Thinking about getting a yaris

[tmontague]

This my recommendation w/ 1500 USD:

rear sway bar ~ $160
Micro Image lowering springs (can find these or other for $99)
Find a used intake manifold for around $100-150 or even ebay ones (avoid $300 brand new ones)
1ZZ throttle body used ~$50
Header ~$400
Intake Manifold ~$600 used (there was one on the classifieds here)
Custom header back exhaust w/ secondary cat delete 2-2.25" diameter ~$250

If my math is right the custom exhaust will put you over your limit. I would wait on rims. The stock 15's aren't that heavy and they'll eat up your cash.

Another big handling helper is getting aftermarket rims with an offset of around +30 to 35. This makes a big difference on a small car. I noticed a lrger handling difference when I added 10mm rear spacer with -1.2 degree camber washers.

I'm sure others have recommendations but that's what I think will help and be the best bang for the buck. The lightweight pulley wasn't a big difference for me and I think the money is better spent elsewhere. The lw flywheel would help a lot but I'd first let the engine breath better and handle better.