Which modification/improvement should I make?

[fotodad]

I just bought a 2004 Solara SLE, and I love it! I've been reading many posts by owners who have done assorted modifications to their Solaras. Now, I don't know what qualifies as a modification, but I am thinking of having the following things (see the poll) done to the car at some point. I know very little about cars and the price to have some of this stuff done, so I need your help. Here's my thinking on each element:

tires/rims: I'd like to get 18" tires and rims for the car, but I'm not sure if they'll fit. Tirerack.com doesn't list anything for the 2004s.

shocks/springs: When I test drove the Solara I loved the ride of the SE Sport, but liked the comforts of the SLE. To get the ride of the SE Sport I was told by my dealer to get sport tuned shocks and springs.

K&R (?) air filter/better spark plugs: I understand both improve performance and gas mileage.

aero sport package: As I mentioned, I bought an SLE, but I liked the ride and aerodynamic look of the SE Sport. According to my dealer, the aero sport package (front spoiler and lower rear spoiler) will be an after-market add-on. Cost is unknown.

Clear bra and window tinting: No need to mention this. I'm having it done tomorrow!

Anything else you folks think I might want to do?

Thanks!

[geminimouse]

Why couldn't they make an SLE Sport option?
But the first thing I would do would be better suspension.

[Jackass-Jeff]

Why couldn't they make an SLE Sport option?
But the first thing I would do would be better suspension.

I say you break the engine in before doing anything to it. I'd go with the lowering and rims at the same time... even if you do have to wait alil longer... sometimes lowering looks weird w/o the right sized rims.

[fotodad]

Looks like shocks and springs are the way to go according to the poll!

Should I get the SE Sport, original equipment shocks and springs, or should I get after-market shocks and springs?

I would assume if I go with the SE Sport setup I won't be lowering the car, which is something I'd like to avoid. However, if I get an after-market setup, I risk lowering the car up to 2", but I'd probably get better equipment for less money.

Your thoughts...?

[lupous]

i would still get the KNN drop in filter, even if you've decided to go with the suspension mod...it basically costs $50 for the next hundred miles you put on your car. that's how much you'll spend anyway on a fram or other airfilter after replacing them anyway.

you'll defenitely notice the change immediately from fuel efficiency to performance...thought less so on the performance side

larry