So. I got a 98 base 5spd 100% stock (to the oilf filter to the wiper blades). I've got about 68K miles on it and I am starting to plan for the inevitable "degradations" of the stock parts. The "stock-ness" is mostly due to the fact that I have an extended warranty from the delaer to 100K miles and also, the car payment and the insurance is putting a *huge* dent int my bank account. But on the other hand my ideology with my cars are "don't fix it. upgrade it". So with that in mind, what do you guys recommend for the followings:
1. tire (keep in mind I live in NY so snow is part of my life)
2. shocks(I do drive in the city a lot. i.e., pot holes)
3. springs (same here)
4. exhaust manifold
5. cat
6. cat back
Couple more facts:
a. this is my daily driver
b. I don't like big fat exhausts that are just big and fat for the sake of been big and fat
c. I don't like loud exhausts, but I do like ehxausts with "thick" sound
d. I want a classy look as much as possible (something I can drive to a funeral, for example)

I am not ready to do all of these at once right now, but I guess I am interested in hearing opinions from people.

thanks