I'm ready to replace my oem shocks with konis. I don't want to lower the car however. Is it acceptable to just replace the shocks and leave the springs alone? Would the handling improve a little bit over stock?
Thanks

Even if you replaced the oem worn shocks with oem new ones, you'd notice a good change. I have replaced only shocks instead of with the springs. I did feel an improved ride even without new springs. I used KYB GR2 shocks.

I actually reverted my awd back to Moog stock replacement springs because my st springs just lowered the car too much for my ws2 exhaust. Still handles great. You can luck out sometimes and rock auto will have kybs on wholesaler closeout for like $12 each, or offer rebates.

If you are reusing the stock setup,get new bushing kits for each wheel, if your coil spring insulators are all squished get new ones, and check the top hats for severe rust. I just replaced all mine when I did it. Surface rust is OK, just get most of it off and repaint. I've had two dsms rear top hats rust out and the strut pop through. That rubber cap can also trap moisture.

Obviously rent the spring compressor from your local parts store.

Perfectly fine.