Originally Posted by jEstEr?

jay, if you plan on coming to a perth wrx cruise, i'd suggest spending some money on suspension and brakes first, it really does make the car feel like a completely different machine =)

from the bottom, DBA slotted rotors, Ferrodo DS2500 or RaceBrakes RB74 pads.
Go the Whitline rear sway bar & matching links. I hear the AntiLift kit isnt as necessary on 01+ but someone else can confirm that. As yours is a hatch consdier a rear strut tower brace (whiteline do a quick disconnect kit which is good if you put stuff in the boot). This should fairly well eat your 1500 budget

Brakes will make a world of difference, especially when the STi in front of you stands on the Brembos