Ok have done some more reserch and have a few more questions:

Some people have said to me the series one had 'problems' that were soughted out by series 2, what would they be refering to?

I have heard problems with pedal box pins and cracked fire walls, is this common, expensive to fix, and how can a spot it on one I might be looking to buy?

I have heard there are reasonable gains to be had by tuning the vct ecu as the factory tune is not that good, any thoughts? Will be looking to improve the factory performance

Can I easily fit the series 2 front brakes?

Thanks !

the pedal box/firewall cracking is an issue in manual cars from ea all the way to au3.

and the au ecu can be flash tuned and you will get some gains. the factory ecu is there to give you the best of both worlds, good power while keeping it economical..

and the series 2 brakes can be fitted, you will need the control arms, calipers, sway bar and mounts ect

I think I've seen that pic before I like the sway bar bracket comments.

my pedalbox kind of started to go about 5000ks ago @ 172000, I drive it hard occasionally but nothing to drastic. Cost me $220 for a new clutch spring and re-inforcement. Some would say thats a hefty price but I don't know how to weld. Mine is an AU2 HP.

ok thanks guys so is the cracking on the firewall obvious from the engine bay if it has occured?

i have never owned a t5 before so what am i looking for when buying one?

any thoughts folks?