Just got a CR-V, some performance questions?

[WVCR-V]

Hello everybody, I just got a 2004 CR-V w/ a 5spd manual and though I really like it I wouldn't mind a little better handling. This may be unfair because for a small suv I believe it handles pretty good, however I drove a newer RAV4 and feel it stayed flatter when pushed into tight turns. This is coming from a sports car lover who has had both a 1992 Prelude with all the suspension upgrade goodies as well as a 1975 280z with the works. I do appreciate the CR-V for what it is and what it is designed to to do; the shifter is GREAT and feels sporty, the steering is nicely weighted as usual with Honda but it seems as though tire scrub is the weak link in the equation. I was thinking about maybe urethene sway bar bushings and the stiffest sidewall tires I can get in the stock size might help. I know its not a sports car but I travel a lot of twisty mountain roads and want to best handling I can get within reason. :)

[typercrv]

First thing you want to do is get a front strut bar. You'll immediatly notice the difference. Anything more than that you'll be looking at spending a lot more money, and it doesn't seem like thats what you're looking for.

[tsmithvt]

OP has a Gen 2 (2004). It already has an upper strut bar. :)

San Leandro Honda Online Parts (http://www.slhondaparts.com/browse.asp?Model=CR%2DV&Year=2004&TrimLevel=5DR+LX+4WD&TransLevel=5MTKA&Section=H&Category=B++48++%7CFRONT+SUB+FRAME%2DCROSS+BEAM&Doors=5&Emissions=KA&PartCatalogId=14S9A0&ViewParts=true)