These cars have a cable shifter. The only bushings are the ones for the shifter mount plate under the shift boot. TWM sells replacement metal bushings that slip right in. I can highly recommend their Stage 2 short shifter as well. If you like the stocker you will love this one. If you want to retain the stock height but with shorter throws get their Stage 1.
For handling you should get springs made for the car. Since this is your daily, I would recommend a set of RPMs (can't recall which has the lesser drop, Sport or Street). I got one of their last sets of pre-production springs which have the lesser drop. Won't kill your stock struts but vastly improves handling. The Whiteline rear sway bar also improves things, install is a bit of a pain but the results are worth it. A set of SPC adjustable front ball joints allows you to get a good alignment, the car will feel like it shed several hundred pounds.
There are a lot of (relatively) inexpensive mods you can do that will improve the car without taking away reliability. If you are on a budget keep your eyes open, I have gotten quite a few of mine lightly used for a lot less than I would have otherwise.
