I'm looking at some second hand springs for my MR2, just to lower it a bit and possibly stiffen up the roll in my cornering. I can get the springs cheaply, and while it would be ideal to change the shocks at the same time, if the $$$ doesn't allow for that how wise is it to lower the car about 1" on standard(I think) shocks?
1 inch drop is fine and if the shocks are in good condition, then they will be fine as long as you don't go silly with the spring stiffness. Oh and I would be very surprised if the springs don't remain captive if thats what your worried about.