Speak of the Devil and he shelt appear (unless you talk inside a circle ...... then he won't!!!) LOL
Right then, the SP conversion (LAW35) changes the front and rear suspension geometry to the latest spec as used at the worlds. The front end is very similar to that on your S4 and uses Losi style steering arangement. The wheel offset is actually nearly identical to that of the Losi and if you modify the hexes to 3/8" AF then you can use Losi wheels.
The revised geometry, especially if you mate it with the king-pin ball stud from the original ZX5, gives the car more overall steering but also a calmer / smoother feel that really allows you to push hard without the car biting you.
The rear end basically uses the RB5s narrow rear end (except that there is a new material used for the rear hubs which is near enough bullet proof).
The overall feel is of a more direct and pointy car (much like your S4) but without making the rear end so loose it'll bite you.
Shock towers
ALL of the plastics have been upgraded / changed thoughout the ZX5 SP and the thing is now like a block of solid granite, super strong! I have only recently put the alloy shock tower holders on and that was due to being concerned at the monster jumps at a recent national. To be honest I don't think I needed to and the only real benefit over the latest plastic parts is how shiney they are!!!
With that in mind I'd say go for the stock plastic towers. Not that there is anything wrong with the AC ones just I don't think you need them.
As for the one-way I personally have found that it makes the car too unpredictable on anything even slightly bumpy and thus now only ever run the one-way on the layshaft. I'm not missing out on any steering and the car is smooth and easy to drive (although I'm making it look difficult at present ... but that's me being out of practice).
If you like the steering of the S4 you may prefer to retain your ION chassis but I'm not sure it is needed anymore as the ZX5-SP has plenty of bite without moving the weight that far forward ...... that said I would love to try an SP with it fitted just to see how well it went.
If you want any advice on the ZX5-SP I am only to happy to help and as soon as I can get somebody to host my set-ups for me (too big a file for here) you'll be able to see what I am running 95% of the time.
I've hit the sweet spot where I change VERY little on the ZX5-SP now (basicially one spring up or down on the rear ..... which totals about 1/2 a Losi spring grade step ..... and either cut or standard length Silver front springs)
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