Springtime Mods/Ideas

[jpmck03]

As some of you might know, I'm currently spending my time taking an Army-sponsored "vacation" to a lovely little place called Afghanistan. Luckily I'm at the point in my short-lived career where I'll be leaving the 'stan as well as leaving the Army.

As I'm about to get out, I'm considering "selling back" some of the leave that I've accrued for some extra cash. If I stick around for, say 10 days (of which at least 2 days will be a weekend), I can earn about $700. So, I'm considering some mods for the Yaris as I'll be using it for 40 mile round trip commute to college for the next 4 years.

Just looking for some feedback on these ideas:

Transmission:

NST Short Shifter Kit - $92 from MI
Seems like the "easier" route for getting a shorter shift throw, and claims to be 30% shorter than stock. Really simple installation.

or

NST In-Cabin Short Shifter Kit - $76 from MI
Might be a little "harder" to install as I'm, relatively speaking, a newb at ripping apart cars. Pros: cheaper, almost the same reduction in throw (25%).

Handling:

TRD Sport Lowering Springs - $179 + S&H from TRDSparks
Less expensive than most of the lowering springs offered by Garm, but less severe of a drop than the MI-exclusive ones from Garm (1.2" vs. 1.8"). Seems like they offer the ideal amount of drop for a guy that will be dealing with NWPA roads.

and

TRD Rear Sway Bar - $153 + S&H from TRDSparks
At 22mm, a little bit cheaper than a UR 23mm sway bar (~$10), but a bit more expensive than the UR 19mm sway bar (~$13). Mid-price out of the 3, and probably I have a subconscious urge to have a TRD bar.

Exhaust (Maybe):

TRD Sport Exhaust - $305 + S&H from TRDSparks
From what I've read, quieter than a Nitto, and cheaper than a Tanabe Medallion or Tanabe Concept G. Clips on YouTube sound pretty good, with a nice little growl. Still up in the air about the exhaust, as it's not going to be too much of a gain in HP (maybe 3HP), and it's more of a "it looks and sounds nice" thing.

Grand total: $713-729 + S&H (with an exhaust) or $408-424 + S&H (without the exhaust)

So, YW, gimme some opinions on this!