don't start with strut bars, start with nice shocks and springs (or coilovers).

 

Well, first question you want to ask yourself is if you need to be able to adjust the height, such as raising it for the winter in the snow. If you don't need adjustability, I would just get some nice progressive rate springs, like Spoon, H&R, or Eibach.

 

For shocks I would get Koni Yellows or KYB AGX

Do you have the splash shields all installed? If so, just don't drive through deep puddles and you'll be fine.

The Spoon springs have the smallest drop of the ones i listed but are also the most expensive. They also probably handle the best. I don't know much about the Eibachs. The H&R sport springs lower about 1.75". The H&R OE Sport springs lower about .5-.75". Spoon is like 1.5" or something like that.

 

oh ho, man! i remember my first days on hcf... dude, i would go buy (or download) a manual for your car and read it first. just so u know what everything is("what is a fuel rail?") and the reasons why u would or would not want to replace it. i just went thru hell cuz i thought, "well those cam gears sure look swell", so just weigh the pros and cons man. and take it slow. me? id go intake manifold, rail, injectors, header, and ecu tuning/programming. but thats just me. pm me and i can talk u thru some of it. its still fresh on my mind... and the $1500 u mentioned? u might get most of that with $1500. maybe all of it if u look hard and do the wrenching yourself. if ur near alabama, i can help with what little knowledge i have. after u get all these things, cam time..

 

definitely do some research before doing all the work yourself. as for mechanics it can cost a pretty penny.