RX8-TX

This is for those suspension gurus out there. I've been really curious as to how does each suspension component affect the characteristics of a vehicle. I know that the effects will vary depending on the vehicle itself as well; however, let's focus on the RX-8's stock traits & characteristics.

Let me put my thoughts together for a second...OK, let me start with a couple questions:

Corner weight, spring & shock rates

• Would maintaining spring rates proportional to OE preserve any OE handling characteristics? For example: Having OE front spring rate of 150lbs in / OE rear rate 120lbs in & replacing for 200lbs in front / 160lbs in rear.
• Does the same answer apply to roll bars & strut bars?
• Does the same answer apply to shocks?

Once those are answered, I will probably come up with some counter questions. Please be patient with me and try to bring up the best answer possible. Oh yeah, why am I asking these? First of all, I have a semi-inquisitive mind. Second, the idea of fiddling with suspension bits on my 8 has been floating around for a while but, I don't really want to purchase something off the shelf blindly. I'd like to understand a little bit more about suspension tuning, and what does each component do and -to the best theory allows- how do they work in conjunction.

Thanks & fire away!