Hmmm, doubt it.
All shocks/struts do is dampen (slow down) the rate at which a spring compresses and rebounds, and also acts to stabilize so that when the spring is compressed and consequently rebounds that the car does not bounce excessively.
Sway bars help to equalize the forces between the two sides of the vehicle; in a situation such as a hard turn it would apply additional downward force to the inside tire as to help keep good tire contact. They do help a little with body roll, but controlling that is primarily a function of the springs. IMO, I would leave the sway bar on for the street and remove only for track days. Even more IMO, first time out to the track I would keep it on, then remove it the next time out and compare the difference in performance. It is generally helpful for weight transfer to remove it, but I have a feeling you might find that it's helpfulness may not be worth the effort of repeatedly removing and re-installing. All you can do is give it a try there... Watch your short times, that will tell you if it's making a worthwhile difference or not.
As far as setting up the shocks, the general recommendation regardless of what springs are used is to start out in the middle setting and then adjust stiffness +/- gradually over the course of some test driving. Those 4cyl springs.... It's been a long time since I drove a 4cyl Fox but I don't think the street characteristics with them (also keeping in mind the extra weight of your engine vs the weight they were originally intended to support) will be too bad. It will definitely be subject to more body roll in cornering and lean during braking but I think once you get the shocks dialed in that it will ride comfortably and not sacrifice too much in the way of handling - just kind of my hunch there.
All shocks/struts do is dampen (slow down) the rate at which a spring compresses and rebounds, and also acts to stabilize so that when the spring is compressed and consequently rebounds that the car does not bounce excessively.
Sway bars help to equalize the forces between the two sides of the vehicle; in a situation such as a hard turn it would apply additional downward force to the inside tire as to help keep good tire contact. They do help a little with body roll, but controlling that is primarily a function of the springs. IMO, I would leave the sway bar on for the street and remove only for track days. Even more IMO, first time out to the track I would keep it on, then remove it the next time out and compare the difference in performance. It is generally helpful for weight transfer to remove it, but I have a feeling you might find that it's helpfulness may not be worth the effort of repeatedly removing and re-installing. All you can do is give it a try there... Watch your short times, that will tell you if it's making a worthwhile difference or not.
As far as setting up the shocks, the general recommendation regardless of what springs are used is to start out in the middle setting and then adjust stiffness +/- gradually over the course of some test driving. Those 4cyl springs.... It's been a long time since I drove a 4cyl Fox but I don't think the street characteristics with them (also keeping in mind the extra weight of your engine vs the weight they were originally intended to support) will be too bad. It will definitely be subject to more body roll in cornering and lean during braking but I think once you get the shocks dialed in that it will ride comfortably and not sacrifice too much in the way of handling - just kind of my hunch there.
