[JC455]

Something was definitely off on your Hotchkis spring deal-- I ALWAYS run them on street driven cars, and, to me, their ride is smooth, taught, and controlled.
I have Hotchkis in my 74 Formula, and already put them in the rear of my 64 Tempest. I'm getting them for the front of the Tempest too, but I have to wait until I get the control arms situated- If I use a lower with a spring pocket, that may lower the car an additional inch, so I'd only need 1" drop vs. 2" like I have in the rear.
I previously had Hotchkis springs in my 68 LeMans, and that thing rode and handled fantastically!