What kind of springs would be best for a
civic hatchback, need to replace them any way,
variable ratio is what I've been looking at.
should I wait until I put new wheels on? it still
has 13 in. wheels. Should it be lowered with
17 in. wheels?

 

Eibach are good springs.. Sprint..
Yeah, I'd say drop and 17s will look nice
I didn't drop mine and it looks like the wheels are too small because there's so much wheel gap.

 

Yeah thanks....I have since learned that a two inch drop
is about right with the 17's. The reason I thought I didn't
want it lowered is because I'm 6'3" and getting in a civic so
low to the ground is a bit awkward. With 17 inch wheels
and a two inch drop the car will be sitting higher than it was,
how much I don't know. Maybe someone knows the roof
height with stock 13's and then with 17's lowered.

 

The concensus around here is that Tein S-techs are a good lowering spring for a decent price. Depending on what year hatchback you drive you can expect between 1.5~1.9" of drop. Neuspeed springs are good as well for more drop 2.0 ~ 2.5 but that's if you want an even more drastic drop.
If you go with 17s make sure you run a 205/40/17 tire with a really nice and strong sidewall to prevent damage to your wheel and that specific size tire to prevent rubbing.