I have many many miles on my stock suspension. I actually have '03 rear shocks and springs and '01 front since someone sold me two front right '03 shocks so had to use my old ones.
Someone is selling a set of AP2 struts and springs on this forum with like 30k miles. Great price too so I was thinking of picking those up and then buying some lowering springs. How would the AP2 struts with some Espelir or Eibach springs compare to stock AP1? Obviously lower but in terms of ride quality and performance?

 

AP2s felt a tad bit softer to me, but I prefer the feel of the ap1. You should get them if your looking for a temp replacement.

 

To me, stock AP2 felt a good deal softer than stock AP1, especially in transitions at autox/DE. I have no idea how the springs you're talking about would change the feel.

 

I like the feel of the AP1 suspension but I was thinking with stiffer lowering springs would make it feel a little too harsh. Thats why I was thinking of going with some AP2 struts and springs. Much less miles and a little softer but with lowering springs hopefully back to same stiffness and a little lower.
Hopefully someone here has done the swap like that. If not I might just look for some AP1 struts and springs and do ti that way. I don't really want to sacrifice performance. Never tracked the car yet, but plan to learn next spring with some auto x.