BTW, there is no shortage these days on how much you can spend on a "sport compact" car. For example, I am seriously considering getting a set of 17" BBS RGRs and putting tires like the PS2's one them ($2k to $3K)... these would be about 3 or 4 lbs lighter than my stock wheels and look really cool too! :-) During the next two years I am also looking at doing a front mount intercooler ($1K - bigger and better than the dinky sotck side mount) and a modest turbo upgrade ($2k - you can easily spend double that for a good big-turbo kit). Then there is that Polequin diff I'd like to get (figure $1k)... since your working on the tranny, might as well go to a better clutch ($700). Of course, before upgrading the turbo and adding more power to the car, you should upgrade brakes front and rear (bigger and lighter for even less unspring weight... probably another $1K to $2k. I'd top things off with a modest cosmetic upgrade with the VW votex body kit (OE on the 20 anniversary edition VW GTI - probably $1,500 for that).
BTW Steve, you probably don't realizie that I live near Syracuse NY... I'm a short drive away from many fun roads and beautiful scenery of the finger lakes and no more than a hours drive to the Adirondacks (more fun roads and great scenery).
Happy Listening,
Rich Brkich
Retailer & Audio Asylum Industry Liaison