OK...what should I do first to get the biggest gain in handling?

1. Upgrade from the stock 13" rims/tires to 14's or 15's or

2. Change shocks, struts, springs.

Car is a stock 91 Hatch, standard trim w/all stock pieces (142,000 miles)

 

I'd do shocks/springs.

Then get a rear swaybar...the Standard models didn't come one stock!

 

 

It depends what you want more in the overall handling of the the car.

Does it have too much body roll? (sway bars)
Is the car not responsive enough(springs/struts)
Does the tires on the car screech screaming for more traction(wheels/tires)

I would start with springs/struts, and then go for strut bars(cheap)

 

What brand should I go with (shock/spring/sway bar wise)? I'd like the car to corner flatter and just feel "tighter" overall. Thanks for the replies so far.

 

if you just just tighter handling, flatter cornering, then i'd say get some springs. The higher spring rate will make the car more responsive, flatter under load, less nose dive under braking... all that. of course you'll want to get firmer shocks to damper the higher spring constant. just remember that your tires are ultimately what does all the real work, and is kinda the "weakest link" in that sense.

 

I havent heard anything bad about koni shocks/struts
As for springs, many people like Ground Control Coilovers(adjustable height), and eibach makes thier springs.

Do a search and you should find lots of stuff...