Hold on - I wouldn't throw them out yet. Get a motor in there.
I had to cut my Hotchkis front coils as well to get it to sit decent (even though they are supposed to be a lowering spring). And they didn't seem to droop any more after miles were put on the car.
I can get them in and out without having to compress the springs too (of course the suspension is at full droop at this point).
Car had a nice stance, about 3 or so inches of susp. travel before bottomed.
I will say one thing, those springs are stiff, I used stock gas shocks, and they weren't enough. I would get the revalved Bilsteins that Hotchkis has available, like $100 EA, unless you decide to go adjustable or something. I think those coils are in the neighborhood of #600lb/in. rate or so, but I'm not for sure on that.
Good luck.
