help. Without question the rear shocks are blown and will need to be replaced (everything is stock right now.) The fronts still seem to have some life in them. What we really want to do is get the car at least an inch lower and onto some stiffer springs. I've read about the Mercedes 300D springs but am unclear if these will only work for the rear, or if they can do front also. In addition to this option, I'd love to hear what other springs may work that I can pick up used and affordably. Thanks in advance for the tips. I've got maybe $200 to work with on the suspension based on the car's assigned "residual value."

$200 will really limit your options. The best route would be coil overs... but that's apparently out of your price range. The Mercedes 300D springs will fit the rear (they have to be cut), but I never found a cheap junk yard replacement for the fronts because I decided to use Eibach.