After owning my SW20 for about 18 months now, I've finalised that a daily cannot sacrifice too many comforts, even if I like to track it every now and then.
I have come to terms that my car is a bit too harsh for a daily. I now semi regret installing poly bushings and Kirk poly? engine mount inserts. Springs and shocks are basically stock. The ride became responsive when bushings were installed (maybe due to ball joints and tie rods also changed) but harsher and the Kirk inserts increased cabin vibe substantially (radio must turn up louder). The reason I installed Kirk inserts was that I thought it would help contribute to smoother shifting but I think the harshness out weights the comfort. It's not stiff like a race car but it's probably a bit much for a daily.
 
When I had my old engine, I deleted the A/C, hoping to squeeze every bit of performance that each kg might have slowed the car. Now that Spring has come and Summer is not too far off, I dread those sweaty days when taking a girl out lol. Lucky I still got the A/C with my new engine. Initially I wanted to get rid of that too but forgot to tell the mech, which is actually a good thing now lol. A/C also de-humidifies so I was an idiot to remove it from the old engine haha
 
Next thing is the audio. The tweeters and the ones near the seat belt are basically useless imo. Does anyone have a good recommendation for decent pair of full range speakers for the doors? I think my antenna is dead too lol. Are there options for a super short antenna with good reception to fit the SW20?
 
I would love to hear suggestions and comments so please share your experiences about aftermarket suspensions, or anything that relates to creature comforts that can co-exist with good handling
 
P.S I have been having dreams of the Caterham 7. It all makes sense now 

Sound - just get some decent quality 6" splits for the doors. You don't really need the 4" speakers behind the seats in such a small cabin. 
 
I have the Kirk motor mount inserts and they're great. They do 'settle down' after a while too (few weeks) and now it drives almost stock  just without the slop. I think the best compromise between comfort and handling is with the Koni inserts and Eibach pro kit spring combo (which I use). Coilovers are just far to hard for my liking (not a track car).
 
But at the end of the day, buy a Lexus if you want comfort :P
 

haha i was thinkin d same thing regarding summer coming up and reconnecting the aircon. removed the old compressor with a shut clutch and installed a good condition second hand. what a **** of a job lol, especially trying to align the damn thing while trying to slip the bolts in at d same tym bit tricky got it in tho so yey!
i still have the old bilsteins shocks and oem springs, i also have poly engine mounts (power flex). i like the way d suspension feels although theres still quite a bit of roll when i corner hard. while its definetely stiffer compared to some civic and corollas its definetely not stiff enough for my liking.
 evryone seems to be recommending mrturbo's set up , just wondering how  it compares to bilstein b6 yellow shocks/ eibach springs. kinda tossing between the 2 set up

Dedicated daily FTW. More comfortable, more practical, better economy, better reliability. I'd never get anything done if I had to have the MR2 back together each morning to get to work. If you can afford it, so much easier.
 
Poly engine mounts shouldn't have any effect on gear changes. The linkages are all solidly mounted to the box, so the engine moving won't impact it at all. They do improve throttle response, less movement when you start accelerating.

MRTurbo - I've had Kirk mounts since Feb (but car was off the road from April to August) so I think it should've settled in by now. It'll be a while until the engine comes out next anyways so I will leave it on for now...
Tipsiduece - I think Bilsteins + Eibach can't go wrong either but with Koni's you can adjust (only if you like to play around with the settings). When the time comes I will Koni + Eibach too I think. I know BC coilovers are known to be good but I'd like to try them both before deciding. What year is your MR2? I've still gotta get around to fitting my late model springs which are meant to ride a bit lower than the early ones. Have you thought about sway bars as well to counter the rolls?
Thanks for that bit of info blacky regarding the engine mounts. Throttle response is something I forgot about. What are you driving nowadays? 
I'm planning to get a Mitsu Delica next year for triple purpose of band van and camping van and of course daily (alternate with MR2). I just want the deuce to be a bit more comfy before then lol

If you're after comfort I wouldn't get BCs. I have their inverted coilovers (which are probably harsher than their normal ones) and they're definitely not comfortable. I played around with the settings a bit and the best I've gotten it to is "not too horrible". I don't mind driving on it everyday but it's not ideal. I've not tried their regular BR range of coilovers though so I'm not sure how much more comfortable they are.

BC BR-Type are fine for the road.  I use them and they are perfectly acceptable :)

The aircon compressor is only part of the system, and the other components may have deteriorated if the system has been open to the atmosphere (water vapor corrosion)
It could be a expensive exercise to get working again, but you should ask an expert to be sure.
 
Suspension:
You need to decide your priorities. Handling or comfort.
Unfortunately the two don't seem to go together lol.
 
If comfort is a priority
If you have 17"  wheels fitted, changing to 16's would give improved ride, but stock 15's would give a better ride again, however tyre choice is  limited in the smaller diameters.
 
Heavier ARB's will ride harder than with the stock bars.
 
Koni shock inserts FTW.
 
92+ stock springs will ride noticeably softer than Eibach Pro-Kits, with both giving a similar drop.
 
 
 

sounds like you need to keep driving the camry around and take the MR2 for a weekend blast every now and then.

I have 16's, 17's are too big for my N/A. Advan Neovas come in 16's so I'm set haha
 
The MR2 is fine as a daily I just need to find the right balance. It will never beat a Camry for smooth cruising obviously but I never wanted a cruiser, just a sports car with a bit of comfort (Winton is a long drive...) I'm still in my early 20's come on :P