I just recently installed the BAT kit and I am very happy with it so far. The car does not seem significanly lower ( has not settled yet and original suspension had 66K+ miles on it) so clearance for upgraded wheels and tires ( next step for me) should not be a problem. The kit is very well balanced; does not seem much stiffer than stock on smooth roads but the car is a lot more responsive to steering input and has very little roll in turns or dive on braking. The car understeers less than stock so it is closer to neutral. I would highly recommend it. If you go with the other option, I would get the adjustable Koni's so that you can tune the damping to the springs. I think the matched tuning is one of the things that make the BAT kit one that many people on the board speak highly of. I do not autocross or compete (except during rush hour!!!)

Hope this helps

'98 SE Sport, Duratec, 5 speed. BAT Euro handling Kit. K&N, PIAA.