Rob, Warringtonjack,
I have lowering springs on the car (Chassis Dynamics i think ?!) so it won't be completely standard strut wise. I do see your point about the spring plates etc... I have had a quick look and the Cusco's look exactly the same in construction as the Teins. However, looks can be deceiving it seems !
For me, Coilovers are a waste of time and money as I just don't want to replace any part on the car with OE parts if, i can improve things with aftermarket bits !
Where did you get the Cusco's from ? I was gonna get the Teins from taka Kaira as they are quite a bit cheaper even with postage !!
Cheers
Paul