Chris..good post,and I agree with your view on modding.The first and only thing I have added to my car so far has been gauges...boost,egt and oil temp.I did this for the exact reasons you mention...to know what stock is and what to look for in the future.
I have planned out the stages of my mods,but they keep changing.The car is my daily driver and will mostly be a street car,but I would like to do at least a couple of events,but probably NOT drag racing.Track day and rallycross/autocross are preferred.I want to have a great feeling and responsive car that will keep most STi's honest.A big horesepower number isn't what I'm looking for really,but around 300-350hp sounds reasonable as long as it is reliable and isn't too much for the 5spd tranny.
My next step WAS going to be rear sway bar as well,but I wanted to hear from others if it really is a big improvement.I kinda want to keep the stock 16" wheels for stealth and money reasons as well,but change tires possibly,and maybe a set of springs.A nice set of 17-18" wheels would be great,as long as they were not much heavier.I'd also rather have a fast stock-looking car than a slow stock car on nice rims,though.Maybe wheels later when I decide what I really want.
225/50/16s sound great,but some people have said turn-in is sluggish compared to stock.I really don't want that,even though there would be more ultimate grip.....I don't drive at the limit most of the day!
Engine-wise,a stealthback dp/centerpipe combo with the stock axle-back is next for sure.I love the boxer sound,but I don't want too much attention,so if this allows me to turn up the wick as much as I need plus gives a little bit more sound but not much more than stock,it will be perfect.An up-pipe also is certain,but I think I'll do that along with a turbo upgrade when I get there because of the labor.
That's what brought me to thinking maybe I should do the Utec,as I was and still may do the Cobb AP.The Utec just seems more complete and upgradable,although I think I'd be happy with the Cobb Stage 2 also for a bit,especially since I can do that myself really..no tuning needed.