>Your argument would no doubt be more compelling if I knew what a ring and
>pinion swap was.

An R&P swap changes the driven gears in the differential (the pinion is
located on the end of the gearbox output shaft, and transmits drive to the
big transverse crownwheel or ring-gear, which is part of the differential
assembly itself and turns the axles). A bigger pinion (more teeth) with
smaller-diameter crownwheel (fewer teeth) will give taller overall gearing,
ie higher road speed in a given gear at a given engine speed.

To keep approximately stock rolling diameter of your tires, with  16x7
wheels go for 205/55s, I think.

>1) Allow for the possibility of a SA big brake kit

Fit 17s, then you can use Porsche 993 brakes!

Did you know that your Firefly is actually a Suzuki Cultus?

Andrew Grebneff
165 Evans St, Dunedin, New Zealand
ph   64 (3) 473-8863
fax 64 (3) 479-7527
<andrew.grebneff@stonebow.otago.ac.nz>
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VW & Toyota vans, Toyota diesels and Macintoshes rule