the "problem" i am/was having is/was tire rub on the right side of the car as i turn left. occasionally will rub on left side while turning right, but rarely if ever. not enough actually to even mention. i replaced the springs that came with the kit that was installed on the car. i believe they were aftermasrket as they didnt have the flattened end on one end. they look like they were cut from a coil of wire that was continuosly wound. i went to a napa (auto zone, orielly's etc) and ordered up a set of MII springs, v8 w/air. all was good for about 3 months when they finally settled and seem to be back where i started at. while springs were still shiny and new, i didnt get rub of any kind. i should mention, it is rubbing the top of the wheel well. if you were to remove wheel, as in a brake job, stick head into wheel well and turn your head to where you would be looking straight up. i like em low, but i also like em driveable. a couple 2 or 3 inches raised would be sufficient, and wouldnt detract from the looks. other than this sorting of the front springs, i havent found anything about the car i dont like. well, no power steering is another project to be done this winter as well.... i hope.
a coworker knows some roundy round dirt racers, and 1 of them has the scales needed to get the car weighed. just a matter of catching them at home during this holiday season.
as far as shocks, i put in gabriel heavy duty gas shocks (new) at time of new spring install.
i wont be able to really get a best guess on where to start til i get the vehicle weight, and that may be a few days. hope this freinds buddy's shop is heated.
as far as engine location, it is pretty much centered over crossmember. i think it has a nose heavy weight bias to it, but i could be wrong. power steering could make that feeling disappear completely.
i appreciate all the good advice.