Best performance per dollar handling improvements?

[poeticfinesse21]

I think the general consensus for a daily driven car is hawk hps, some blank rotors ( nothing fancy, any will do) and if you want better brake pedal response, some stainless steel brake lines.

[Hasbro]

HPS; tried and true. If I didn't require more extreme pads I'd be curious to try the Hawk ceramics as they aren't too expensive, easy on rotors, very little dust, and supposedly do a decent job. Just what I've heard, not an endorsement.

[shanewdude]

I just wanted to add my $0.02. TIRES. For sure. I'm on BF Goodrich g-force Sport COMP-2 right now, and LOVE THEM. Stiff, great "feel", sticky, ok in rain. Crap in snow or sub zero C. For snow I have BFG Winter Slalom, and love them too. If you get sticky tires, you probably will drive a little more aggressively a little more often. I also agree about the rear sway. I'm on a CTR rear sway, and it's great.

I always want to improve my car's looks with a set of wheels, but then my stock height (which is a little lower than everyone else stock height that I've run into at meets) would look odd. I actually really like the handling of my car with just the rear sway and tires. Tires make the biggest difference, though.

[poeticfinesse21]

Anytime I hear someone complain about how shitty a set of summer tires are in the cold/snow, it makes me laugh

[Zzyzx]

get some good DOT 5.1 brake fluid. ATE super blue/type200 fluid would not be a bad choice (its got a pretty low moisture absorption rate vs other 5.1 fluids)

the car can recover from pad fade... but if you boil the fluid you have to get the lines bled.

[shanewdude]

Anytime I hear someone complain about how shitty a set of summer tires are in the cold/snow, it makes me laugh

You're implying I can't feel the difference between my summer and winter tires when it's cold. Or the difference between my summer tires in 25 degrees C and 5 degrees C. Please explain your source of entertainment.

[poeticfinesse21]

They're summer tires, of course they're going to be horrible in any weather below 40 degrees. They're not meant to be used in the cold, they turn into ice skates. Most summer tires are recommended to not be driven below 50 degree weather.