I am fairly lucky that I work across the street form a mechanic who is very reasonable IMO. Took him about 5 hrs with the ECS kit. Total cost was $550. No real problems except the wrong tensioner was sent in the kit and I had to have the correct one overnighted(than you Jason for that immediate help) The stock tensioner was actually in good shape as was most of the rest, but, with that water pump I was obviously on borrowed time.
As for future suspension upgrades and have no idea what I want. I'd like a bit stiffer ride with a bit less understeer but this is a four season car(chicago) so I can't get too crazy. I'm squaking a bit so I will start with some poly bushings than begin looking for some reasonable shock/struts for the corners.