OK..where should I start?, evolution of a bone stock 2.0 Options

[bmcwilli]

Hey guys and gals,

I'm ready to begin the incermental improvement of my '74 2.0.

Where should I start?

I want the car to handle better, be a bit grippier.

It needs to stop better.

Engine wise (that's WAY down the road) I'm thinking I'll stay with a type 4 a la jake.

So, starting with suspension and brakes:

- since I'm staying with a T4, and don't need the 5 lug to support the 6, is there any other reason to upgrade to 5 lug?

- Can I get decent tires profile on OEM Fuchs?

- Can I get enough tire profile without going to flares?

- Brakes: I think that the OEM brakes will be fine once I've gone through them and replaced the lines, rebuilt the calipers etc.

- I want a tolerable ride on the street, but do want to AX too.

- Shocks, sway bar sizes?

I know that these are pretty general questions, and I am looking for opinions. There is no one way to do this.

I'm especially interested in arguments for going 5 lug, even staying with the T4.

So if it was your car, where would you start? (I'm definintely starting with the brakes..I wanna live!)